Yoga is supposed to be about feeling open and blissful, but let’s face it, some pretzel-like poses don’t make us feel that way. It’s only natural to prefer certain poses and despise others, but not everyone agrees. While you might be a huge fan of inversions, your best friend might be petrified to go upside down. Keep reading to vote on which yoga poses are your faves. View Slideshow ›

It’s almost time to Spring clean, which means dusting off, editing, and organizing every aspect of your life. What you wear and use during your workout is no different; here are three tips for Spring cleaning your fitness. Inspect your gear: You may never give up that old college T-shirt, no matter how threadbare it gets, but there comes a time when you need to retire old workout gear. Go through all of your gear, from wicking headbands to running shoes, and get rid of clothes that aren’t doing it for you. Stretched-out sports bras and pants, too-thin socks, or smelly shirts should be retired. Invest in a few new pieces for Spring to enhance your current collection, and be strategic about the old stuff: once you get a new pair of running shoes, save the old pair for rainy runs or around-town errands and make sure to donate anything that’s still usable. Clean your equipment: Whether you have a stellar home gym or just a few dumbbells and a yoga mat, chances are some of your equipment may be due for a clean. Luckily, a safe, effective, and great-smelling cleaner is just a few minutes of DIY away. This yoga mat cleaner , just a mixture of water and a few drops of tea tree and lavender or peppermint oils, is a safe, nontoxic way to kill germs on anything from your yoga mat to your dumbbells. Organize well: Once you’ve cleaned and edited your workout wardrobe, it’s time to organize all of your gear. Keep your workout clothes somewhere easily accessible: this will help save time when you’re putting together your gym bag. Bonus if you can store them somewhere where you can see them – when you’re greeted with cheery workout clothes every time you open your closet, you may be less tempted to skip a workout !

Investments in disease prevention — a core principle of President Obama’s health-care overhaul legislation — would face a setback under his budget proposal for next year. Obama’s fiscal 2013 budget would scale back the Prevention and Public Health Fund, established as part of the health law, by over $4 billion by fiscal 2022 — leaving that much less money for public-health prevention programs meant to thwart outbreaks or cut down on rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions that account for 75% of U.S. health-care costs. The law originally called for $21 billion between fiscal 2010 and 2022, a substantial boost in public-health funding. Now it calls for about $16.75 billion over that period. That’s still a lot of money. But so far, the prevention fund has been used heavily to compensate for cuts to the regular budget of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rather than for its originally intended use — new disease prevention-related programs. A $664 million, or 11%, cut to the CDC’s proposed budget, is the largest proposed for all the government’s health agencies and would amount to a $1.4 billion erosion in the agency’s discretionary budget since fiscal 2010. Cuts would come in immunization and public-health preparedness as well as the elimination of an $80 million pot of money awarded to health departments for preventive services. Of $1.25 billion in prevention fund money proposed for fiscal 2013, the bulk — $903 million — is directed to the CDC to fill in funding gaps and pay for some new activities, such as surveillance for health-care-associated infections and improving the efficiency of overloaded state laboratories. About $107 million of the prevention fund dollars would fund programs related to birth defects and developmental disabilities. Another $261 million would be targeted at a breast and cervical cancer program and $72 million would be used for immunization activities. “If you don’t take full advantage of the prevention fund, it will come back several times over in health-care costs down the road,” Jeff Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health, which advocates for spending on prevention, said in reaction to the budget proposal. “Backfilling wasn’t the intent of the prevention fund.” Such cuts reflect “difficult choices” the administration had to make in a time of budget pressures, Bill Corr, deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said at a briefing Monday. “We have to set priorities. We have to make difficult tradeoffs.” Given tight budgets, he said, the administration will focus on the most innovative preventive-health programs. The administration also proposed consolidating funding at the CDC for chronic diseases with common risk factors into one comprehensive program to save money and improve outcomes. Photo: Associated Press

Here’s a sweet protein treat from reader For the Love of Fiber . She posted this chocolate chickpea cookie recipe in our Healthy Recipe group . Inspired by Jessica Seinfeld’s recipe in Deceptively Delicious , after a few rounds and ingredient tweaks, I cracked the code to a not-too-sweet, soft, and tasty chocolate chip cookie, with, wait for it . . . chickpeas. Yes, protein and fiberlicious chickpeas. You can almost hear the “Hallelujah” chorus, can’t you? If you don’t have palm sugar (get some), you can substitute it with brown sugar. Why palm sugar? Made from coconut tree nectar, it’s naturally low on the glycemic index, meaning that it won’t spike your blood sugar like white or brown sugar, and has significantly more potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sodium than its white and brown counterparts. Learn how to make the recipe after the break!

