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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' made Mia Sara a star. Leaving Hollywood has been freeing.
Though she appeared to be on top of the world as a teen star in the '80s, the truth is that Mia Sara found the Hollywood spotlight uncomfortable. Now, at 58, she's happier than ever, thanks to a quiet home life with her husband, Brian Henson, son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, and kids Dashiell Connery, 28, and Amelia, 21. And this month, the actress returned to the big screen for the first time in a decade, starring as a grandmother in an adaptation of Stephen King's novella The Life of Chuck. Best known as Sloane Peterson in the John Hughes classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sara enjoyed breakout success with roles in All My Children and the fantasy film Legend, later appearing alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme in Timecop. But after appearing in the short film Pretty Pretty in 2013, she stepped away from acting with no intention of returning — that is, until director Mike Flanagan convinced her to sign onto Chuck. 'I love Mike Flanagan, like really adore him just as a person, and we are friends, and I'm just a huge fan,' Sara tells me for Yahoo Life's Unapologetically series. 'When we met [and had dinner], Mike said, 'Why don't you work anymore?' And I said, 'Oh, it's really complicated,' and he said, 'Would you ever work again? What if I offered you something?'' Although Flanagan joked that Sara would come to 'regret that dinner,' she feels quite differently about agreeing to star as Sarah Krantz opposite Mark Hamill's Albie Krantz in The Life of Chuck. 'It was a really healing experience,' she shares. 'Mike creates an incredibly cohesive and really terrific feeling on set. It felt like really nice closure. It did me a world of good.' The harmony and inner peace Sara felt on set mirror what she's currently experiencing in her personal life as she nears 60. 'I feel a huge pressure is off to not be comparing myself to people,' she says. Our conversation touches on the power of stepping away from the spotlight, the beauty (and, yes, some "crappy" parts) of aging and how youth isn't all it's cracked up to be. (Spoiler alert: Being 'very young' contributed to Ferris being a 'cringy experience' for Sara.) What I love about my 50s is that I feel like a huge pressure is off to not be comparing myself to people. And I love the fact that my interactions with people [are] just about me, my attitude, me as a person. I don't feel like I have to get past something anymore with people. [But] there are serious bummers to do with health and pain. So, I'm just looking forward to hopefully remaining healthy and active. I have a Connemara pony called Rory, and he is the greatest pony on the face of the earth — and I'm not the only person who thinks that. I just feel like as long as I can stay in the saddle, I'm good. And for many years now, I've been using this mindfulness app called Happier. I have found it very helpful. Sometimes, for big swaths of time, I'll do it every day, and then, sometimes, I travel a lot and I drop it for a couple of weeks, but I always return to it. I feel I'm less reactive, more present and more aware. You know, my kids have noticed. And the other really good thing about getting older is I have a sense of how fortunate I am. I have a really great life, and I'm really grateful for it. I think meditation does help with that. Oh, and lots and lots of high-quality therapy! Yes, aging comes up in therapy all the time. It's a hard thing. There are definitely really crappy aspects to it that I do grapple with in therapy and with my friends. I'm fortunate to have very dear friends for many years, and we're all going through it together, and we've supported each other through some pretty scary stuff. Scary stuff starts happening at my age. I've been lucky, but I have very close friends who've had some serious illnesses. So, all of the support that you can have to help yourself and others through [the challenges of getting older] is beneficial. A long time ago, I knew this woman, a really good friend of my ex-husband [Jason Connery]. She had been a prima ballerina. I was younger, and I was just complaining about something, and she said, "Look, certain things are not gonna get better than this moment. And you're gonna look back on this moment, at whatever physical thing you're complaining about or feeling critical or judgmental of. So, just enjoy the ride." Enjoy the ride. I haven't thought about that in years, but that's something that I would tell my daughter or my son's wonderful girlfriend. But the other thing is that I've noticed that nobody really follows advice. I feel like if you feel comfortable, you could freely give advice, but never expect them to actually [take it], because we have to learn ourselves. We all have to learn things the hard way. I do. Everyone feels critical of themselves. I've never met anyone who says, 'I'm so perfectly happy with the way I look and how I feel I'm being perceived.' One of the important things to know is that you don't have control over how people are gonna feel about you. So, the thing is to focus on yourself and how you feel about yourself and also how you treat other people. It's so much more important to be kind and to be compassionate as a human being than to focus on your appearance. And that's what my husband and I have tried to model. I would worry about it around middle school when [my daughter's friends] were all endlessly on social media, but my daughter wasn't that into it. So that was lucky. I'm really working toward trying to give myself grace. Especially because of this movie that's coming out [The Life of Chuck], and there are all these retrospective blurbs, and they put a picture of me now, and then they put like all these pictures through time, and it's like, 'I'm melting!' But