Doing THIS Damages Your Reputation At Work

Posted on March 1, 2013 by admin

Whether you and your cube-mate are debating the best approach to use on a big project or how obnoxious her perfume choices have been recently, your coworkers see the same thing: a catfight. Workplace conflicts between two women are judged to have more negative consequences than conflicts between two men or one woman and one man, according to a new study in the journal Academy of Management Perspectives.

Researchers gave participants one of three conflict scenarios that were identical except for the names of the people involved (one scenario was between two men, the second involved a woman and a man, and the third involved two women). They then asked participants to judge the likelihood that these individuals would be able to repair the relationship and whether they thought it would lead to decreased job satisfaction.

The results revealed a bias against women in the workplace. Overall, participants thought that two women would be 15 percent less likely to repair their relationship than either of the other pairs. They also said that the female pair would be 25 percent more likely to let this affect their job satisfaction than a male-female pair, and 10 percent more likely than a male-male pair. “It’s very salient when there is a conflict between two women, and it’s automatically labeled a ‘catfight,’” says lead study author Leah Sheppard, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia. “These perceptions have spilled over into the workplace.”

The participants’ stereotypical assumptions are definitely annoying, but these findings serve as a reminder that colleagues might misinterpret even minor squabbles you have on the job. To avoid tarnishing your reputation, defuse work conflicts with these tips:

Don’t work and vent
Sure, it’s tempting to lean over your coworker’s cube and say, “Can you believe she did that?” Feel free to bring the incident up with the offending party or your manager—but leave your coworker out of it (particularly if you just feel like ranting). “If you’re venting at work, you’re reinforcing this stereotype that you’re never going to get over it,” Sheppard says. Instead, text your boyfriend about it or wait until you get home to rehash it with a friend. Chances are, you’ll be over it by then anyway.

Keep conflicts task-oriented
Your coworker dropped the ball—again—and all you really want to do is go off on her for being so careless. Warning: A personal dig won’t get you anywhere. “The research on conflicts show that when it’s just about the task, it can be quite productive,” Sheppard says. “But as soon as it gets personal, that’s when the negative implications come out.” Focus on being as specific as possible about what went wrong and how to prevent similar problems from cropping up in the future. That way, you’ll actually fix the issue—rather than drawing it out.

Dial back your voice
Women’s naturally higher tone of voice can also lead to negative assumptions about how they’re handling an office conflict, says workplace communication expert Joyce Weiss, author of Communicate With Impact! Females generally raise their tone and pitch when they’re passionate about something, which can come off as overly emotional to outsiders. Weiss recommends stopping and taking a breath before you speak—it’ll automatically help lower the tone of whatever comes out of your mouth next.

Hit pause
One crucial thing to keep in mind with work conflicts: Someone’s obnoxious behavior might have nothing to do with you. Before you take a remark or action personally, remind yourself that the person may just be having an awful day. “You don’t need to react to everything,” Weiss says. “If this isn’t typical behavior, leave them alone and give them space.” If it happens again, then you can bring it up. No clue where to start? Try the parrot technique, which Weiss explains as rephrasing what the other person said in the form of a question (for instance, “This presentation is all wrong?”). You’re throwing it back to them, which should get you more constructive feedback (or maybe even a confession that they’re upset about something that has nothing to do with you).

Avoid the gossip
One of the most interesting findings from this study was that women were just as likely as men to think that all-female conflicts would have the most negative consequences. Help squash the stereotype by shutting down gossip whenever it reaches you. “It’s very tempting to say you agree, but that’s not going to help,” Weiss says. Instead, encourage them to deal with the problem directly. Have a short and simple response ready, like: “Yeah, I hear you. You should definitely go talk to them about it.” You’re acknowledging what your coworker says without adding to the drama.

photo: iStockPhoto/Thinkstock

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How to Have a Life Outside of Work

Posted on February 28, 2013 by admin

Your schedule may not revolve around school-age kids, but that doesn’t mean your social life is booming. In fact, single and childless adults are reporting the same struggles with work-life balance as their colleagues with families, according to a new study in the Journal of Vocational Behavior.

Researchers from Michigan State University conducted two surveys reaching over 5,000 alumni, and they found that work-life struggles were largely the same—regardless of whether or not the individuals had families at home.

