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Forget for a moment that the shape of your midsection largely determines how good you'll look on the beach this summer—and how well you'll play volleyball. We'll get back to that in a minute. The pursuit of abs goes deeper. You strive for a six-pack as if your life depended on it, and now science proves that it does. At a meeting of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, research was presented declaring that waist circumference is more conclusive than either weight or body-mass index (BMI) as a measure of disease risk. Miami cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D., author of The South Beach Diet, puts it this way: "Abdominal fat is different and more dangerous than fat elsewhere. Unlike fat directly under the skin, belly fat, which adheres to organs, is associated with increases in C-reactive protein (CRP) and other markers of inflammation that can lead to heart disease." Motivated yet? Good. We trust you'll lay off the fries and onion rings. R

By Diane Blahut, Woman's Day Thu, Sep 02, 2010 Our homes are full of plastic, and the kitchen is no exception. The problem: Chemicals in plastic containers and other kitchenware may leach into the foods or drinks that they're holding. Scientific evidence suggests that some of these chemicals may be harmful to people, especially infants and children. The two best-studied offenders are bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. BPA mimics estrogen and has been shown to disrupt hormone and reproductive system function in animals. Research by the National Toxicology Program found a moderate level of concern about its "effects on the brain, behavior and prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children." Phthalates have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and have led to malformations in the male reproductive system in animals. Studies in humans have found associations between high phthalate exposure and a variety of health concerns including low sperm quality, high waist circ

Ryan Phillippe has worked with the same trainer for 10 years and is as consistent in the gym as anyone you'll find. The simple key to maintaining that kind of focus: "Variety, so he isn't bored," says his trainer, Happy Hill. Here, Phillippe blends cardio work with heavy weights and adds plyometrics for a comprehensive challenge. The Plan Complete this workout three times a week for 4 weeks, and rest at least 1 day after each training session. For each circuit, rest 30 seconds after each exercise, and 2 minutes after you finish all five. Warmup 2-mile run, followed by Swiss-ball crunches (3 sets of 20 reps) Swiss-Ball Crunch Lie with your hips, lower back, and shoulders in contact with a Swiss ball and your feet flat on the floor. Place your fingertips behind your ears, and pull your elbows back so that they’re in line with your body [A]. Raise your head and shoulders and crunch your rib cage towards your pelvis, without straining your neck forward or allowing your h

By Wanda Lau September 1, 2010 1. Sudden Hair Loss The trigger is emotional or physical trauma. The shock can cause telogen effluvium, a condition that makes hair stop growing and fall out. "Imagine going bald overnight," says Jessie Cheung, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at New York University school of medicine. As your mind and body recover, so too will your hairline. 2. Steady Hair Loss Hair follicles demand a steady infusion of nutrients to sustain rapid growth. If you're shedding more than usual for 2 or 3 months straight, look at your diet: Too little iron, biotin, or zinc can send hair into starvation mode. To restore those nutrients, eat more broccoli, spinach, and eggs. Also, pop a daily multivitamin, such as Centrum. 3. A Round, Smooth Patch A silver-dollar-size bare spot signals alopecia areata. The catalyst is still unknown, but stress and genetics are likely culprits, says Kevin McElwee, Ph.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at the Univer

By Dan Fletcher Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 In an Oct. 26 blog post, Max Kelly, Facebook's head of security, announced the company's policy of "memorializing" profiles of users who have died, taking them out of the public search results, sealing them from any future log-in attempts and leaving the wall open for family and friends to pay their respects. Though most media reports claimed this was a new Facebook feature, a spokeswoman for the company told TIME that it's an option the site has had since its early days. The company decided to publicize the policy because of a backlash caused by a new version of the site's homepage that was rolled out on Oct. 23, which includes automatically generated "suggestions" of people to "reconnect" with. Within days of the launch, Twitter users and bloggers from across the Web complained that some of these suggestions were for friends who had died. "Would that I could," complained a user on Twitter

Wed Aug 25, 7:54 pm ET MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities have begun enforcing tougher rules designed to ensure that people have a doctor's prescription to buy antibiotics. It has long been common practice in Mexico for pharmacies to supply antibiotics to anyone who asks for them even though the law requires a prescription. Officials announced in March that new procedures would be imposed to crack down on the practice as a way to address the growing problem of drug-resistant infections from overuse of antibiotics. The Health Department estimates half of Mexicans self-medicate without checking with a doctor. Miguel Toscano, director of Mexico's federal commission on product safety, announced the start of the crackdown Wednesday.