when I was younger, I always found older women very beautiful. So, when I look in the mirror, I see myself, and I like the way I look. [But it can be] harder when, after a long time, I'm having to confront myself onscreen. That's a very different experience, which is a little challenging. And if you have been considered attractive and beautiful or whatever, and it's a part of your identity, it's hard to let it go. But it is actually really freeing to feel like no one's looking at me. I understand what people mean about being invisible. I don't feel invisible. I just don't feel like I have to put out anymore. It's nice. I can just present myself as myself, and my interactions with people [are] about who I am. I don't feel like I'm being judged as much because of what I appear to be. I think it's possible to feel more and more aligned with who you are as you get older. I like people not looking at me. That was not always very comfortable for me. How did you deal with that as a teen, especially when you were very much in the spotlight for ? I don't think I did very well with it. I was not comfortable. I wasn't mature enough to really take advantage of it. I was really young. I'm a very introverted person. I did not have the greatest time making that movie, because I was in the most awkward stage of my actual adolescence. I was very out of my element and depth. I didn't have that high school experience. So, I felt really out of it. I was younger than the other main cast members [Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Jennifer Grey], and they were all a lot more experienced than I was. And it showed in my behavior. When I look back on it, it's a very cringy experience for me. That's sadly how I feel about the movie. I absolutely recognize the durability of it, and I'm really grateful to be in it, and I appreciate the appreciation of it, but the truth is that it was a really bad moment for me.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How much sunscreen do you actually need? Your summer SPF guide.
If summer had a signature scent, it would be sunscreen, but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone is applying it poolside, at the beach or before hopping out to pick up popsicles at the store. Here's why you should: While you're soaking up the warmer weather outside — or even just driving in your car or sitting near an office window — you're also being exposed to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer has been on the rise in the U.S. for years, with 1 in 5 people developing the disease by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The good news? There's a simple and effective way to help reduce that risk, while also protecting against premature skin aging. Yep, it's sunscreen. So which SPF level should you use? How long does sunscreen last? And does SPF-infused makeup count as sun protection? We asked dermatologists these common questions and more. Here's everything you need to know about sunscreen and how to best protect your skin this summer and beyond. The SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how well sunscreen protects against sunburn, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). So how do the different levels of SPF measure up? According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of the sun's harmful UVB rays, and SPF 30 blocks 97%. Once you get higher than that, you're only getting a small boost in protection. For example, SPF 50 stops 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 blocks 99% of them. No sunscreen provides 100% protection from damaging UV rays. The AAD recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen — meaning it protects against both UVA rays (which prematurely age skin) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn) — with SPF 30 or higher. 'Above that can be helpful but the really profound cancer protection starts at SPF 30,' Dr. Daniel Butler, a dermatologist in Tucson, Ariz., tells Yahoo Life. The main differences are their ingredients and how they protect against the sun's rays. 'Chemical sunscreens,' such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate, 'absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens — zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — act as a physical barrier preventing UV rays from hitting the skin,' Dr. Jason Miller, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Freehold, N.J., tells Yahoo Life. 'Both offer good protection.' However, chemical sunscreens can cause allergic reactions in some people. 'There is an increased chance of irritation and stinging due to the combination of multiple ingredients in order to provide both UVA and UVB protections,' Dr. Cula Svidzinski, a cosmetic dermatologist at Sadick Dermatology in New York City, tells Yahoo Life. Mineral (also known as physical) sunscreens, on the other hand, are naturally broad spectrum, blocking both UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light, says Svidzinski. While these sunscreens can leave a white cast — the minerals themselves are white and sit on top of the skin — the formulations have come a long way. Experts say that sunscreen should be an everyday habit. 'I recommend people use sunscreen daily in the morning and then reapply if they're deliberately out in the sun,' says Butler. But it's worth noting that even on overcast days, you're still exposed to some harmful UV rays. That's why Dr. Vicky Zhen Ren, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life that sunscreen should be worn 'even on cold or cloudy days' and 'especially near reflective surfaces such as water, snow or sand.' Even if you're indoors, it's still a good idea to wear sunscreen since UV rays, specifically UVA, can penetrate windows, Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist in New York City and Englewood, N.J., tells Yahoo Life. 