“Organizations often talk about work-family balance,” says study co-author Ann Marie Ryan, PhD, professor of psychology at MSU. “But we really don’t measure the other aspects of how work interferes with life and how individuals who don’t have families deal with this.”

Across the board, respondents reported feeling that their heavy workloads interfered with their ability to take care of everyday things—like going to doctor’s appointments, working out, volunteering, making or maintaining relationships, and of course, any leisure activities.

So how can you have it all, so to speak? For starters, check out these tips to get a better handle on your work-life balance:

Set realistic limits for yourself
Whether it’s abstaining from work email on the weekends or only staying late at the office one night a week, implementing small, doable goals is a great place to start when you’re having trouble cutting yourself off. Not sure the goals will help? Or that you’ll actually be able to stick with them? Try to think of them as an experiment to see what works for you and what doesn’t. “People are more willing to commit to trying something out in the short term,” Ryan says. If it works for you—and your boss—stick with it. If it doesn’t, no biggie—just try something a little different next time.

Take those vacation days
Friends, family members, and social obligations aren’t the only things you sacrifice when you have a crazy work schedule: Tons of people in the study also reported missing out on leisure time. “The research on recovery really says that you need it,” Ryan says. “You feel so much more productive and focused afterward.” Even if you feel like you can’t afford to miss an entire week at the office, just take a Wednesday here or a long weekend there to give yourself some time to hit refresh.

Call for backup
Now that you’re ready to take a day off, stop beating yourself up about it. “People tend to think of themselves as being indispensable,” Ryan says. Most likely, things won’t fall apart without you. But even if they would, that’s not your fault. All companies should have systems in place to keep that from happening. “Have that conversation with your boss about someone being able to back you up,” Ryan says. “It’s hard, especially in workplaces where people are short-staffed and under stress, but there has to be a way to make that work.” If all else fails, establish a system with one of your coworkers so that you two can cover for each other whenever one of you needs a day off.

Talk flexibility
A killer commute can make long hours even worse. If telecommuting is something you dream about, you’re not alone: 53 percent of working adults felt they would get more work done if they could work from home occasionally, according to a 2012 survey by Mom Corps, a flexible staffing firm. So if you work for a company that hasn’t explicitly ruled it out, try bringing it up to your team—cautiously. “The most important thing is to do it in a way that shows it has a benefit for both you and your employer,” says Allison O’Kelly, Founder and CEO of Mom Corps. Her advice: Go to your boss with a solution (you’ll work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, getting more work done), be open to other options (starting out with just one day a week, for example), and ask for a trial period to test it out. Finally, check in often when you’re working remotely. “Make sure you’re present, whether you’re physically there or not,” O’Kelly says.

Prioritize the things you love
Sure, your swamped schedule might mean that Thursday happy hours are out of the question—but that doesn’t mean you should sulk about your dwindling social life. Make adjustments so that the important people in your life know that you still have time for them, Ryan says. You may not have time to reconnect with your college roommate over dinner, but you can schedule sex with your guy or swap girls’ night out for a Sunday brunch. Look for creative ways to max out the free time that you do have—and don’t stress about bailing on the things that don’t matter as much.

photo: Goodshoot/Thinkstock

More from Women’s Health:
Keep Your Career On Track
Relax At Work
Love Your Job

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5 Times You Should Call in Sick to Work

Posted on November 21, 2012 by admin

When you wake up feeling under the weather, the last thing you’re capable of doing is thinking clearly. But if it’s a weekday, the decision you have to make—call out or head in—is as stressful and confusing as the time you had to figure out what to do with your boss’s Facebook friend request.

Turns out, according to the Flu Season Survey from Staples, nearly 80 percent of office workers head to the office when they’re feeling sick, even if they know they’re contagious. And this, experts warn, is a bad move—not just for you, but for your coworkers, too.

“We’ve all heard about absenteeism, but presenteeism, or heading to work when you know you’re not well, is even more of an epidemic,” says Louis Papa, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. “Not only does pushing yourself through the day stress your body and cause a cold or flu to linger, but it also rapidly spreads germs to people in close proximity.”