By SAMANTHA BOMKAMP, AP Airlines Writer – Wed Aug 25, 5:25 pm ET NEW YORK – There are a few bits of information to pay close attention to on an airline ticket: the flight number, gate number and boarding time. Fare basis code? Not a common concern. But the single-letter code can make a big difference in some parts of the travel experience, even though most passengers don't pay any attention. A fare basis code further divides passengers into classes based on how much they paid and how far out they booked. There are about a dozen in coach class alone. When you're on the plane, there's no difference in service between a passenger who has a "Y" or "Q" — a full-fare and a discounted ticket — if you're both in coach. But the codes are still important: Some indicate your trip isn't eligible for frequent-flier miles or an upgrade; others tell a ticket agent where to rank you on a standby list. Deciphering the code The letters airlines assign to certain l

WASHINGTON (AFP) – An international team of researchers using computer time lent to them by Google has found every way the popular Rubik's Cube puzzle can be solved, and showed it can always be solved in 20 moves or less. The study is just the latest attempt by Rubik's enthusiasts to figure out the secrets of the cube, which has proven to be altogether far more complicated that its jaunty colors might suggest. At the crux of the quest has been a bid to determine the lowest number of moves required to get the cube from any given muddled configuration to the color-aligned solution. "Every solver of the Cube uses an algorithm, which is a sequence of steps for solving the Cube," said the team of mathematicians, who include Morley Davidson of Ohio's Kent State University, Google engineer John Dethridge, German math teacher Herbert Kociemba and Tomas Rokicki, a California programmer. "There are many different algorithms, varying in complexity and number of moves re

Posted Mon Aug 9, 2010 9:29am PDT by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks The past nine "American Idol" seasons have been filled with enough versions of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" to make even rumored prospective "Idol" judge Steven Tyler blanch. But on Simon Cowell's U.K. talent show "The X Factor," which starts airing in Britain on August 21, there are a few other oversung songs that contestants will be reportedly forbidden to perform. British paper News Of The World reports that Simon is concerned that viewers will be bored if the songs remain the same on "The X Factor," so he has advised contestants not to perform typical reality standards. A source told the paper: "This is about people's real honesty and personality. It's about them and their stage presence." The list of Simon's banned songs includes: Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire" Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours" Paolo Nu

August 6th, 2010 William Shakespeare had it right: “To thine own self be true.” Authentic men tend to end up with women who are more accommodating, communicate better, and are more trusting, say researchers from Ohio State University. They studied 62 undergraduate dating couples and determined that when men were self-aware and acted in a way that matched their beliefs and values, the women they dated were more likely to behave in ways that benefited the relationship. “When your partner is open and honest about how he feels, it’s easier to communicate your own feelings,” says study author Amy Brunell, Ph.D. http://blogs.menshealth.com/health-headlines/why-you-should-always-be-yourself/2010/08/06

By: Adam Campbell www.menshealth.com For decades, the dumbbell curl has been helping us build bigger biceps—but it also seems to have stripped us of our imagination. After all, how often do you try a new variation of this classic arm exercise? If it's not every 4 weeks, then you need to shake up your workout to achieve faster results. Start today with this simple guide from The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises. By mixing and matching any of the five hand positions and five body positions described here, you can instantly create 25 different versions of the curl. The upshot: You'll never run out of new ways to build your biceps. The right way to curl: Let the dumbbells hang at arm's length straight down from your shoulders. Then, without moving your upper arms, bend your elbows and curl the dumbbells as close to your shoulders as you can. Pause, and slowly lower the weights back to the starting position. Each time you return to the start, straighten your arms completel