'It is also important to note that blue light may be emitted from computer screens and phones and can contribute to skin changes, and using sunscreen may help to protect the skin,' she says. Butler agrees, adding: 'While indoor and computer light are unlikely to cause cancerous changes, photoaging can still occur when indoors or when in front of a computer screen. Because of this, I recommend wearing sunscreen on the face if indoors or in front of a computer for extended periods of time.' 'In order to achieve the SPF on the label, you need about one shot glass of sunscreen — most people tend to use less,' says Miller. Ren adds that sunscreen should also be applied 15 minutes before going outside. And remember to slather it on commonly forgotten areas, such as the back of your ears, the back of your hands and the top of your feet, along with wearing lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. As one expert put it: 'Lip gloss that doesn't contain SPF is like applying baby oil to your lips.' In general, sunscreen lasts about two hours. If you're staying cool and dry indoors and aren't near any windows, you can stretch that to four to six hours, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. But sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours if you're outdoors, more often if you're swimming or sweating. Water-resistant sunscreens can protect your skin, even when wet, for 40-80 minutes tops and then they need to be reapplied. (There's no such thing as waterproof or sweat-proof sunscreen so manufacturers are not allowed to make those claims, according to the Food and Drug Administration.) 'Even if you go for a high SPF sunscreen, you're not reaping the full benefits of that high SPF sunscreen unless you're thoroughly covering the sun-exposed areas and reapplying,' says Ren. Sunscreen doesn't last forever, so it's worth checking your cabinets and beach bags for expired products. FDA regulations require all nonprescription drugs, including sunscreen, to have an expiration date, though there's an exception to that rule if a manufacturer's stability testing shows the product will remain stable for at least three years. 'Many sunscreens include an expiration date,' says Svidzinski. 'If the sunscreen doesn't have an expiration date, write the date you bought it on the bottle and discard it three years later.' Not sure how old your sunscreen is? Discard it, per the FDA. Avoid leaving sunscreen in hot cars or in direct sunlight, which Garshick says can impact how effective it is. 'Leaving sunscreen in a hot car can make the preservatives break down, which can lead to colonization with bacteria or yeast,' explains Butler. You should also keep an eye out for changes in sunscreen color, smell or consistency. 'Signs that should make you throw it away is if it smells badly or if it's extra watery when it comes out,' he says. The most important factor in choosing the "right" sunscreen is selecting the recommended SPF of 30, says Svidzinski. 'After that, the 'right sunscreen' is the one that you are going to use,' she says. Butler tells his patients to try three or four different options before deciding on an everyday sunscreen that they're happy with. For those with sensitive skin, Garshick says it's best to opt for a mineral sunscreen 'as they tend to be less irritating and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.' Those with acne-prone skin 'should look for sunscreens that are non-comedogenic or oil-free to help minimize any potential for breakouts,' she says. For those with darker skin, Garshick says that chemical sunscreens may be preferred 'as they tend to absorb in easily without leaving a white cast.' However Svidzinski says that with the improved formulation of mineral sunscreens 'there are a lot more options for skin of color.' Garshick adds that tinted sunscreens are also an option to best match a specific skin tone. 'Sunscreen sprays and sticks can offer the same amount of protection as lotions if a proper amount is applied,' says Garshick. 'The issue for most sprays and sticks is people do not typically apply enough or do not apply an even coat so there are skip areas that may be at risk of burn. Sunscreen sprays are not bad for you but it is important to use them properly. Ultimately, some sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, but either way it is important to ensure enough sunscreen is applied.' However, some dermatologists recommend caution around using spray sunscreen. 'Sprays are popular due to their ease of use, however little is known about the effects of inhaling particles of sunscreen into the lungs, making it difficult to recommend their use,' Miller says. Butler adds that 'regarding spray sunscreens, if aerosolized, they may contain benzenes which, at high levels, can cause negative health impacts.' But if you're determined to use them, Svidzinski says it's 'essential to rub spray sunscreen in to ensure even coverage.' And given that there's some concern about inhalation, she recommends applying them in a well-ventilated area and avoiding spraying directly on the face. Dermatologists are mixed as to whether makeup and facial moisturizers with SPF offer enough sun protection. (Also worth noting: They only help protect your face — any other exposed skin needs sunscreen too.) 'These are great for everyday sun protection,' says Butler. 'Ideally, they would be SPF 30 or greater to ensure the cancer protection impact as well as the benefits of aging prevention.' However, Garshick says that even though a daily moisturizer or foundation with SPF may indicate that it provides sun protection, 'it is not typically considered enough because most often people do not apply a sufficient amount of moisturizer or foundation to get the amount of protection as indicated on the label.' Svidzinski agrees. 'SPF makeup is not a substitute for a stand-alone sunscreen,' she says. 