Her Sports + Fitness Magazine

Sun Scare

Here's one more reason to slather on the sunscreen before your next run. On July 10, the Washington Post reported one very startling statistic: A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reports that since 1980 there has been a 50 percent increase in new melanoma cases in young women ages 15 to 39. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute worry that these numbers could lead to even more cases in older women. The analysis further revealed that cases of melanoma in young women have gone from 5.5 cases per 100,000 per year in 1973 to 9.4 in 1980, and they continued to rise to 13.9 in 2004.

Interestingly, the rate has leveled off in young men during that same time period. Although no cause for the difference was identified, researchers speculate that in recent years women have increased tanning exposure (especially through indoor tanning beds) or that perhaps young women's propensity to use sunscreen more often than men may lead to more overall sun exposure.
      
Whatever the cause may be, one thing is certain: Melanoma is to be taken seriously. The American Cancer Society reports that in 2008 there will be 62,480 new cases of melanoma in this country. And about 8,420 people will die of this disease this year.
      
To learn more about how to protect your skin by choosing the right sunscreen, read Marisa Walker's article, "Sun Smarts," in the July/August issue of Her Sports + Fitness.--Jeana Durst

Summer Smoothies

After a hard workout or for an afternoon pick-me-up, I often crave a fruit-loaded smoothie. But smoothies sold at sandwich shops and even "healthy" chains can be surprisingly high in fat and calories. (Sally Squires of the Washington Post offers a rundown on some of the worst offenders in today's article "Think Before You Drink.") The best choice is to make your own.

Last year in Her Sports + Fitness, we published a guide on how to make healthy smoothies at home, written by nutritionist Matt Kadey. Since then, I've applied Kadey's advice in my own blender experiments, with delicious results. Here are a few of my favorite tips.

Use fruit, not ice. Ice waters down smoothies, while frozen fruit adds creaminess.  I blend together frozen bananas and strawberries with soy milk for a thick, creamy, eat-with-a-spoon treat.

Cut the calories. Use low-fat, good-for-you ingredients such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, whole fruit and honey. Skip the ice cream, frozen yogurt, chocolate syrup  or sugar-loaded fruit concentrate.

Save the leftovers. Pour the remaining smoothie mix into a Popsicle tray and freeze for a refreshing summer dessert.

(For Kadey's complete article, including recipes, click here.)

—Kristin Harrison