First for Women

I had a distinct shift in wellness priorities a few years ago, when I found myself an empty nester facing the next half of my life (I’m a longevity optimist). It’s best explained this way: I now care more about what’s happening inside my body than how things look on the outside. In the gym, I’m less concerned about the size and shape of the silhouette staring back at me and instead want to fix the aches, loosen the joints and feel strong. The shift is mostly about my mind. My desire to live a rich, interesting life—combined with mild panic about those what’s-her-nameagain memory lapses—have driven a profound shift in how I exercise, connect with others and use my free time. Now I walk daily for the mood boost, commit…

MY TREASURE MOST MEMORABLE DAY “In 1984, I was 9 years old when I rode the horses at the Pasadena Rose Bowl parade. I’ve treasured this news-paper clipping since! In the photo, I’m being held on a Clydesdale horse with my arms outstretched like I’m flying. This was part of my equestrian therapy with the ‘Ahead With Horses’ program. As a person with disabilities, this joyous day gave me a sense of freedom—a feeling I’ve remembered all these years later.” —Elana Michelle Gruen, Palm Desert, CA THE MOMENT A SLICE OF SERENITY “I’m so thankful for my 40th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic. Between the sun, the sky and the beautiful weather, I was able to find some serenity. This photo of myself captures a moment of calm—and I love looking back on it. Self-care…

1 SILENCE A SQUEAKY HINGE Your bathroom door keeps letting out a loud screech whenever someone opens or closes it. The easy fix: Pour a few drops of dish soap on a clean cloth and use it to rub over the hinges. The slick soap lubricates the metal so the door can move smoothly and quietly. Problem solved! 2 Eliminate stubborn stains The same soap that dislodges stuck-on food from pots works just as well at removing BBQ or pizza sauce from clothes, thanks to its grease-cutting power. Just turn the garment inside out and rinse with cold water to blast the stain from back to front. Add a few drops of dish soap, gently working it in with your fingers, then rinse and toss in the wash. 3 End poison ivy itching You accidentally…

SIMPLE VALUES Hidden beauty “While on a walk along the seashore with my 77-year-old Aunt Libby, I noticed she bypassed the beautiful shells and instead collected flattened rocks. When I asked her why, she replied, ‘My mother taught me that there is beauty in everything if we just look for it.’ I shrugged, her words not really making sense to me at the time. “That weekend, Aunt Libby asked if I’d take her downtown. When I picked her up, I saw her holding a sandwich bag filled with the rocks she’d collected. Each had been painted with a red heart and the words ‘You are loved.’ She began strolling about, tucking the rocks in places where strangers would find them. I watched as people came across them, their faces lighting up as they…

COLLAGEN EARNS A LOT OF BUZZ in the skin care world, and for good reason! This powerhouse protein keeps skin firm, plump and youthful. But here’s the catch: Collagen production starts slowing in your 20s and continues to decline as the years go by, says Dara Spearman, M.D., a dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. No need to stress or add more wrinkles over it! We asked dermatologists and an aesthetician how to protect the collagen you have and make more—so you can turn back the clock and keep looking your best. Step up your SPF game You’ve heard it before: Daily sun protection is a must, especially for keeping collagen strong. “Aside from aging and natural collagen loss, UV damage is the number one cause of collagen decline,” says Dr. Spearman. In…

DERMATOLOGIST FIX A clean shave Want to ditch that pesky peach fuzz fast? Dermaplaning (aka shaving your face) can help! “It removes unwanted hair and exfoliates, so skin looks smooth and radiant,” says dermatologist Ryan Turner, M.D. TO DO: Grab a face razor, such as Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit (Amazon.com), and position it at a 45-degree angle while holding skin taut with your other hand. Gently glide the razor in short, feathery strokes around your face until all the fuzz is gone. DIY FIX Wax on, wax off For an all-natural option that uses kitchen staples, try sugaring. It involves applying a paste made of sugar, lemon and water onto skin to remove unwanted hair. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of sugar, ¼ cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of water to a boil.…