'Daily moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 30 may be OK if your day consists of very little time outdoors.' But, she says, along with not putting on enough to provide full protection, you likely won't reapply SPF-infused makeup or moisturizer throughout the day. 'This is why I recommend using a dedicated physical sunscreen SPF 30 in addition to your moisturizer or makeup with SPF.' Although sunscreen typically gets the most attention, it isn't the only way to avoid harmful UV rays. There are other steps you can and should take, say experts — namely, seeking shade when the sun's rays are strongest. Typically, that's between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 'But of course this may vary depending on your location,' says Ren, 'so more importantly, seek shade whenever your shadow is shorter than you.' Also, wear sun-protective clothing. This includes tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and pants with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), wide-brimmed hats and large-framed sunglasses with UV protection, says Ren.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The parents trying to keep their kids off YouTube
When Shawn Kallett's kids watch too much YouTube, they get irritable. The meltdowns come faster. As the time ticks on, it gets harder to break them away from the endless churn of content. It can be addicting to continue searching through videos and clicking to watch just one more thing. And that's by design, says Kallett, a father of two who has worked in YouTube strategy for many years. The entire YouTube algorithm is meant to draw viewers in — including the youngest ones, like Kallett's sons. 'You're getting sucked in more and more, just mindlessly surfing,' Kallett tells Yahoo Life. 'My boys can only watch channels and videos that we select for them. They cannot watch it unsupervised, and they cannot watch it alone on their tablets. It has to be on the TV with a grown-up present. And when we say it's time to turn it off, it's time to turn it off. If they put up a fight, they could lose it for a day or longer.' Twenty years after the platform's inception, YouTube has become a staple in the media diet of many Americans. There's something for everyone: kid content for young viewers, family vloggers for people wanting to watch the ins and outs of someone else's home life, how-to videos that painstakingly detail everything from cleaning your dishwasher to achieving the perfect smoky eye. But some parents are reconsidering allowing their kids to surf YouTube in light of increasingly loud backlash against featuring young children on monetized channels, several high-profile scandals involving young YouTube creators like Piper Rockelle and the Franke family and an increasing understanding of the addictive nature of short-form videos. In his work life, Kallett has worked with family vloggers, who are at the center of the conversation around the ethics of featuring children in online content. He wonders if subconsciously, that's one of the reasons he wants his sons to watch less YouTube. Kallett's 8-year-old son is drawn to the videos of family vloggers and even re-creates the videos, which often feature challenges and pranks, with his dad. But Kallett never posts the videos they create. 'I'm not putting the kids' faces on YouTube,' he says. Rachel Nelson, a 33-year-old mother from North Dakota, says her 6-year-old son is also drawn to family vlogging channels despite her own misgivings about the content. 'In the past couple of years, I've become more aware of family vlogging and people using their kids for money,' she says. 'It's just really icky to me.' Though Nelson tries to ask her son if he thinks it would be fun to be constantly recorded, he doesn't seem to understand her hesitations, responding that he would love to play with all the toys the family vlogging kids seem to play with. She's also noticed that her son's behavior changes when he watches YouTube. 'He has a hard time sitting still and focusing after watching,' she tells Yahoo Life. 'He gets more whiny and more easily frustrated.' Nelson has a few hard-and-fast rules for YouTube consumption now, though she says that before she instituted the rules, her son's YouTube habits were a 'free-for-all.' Now, he's not allowed to watch YouTube unless an adult is supervising. That's one way that Nelson handles the possibility of her son clicking through videos until he comes across content she finds inappropriate, like videos featuring guns or violence. Though many parents only allow their children to use YouTube Kids, a specific app that is meant to contain age-appropriate content, some kids figure out how to navigate to the regular YouTube app, leaving them open to all kinds of content. The appropriateness of content on YouTube is something that Devika Bhushan, a mother and pediatrician, worries about too. And with good reason: One study found that there's a 45% chance of kids coming across inappropriate content within 10 clicks, even when they start on a kid-centered video. 'You don't really know what you're clicking into when you're on YouTube,' Bhushan tells Yahoo Life. 'It's the Wild West.' As a doctor, Bhushan also worries about how YouTube consumption is changing her 4-year-old's brain development in the critical period of early childhood. The constant clicking of new content is just a flood of dopamine hits, she explains. Viewers may only watch a few seconds or minutes of a video before clicking to the next one. 'And that quick cycle really trains the brain at a young age to start seeking thrills in the order of minutes and degrades the attention span over time,' she adds. Bhushan has actually deleted the YouTube app from the devices in her home in order to steer her son away from that kind of short-form content. 'We noticed that our son, at one point, was preferentially asking for YouTube because he loved being able to access that 'next' button,' she says. 