hotflashes
O B - G Y N AT T H E V E R A N D A
February
How to Look Awake
Look refreshed with tricks of the trade to brighten your face in a time crunch.
Quick tip: Don’t pile on the makeup
Moisture is Key: Massage face cream into skin not only to moisturize, but also to set a
base for makeup and create a relaxing feeling.
Keep it Light: Too much makeup can look chalky- stick with lightweight foundation,
and avoid too much powder.
Getting Rid of Red: Line the inner rims of eyes with a beige pencil to cover redness. To
open your eyes, curl your lashes.
Warm up: Pick pink or peach tone blush. Stay away from beige. Apply to the apples of
your cheeks, tip of your nose, and chin to gain a sun-kissed glow.
Go Sheer: Stay away from matte or opaque lipsticks. Stay natural but not neutral by
adding a hint of color and shine.
(Allure 2012)
It’s Okay to Say No ...
How to politely refuse while saving relationships and time.
To Your Hairstylist ...
Not liking the recommendation your stylist is making for a new do? Try this, “Let me
think about it. Maybe we can do it next time.” This is not rejection; think of it as giving
yourself time to consider the option. If the recommendation is something you decide not
to pursue, say so clearly at your next appointment.
To a Date …
Be direct, but nice. Tell him you think he is great, but you do not feel the chemistry that
is necessary to spark a relationship. If you think he is a great guy, befriend him and try to
fix him up with one of your single friends. In turn, he might introduce you to his single
friends.
To your boss …
Avoid saying the actual word “no.” If you are asked to work on a
project and are unavailable at that time, begin with “Unfortunately,
I have something planned” – being vague is acceptable. The next step
is to add a mater of-face statement, “so I wont be able to work.” The
important part is to finish the statement by proposing to call in the
reserves or to work late a night or two. This proves that you are a
dedicated problem solver while leaving your self-respect in tact.
To a Charity Request …
With all of the worthy charitable causes out there, you can’t contribute
to them all. Decision-making is key when deciding how much
to donate. Remember, it is better to give more to a few charities than to make small
donations. If you are asked to give above your planned amount, explain that you are
already committed to your charitable contributions for the year.
(Allure 2012)
3 Easy Ways to Burn More Calories
If used daily, each energetic activity burns 100 calories. Doing just one of these activities
a day could help you lose 10 pounds in a year!
Jump Rope:
Taking 10 minutes a day to jump rope in your driveway or in front of the TV will help
burn those extra calories!
Dance:
Make a playlist of your favorite tunes and dance around your home for 20 minutes.
Play:
Take 16 minutes outside to play games with your kids. Hopscotch, t-ball, freeze tag, the
choice is up to you!
(Women’s Day 2011)
Hug it Out
Cuddling up with your better half has some serious health advantages. A touch from
someone you trust not only relaxes your body it ...
Lowers blood pressure:
By hugging and watching a romantic comedy on TV, studies show that 33% of women
had a higher level of the hormone oxytocin and their blood pressure dropped 10%.
Soothe Stress:
Studies from the University of Virginia show holding hands with your hubby or beau
reduces stress by outsourcing your worries to another person makes you feel calmer.
Fend Off Colds:
Ask your honey for or a massage! It raises your body’s production of killer cells that
fights disease.
(Self, January 2012)
Find a Gym that Fits Your Needs
Going to the gym is not a bargain if you never go. Here is a checklist to find
a gym that fits you.
Location Location Location! Find a gym that is on your regular route so it’s
convenient to you.
Hours that Match Your Schedule. Do a walk-through to make sure it is not
overly crowded at your usual time to work out.
Fit Favorites. Are you into spin, kickboxing, or Zumba? Ask for a free
pass to a class so you can get to know your instructors.
Sanity-Saving Amenities: What do you need? Childcare, free towels,
TVs on every cardio machine? Make a checklist of what is important
to you. First Impression: Eye the equipment, shower, and bathroom,
then ask a regular what she thinks of the club. A candid, unbiased
opinion can be the best indicator if a gym is for you.
(Self 2012)
For a Healthy You
For the Record:
Doctors who use easy-to-access electronic records are 35 percent more likely to order the
right tests and treatments than the doctors who track paper trails. When choosing a new
physician, ask if they have gone paperless.
Nice Spice:
You can clear up a stuffy nose fast using nasal spray with capsaicin, a compound found in
chilies.
The Tech Test:
Can you unplug for a day? Dropping your electronic gadgets for 24 hours can be as hard
as surrendering smoking. To outmaneuver your digital withdraws try chatting in person!
Growing Pains:
Mothers to be may be more than twice as likely to miscarry if you take nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Check with your OB/GYN to see what
medication is right for you.
Sick as a Dog:
Want a dog but your allergies won’t allow you to be a pet owner? “Hypoallergenic” dogs
such as the Portuguese water dog, and daily brushing may be the solution!
(Self, January 2012)
The Simple List
Helpful tidbits, trivia, and catchy conversation starters to help you make small talk.
10 Pounds: The amount of weight that you can gain or loose before you should be
refitted for a bra. If you can’t remember the last time you were fitted for a bra, grab a tape
measure or get “sized up” by a professional. Then ditch those uncomfortable brassieres
and give your chest a rest in a comfortable bra.
47 Percent: A survey by Monster.com discovered that 47 percent of people said their
coworkers’ manners were rude or had room for improvement. On the top of the complaint
list is gossip! Employees spent almost 65 hours, almost 15 minutes a day dishing the dirt.
2 to 4 Cups: The Estimated amount of cups of coffee that can be safely consumed each
day, according to Mayo Clinic. A study in Archives of International Medicine shows that
a morning, midday, and afternoon cup of coffee can ward off a case of the blues. Women
who drank two to three cups of java daily were 15 percent less likely to get depressed.
85 Percent: The proportion of people that say they feel happy every day, according
to Princeton University. To help the 15 percent out, Apple created a free app (Hapify)
packed full of photos to make its follower crack a smile. A study also shows that looking
at baby pictures stimulate your brain with positive emotions.
15 Percent: The volume of gases located in your Knuckles. When you pop your knuckles
the sound you hear is the sound of the gases (mostly carbon dioxide) moving in the joint
cavity. Continuously cracking your knuckles wont give you arthritis, but it could cause
you to injure the ligaments in your fingers.
(Real Simple, January 2012)