I’m a Mizuno fan - the company’s roster of running shoes has something for every serious runner (or any type of runner who’s serious about getting the right gear). So I was happy to test out the Wave Rider 15 ($115), the newest model in a line of shoes that has proven to be one of Mizuno’s most popular since it was introduced 15 years ago. I was a little wary about trying the Wave Riders, however, since the shoes are built for neutral runners and not those who over- or underpronate (I usually buy shoes for overpronators). And while the Wave Rider has enjoyed immense popularity, the Wave Rider 15s were my first encounter with the style, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. As soon as I unboxed the ruby red sneakers, though, my reservations started disappearing. My first thoughts were that even though they look substantial, they felt incredibly lightweight. The sole is relatively thick, but it doesn’t interfere with the responsiveness of the shoe as you run. In fact, as I ran I felt more connected with the ground than I thought I would. Read more about the Mizuno Waver Rider 15s after the break.

Thanksgiving dinner isn’t really over until the dessert spread comes out: pies, pies, and more pies! For a vegan, this can be tricky territory since so many dessert options - especially a flaky crust - are made with eggs, butter, and milk. Treat your vegan friends right this holiday by including a dessert that works with their dietary limitations. Here are five traditional Thanksgiving dessert recipes that have received a vegan makeover. View Slideshow ›