'And it was a slippery slope.' If her son is going to watch something, Bhushan prefers that he watch a 20- or 30-minute television show 'where he's sustaining his attention across a long period of time on the same story arc or character development.' That, she adds, is 'just much better for the way I want his attention and his brain to develop.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Upgrade your ice, ditch this morning phone habit and check out this cucumber hack for eggs — plus 11 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share the internet's best tips for living well this week. It's Father's Day, and Yahoo Life spoke with some of our favorite dads about how they raise their kids and keep their bond strong. Actor and author Hill Harper, who is a single dad to his 9-year-old son, Pierce, tells Yahoo Life that he's limiting his child's screen time and instead prioritizing extracurriculars like sports — and even a Mandarin course! Meanwhile, content creator and dad Strider Patton is connecting with his daughter in a unique way: by braiding her hair. He's also sharing videos of himself working on new hairstyles and building a girl dad community in the process. One way you can show appreciation for your own dad — or father figure — this Father's Day? Write them a gratitude note. Research shows that it can increase our own feelings of well-being and happiness while making us more satisfied in our relationships. Plus, it's a way better gift than a new pair of dress socks. Want to dive into your best week yet? Peek at the local weather forecast, and check out your horoscope if you're seeking some astrological guidance. Then read up on the small steps you can take this week and beyond. This hack from Simply Recipes is genius — and it's zero waste! Next time you're cutting up lemon or ginger for a recipe, save a few extra slices and plop them on a tray. Stash them in the freezer, and hours later, you'll have 'ice' that doubles as additional flavoring for your water. This is especially good for people who find plain water a little bit blah and end up reaching for sweetened beverages, which come with extra sugar and calories instead. Another idea to try: Cube watermelon or cucumber and freeze them for a refreshing, vitamin-packed alternative to ice. It's a common habit: Our alarm goes off, and suddenly, we're scrolling on our phones before we have a chance to even think about what we're doing. Heart health experts tell Parade it's time to stop. Why? There are a few reasons. Dr. Paul Bhella, a cardiologist, tells the outlet that psychological stressors are 'linked to high blood pressure and heart disease in the form of heart attacks and heart failure," and getting a stream of messages — or even just reading not-so-great news — can set us up for stress and anxiety. But it's more than that. Experts say that the minutes you spend scrolling mean you have less time for healthy habits, like making yourself a nutrient-rich breakfast, exercising or taking mindful moments for yourself — all things that can protect your heart over time. So, instead of wasting 10 minutes in the morning checking texts, use that time for something more productive and stress-reducing, like stretching or taking a walk around the block. Can you fry eggs without oil? Maybe … if you have a cucumber handy. A viral hack on social media claims that rubbing a cut cucumber on a hot pan can create a nonstick surface for frying eggs — no oil needed. There could be some science behind it, dietitian Heather Martin, who tried the trick herself, tells Today. Cucumbers secrete a starchy, gel-like liquid containing compounds like MLPs (major latex-like proteins), which might temporarily seal pan pores and reduce sticking. Martin tried the hack with multiple veggies — including cucumbers, zucchini and onions — and found that while all helped release eggs from both nonstick and stainless steel pans with minimal sticking, unlike oil, they required close attention to ensure the eggs would slide off smoothly. Still, if you're seeking to cut calories you would otherwise find in the oil — or are just curious in case you ever run out of your EVOO — consider slicing up a cuke and trying it yourself. Summer is the season for stone fruit — think fruits with a pit, like plums, peaches and nectarines. These vitamin-packed fruits are rich in fiber, which is important for protecting gut health and even warding off colon cancer. Dietitian Valerie Agyeman tells USA Today that there are lots of fun ways to eat stone fruits, including throwing them on the BBQ. "Grilled plums with cinnamon make such a simple but sweet treat,' she shares. Spoon some protein-rich Greek yogurt on top for a healthy twist on dessert. If you're struggling with a lack of motivation and feelings of disconnection, you may assume you're dealing with depression. It could be something else: functional freeze, a term experts use to describe that numb, detached feeling that can arise due to ongoing or overwhelming stress. Unlike with depression, in which you might feel overwhelming sadness, 'when you're experiencing a functional freeze response, one of the primary symptoms is dissociation,' Dr. Willough Jenkins, a child psychiatrist, tells Women's Health. While seeking out professional help is important, one thing you can do is try grounding techniques to get you back into your body: Consider the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, in which you identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. Or, try progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), tensing and then releasing a specific part of your body before moving on to the next. Relationship experts spoke to Self about the bad habits you should nix in your romantic partnerships. One surprising thing to avoid is bringing humor into every conversation. While it's important to be able to laugh with your love, psychotherapist Janet Bayramyan tells the magazine that cracking jokes during difficult talks can occur when one person is 'uncomfortable or incapable of having tough conversations