Don’t go breakin’ my heart

Women should be just as concerned about their heart health as men. According to a recent study, Aortic aneurysms affect about 2 perfcent of women each year. The scary part- they usually go undiagnosed and are deadly. Research has found, however, that raising levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) can scare these aneurysms off.

Luckily, there are simple ways to raise your HDL levels:

1. Exercise!- Doing some sort of physical activity for 30 minutes a day/3 times a week significantly improves HDL production.
2. Eat smart!- Foods such as berries, eggs, and even cocoa are great sources of HDL. Try a berry smoothie for breakfast!
3. Watch your weight!- Being at a healthy weight is important. For those who are overweight, losing excess pounds increases your body’s HDL production.

How Steubenville affects women everywhere

Women have been fighting a “war at home” over the past few months stemming from the Violence Against Women Act that was in limbo for months to the recent handling of the Steubenville rape trial. The young men involved were found guilty of raping the 16- year- old girl whose name and photos were later leaked by the media showcasing the stigma that rape victims face today. Since, the victim has been threatened over social media sites, such as twitter – by other girls. This is mind-boggling. Everyone should let the young girl mourn over the terrible things that happened to her but other females especially should stand up and fight the “war against women” as well as the societal message that tells girls not to get raped rather than teach boys not to rape.

Luckily, the Violence Against Women Act has been passed which helps protect women against domestic violence as well as rape. A provision has also been added which regulates the way in which college campuses handle rape cases. Over the past few years, this has been a national problem.

Hopefully we learn from the Steubenville case and we start to protect one another with the added help of the VAWA.

“I’m lovin’ it” (But are we really?)

Next time you are feeling low, that ice cream may not be the best mood changer. According to a Penn State study, women tend to be unhappy after consuming unhealthy foods. The study included over 100 college-aged women who were asked to track their mood and eating habits. Researchers concluded that women who were in a bad mood prior to eating unhealthy food were in worse moods after reaching for the potato chips. Women who were happy before choosing the food, however, were not affected by their choice.

Why not try a healthy snack next time you feel a little low? Fruits such as apples, grapes, and berries can satisfy your sweet tooth without bringing your mood down even more. Exercise also releases endorphins, which lead to a better attitude and mood. Rather than driving through McDonald’s, try going on a jog or walk and smile.

A dose of laughter

We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine, and now there is science to prove it. A recent study has found that laughing affects your entire body- from your brain to the muscles in your cheeks- and promotes a healthier, happier you. We can all spare a few moments in our day to let out a chuckle or two and let laughter heal us physically and emotionally. Had a stressful day? Go to YouTube and search “dogs and babies laughing.” Watch a video or two- laugh (and strengthen those abs at the same time).

P.S. Here’s my favorite:

The Benefits of Laughter