ZAP INFO

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...