Your health: Runners build up those arms

Don't forget arms

In the long run, building up your arms and shoulders can be advantageous.

The Washington Post notes that the December issue of Runner's World explores whether a strong lower body is essential for persevering through a tough run. Actually, according to physical therapist and long-distance runner Nikki Kimball, “the best distance athletes don't just have impressive quads and glutes. They have muscular arms and shoulders that help them maintain speed throughout their races.”

A strong arm swing helps to counterbalance the lower body and to propel the body forward while contributing to overall good form. Kimball suggests performing upper-body strengthening exercises twice a week, including dips with the arms behind the body on a chair. You can also use a resistance band to work the arms, back and shoulders.

Allergy alert

If your child might have a bad reaction to a food, it's wise to practice safe snacking, according to the December/January issue of Parenting.

Finding safe and healthful foods for children with food allergies can be difficult, especially at restaurants or a friend's house, as parents of kids with allergies know. According to pediatric allergy and immunology specialist Todd Mahr, “Food allergies are definitely on the rise, but we're not totally sure why.”

What should a parent do? Mahr recommends that parents read food labels very carefully. The top eight allergens — milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish and fish — will be listed if they are present, but it may be that other ingredients less commonly associated with allergies, such as spices or artificial flavoring, are troubling your child.

Dry skin rescue

Got the winter dry-skin blues? Unfortunately, that moisturizer you've been slathering on will only help so much.

Dermatologist Robert Greenberg in The Washington Post says “skin becomes dry because it lacks water, not because it lacks oil.” Using moisturizers and creams doesn't really help, he says, unless you apply them right after your shower or bath (or after washing your hands), when you have lots of water in your skin.

The best way to combat dry skin in winter, Greenberg offers, is to “try to change the environment by putting more moisture in the air.”

Houseplants with lots of water, a humidifier, a pan of water on top of the wood stove can help a room feel more like summer, he says.