• Colds Hate Positive People

Dread colds? Then be a Little Miss Sunshine.

That's the word from researchers who tested the emotional outlook and immune-system capabilities of a group of adults. Cold viruses had a harder time taking hold in the people who had mostly positive things to say. Not only that, but if they did get sick, they . . .

Apparently, emotions play a role in immunity. Positive thoughts not only help you steer clear of colds but also might make your colds milder if you do get sick. Good reasons to look on the bright side and to get help if you habitually feel negative, anxious, or depressed.

Of course, thinking warm, fuzzy thoughts doesn't replace good ol' cold-killing facts. So follow these sniffle-stopping tips as well:

•	Wash your hands frequently, especially if you spend time with someone who is sick. And keep hand towels separate to minimize the spread of germs.
•	Avoid spending time with people who are newly sick; they are most infectious during the first few days of illness.
•	Eat foods high in vitamin C -- oranges, strawberries, and red bell peppers are good choices. Better yet, get a big boost of vitamin C with a supplement.
•	Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
•	Get plenty of rest.

Of course, you can help other people stay healthy, too, by washing your hands after you blow your nose and covering your mouth with a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow when you sneeze. Because let's face it, what goes around comes around -- sooner or later.

RealAge Benefit: Protecting your immune system can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

All About YOU: Stand Up Straight

One of the easiest ways to strengthen your abdominal muscles -- and support your back -- is through good posture. You may feel like you're already standing straight, but in reality, most of us stand like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Practice good posture by bringing your head and neck back. The key element is breathing in to tighten your gut. That's the component that lifts your chest and will give you Marine-like posture. Here are the five points of perfect posture . . .


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Sometimes the smallest changes in your life can lead to the biggest results. Sucking in your gut while you do crunches, or even when you take the elevator, is a good example. It helps your body not only look younger -- by skimming a couple of inches off your middle and adding them to your lungs/chest -- but it also helps your body get stronger, because you're engaging your abdominal muscles. Here are the five steps to perfect posture:
1.
Pull your shoulder blades back slightly toward each other and down away from your ears.
2.
Lift your chest up and out.
3.
Pull your head back just enough to keep it in line with your spine.
4.
Position your pelvis or hips to create or maintain a natural arch in your lower back.
5.
Pull your belly button in toward your spine without changing or tilting your hips or losing the arch in your lower back.Is your back barking? Take this symptom checker for advice.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.

A New Way to Maintain Your Brain

Want to keep your brain razor sharp for years to come? Just say no to middle-age spread.

When it comes to memory and concentration, it may pay to practice waist control. Packing on extra pounds can slow not only your time in the 50-yard dash but also your ability to remember things and stay focused. Need help shedding weight? Find a diet buddy.

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Obesity and declines in both memory and attention span have long been linked in older people, but new research has found the same relationship in 30-somethings, too. And the slowdown only gets worse over time.

A large study tested 2,223 adults, ranging in age from 32 to 62, to see how their weight affected four different measures of cognitive function. Five years later, the researchers tested them again. Those who were seriously overweight -- meaning they had a body mass index (BMI) over 30 -- did poorly on the first round of testing. Worse, their mental abilities had declined even more at the 5-year mark.

Why? One theory faults leptin, a protein secreted by stored fat; high leptin levels may affect learning and memory. Another theory is that the brain is harmed by cardiovascular disease, which is commonly associated with high BMIs.

Although you don't need six-pack abs or a bikini-worthy waist to stay sharp and age healthfully, obesity is not a viable alternative. Join a health club, try the YOU: On a Diet plan, do whatever it takes. Do it not just for your body, but for your brain!

RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.