That said, even experts concede that it’s unrealistic to call in for every single sniffle. Here, how to suss out whether you should crawl under the covers or click on the coffee pot and suck it up.

STAY HOME IF:

Your nose is like a leaky faucet, or you hack up fluid when you cough. “The more liquid your body is producing, the more of a chance there is for germs to spread,” warns Papa. Many people assume that the color of their mucus holds a key to whether or not they are contagious, but Papa warns that isn’t true. “While it’s true that yellow or green mucus is a sign your body is actively fighting a bug, since the color is caused by enzymes found in infection fighting white blood cells, you’re most contagious in the day or two before full-blown symptoms appear, when the mucus may still be clear.”

You’re running to the bathroom every hour. Not only is it miserable to spend your day sprinting across the office to deal with gut issues, but since diarrhea and vomiting both dehydrate you, the mere act of heading to work and trying to keep up with your everyday routine could leave you feeling even sicker than when you started. Stay home until your stomach calms down.

Your eyes are red and crusty. If you wake up and your eye is swollen shut, or it oozes any sort of substance, you may have pinkeye—a highly contagious infection that won’t go away without antibiotics. Stay home and make a doctor’s appointment.

Your joints are achy. “When a person gets the flu, white blood cells release proteins called cytokines to fight the infection,” explains Papa. Turns out, it’s these proteins—not the virus—that are responsible for the all-over body pain you feel during the flu. Rest up so your body can do its work.

You don’t have an appetite. Even if you don’t feel like you’re going to throw up, appetite loss—you can’t finish your breakfast, going to the DMV sounds more appealing than going to lunch—is a clear sign your body is battling a bug. “When your immune system launches a response, it causes hormonal changes that affect appetite,” explains Papa. Going through a full workday on an empty stomach under these conditions further stress your body and could hinder your recovery.

HEAD TO WORK IF:

Your coughing and sneezing don’t make strangers stare. Take the stranger test: Does your hacking cough make the guy at the coffee counter cringe? If not, then head to work if you have to. Just make sure to wash your hands often and wipe down the surfaces of your desk and your phone with an antibacterial wipe at the end of the day to minimize the chances of germs spreading, suggests Papa.

You had tummy troubles during the night, but are fine at breakfast. “An isolated incident of an upset stomach or bout of diarrhea can be caused by mild food poisoning, stress, or even medication,” says Papa. If you’re feeling fine in the AM, it’s all right to head to work—just make sure to drink plenty of fluids to make up for what you lost.

You don’t interact with a ton of people on the job. Sounds obvious, but the more people you interact with, the easier it is for germs to spread, even if you’re being careful where you cough. On the other hand, if you have your own office and use your own supplies, you can use your judgment if your symptoms are mild.

You have an all-over headache. Mild tightness, pain, or pressure throughout your entire head, without any other symptoms, is most likely a tension headache, which can be caused by stress, spending a length of time in an unusual position (like sleeping on a plane) or too much screen time on your laptop. If the headache is severe, accompanied by other symptoms, or concentrated in one place, talk to your doc. Otherwise, head to work.

photo: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Thinkstock

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The Anti-Flu Drug That May Not Work

Posted on November 15, 2012 by admin

Still haven’t gotten your flu shot? Here’s another reason to hit up a drug store for the vaccine, STAT: The editors of a major medical journal have cast doubt on the effectiveness of Tamiflu, the only drug FDA-approved for preventing and treating the flu. Roche, the manufacturer of Tamiflu, claims that the drug can reduce your risk of flu after exposure by 92 percent, and speed recovery by 30 percent (about 1.3 days) when taken with 48 hours of first flu symptoms. Researchers and BMJ editors have asked for Roche to release conclusive data to support these claims, but Roche hasn’t complied. In response, a leading researcher has called for a boycott of Roche’s products and for European governments to sue.

While Tamiflu (clinical name “oseltamivir phosphate”) was approved for use by the FDA in 1999, is currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and joins aspirin on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, evidence of its effectiveness comes from Roche-funded research that has only been published in part. In a series of open letters to the manufacturer, The British Medical Journal (BMJ) and a team of reviewers who were commissioned by Britain to evaluate flu drugs in a Nordic Cochrane Center review have requested complete access to Roche’s 123 clinical trial studies, each four to five chapters in length. So far, only the first chapters have been released, leaving an estimated 60 percent of the data undisclosed. “It’s not enough to assess the drug’s effectiveness,” says Peter Doshi, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in comparative effectiveness research at Johns Hopkins University Medical School and part of the Cochrane review team.

