Blog Posts by The Editors of Prevention

There are some surprising reasons your concentration is suffering.You walk into a restaurant to meet a friend and remember you were supposed to meet somewhere else. You leave your boss's office and, quick as that, forget the deadline she gave you for a new project. You had your keys in your hand, you were just holding them, and now they're gone -- again. What's going on? Here, nine possibilities for why your mind is wandering, and expert advice on how to get your concentration back.

Could You Have ADHD? Learn the Symptoms

1. Your numbers are low. Fuzzy mindedness could signal a vitamin or hormone deficiency, especially if you're also feeling unusually tired. For example, hypothyroidism -- too-low levels of thyroid hormone -- could be to blame, says Robert Orford, MD, consultant at the Mayo Clinic's Preventive Medicine Division in Scottsdale, AZ. "If there's a deficiency in thyroid hormone, metabolism slows, which reduces blood flow and cellular function in various parts of the brain," Dr. Orford says. B-12 deficiency and related anemia can have

Takeout seems like a fast and easy solution when you're in a pinch, but make it a habit and you'll quickly pack on the pounds--not to mention empty out your wallet. These takeout staples are packed with calories, loaded with fat, and often come in oversized portions, a triple play that can quickly result in weight gain. Cross these 7 items off your mental take-out menu for good, and replace them with our satisfying make-at-home alternatives.

What Nutritionists Order at Fast Food Restaurants


1. Pad Thai with Tofu The word "tofu" makes it sound wholesome, but don't be fooled by this greasy dish. One serving of this vegetarian-friendly Thai standby is 750 calories and 23 grams of fat. That's more fat and calories than 2 slices of cheese pizza.

Make this instead: Cashew, Tofu, and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This tasty tofu option boasts almost half the calories of the takeout dish and just one tablespoon of oil. Cashews add a satisfying crunch, and honey and soy sauce mimic the sweet-and-salty

Is your hometown putting you at risk for heart disease?These urban centers have the highest rates of heart disease and obesity in the country, perhaps because they seem to promote sedentary lifestyles and diets heavy on fast food but light on fresh produce. We sorted through the latest statistical research from the CDC on obesity and heart disease rates to come up with this list of eight metropolitan areas with a population of over 200,000 that are most likely to clog your arteries. And because studies show that unhealthy habits are contagious, anybody moving to or spending time in these places should be extra careful to take care of their tickers.

7 Heart Tests That Can Save Your Life

1. Detroit, MI Detroit residents report more heart disease diagnoses than any other big city in the nation, according to CDC data, and 33% of them are obese. One thing the city's hearts do have in their favor: A vibrant urban agriculture movement is transforming empty lots into veggie-filled community gardens, increasing access to fresh produce in

Are your habits dangerously raising your blood pressure?Think you're doing right by your heart, but your blood pressure still won't budge? One of these common BP-raisers could be to blame

They call it the "silent killer" - silent because it has no signs or symptoms. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects one out of three adults in the US, and women are about as likely as men to develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes. "One high blood pressure reading doesn't mean you're going to have a stroke on the spot," explains Richard Shlofmitz, MD, chairman of cardiology at St Francis Hospital, The Heart Center. "But when left untreated, sustained high blood pressure can lead to just that, as well as heart attack, heart failure, and kidney damage." And your numbers don't have to be crazy-high to be dangerous: A recent review of studies that included more than 500,000 participants found that people under age 65 with slightly elevated blood pressure, or pre-hypertension, were at a significantly higher risk of stroke than

Avoid the extra liquid calories and opt for the healthier alternatives. We can wax poetic about the virtues of green tea and black coffee, but the truth is these low-cal drinks don't satisfy the urge to sip something rich, creamy, and comforting. With coffee shops promoting pumpkin lattes, hot chocolates, and other rich drinks this season, there are plenty of liquid diet wreckers to tempt you as the weather cools down.

"With flavored drinks, the problem is the sugar," explains Marissa Lippert, RD, author of The Cheater's Diet. "At four to five pumps of syrup per drink, you can rack up anywhere from 150 to 300 extra liquid calories." So before you unknowingly knock back a meal's worth of calories, check out our 6 Unhealthy Hot Drinks, plus slimmed-down versions you can sip guilt free.

9 Hunger-Squashing Snacks

Unhealthy Hot Chocolate: Starbucks White Hot Chocolate
You're probably not expecting a light treat when you order hot chocolate anyway, but this frothy concoction is heavier than it appears. Order a whipped cream-topped grande made with 2% milk, and

It's notSmile! 'Tis the season easy being upbeat-especially as the holiday season and year-end work projects are approaching hard and fast. Shorter days, longer nights, and even chillier temps can put you in a funk. Plus, your stress levels may be soaring thanks to a jam-packed to-do list. But what's sweeter than that warm feeling you get from sipping a peppermint-spiced latte on a chilly morning? These 10 small, feel-good moves offer a major mood boost. Try one-or all-to feel happier and calmer in no time.

Happiness Helper #1: Shop Smart
Money may buy happiness, but only if you spend it wisely. To get more happiness for your dollar, splurge for experiences instead of stuff. Miriam Tatzel, PhD, of Empire State College surveyed 329 shoppers and found that "experiencers"-consumers who are easygoing about spending on a great meal out or a concert, for example-are happier than those who lavish their money on material goods such as clothes or jewelry. Added bonus: Experiences allow you to spend quality time

Thanksgiving is about eating, drinking, and making merry-not making people sick. Poultry causes 15% of foodborne disease outbreaks, and with recent Cargill turkey recalls it's more important than ever to be fussy about food safety. You may scrub your cutting boards, use separate spoons, and wipe down germy surfaces with sanitary wipes. Unfortunately, that might not be enough. To help you have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving, we rounded up 10 common mistakes made before, during, and after the big meal-and easy ways to fix them.

8 Super Tasty Thanksgiving Recipes

1. You Thaw Your Bird Without a Pan
A frozen turkey is safe from bacterial growth. But as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria on the bird will begin to grow, especially if your fridge isn't set at a crisp 40°F or below. Cooking the turkey at the proper temperature kills the bacteria, but if raw turkey comes in contact with other foods, it may put you at risk for food poisoning. "People may put the plastic-wrapped turkey

.Every fourth Thursday in November, hundreds of turkey carvers wind up in ERs across the county with wounds ranging from severed fingertips to cut tendons-and that's not including the thousands of estimated superficial nicks and cuts that are attended to at home. Whether it's you or a loved one breaking down the bird this season, follow these steps from Stephen Troum, MD, a hand surgeon in Bedford, Texas, and spokesperson for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, to ensure the only red sauce that winds up on the table comes from cranberries.

8 Super Tasty Thanksgiving Recipes

Perfect your point. "Always cut away from yourself," says Troum. "Cutting with the blade of the knife pointing toward you or a part of your body is one of the biggest predictors of a carving accident."

Stabilize smartly. Need to keep your bird from shifting as you saw? Place your free hand on the back of the turkey, opposite the side you're currently carving. "When you place your hand below the knife or