Prevention

OUR LITTLE GUY IS SUCH A WEIRDO. He has no teeth, so his tongue doesn’t stay in his head, and he quakes with terror whenever my partner, Steve, picks up the sous vide (we got Smokey from a shelter when he was 5, so we don’t know why small kitchen appliances freak him out). We adore him and are living confirmation of the research findings strongly linking pet ownership to increased happiness. But Smokey has doggie anxiety disorder, and a hundred everyday things (luggage on wheels, people calling him cute, outdoor tai chi) make him tremble or bark uncontrollably. I spend a lot of time holding him and cooing “You’re OK, sweetie; it’s OK.” Then one day Steve said, “Are you sure he’s the one who needs to hear that?” I too…

TIME TO SPRING AHEAD The world is suddenly bursting with color again, so how about a post-winter refresh? Now’s the best time. “As the days become longer and lighter, most of us naturally start to feel happier and have more energy. This creates a mindset shift that helps motivate us,” says Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Whether it’s decluttering or finally starting a gratitude journal, consider May your midyear reset. WRITE DOWN THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE SUMMER.…

STOCK UP ON STRAWBERRIES. ’Tis the season! Strawberries will be at peak ripeness in May and June, so now is your chance to enjoy them at their juiciest, sweetest, and most nutritious. Loaded with vitamin C and fiber, they contribute to your daily hydration needs and also possess inflammation-taming antioxidants that support heart and brain health. BUY (OR PICK) SOME BLOOMS. This time of year brings serious flower power, and a pot or vase filled with your favorite fragrant floral selections is a cheerful way to brighten your space and engage in some DIY aromatherapy. For instance, the scents of lavender and jasmine may ease anxiety and stress, according to research. GET A SKIN CHECK. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so this is your reminder to schedule a screening with your derm. Skin…

1 Using acne-fighting products can potentially trigger more breakouts. A True B False 2 Which of these topical ingredients will improve adult acne? A Salicylic acid B A retinoid C Benzoyl peroxide D All of the above 3 Which home remedy won’t help heal a pimple? A Toothpaste B Ice C Tea tree oil 4 Which may cause breakouts past the teen years? A Hormonal changes B Stress C Bacteria D All of the above 5 You should avoid using moisturizer if you have adult acne. A True B False ANSWERS 1 ACTIVE INGREDIENTS LIKE SALICYLIC ACID, RETINOIDS, AND BENZOYL PEROXIDE can cause inflammation when used in excess or at the same time, which in turn can lead to acne flare-ups. “If you have sensitive or combination skin, you shouldn’t use too many irritating active ingredients on your face in one application,” says Laurel Geraghty, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Medford,…

Here’s some food for thought: Happiness and joy are positive emotions that are important for us all to experience for our mental and physical health. But while the words are often used interchangeably, in truth they are a bit different. Understanding the difference can let you experience more of both, which can go a long way in helping you manage negative states like anxiety and depression. Happiness is a sustained state of wellbeing and contentment that is influenced by things like relationships and achievements; joy, in contrast, consists of spontaneous, fleeting bursts of positive energy sparked by small everyday moments such as hearing a kind word or seeing a funny meme, explains Judy Ho, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist, author of The New Rules of Attachment, and host of the podcast Mental Health…

shaking or trembling PLAYING MORE THAN USUAL CHEWING ON CHEW TOYS Sudden dandruff or shedding REFUSING TO EAT NIPPING Excessive barking, howling, or whining OVEREATING ANSWERS ▶ Signs that your pet is stressed: shaking or trembling; refusing to eat; nipping; an increase in barking, howling, or whining; and sudden dandruff or shedding. (Overeating, playing, and chewing are normal.) “Pets can feel social anxiety around other pets and people, and they commonly get separation anxiety when they’re away from their caretakers. Changes in routine can also cause stress for pets,” says Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, F.F.C.P., national dog training manager at Petco. Unfamiliar loud noises such as fireworks, thunder, sirens, and car alarms can trigger them, as can the emotions of their people. If you notice signs that your pet may be stressed, you can help them feel better by creating…