In a BMJ paper published in January, Doshi’s team found that Tamiflu does reduce recovery time, but only by about 21 hours—that’s 10 hours less than Roche claims. The review additionally confirmed known side effects of nausea and vomiting and found evidence to support suspected neuropsychiatric harm as well as other dangerous side effects.

“We have concerns on a number of fronts: the likely overstating of effectiveness and the apparent under-reporting of potentially serious adverse effects,” writes Fiona Godlee, BMJ editor-in-chief in an open letter to Roche board member John Bell, a professor of medicine at Oxford University.

According to FDA spokesperson Sandy Walsh, the FDA routinely monitors adverse reactions and updates drug labeling information accordingly. Still, the prospect of un- or under-reported side effects is frightening, considering Tamiflu is the most widely used influenza drug in this country. Its alleged ineffectiveness is equally alarming, as governments all over the world have stocked up on it in response to widespread flu scares at the expense of billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money.

The bottom line: Tamiflu’s ability to prevent the flu is questionable, and it may have some fishy side effects.

With that in mind, here are 7 tips for how to avoid the flu and stay healthy this winter—so you won’t even need Tamiflu.

Wash your hands compulsively
“The number one thing you can do to protect yourself from a cold or flu is to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently,” says microbiologist Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University. Build up a lather with running water and soap and scrub away for twenty seconds, focusing on your palms, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands.

Carry around hand sanitizer
When you can’t get to a sink with soap, hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol can be a good failsafe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Get the latest flu vaccine
This year’s vaccine contains the two new strains of flu virus, which weren’t used in previous vaccines. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months receive an annual vaccination. If you’re not convinced, check out five common excuses not to get the vaccine—and why they’re all bogus.

Moisturize… the air
Very humid air might be toxic to flu viruses. It’s unclear why, but one reason might be because droplets that contain the virus shrink quickly in arid environments, which lets them float around for longer. In moist air, though, they get heavy quickly and fall to the ground, away from your nostrils and mouth, says Ted Myatt, Sc.D., an environmental scientist in Boston. Buy a humidifier that keeps the humidity level between 40 and 60 percent.

Ease up on the alcohol
Alcohol can impair your white blood cells’ ability to combat viruses for up to 24 hours after you overindulge, according to a study in BMC Immunology. The next time you hit up happy hour with colleagues, pay in cash (no open tab), so you’re more likely to drink just one.

Catch more ZZZs
If you regularly get less than 7 hours of sleep at night, you triple your risk of developing a cold compared to people who sleep for 8 or more hours, according to the Archives of Internal Medicine. So set a schedule and stick to it – be in bed at a reasonable hour as often as you can.

Eat colorful fruits and veggies
Immune-boosting antioxidants in brightly colored fruits and veggies battle the free radicals that dampen your natural defenses, says Josh Miller, D.O., an internist at the Cleveland Clinic. Think red beans, berries, and green tea.

Additional reporting from Women’s Health editors.

photos: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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The Healthiest Way to Get to Work

Posted on November 8, 2012 by admin

If you commute by car, there may be more to worry about beyond the price of gas: Commuting by car, rather than by bike or foot, could increase your risk of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey.

Survey administrators polled 9,933 adults about their transportation habits and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Three out of four respondents reported spending less than 10 minutes a week biking or walking for transportation. Meanwhile, people who reported biking or walking had 24 percent lower risk of hypertension, 31 percent lower risk of diabetes, and on average, lower BMI and waist circumference than the car commuters.

But unless you live in an intimate urban city, walking to work is probably not a viable option. However, cycling may be. It’s a fairly efficient way to get around – depending on your speed, you can pedal a two-mile route in just 10 or 15 minutes. Plus, it saves you money on gas, and time spent searching for parking. And if you’re already spending a chunk of your day driving to a gym and working out there, you can count your commute toward your gym time.

