Healthy obesity is a myth

THINNER IS BETTER

The notion that some people can be overweight or obese and remain healthy is a myth, according to a new Canadian study. Even without high blood pressure, diabetes or other metabolic issues, overweight and obese people have higher rates of death, heart attack and stroke after 10 years compared with their thinner counterparts, the researchers found. "These data suggest that increased body weight is not a benign condition ... and argue against the concept of healthy obesity," said researcher Dr. Ravi Retnakaran, associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto.

COPING WITH 'WINTER ITCH'

Cold, dry air can deplete skin of moisture and cause "winter itch." But you can take steps to protect your skin, according to Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a dermatologist and director of the Skin and Laser Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Moisturize daily with petrolatum- or cream-based moisturizers, Gmyrek said. Apply them to your wet skin after a bath or shower so the moisturizer can trap surface moisture. For sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. Clean your skin, but don't overdo. Too much cleansing depletes skin's natural moisturizers, Gmyrek explained. Washing your face, hands, feet and between folds of your skin once a day is enough.