and emotional intimacy,' leading them to use 'humor to deflect.' If you find yourself falling into this pattern, she says, be honest. You can 'let your partner know there's a part of you that wants to deflect because you have a hard time with serious conversations.' Getting vulnerable — and being accepted for it by your person — can make you less likely to crack a joke and more capable of diving into the hard stuff. Do you douse your sushi in soy sauce? You could be overdoing it on sodium, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure. One swap to consider is to use coconut aminos, experts tell Women's Health. This slightly sweeter sauce is rich in umami flavor but much lower in sodium (just 270 milligrams per tablespoon compared to soy sauce's 879 milligrams). That's a big deal if you're watching your salt intake or trying to stay under the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans limit of 2,300 milligrams. Coconut aminos are also naturally gluten-free and soy-free, so they're perfect for people with allergies. Lobster rolls are a summertime favorite, but lobster is pricy, which is why you may be seeking an alternative for the iconic beach sandwich. One option, according to the Takeout, is to use monkfish instead. Like lobster, it's meaty rather than flaky, meaning it works great when mixed with mayo, chives and other ingredients common in this sandwich. Plus, monkfish has crucial nutrients, such as B vitamins and selenium. Sautée your fish in butter, or poach it in salted water for the best results. As EatingWell reports, black pepper is getting more expensive due to shortages and looming tariffs. If it's your go-to way to jazz up a dish, the higher price point is a good excuse to shake something else on your food, including some other spices that have health benefits. Try turmeric to help fight inflammation — it adds warmth and color to soups and curries as well as scrambled eggs and roasted veggies. Or reach for cinnamon — yes, even when a dish is savory. Not only does cinnamon support healthy blood sugar levels, it also gives dishes like chili, roasted squash or chicken more depth of flavor. A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that people recovering from heart issues, including heart attacks, had a much lower risk of another event if they swapped just 30 minutes a day of sitting still with some form of movement — or even extra sleep. Study participants who incorporated even light activity, like walking or standing more throughout the day, saw a 50% to 60% drop in repeat heart attacks or cardiac events. Why? 'Movement is the current that keeps everything flowing,' Dr. Robert Segal tells CNN. 'Sitting still for hours is like damming up a stream — things get sluggish, pressure builds and debris (in this case, fats, glucose, clots) accumulate in the blood vessels.' One way to get up without doing a hardcore workout? Try 'exercise snacks' — aka movement that you sneak in throughout the day. Do some jumping jacks at your desk, run up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or walk to the bathroom on the far side of the office instead of using the one closest to you. Diets like Atkins and keto say carbs are a no-go, but it's not necessarily the best approach, experts tell EatingWell. Cutting carbs drastically can lead to nutrition deficiencies, such as a lack of 'folate, antioxidants and fiber,' explains nutritionist McKenzie Caldwell. While cake and cookies are carbs that offer little in the way of nutrients, complex carbs like whole grains, fruits and starchy veggies are your body's preferred fuel source, dietitian Samantha DeVito adds. 'When you drastically reduce your intake, you might feel sluggish, irritable or find it harder to concentrate,' she notes. That's why it's so hard to stick to a low-carb diet long-term. Choose carbs like oats and sweet potatoes, and pair them with protein and healthy fats to support your blood sugar for sustained, steady energy and proper nutrition. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to open a jar of pasta sauce for dinner and finding the darn thing just won't budge, no matter how much elbow grease you put in. Fortunately, our friends at the Takeout have a simple solution: Run the lid under hot water to expand the metal and loosen the vacuum seal. Hot water not doing the trick? You can also give the lid a few firm taps with a butter knife, or use the knife to gently pry under the edge like a lever. Both methods help break the seal and make twisting much easier. Are you always reaching for chips after a tough day at work? Dietitian Jessica Levinson tells Prevention that you can break that stress-eating habit by getting into a better one. Instead of heading to the pantry when you're stressed, lace up your shoes and take a walk. This will disrupt your snacking and make you feel better afterward, which can lead you to no longer crave your previous snack. 'Exercise releases endorphins that can stimulate relaxation, and the fresh air is also a natural stress reducer,' she notes. Not only will you feel calmer and better able to make healthier food choices, you'll also break up sedentary time, which comes with a slew of physical and mental health risks. Food scraps like broccoli stems, radish tops and beet greens don't need to end up in the garbage disposal. Instead, they can become flavorful dishes that stretch your grocery budget, plant-based blogger and Scrappy Cooking author Carleigh Bodrug tells CNN. The food expert says that simple swaps — like saving broccoli stalks for vegetable fries or tossing carrot tops into pesto — can help families save more than $1,000 a year on groceries. Another tip? Stop tossing food that is past its 'best before' date, which can be arbitrary, and use your senses to assess if it's worth throwing out. Slimy cucumbers or mushy fruit can get tossed, but cauliflower that still smells and looks fresh is OK. 