That said, becoming a bike commuter isn’t as simple as just planting your buns on a bike seat. Prepare for your daily ride with this checklist:

• Bike: You can buy a basic bike for as little as $ 200 at a local bike shop, where you’ll get better service, advice, and knowledge than you might receive at a chain store, says Rich Conroy, education director and Bike Commuting 101 instructor of Bike NYC, who regularly bikes 10 miles to work. (Note: Bike shop attendants can also help fit you and your bike for most of the cycling gear suggested below.) Alternatively, dust off your old two-wheeler and take it to your bike shop for a tune up, which can cost about $ 50 to $ 60. They’ll check the brakes, wheel alignment, and gears and adjust the seat to a comfortable height. You should also swap your mountain bike tires (they have tread and resemble car tires) for smoother tires, which are easier for traveling and more efficient. Every week, pump the tires and oil the chain (a bike shop mechanic can show you how), and bring your bike in for a checkup at least once a year.

• Lights: Not unlike an automobile, you’ll need a white light in front and a red light in the rear so other drivers and bikers see you coming and going.

• Basket or rack: Instead of carrying your stuff in a backpack or messenger bag, make the bike haul it. Attach a basket in the front or a rack or bike panniers (water-resistant saddle bags) in the back.

• Fenders: In bad weather, a pair of fenders will cover your tires to keep muddy puddles from messing with your clothes and keep your bike in better, cleaner shape. Your bike shop can fit your cycle and install them. Still, you don’t have to ride through miserable conditions. “It’s not all or nothing. If the weather is bad, bail,” says Conroy. “And if you have a really long commute, you don’t have to make it a daily grind. Do it one day a week, and drive the other days. Like a workout, it’s good to take a break,” he says.

• Lock: “Always lock up your bike like you’d like lock your car,” says Conroy. Your workplace may provide indoor parking or a bike rack, but if not, you can lock your bike to a signpost, parking meter, railing, or scaffolding. When leaving your bike in a high-theft area in public view, use a heavy chain and padlock. In a parking garage or indoors, you can get away with a lighter and less expensive cable lock. Ask a bike shop attendant to recommend a lock that fits your bike and your needs.

• Helmet: “It’s like a seatbelt for your head,” says Conroy. “It won’t prevent you from crashing, but it’s what you need when you do have a crash.” Because an ill-fitting helmet won’t protect you, buy the smallest helmet size that fits your head for a snug fit, and adjust the strap so the buckle is snug below your chin when your mouth is completely open. Also known that a helmet isn’t the be-all end-all of bike safety. Follow the same rules as motorists, ride with the traffic, stop at lights and stop signs, and avoid distractions such as headphones and texting to take safety into your own hands.

• Route: Quieter roads with less traffic are ideal for cyclists, but if your only option is akin to a high-speed racetrack, you don’t want to ride there, says Conroy. Instead of riding all the way to work on a route with poor road choices, consider breaking up your commute into two or three modes of transportation. (Think about it: You might already drive your car to the train, or take a bus and a subway.) If you live in a suburban or rural area, or a large city, use a bike rack to drive your cycle through less desirable areas, or consider buying a public-transit-friendly folding bike, which are often allowed on buses and trains.

• Stash: While peddling in work attire might be uncomfortable, it’s not as big a problem as people make it out to be. “Riding a bike won’t make you smell like a week-old dead animal. Just don’t bike fast, and you won’t get sweaty,” says Conroy. For a one or two mile trip, you can wear whatever you wear to work—just roll up baggy pants or tuck them into your sock so they don’t interfere with the gears and get dirty. For longer trips, wear moisture-wicking clothes while you cycle, and leave a week’s worth of clothes at your office. Keep deodorant, wet wipes, a hairbrush, and some makeup in your desk to freshen up after you change.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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The Common UTI Remedy That Doesn’t Work

Posted on October 22, 2012 by admin

Dealing with a urinary tract infection? Skip the cranberry therapy.

According to a review published in the Cochrane Library, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements may do little to prevent a UTI.

Researchers analyzed 24 studies involving a total of 4,473 people to compare the effectiveness of cranberry products against a range of placebos, drug, and non-drug treatments for preventing UTIs.