George asks… Benzodiazapines that are really helpful for someone who has panic attacks while driving/riding on highways.? I really want to get back home. I live 1250 miles from where I am now. I miss home and family there, but I have a tremendous fear and panic attacks driving /riding on highways/freeways? A benzodiazapine that is totally useful for this would be very much appreciated. One that I can take on an as needed basis. One that gets rid of the anxiety that comes before the drive and during the drive. Answers would be immensely appreciated. Thank you. Serious and knowledgeable replies please. Jonjune answers: I take Vistaril for my panic and anxiety. Benzo’s are so HIGHLY addictive. I was hooked (addicted) to Ativan and then they put me on Xanax which just got me more addicted. I would suggest something other than a benzo. Vistaril works just as well if not better than benzo’s that i have been on. I have been on this medication for almost 2 years and it has truly worked super for me. I hate you are so far away from home. Have you thought of flying or taking a train (Amtrak)? I wish you all the best! Good luck sweetie! Steven asks… Panic attacks while driving.? Ok, I’m 23 years old and I’ve always had anxiety. For about the past year, I’ve started having major panic attacks while I’m driving , especially at night time. I absolutely refuse to go on the interstate at any time, have trouble going over bridges, and basically don’t wanna leave my house after it gets dark. I’ve always been able to drive perfectly fine until this. Now I drive like a five year old. For some reason when I go across the spillway at night I cannot make myself drive over 40 mph no matter how hard I try. I basically drive halfway off the road bc I’m so scared I’m going to wreck. I start feeling like I’m going to faint or die and get a full blown panic attack, sweating from head to toe, heart racing, etc. If i have my boyfriend in the car, he starts screaming at me and it makes it even worse. At first he was understanding, but it’s gotten to the point he cannot dealwith it anymore. It’s been going on wayyyy too long and I honestly can’t deal with it anymore. It’s effecting just about every aspect of my life. I have no idea what triggered it, but I seriously need some help. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Jonjune answers: First, stop driving before you kill someone and/or yourself (it will happen, sooner or later). Second, seek professional help (it’s impossible to get cured just by a Yahoo Answer response… So seek professional help). David asks… I need help with panic attacks while driving? So i have had panic attacks for a little over a year now. My first one was while driving at night with a couple of friends & my brother. I had just had a baby that was 6 months and my babys daddy had gone to florida to visit some family ( i live in tx) i hadnt been away from him in months and i had to go a week without him. As i was driving home i felt odd, I had smoked a cigg (i cant smoke anymore cause of anxiety which is good) and the cig smelt like weed cause my friends had gone and smoked that earlier that day and had the pack of cigs with them. (i tried weed 2 years before my first panic attack and it gave me a panic attack so i never tried it again but i was fine) SO as i was driving home, knowing that i had smoked a cig that smelled of my biggest fear, weed, i freaked out, it was nmighttime and i had to pull over cause this feeling came over me that i didnt know what it was, i ended up knowing that it was a panic attack, I still have these and i have been on diff medications. I got off lexapro and now i have been on prozac for a little over a month, also i take xanax and risperdol. i have a new boyfriend who is very helpful with my panic attacks . When i drive, i feel like im going to lose it but i calm myself down. I hardly have drove out of my tiny town in a year. When i do i have the worst time and just want to break down cause i cant stand the panic feeling. I go to a councler but its been a few months since i have talked to her so i need to do that. But i need to get on with my life, i have a 1 1/2 year old daughter & i cant get a job or go to collage cause im scared and i cant drive there. I need a closer realationship with GOD too. I believe i just want to be closer. Im tired of living my life in fear. Jonjune answers: Well i think when ever you see the cig or smell it you get scared. And i think if you pray more or go to Church more often you will feel your closer to GOD and just a tip when you start the car just breath in and relax ,I just hope that helped. Sandra asks… Need help for panic attacks while driving? I am undergoing a fear of driving desensitization program because I am having panic attacks while driving . My therapist wants me to watch commercials of cars driving on the highway. I did a search on Youtube for “car commercials” and went to various car dealership websites, but the former are sparse in the right type of movie and the latter often have just still shots in different directions. What search term can I use to find car commercials on Google or YouTube? They need to show the car being driven on the highway.Please help me find the right material! I need movies in which the car is driving on the highway. Thanks in advance. Jonjune answers: Type 101 or 5 freeway traffic Paul asks… Am I having panic attacks while driving? While driving on the interstate, I have become increasingly scared for the past month. I need to know if anyone has similar symptoms. I have an appointment with a primary care physician in two weeks, but would like some comfort now! When I get on the interstate, my heart starts to race, I get sweaty, and I start to feel a loss of control of my body. It physically feels like I’m not in my body. It used to just happen at night, but now it’s allow the time. Also, I wouldn’t call it dizziness, but it starts to feel like my eyes aren’t seeing right. I have had my eyes checked and even gotten new glasses since this started. There’s nothing substantial that would have triggered it either. I feel crazy asking this, but has anyone experienced something similar? Are these panic attacks or something more neurological that I should get checked out? It’s starting to run my whole life! I’m NOT driving . That’s the point. Once this happened to me more than once, I stopped driving on the interstate. Then as I worried more and more, I stopped driving altogether. Unlike some people, though, I have a job which requires me to get in the car I own (as a responsible adult) and drive to work. I can’t just stay home. I also have two young children who rely on me to be capable of taking them to the doctor and getting to the grocery store. This is why I’m asking advice while I wait to see my doctor. Thanks for the good advice though, all I wanted was to feel like I wasn’t the only one going through this. Again, I haven’t driven ANYWHERE since this started happening all the time. At first it only happened at night, so I stopped driving at night. Then after awhile, it happened during the day, so I stopped driving on the interstate at all. I have never had a problem driving on regular see roads and back roads, but to be SAFE, I don’t drive at all. I am a teacher, so I am off right now in the summer and specifically didn’t get a part-time job this summer so I wouldn’t have to drive. I have a doctor’s appointment before school starts back so I can get some help before having to drive again. Walking to work would be ideal if I could affordable to live where I teach, but I live 30 miles away. Not because I want to, but because I don’t make enough to live there. Taking a taxi everyday would easily cost me $250 a week. SO, my main point is, no one is in any danger, I’m just trying to get advice. Jeeeeeeeez. Thanks to those of you who helped though, you have no idea how much better it’s made me Jonjune answers: No I have not had anything similar to this but you NEED to stop driving before you kill someone. You realize how much trouble you are creating just by driving around impaired. Yes you are impaired. If you injure someone or kill someone you can get into major major trouble because you knew that there was something affecting your driving yet you went behind the wheel anyways. Have someone else drive you or take alternate methods of transportation until you get this under control. It could be anxiety or it could be something else. It doesn’t matter at this point what it is what matters is that you are still driving despite the fact you know something is wrong. Edit You just said YOU DRIVE. You can’t not drive then drive to work!!!!! What shocks me even more is that you say you have two kids. Why on earth would you put them in danger? There are ways around you not driving. I have a job and guess what? I WALK to work. You could walk or take a taxi or something. You are far from being responsible if you drive to work or drive your kids around. Powered by Yahoo! Answers Related Blogs

