Blog Posts by Self Magazine

This is a hot topic among women's health researchers, and the jury is still out. Studies show that taking the Pill reduces the risk for ovarian and endometrial cancers. Research evaluating the risk for breast cancer, however, is mixed. Some studies show a slight increase in risk; others do not. In terms of baby making, you don't need to worry about long-term Pill use affecting your fertility. Although most experts point out that the benefits of hormonal contraception (it can help PMS, acne, benign breast cysts and other problems) outweigh most risks, talk with your doc about your risk factors for breast cancer: If you have a personal or family history, you've had endometrial cancer or blood clots or you're a smoker, she might recommend you use another form of birth control.

Say yes to sex! Remember that can't-wait-to-do-it feeling? Here's how to recapture it, even after a stressful day.

By Lisa Callahan, M.D.

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Behold! Natural, eco-conscious ways to get gorgeous and protect the earth

By Jenna Mahoney

Clean your beauty routine

No one's asking you to slap mayo on your face, bathe in patchouli or give up your highlights. A few easy tweaks can make a world of difference to your looks and to the planet.

Face: Wash wisely. Single-use synthetic cleansing pads may be handy, but they also clog landfills. Consider removing makeup with a washcloth made from organic fibers such as bamboo. "The ultrasoft material gently exfoliates even the most sensitive skin," says Victoria Raisky, holistic beauty therapist at Greenhouse Holistic, a spa in Brooklyn, New York. Plus, the textile, taken from the pulp of bamboo grass, is naturally resistant to bacteria-that's good for your face and your laundry pile. De-stress your skin in 3 easy steps!

Body: Save H20. Could the runoff from your showers fill a swimming pool? Conserve water by exfoliating before you get under the spray. Some days, swap your

Read More »from Eco-friendly ways to get gorgeous

Be a better breather. "When you make a conscious effort to breathe deeper, it naturally brings your body back to a more relaxed state," explains Frederic Luskin, Ph.D., author of Stress Free for Good (HarperOne). Place your hand on your stomach and watch it rise as you inhale for a count of 3 or 4; hold your breath for the same count, and then exhale for as long as comfortable and watch your belly fall.

Look forward to something. Each morning, think about one little, enjoyable thing you plan to do that day (the crossword puzzle) and one bigger pleasure on the horizon (your trip to the mountains), suggests Allen Elkin, Ph.D., director of the Stress Management and Counseling Center in New York City. This ritual trains your brain to focus away from what can go wrong that day. How to put an end to overnight anxiety.

Make a small change to your routine. "Unpredictable events can cause the most stress," Luskin explains. "If you cultivate even a little bit of surprise in your life, it helps

Read More »from 5 instant soothers for high stress times

Q: When I clean off a tester lipstick using the alcohol and swabs provided at the makeup counter, am I really killing all of the germs?

Video: How to apply red lipstick.

Sorry, but no. Alcohol kills some germs (the common cold virus, for example) but not all. Two that can survive: the viruses that cause gastroenteritis (aka stomach "flu") and cold sores. But swabbing is still worthwhile, says Philip Tierno, Ph.D., director of clinical microbiology and immunology at the New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City. Apply the alcohol for 15 to 30 seconds-enough time for it to penetrate the germ's cell wall. Then wipe away the top layer of the lipstick, thus physically removing microbes that might survive the alcohol bath. It's very unlikely that an infecting dose-the number of organisms that must be present to make you sick-will remain, Tierno says. Still a little skeeved out? At MaryKay.com, you can upload your picture and "try on" as many lipstick shades as you'd like,

Read More »from You're not safe from germs at makeup counters!

A: If you make the right choices, you can stay lean and keep out of the kitchen. Make 50 percent of your meals and snacks from easy-to-fix fresh ingredients such as fiber-rich cereals, precut vegetables, fruit and nonfat yogurt. When you do buy meals, scan nutrient panels and menus for...

Saturated fat Pick products with fewer than 5 grams, and skip dishes made with cream, butter or cheese.

Trans fat You want zero grams, so avoid fried foods and packaged items that list hydrogenated oils in the ingredients.

Sodium Skip processed meat and opt for frozen meals with fewer than 600 milligrams per serving.

Related: Nine ways to drop a dress size and not stress over a single bite.

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• Veg Out!
  Why going vegetarian can make you slimmer, happier, and maybe even a little bit richer.
• The Great One-Month Slim-Down with Jillian Michaels
  The Biggest Loser

Read More »from Q:I don't cook, but I buy lots of healthy prepared meals. Is this strategy OK?

Being an overachiever can help you score a promotion, run faster, even zip through errands. But doing too much to your skin-rigorous washing, product overload-can lead to breakouts and splotches. Return your routine to smooth sailing.

Hit a rough patch? For each statement, read the corresponding strategy for a clean, clear complexion.

You've snoozed eight hours, but the skin beneath your eyes still resembles a croissant: puffy and flaky.

Go easy under eyes: "The skin surrounding eyes is very thin, so avoid contact with concentrated, potentially irritating antiagers such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids," says Doris Day, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. If your face cream contains these ingredients, prep eye area with a fragrance-free cream like Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, $6. Doing this will create a thin barrier to protect against possibly aggravating products.

Try these simple strategies for feeling oh-so-soft from head to toe.

Your lips feel inflamed and chapped,Read More »from 3 ways to de-stress your skin

Move over, bananas! These exotic fruits are full of vivid color, sweet flavor and renewing nutrients to keep you energized.

By Lee Cabot Walker

GUAVA

Buy it: Guava has a slightly spicy flavor, like cinnamon. Bonus: The yellow-to-bright-red beauty gives you as many antioxidants as broccoli does.

Try it: Peel and eat the guava fresh, or puree the pulp and add citrus juice, onion and spices for a sauce to pour over grilled chicken.

Healthy, hearty, meals that are low in fat and designed to protect your arteries (and waistline!) for life.

PAPAYA

Buy it: Cut through its thick skin to get the juicy insides: Papaya is a great source of skin-saving vitamin A and papain, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Try it: Use chopped ripe papaya to sweeten spicy tomato salsa. If it's still green, shred and toss with sesame-soy dressing for an Asian slaw.

FEIJOA

Buy it: One cup of feijoa-it has sweet flesh and a jellylike center-nets a hefty dose of folate, which may lower your risk Read More »from Winter wonders: 7 exotic, energy-boosting winter fruits

A: I haven't been backstage at The Biggest Loser, but most large losses (such as those at the first weigh-in) are due to the body shedding water following a major dietary change. So what happens after that? As you slim down, your metabolism slows slightly, so the strategies that helped you lose initially become less effective. Also, people are often most strict with meals and exercise when they start a diet but slack off later in ways they don't even realize. The scale can also stall because of muscle gains or changes in water weight during the female contestants' menstrual cycles. If your scale is stuck, exercise more to increase your metabolism, and keep a food diary so you can see where you are slipping up. Beyond that, expect a few flatlines, dips and upticks as you lose. If the overall trend is downward, don't sweat the stops and starts. Ask a Food & Diet Question

By Joy Bauer, R.D.

Related: The Great One-Month Slim-Down with Jillian Michaels

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Read More »from Q: Why do people on The Biggest Loser drop lots of weight one week and none the next?