The results? Women who were opting for cranberry products—think: juice, tablets, or capsules—were shown to have a 14 percent lower risk of UTI. Yet the researchers claim this number isn’t significant enough to be considered a legitimate preventative treatment for those susceptible to recurrent UTIs.

But if it’s not actually solving the issue, why have many of us been on team cranberry for so long? It’s probably because the research often contradicts itself, explains Sara Gottfried, M.D., OB/GYN, author of The Hormone Cure.

For instance, according to the latest review, there’s never been a definitive mechanism for why cranberries are effective for UTI prevention. However there has been plenty of research suggesting that specific substances in cranberries—such as quinic acid, malic acid, and citric acid—prevents bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder, says Gottfried.

But the problem is, if you already have a substantial amount of bacteria in your bladder and kidneys, simply drinking cranberry juice won’t be sufficient for cleaning house and kicking the bad bugs out.

Another issue: Typically when people say they’re drinking cranberry juice, they’re not actually drinking the real thing, says Gottfried. Instead, people are consuming some form of juice concentrate that’s loaded with sugars and additional artificial flavorings, which means whatever benefits they are getting from cranberry are seriously diluted.

So what’s a girl to do if she suspects she may be at risk? Abide by the following three steps to get your tract back on track.

1. Stay on the lookout for symptoms
For most women, symptoms for a UTI consist of pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, lower abdominal pain in the bladder area, as well as an increase in the frequency of urination.

2. Check in with your doctor
If you’re exhibiting any of the above symptoms, the next step is to schedule an appointment with your doc. “You need to determine that it’s actually a bladder infection and not something else,” says Gottfried. Often women have inflammation in their bladder—which can cause similar discomfort—but it’s not really a UTI, she explains.

And as for testing for a UTI, simply provide your caregiver with sample of urine and they’ll take care of the rest.

3. Get on a proper prescription
UTIs can typically be solved with antibiotics. And whether its Cipro, Levaquin, Septra, or Furadantin—all common prescriptions for UTIs—it takes roughly 2 to 3 days to see full relief of symptoms. And since there are many strands of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, it makes seeing your doctor that much more beneficial, says Gottfriend. Considering your clinician will now have a better idea of what antibiotic to put you on.

Image: Hemera/Thinkstock

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3 Scary Side Effects of Commuting to Work

Posted on June 14, 2012 by admin

Even if you’ve landed your dream job, chances are it’s not right down the street. In fact, most women travel up to a full hour to get to work each day, adding up to a 120-minute round-trip trek and a major health drag. Whether you carpool, sit behind your wheel, or take public transportation, a long commute can increase stress levels, fatigue, and your waistline, according to new Gallup research. What’s more, the longer it takes you to get from home to work and back each day, the less happy you are in general. Face the facts and fix that frown with these tips from Ann Kulze, M.D., a wellness expert in transit:

Fact: 24% of female commuters have high cholesterol
Fix It: Studies indicate that regularly eating almonds and walnuts can lower your cholesterol levels. Stash a bag of the healthiest nuts in your purse and snack on a small handful of them every day.

Fact: 36% of female commuters are self-professed worrywarts
Fix It: Plug into some gut-busting stand-up comedy podcasts (search “comedy” on iTunes). A good laugh can lower your body’s level of stress hormones, not to mention help distract you from a massive to-do list.

Fact: 25% of female commuters are obese
Fix It: Battle the fat by doing some simple “desk-ercizes” while on the train or once you arrive at your office. Try a series of calf raises: Stand and slowly lift and lower your heels.

Care to share? Mention us on Twitter @WomensHealthMag or tag us on Facebook!

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Project Runway: “Make it Work” For You—Brights

Posted on April 18, 2012 by admin

fashion contributor

Things got a little cuckoo on last night’s Project Runway. The designers had to take their inspiration from live birds brought to their work room at Parsons—a cockatoo, an Amazon parrot, a raven, and an owl. The winning designer would snag $ 20,000 and their look would be featured in a L’Oreal Paris advertisement in Marie Claire.

It was only fitting that Joshua McKinley, whose designs are beyond over the top, would draw the yellow, green, and red Amazon parrot. Joshua showed a lot of restraint with this bright orange one-shoulder dress with a beautiful draped back, though Michael Kors did knock him for the "prom corsage."