After an intense cardio workout or weight-training session, you might feel extreme exhaustion, muscle soreness, and nausea. This hit-by-a-truck feeling that you often wake up with the day after working out is called DOMS, which stands for delayed onset muscle soreness. Luckily, there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid it. Here’s a quick list of 10 steps you should always take before, during, and after going to the gym. Drink a cup or two of caffeinated tea or coffee before working out to increase muscular strength and endurance and reduce the chance of soreness. Eat a preworkout snack that is low fat and high carb with some protein. Take the time to warm up and cool down so you do not stress and overtax your muscles and heart. Do not stop and start moving while exercising; instead, keep steadily moving so fresh blood will be sent to repair your taxed muscles. For more tips to ease your case of DOMS keep reading.

Taylor Lautner is ready to break out as a leading man with this September’s Abduction , and we’re so excited to see him as an action star! To celebrate the film and Taylor’s amazing fans, we’re giving away an awesome trip to interview Taylor Lautner during Comic-Con. One lucky winner will star in our I’m a Huge Fan series, which means a trip to San Diego to meet – and interview! – Taylor in person with PopSugar. There will be a few fun surprises and challenges along the way, too! We’re looking for one of Taylor’s biggest fans, so prove you’re it by taking our trivia quiz about his amazing career! Check out the official rules here . If you’re not already a PopSugar member, register now for free. The sweepstakes ends July 10 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Abduction opens in theaters nationwide on Sept. 23! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 8:00 AM PDT 6/29/11 and ends 11:59 PM PDT 7/10/11. Open only to legal residents of 49 US and DC (RI excluded). 18+. Click here for official rules. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Sugar Publishing, Inc. Step 1 : Like PopSugar on Facebook! PopSugar Step 2 : Log into your PopSugar account. If you’re not already a member, register now for free. (You need to be logged in before you take the quiz below.) Step 3 : Take our quiz below and good luck! Take the Quiz

I love the treadmill, but now that the sun is out and the days are longer, I also love running around the park in the Spring. The air smells great, and I’m rewarded with great views once I huff and puff my way up the hillier parts of my route. What I don’t love so much, however, is the cold San Francisco air that’s been blasting me while I run outside. I hate running into a headwind, especially if there’s cold fog to go with it. Is the blustery Spring air also frustrating you? Here are some tips of dealing with the wind while you run. Remember it’s a fun challenge . Running inside can be easier because not only is the treadmill helping pull your feet back, but you don’t have to deal with any varying elements likes uneven roads or crazy gusts of wind. But when you’re outside battling it out with the wind, remembering that you are burning more calories and increasing your endurance with each step can help you learn to love it. Dress for it . Make sure the gear you’re wearing is wind-optimized. Wear running leggings or slim shorts, headbands that keep your ears nice and warm, a hairstyle that keeps your hair out of the way , and headphones that stay put even when the wind is whipping around you. Head into the wind first . This is an especially good strategy when it’s cold outside since it’ll decrease your chances of frostbite, but even when it’s not so cold outside, running into the wind still has its advantages – you’ll be conquering the hardest part of your run when your energy is at its peak, and you won’t feel so uncomfortable with chilly wind blowing on you while you sweat. Are you a fan of running in the wind?