Blog Posts by Health.com

Four crucial updates you've just gotta have before your next gyno visit. By Marisa Cohen


Your yearly visit to the gynecologist is critical to your health-period. What's also key: going in with a list of specific questions, so your gyno can tailor her recommendations to your needs, says Jill Maura Rabin, MD, a spokeswoman for the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. To get more out of your time in the stirrups, consider discussing these important findings with your doc.

Health.com: 6 things you must tell your gynecologist

Update #1: New relief for heavy periods
If you have menorrhagia-periods so heavy and painful they interfere with daily life-your gyno may have suggested going on the Pill or taking some other hormonal medication. If that didn't work, your only other option was surgery, from endometrial ablation (which destroys the uterine lining) to a hysterectomy (total removal of the uterus). Now there's a new nonhormonal way to lighten the flow: tranexamic acid, a

IstockphotoThe internist says:
Donna Sweet, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita

High-sodium foods increase blood pressure-whether you're among the one in three Americans who has hypertension or not. That's why the new federal dietary guidelines recommend lowering sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams a day from the 3,400 milligrams most of us eat daily. If you already have hypertension, the recommendation is 1,500 milligrams a day, since research shows there's a substantial drop in blood pressure when you reduce sodium intake to that amount.

Health.com: 10 natural ways to lower blood pressure

We could all stand to try. I'm not going to tell someone with normal blood pressure to cut sodium to 1,500 milligrams a day-yes, it's ridiculously low. But I do think we should all be eating less than 2,300 milligrams and definitely no more than 3,000. Just because your BP is normal now doesn't mean it will be forever-your risk of hypertension increases

Getty ImagesBy Su Reid-St. John

If you've just eked your millionth sun salutation out of that thin, raggedy rectangle you call a mat, it might be time to spring for a new one. But what to do with the old? Certainly, you could recycle it or even donate it if it isn't too far gone, or you could tap your inner Martha and try a little creative repurposing:

By Amanda MacMillan People often think that type 2 diabetes strikes only the overweight and sedentary, or unhealthy eaters.

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CorbisBy Rozalynn S. Frazier

You know two-wheeling it is a great way to shape up (and torch 500-plus calories per hour), but did you know that you can always get more out of your ride? Take these cues from Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong (nope, no relation to Lance).

Get in tune
If your bike's been on hiatus for more than six months, take it for a tune-up (basic ones cost about $50). Pros will check everything from the wheels to the steering system, and they'll clean it up for a smooth ride.

Health.com: Cycling for a cure: 10 bike races for a good cause

Stay ultra-safe
We know you always follow traffic rules (right?), but be sure to watch out for cars, too. To avoid a suddenly opened door, give parked ones a wide berth, Armstrong advises. And don't forget your cell phone, ID, and a helmet-one that fits snugly and covers the forehead.

Health.com: Gear up for your next bike ride

Tweak your technique
Rev up your speed and power by perfecting your pedaling. If you're biking with

By Leslie Barrie

This spicy seasoning can rev up your metabolism, ease indigestion, and even fend off garden pests. How cool is that?

Pick the right powder
The "chili powder" sold at your local grocery store is often a blend that contains other ingredients like cumin, garlic, and oregano.

To pack your food with the healthiest punch, pick up pure varieties like cayenne or ancho that aren't diluted with other spices, advises Marissa Lippert, RD, owner of Nourish Nutrition Counseling.

Health.com: A beginner's guide to herbs and spices

Body slimmer
Spice up your summer meals and slim down with a little help from chili powder. Studies show that compounds in this seasoning can actually boost your metabolism.

For a zippy dessert, sprinkle a little of the hot stuff on a slice of cantaloupe, recommends Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, Health's Senior Food and Nutrition Editor.

Health.com: Best superfoods for weight loss

Foot reviver
Been on your dogs all day? Chili powder can help ease the

Credit: Jenna WeberGrocery lists and easy weeknight recipes from a culinary pro
By Jenna Weber

This menu features three classic comfort foods, all with a lightened-up, vegetarian spin! Instead of your usual pepperoni, top pizza with tasty, fresh goat-cheese crumbles and mushroom slices (you won't even miss the meat!). The soft vegetable tacos are a wonderful way to sneak more veggies into a picky eater's diet. Finally, enjoy a night off with breakfast for dinner. These skillet-baked eggs come together in only about 10 minutes, and all you need to complete the meal is a crusty loaf of bread and a simple green salad. Enjoy!