In search of vitamin D, and sunscreen too
So I need a certain amount of direct sunlight every day in order to soak up some necessary vitamin D. But I also need to wear sunscreen at all times to protect my skin from the sun's dangerous rays. Both bits of wisdom make sense. And they don't make sense at all. I mean, if I wear sunscreen all the time, how will I get my vitamin D? And if I hang out in the sun for even 10 minutes without lathering up, I'll get burned. Trust me, I will. It's controversial, this sun vs. sunscreen predicament. The National Institutes of Health suggests we get five to 30 minutes of sun, free from sunblock, a few times per week to avoid vitamin D deficiencies. It keeps bones strong, helps prevent heart disease, and may ward off cancer. These are biggies. But wearing sunscreen every day is big too. It's the only way to keep skin cancer at bay.
Err on the side of protecting your skin, says popular opinion. Just count on getting your vitamin D from walking to and from your car, the grocery store, your mailbox a few times a week. You can get it from food sources too, like fortified breakfast cereals and milk, or from a dietary supplement. And if you're concerned you may be vitamin D deficient, consult your physician.
Basil is one royal herb. The leaf, Greek for "king," has become a must-have in kitchens across the globe because of its versatility and clean taste. If it hasn't yet made it to your kitchen, give it a try. Here's how.
Model extraordinaire and Project Runway pioneer Heidi Klum reveals her stay-slim secret in May's
Tyra Banks' and her
Want to feel better, look younger, and add years to your life? Want to do it without pills, expensive therapy, or wacky supplements? It's possible, says Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner, author of the book
BIggest Loser trainer Jillian Micheals, once a chubby girl who transformed her body and her life, has just the plan for shedding a few pounds prior to that perfect party, wedding, or class reunion. 
Good role modeling never goes out of style. It may even be the exact reason why people gobble down Goldfish crackers -- or animal crackers.
Would you steer away from that juicy restaurant burger if next to its menu description came a whopper listing of its calories? New Yorkers are facing this very question now that the city's chain restaurants are legally required to post calorie counts on their menus.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Are you aware? I am, as I look at my husband's left hand, fresh out of surgery to remove a squamous cell cancer, in all of its stitched and bandaged glory. I am aware when I look at my pale, pale skin and attempt to cover up as much as possible before heading out into the blazing Florida sun. I am aware when I lather my blond-headed little boys with sunscreen, hide in the shade at my neighborhood pool, and think back to all the skin cancer-y spots my grandma was forever having frozen off her her aging body. I've had a few frozen myself. And my sister just last year had two basal cell cancers carved right out of her chest. Her scars are constant reminders of summers spent basking on the beach.
Hungry at the ball game? Wave down that snack vendor and order peanuts in the shell. It's your healthiest option. The worst? Nachos with cheese. Tummy grumbling while you're stuck in the airport? Pizza, no pepperoni, is your best bet. There's protein in the cheese, and the tomato in the sauce counts as a veggie serving.
Oprah arrived in my mailbox the other day. Well, Oprah's face arrived. On the cover of her June magazine. Looking all fresh and happy and feel-good-like. Which is why I like
I realize you're probably not dying to perch yourself at your microwave and stare aimlessly through the glass while your food cooks. But if you find yourself waiting on that popcorn to pop and you happen to watch the bag as it inflates, rest assured: You will do no harm.
I'm not a big party-giver. Planning the event just seems too daunting for someone like me -- translation: Someone who doesn't cook much of anything daring or spectacular. This shouldn't hold me back, though, say the chefs at
Motivational pop and rock music is the key to strength training success. Really. A 2006 U.K. study says so.
My favorite piece of cooking gear is my vegetable steamer. It can be used for more than just veggies -- like rice -- but I use is for one purpose only: Steaming the broccoli, peas, corn, and squash we rotate among our daily dinners. My steamer is easy to assemble, easy to use, and easy to clean. And it takes no longer than 10 minutes for our nutritious fare to cook. I also like my food processor -- it just doesn't get as much use -- and I really want a Crock Pot. I borrow my sister's when I need one, but I bet I'd be a bit more inventive with meals if I had one stuffed in a cabinet nearby.
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