'I still have waste, but if we're being more mindful about what we buy, we're going to have less waste over time, which really adds up,' Bodrug says.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Upgrade your ice, ditch this morning phone habit and check out this cucumber hack for eggs — plus 11 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share the internet's best tips for living well this week. It's Father's Day, and Yahoo Life spoke with some of our favorite dads about how they raise their kids and keep their bond strong. Actor and author Hill Harper, who is a single dad to his 9-year-old son, Pierce, tells Yahoo Life that he's limiting his child's screen time and instead prioritizing extracurriculars like sports — and even a Mandarin course! Meanwhile, content creator and dad Strider Patton is connecting with his daughter in a unique way: by braiding her hair. He's also sharing videos of himself working on new hairstyles and building a girl dad community in the process. One way you can show appreciation for your own dad — or father figure — this Father's Day? Write them a gratitude note. Research shows that it can increase our own feelings of well-being and happiness while making us more satisfied in our relationships. Plus, it's a way better gift than a new pair of dress socks. Want to dive into your best week yet? Peek at the local weather forecast, and check out your horoscope if you're seeking some astrological guidance. Then read up on the small steps you can take this week and beyond. This hack from Simply Recipes is genius — and it's zero waste! Next time you're cutting up lemon or ginger for a recipe, save a few extra slices and plop them on a tray. Stash them in the freezer, and hours later, you'll have 'ice' that doubles as additional flavoring for your water. This is especially good for people who find plain water a little bit blah and end up reaching for sweetened beverages, which come with extra sugar and calories instead. Another idea to try: Cube watermelon or cucumber and freeze them for a refreshing, vitamin-packed alternative to ice. It's a common habit: Our alarm goes off, and suddenly, we're scrolling on our phones before we have a chance to even think about what we're doing. Heart health experts tell Parade it's time to stop. Why? There are a few reasons. Dr. Paul Bhella, a cardiologist, tells the outlet that psychological stressors are 'linked to high blood pressure and heart disease in the form of heart attacks and heart failure," and getting a stream of messages — or even just reading not-so-great news — can set us up for stress and anxiety. But it's more than that. Experts say that the minutes you spend scrolling mean you have less time for healthy habits, like making yourself a nutrient-rich breakfast, exercising or taking mindful moments for yourself — all things that can protect your heart over time. So, instead of wasting 10 minutes in the morning checking texts, use that time for something more productive and stress-reducing, like stretching or taking a walk around the block. Can you fry eggs without oil? Maybe … if you have a cucumber handy. A viral hack on social media claims that rubbing a cut cucumber on a hot pan can create a nonstick surface for frying eggs — no oil needed. There could be some science behind it, dietitian Heather Martin, who tried the trick herself, tells Today. Cucumbers secrete a starchy, gel-like liquid containing compounds like MLPs (major latex-like proteins), which might temporarily seal pan pores and reduce sticking. Martin tried the hack with multiple veggies — including cucumbers, zucchini and onions — and found that while all helped release eggs from both nonstick and stainless steel pans with minimal sticking, unlike oil, they required close attention to ensure the eggs would slide off smoothly. Still, if you're seeking to cut calories you would otherwise find in the oil — or are just curious in case you ever run out of your EVOO — consider slicing up a cuke and trying it yourself. Summer is the season for stone fruit — think fruits with a pit, like plums, peaches and nectarines. These vitamin-packed fruits are rich in fiber, which is important for protecting gut health and even warding off colon cancer. Dietitian Valerie Agyeman tells USA Today that there are lots of fun ways to eat stone fruits, including throwing them on the BBQ. "Grilled plums with cinnamon make such a simple but sweet treat,' she shares. Spoon some protein-rich Greek yogurt on top for a healthy twist on dessert. If you're struggling with a lack of motivation and feelings of disconnection, you may assume you're dealing with depression. It could be something else: functional freeze, a term experts use to describe that numb, detached feeling that can arise due to ongoing or overwhelming stress. Unlike with depression, in which you might feel overwhelming sadness, 'when you're experiencing a functional freeze response, one of the primary symptoms is dissociation,' Dr. Willough Jenkins, a child psychiatrist, tells Women's Health. While seeking out professional help is important, one thing you can do is try grounding techniques to get you back into your body: Consider the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, in which you identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. Or, try progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), tensing and then releasing a specific part of your body before moving on to the next. Relationship experts spoke to Self about the bad habits you should nix in your romantic partnerships. One surprising thing to avoid is bringing humor into every conversation. While it's important to be able to laugh with your love, psychotherapist Janet Bayramyan tells the magazine that cracking jokes during difficult talks can occur when one person is 'uncomfortable or incapable of having tough conversations and emotional intimacy,' leading them to use 'humor to deflect.' If you find yourself falling into this