Project Runway Season 9 Joshua Orange Dress

photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television

"Make it Work" for You

"Brights draw attention to you in a good way," says WH Fashion Market Editor Liza Collis. "They’re very ‘in’ right now and will continue to be huge through next summer. They were all over the Spring/Summer runways, so you might as well start practicing the trend now."

"I think the chicest way to wear brights is to mix them with neutrals other than black," Collis says. "A bold tomato red looks great paired with camel and highlighter orange or fluorescent pink is cool with army or olive green. For work, you can even though in a touch of leopard print in a scarf, shoe, or belt."

If you’re hesitant to take the bold plunge, think accessories: "I love a white shirt, jeans, and a really bright bag or shoe." The same holds true for hard-to-wear shades like yellow and neon green. "If you’re unsure of how they look with your hair color or complexion, opt for an accessory instead of a top or dress," Collis says.

Bright makeup is another option: "A bold lip is huge right now," Collis says. "Don’t be afraid to get your shock of color in that way. To find your perfect bold hue, head to the makeup counter and ask for help. Lipstick is an easy way to stay on trend—just keep the rest of your makeup minimal."

Tell us: Do you embrace bright clothing? Or do you prefer to stay out of the (neon) limelight?

Next week is the last group challenge before the remaining designers will create collections to be shown at fashion week. Each designer will be tasked with creating three looks and they’ll get assistance from a former contestant. Watch Project Runway on Thursdays at 9 pm/8 central on Lifetime or watch full episodes on MyLifetime.com.

SPOILER ALERT! Don’t scroll down if you haven’t watched last night’s episode. Here’s who won, and who went home.

Out: Bert Keeter, who shared the winner’s laurels with Anya last week. As Heidi says, "One day you’re in, and the next day you’re out."

Winner: Anya Ayoung Chee, who created a scuptural black dress inspired by a raven. Joshua McKinley was quick to point out that Anya had to cut her dress off the model after the runway, but so far the judges have made very few gripes about her construction.
Designers remaining: 5

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Today Is National Walk to Work Day!

Posted on April 17, 2012 by admin

professionals walking to work

Stop the trains, planes, and automobiles! Friday, April 6 is National Walk to Work Day, so lace up and walk on! We’re doing it, too. Join the WH staffers @WomensHealthMag as we walk to work, and tweet at us with the hashtag #OnMyWaytoWork to tell us about your journey.

Do you typically walk to work? Only 2.7 percent of commuters do, according to estimates from the 2010 American Community Survey. What a shame. I live a lucky 1.3 miles from work, and I relish the time I spend walking there. Just imagine having no bus or train to catch, no stressful rush hour traffic. Plus, fresh air and natural light provide a wake up call that even coffee can’t compete with.

But it should come as no surprise that so few people tackle their commutes by foot. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans commute an average of almost twelve miles each way—at a don’t-sweat-in-your-suit, 15 minute-per-mile pace, it would take you three hours to walk! Few people have the time for that kind of fitness plan. If you live too far from work to walk there, you can still add extra steps to your journey by parking further from your office, hopping off the bus, train, cab, or subway a stop or two early, or taking the stairs.

Make Your Walk Work Overtime
“Walking is an ideal way to strengthen almost every major organ in the body, promote bone density, and boost the immune system,” says Andrew Weil, M.D., a specialist in integrative medicine. Make the most of every step with Weil’s quick tips:

Improve your posture: Walk with your head erect, keep your back straight, and buttocks tucked in.
Sync your stride: Bend your arms and flex your elbows at approximately 90-degree angles, and swing your arms opposite to the movement of your legs.
Balance better: Take shorter, measured steps that place the heel on the ground first so you push off with the toes—too long a stride can throw you off balance.

Join us! Follow the WH staffers as we walk to work, and tweet @WomensHealthMag with the hashtag #OnMyWaytoWork to tell or show us what you saw on your commute!

More from WH:
Tips for a Healthier Workplace
15-Minute Workouts
Yoga Moves to Wake You Up

photo: Photodisc/Thinkstock

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Today Is National Walk to Work Day!