It’s a cruel irony that more than half of adult women are battling breakouts at the same time they’re coping with crow’s feet. The culprit is hormones, which ebb and flow throughout a woman’s life rather than stabilize as they do in men. “As estrogen levels fluctuate–or in the case of menopause, decrease–androgens, the hormones that stimulate oil glands, can lead to breakouts,” says Jonette E. Keri, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Also to blame: stress, which raises hormone levels. One thing you needn’t stress about is controlling the condition. New remedies make it easier to get the clear skin you’ve always wanted–and erase signs of aging in the bargain.

This skin care routine fights the main cause of acne: pores clogged by oil and cellular debris and inflammation from P. acnes bacteria. But unlike topical teenage treatments–formulated for oilier complexions these OTC solutions are less likely to dry mature skin and make wrinkles more pronounced. The routine relies on products that address the dual concerns of acne and aging (see products at right) by employing agents such as: Read more

The problem isn’t just that we don’t have dinner dates; it’s that we don’t have people to turn to when we’re sick, when we’re stressed, or when we’re otherwise in crisis. We miss the health benefits of having a strong social network, which can do everything from boost your immune system to protect you from heart disease, cancer, depression, and anxiety, says Marla Paul, author of The Friendship Crisis: Finding, Making, and Keeping Friends When You’re Not a Kid Anymore.

“People tend to think of friendship as something you fit in when all the important stuff is done,” she says. “But friends are not a luxury; they’re an essential nutrient.” Here are five friendship tips :.
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Women may need to put cholesterol on their list of things to discuss with their doctor, a new study suggests. The study, published online in Women’s Health Issues, shows that among high-risk patients, optimal levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol may be less common among men than women.

High levels of cholesterol especially LDL cholesterol can make heart disease and heart attacks more likely. A simple blood test can check your cholesterol levels. Diet, exercise, and medications can help lower high cholesterol. The new study focuses on diabetes patients and survivors of recent heart “events,” defined as a heart attack, heart bypass operation, or angioplasty (procedure to reopen blocked coronary arteries, which supply blood to heart muscle). Read more

It’s important to practice good bone health when you’re young, to prevent problems later in life. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these guidelines for people of different ages:

* Between ages 10 and 20: Get 1,300 milligrams of calcium each day by eating plenty of calcium-rich foods such as cheese and leafy green vegetables. Drink at least three 8-oz. glasses of milk each day.
* Between ages 20 and 35: Get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. Perform exercises such as jogging or walking to help strengthen bones.
* Between ages 35 and 50: You still need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day as bone loss may have already begun. You may want to ask your doctor about bone density screenings.
* Age 50 and older: Be sure to get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day, and at least 20 minutes of weight-bearing exercise three days a week or more. Also, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement.

via medicinenet

If you’re planning to take a trip while pregnant, you should check with your doctor to be sure it’s safe for you to travel. Unless you have complications with your pregnancy, most women can travel safely. Here are some travel tips to keep you safe and comfortable during pregnancy, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* Travel during the second trimester is usually most comfortable after morning sickness has passed and the fatigue of the third trimester is still ahead.
* Wear comfortable, loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
* Take things to make you more comfortable, like a pillow from home and some snacks that satisfy you.
* Always take your prenatal records with you on the road.
* If you’re driving, stop to get up and stretch often and take plenty of bathroom breaks.
* Be safe: Wear your seat belt and follow safety instructions for whatever transportation you use.