pattern, she says, be honest. You can 'let your partner know there's a part of you that wants to deflect because you have a hard time with serious conversations.' Getting vulnerable — and being accepted for it by your person — can make you less likely to crack a joke and more capable of diving into the hard stuff. Do you douse your sushi in soy sauce? You could be overdoing it on sodium, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure. One swap to consider is to use coconut aminos, experts tell Women's Health. This slightly sweeter sauce is rich in umami flavor but much lower in sodium (just 270 milligrams per tablespoon compared to soy sauce's 879 milligrams). That's a big deal if you're watching your salt intake or trying to stay under the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans limit of 2,300 milligrams. Coconut aminos are also naturally gluten-free and soy-free, so they're perfect for people with allergies. Lobster rolls are a summertime favorite, but lobster is pricy, which is why you may be seeking an alternative for the iconic beach sandwich. One option, according to the Takeout, is to use monkfish instead. Like lobster, it's meaty rather than flaky, meaning it works great when mixed with mayo, chives and other ingredients common in this sandwich. Plus, monkfish has crucial nutrients, such as B vitamins and selenium. Sautée your fish in butter, or poach it in salted water for the best results. As EatingWell reports, black pepper is getting more expensive due to shortages and looming tariffs. If it's your go-to way to jazz up a dish, the higher price point is a good excuse to shake something else on your food, including some other spices that have health benefits. Try turmeric to help fight inflammation — it adds warmth and color to soups and curries as well as scrambled eggs and roasted veggies. Or reach for cinnamon — yes, even when a dish is savory. Not only does cinnamon support healthy blood sugar levels, it also gives dishes like chili, roasted squash or chicken more depth of flavor. A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that people recovering from heart issues, including heart attacks, had a much lower risk of another event if they swapped just 30 minutes a day of sitting still with some form of movement — or even extra sleep. Study participants who incorporated even light activity, like walking or standing more throughout the day, saw a 50% to 60% drop in repeat heart attacks or cardiac events. Why? 'Movement is the current that keeps everything flowing,' Dr. Robert Segal tells CNN. 'Sitting still for hours is like damming up a stream — things get sluggish, pressure builds and debris (in this case, fats, glucose, clots) accumulate in the blood vessels.' One way to get up without doing a hardcore workout? Try 'exercise snacks' — aka movement that you sneak in throughout the day. Do some jumping jacks at your desk, run up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or walk to the bathroom on the far side of the office instead of using the one closest to you. Diets like Atkins and keto say carbs are a no-go, but it's not necessarily the best approach, experts tell EatingWell. Cutting carbs drastically can lead to nutrition deficiencies, such as a lack of 'folate, antioxidants and fiber,' explains nutritionist McKenzie Caldwell. While cake and cookies are carbs that offer little in the way of nutrients, complex carbs like whole grains, fruits and starchy veggies are your body's preferred fuel source, dietitian Samantha DeVito adds. 'When you drastically reduce your intake, you might feel sluggish, irritable or find it harder to concentrate,' she notes. That's why it's so hard to stick to a low-carb diet long-term. Choose carbs like oats and sweet potatoes, and pair them with protein and healthy fats to support your blood sugar for sustained, steady energy and proper nutrition. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to open a jar of pasta sauce for dinner and finding the darn thing just won't budge, no matter how much elbow grease you put in. Fortunately, our friends at the Takeout have a simple solution: Run the lid under hot water to expand the metal and loosen the vacuum seal. Hot water not doing the trick? You can also give the lid a few firm taps with a butter knife, or use the knife to gently pry under the edge like a lever. Both methods help break the seal and make twisting much easier. Are you always reaching for chips after a tough day at work? Dietitian Jessica Levinson tells Prevention that you can break that stress-eating habit by getting into a better one. Instead of heading to the pantry when you're stressed, lace up your shoes and take a walk. This will disrupt your snacking and make you feel better afterward, which can lead you to no longer crave your previous snack. 'Exercise releases endorphins that can stimulate relaxation, and the fresh air is also a natural stress reducer,' she notes. Not only will you feel calmer and better able to make healthier food choices, you'll also break up sedentary time, which comes with a slew of physical and mental health risks. Food scraps like broccoli stems, radish tops and beet greens don't need to end up in the garbage disposal. Instead, they can become flavorful dishes that stretch your grocery budget, plant-based blogger and Scrappy Cooking author Carleigh Bodrug tells CNN. The food expert says that simple swaps — like saving broccoli stalks for vegetable fries or tossing carrot tops into pesto — can help families save more than $1,000 a year on groceries. Another tip? Stop tossing food that is past its 'best before' date, which can be arbitrary, and use your senses to assess if it's worth throwing out. Slimy cucumbers or mushy fruit can get tossed, but cauliflower that still smells and looks fresh is OK. 'I still have waste, but if we're being more mindful about what we buy, we're going to have less waste over time, which really adds up,' Bodrug says.