The muscle-building ideal is 20 grams of protein, half before and half after your workout. Bring these convenient snacks to the gym to fuel growth. Chicken, Turkey, or Tuna (3 oz) 14-22 grams protein 66-100 calories Wrap one of these standbys in a piece of bread. Four slices of chicken or turkey provide 14 grams of protein, while half a can of tuna has nearly 22 grams. Eggs (three) 19 grams protein 232 calories They're still incredible after all these years. Hard-boiled eggs are most convenient, but it's also easy to scramble a few in the a.m. and scoop them into a microwavable container. Don't sweat the fat: It's healthy and filling. Chocolate 2% Milk (16 oz) About 17 grams protein 333 calories Refresh and rebuild at the same time. A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shows that chocolate milk may be the ideal postworkout beverage for building muscle. Whey Powder (30 g scoop) 24 grams protein 110 calories This milk-derived product continues to ru

menshealth.com Taking a daily vitamin D supplement might stave off sickness, according to a new article in the USA Today. Researchers from the University of Tampere in Finland instructed 164 male military recruits to take either a placebo or 400 IU of vitamin D for 6 months. At the end of the study, the scientists discovered that the men popping the pill were more likely to not miss work and less likely to report having cold-like symptoms. The researchers theorize that vitamin D can help mobilize the body’s defense against respiratory pathogens.

Amy Bell Sunday, August 1, 2010 In today's tough economy, consumers are pinching pennies by choosing generic over big name brands in their supermarket aisles. From chips and dips to pain relievers and peanut butter, there's a cheaper generic version of almost every product. Of course, some of these no-name products are second-rate. For example, if you've ever bought generic diapers, you probably ended up dealing with a messy leak the size of Old Faithful. Generic diapers can certainly save you a bundle, and some even offer the same absorbency as the big name brands - but in my experience, they simply don't fit your baby's bottom as well. And all parents know that an ill-fitting diaper is a recipe for disaster. Another product you probably don't want to skimp on? Toilet paper. Most generic paper products are less absorbent, so you can end up using more. But unlike diapers and toilet paper (not to mention cheese, ketchup and soy sauce, if you want my opinion), the

By: Maria Masters menshealth.com You hear the advice constantly: You need fiber. It's crucial to your health. Fine, but how much fiber, and how crucial is it? Maybe you're wondering, What is fiber, exactly? Let's start with the basics. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that makes up the structural material in the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. But unlike sugar and starch—the other two kinds of carbs—fiber stays intact until it nears the end of your digestive system. This, it seems, is what makes fiber beneficial, and why you've probably heard you can't eat enough of it. Now read on to separate the facts from the fiction. All Fiber is Created Equal FALSE: There are two basic types of fiber, with different functions. Insoluble fiber is found in wheat bran, nuts, and many vegetables. Its structure is thick and rough, and it won't dissolve in water, so it zips through your digestive tract and increases stool bulk. Soluble fiber is found in oats, beans, barley, a

Thu Jul 29, 5:35 PM PDT After only one year behind the judges' table on "American Idol," Ellen DeGeneres is leaving the show. "A couple months ago, I let FOX and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," Ellen said in a statement issued to Access Hollywood on Thursday. "I told them I wouldn't leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next." The talk show host and comedienne revealed that she didn't come to the decision lightly. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," her statement continued. "I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings." Although she is leaving, Ellen said she is thankful for the experien

