Stand Up Straight

June 30, 2009



Take a Stand

While you may have a break from dance class this summer, don’t take a break from good posture. The iPosture, a small, round device, can help. Simply attach it to your bra strap or directly on your skin and push the function button. The microchip sensor monitors your posture. If it catches you slouching for more than one minute, it will remind you with a slight vibration to straighten up. For ordering information, visit iposture.com.  —Brianne Carlon

 

Lay Off the Pills!

Medications like Tylenol, Advil and aspirin will now have to carry bolder warnings on their bottles about liver damage and stomach bleeding. So if you do pop a few to help that aching knee, make sure to take them with food, not on an empty stomach. —Lauren Kay

Sleep More, Shed Pounds

If you’re set on staying in top shape this summer, swap out your restricted diet for some extra zzz’s! Being tired doesn’t just mess with your petit allégro; it also affects your eating habits. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that when participants had only five and a half hours of sleep, they ate over 200 calories more than when they had slept for a solid eight and a half hours. When you’re sleepy, your hormones get out of whack, which ups the urge to eat more and decreases your ability to feel full. So get more sleep, and say hello to a slimmer, better-energized you! —Monica Levy

 

Face Your Facebook Friend

Facebook and Twitter are fantastic ways to connect with friends. But there’s still no better form of communication than a face-to-face convo. A study done by the University of Southern California shows that excessive use of online social networks can have desensitizing effects on us! The speed at which info is exchanged on these sites can be too fast for the brain to digest the full weight of a story. In order to empathize with a dance pal about failing to land her dream role, don’t do it via keyboard. Sit down with her and listen carefully, noting facial expressions and tone of voice. You’ll be able to fully comprehend her feelings—and not through her status update!  —Monica