Men's Health News Good oral hygiene might protect you from more than just cavities. People who brush their teeth less than twice a day are 70 percent more likely to have a heart attack than those who take better care of their smiles, according to a new study in the British Medical Journal. And the researchers found that this was true regardless of age, smoking history, dentists’ visits, and diabetes, among others. So how is oral health is linked to heart health? Researchers suspect that inflammation plays a role. The scientists found that the subjects who brushed their teeth less often also had more levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. This protein is associated with inflammation, and is also linked to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Men's Health News Older men who take drugs for erectile dysfunction may be at an increased risk of having a sexually transmitted disease, according to a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that men over the age of 40 who take meds like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis may be three times more likely to have an STD than men who don’t request a prescription. These men may be more likely to practice unsafe sex or have more partners, says the lead study author Anupam Jena, Ph.D., M.D. Although people in their late teens or early adulthood are more likely to have STDs—including Chlamydia and gonorrhea—the rates of these diseases have been growing in the elderly over the past decade, according to previous research. “[One theory we had was that] the introduction of erectile dysfunction drugs were leading to higher rates of STDs among older folks,” says Jena. “If a drug comes out that allows men to have sex—when they formerly couldn’t, or had difficulty doing so—there

www.menshealth.com Leadership is one tough-to-figure art. That's why the Constitution devotes only a few hundred words to describing the president's job, and fewer still—not one—to the kind of person the chief exec ought to be. But take heart. We've figured out what makes a fellow worth following. Our leader-of-the-free-world specs come without reference to public policy. Great presidents can believe in big government or in small, and they can be born on Park Avenue or among the amber waves. We're fed up with the sneers, with the divisive polemics about who's a slacker because he didn't serve and who's a hero because he did. Mostly, we're impatient with insinuations that liberals don't believe in family and conservatives don't believe in civil rights. Our studies show that millions of people in Massachusetts have values and millions more in Texas have brains. Here are some qualities of mind and heart that will serve our republic well from either

By: Heather Loeb menshealth.com Is there a more potent symbol of purity than the fluffy white snowflake, wafting from heaven and landing—ping!—on the tip of your tongue? Well, along comes the journal Science to spoil the fun, noting that bacteria called Pseudomonas syringae are lurking at the dark heart of many an earthbound crystal of frozen water. And if Frosty the Snowman is a target, what chance do the rest of us have? A pretty good one, actually—if you make note of the places where the bugs lie and swat them before they can do harm. Here's an updated to-disinfect list for all the surprising places (and people) contagion clings to. Your Vacuum Cleaner The threat: Researchers at the University of Arizona recently found that 50 percent of the vacuum brushes they tested contained fecal bacteria, including 13 percent with E. coli, and all were packing mold. Vacuuming can transfer the germs from contaminated surfaces to uncontaminated ones (think kitchen to living room). The solut

menshealth.com What to eat and when to eat it to boost your metabolism and fight fatigue all day long Energy management should be one of the principal concerns of the working man, and yet the average guy fuels his body the way he gases up his vehicle: when it's running on fumes. It's a red-warning-light response, and it usually triggers a pit stop for a café au lait and a croissant. Why we eat like the French when there's work to be done, we'll never know. But there's a better way to wake up that doesn't involve overpriced coffee: Eat smart. And eat often. More specifically, snack often. By snacking on the right foods at strategic times, you'll keep your energy levels stoked all day, says sports nutritionist Nancy Clark, R.D. Here's what to eat when, with the prep time you've got. 7 a.m.: Jump-Start Your Body They call it breakfast for a reason: You haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. Your blood-sugar level is at its lowest ebb, and now it's

By: John Miley Find out why an ingrown hair could be penis enemy number one "I'm going to try and have you not lose your penis," announced Jason Faulhaber, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Fenway Health in Boston, Massachusetts. His patient, "Cadillac" Jack McCartney could hardly manage a response. "Really? What do you mean?" asked McCartney. "We have to deal with this aggressively. This is no joke," said Dr. Faulhaber, who's also a clinical instructor at Harvard University Medical School. What had started out as a small pimple on McCartney's left groin was threatening his manhood--and his life. The diagnosis? A deadly strain of staph infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA. The root cause? A pesky ingrown hair. McCartney lives a stress-filled life traveling between Boston and New York, working as an operations manager and program director for top-rated radio stations, including Bo