Photo: Steve Erle/BRIDES
The last thing you need on your wedding day is a cold. Or the flu. Or, hey, even PMS. To avoid any number of ailments in the months leading up to your celebration, weigh these four unexpected tips from anti-aging expert and Harvard Medical School alumn Dr. Ed Park:
Consider Birth Control Pills
Assuming you have tried them before and have no health limitations, consider taking birth control pills for the two-to-three months leading up to the wedding. The pills will counter irregular ovulation due to stress, curb any premenstrual 'tendencies,' and help you avoid a period or dysfunctional bleeding that could put the kibosh on honeymoon plans. By taking a pill that you have tolerated well in the past, you can virtually eliminate the problems of not ovulating. And by the second or third month, spotting and persistent ovulation problems are minimal and PMS is usually greatly reduced compared to your natural surges and withdrawals.
Prevent Cold and Flu
Get vaccinated for this season's flu strains. Wash your hands frequently after being in any public spaces or around kids. Never touch or rub your eyes, as that's the main way people contract colds and flus. Tip: Since sick Americans typically don't wear surgical masks like in many East Asian cultures, claim to have a mild cold and wear a mask at the office to protect yourself from coworkers hacking and sneezing in nearby cubicles.
Meditate
Learn to meditate. If incense, chakras, and chanting aren't your style, take 5-10 minutes a day to be in a quiet place with your eyes closes, just to be alone with your thoughts. You need to learn to control your breathing, understand and embrace your fears and fantasies, and visualize your desired and attainable wedding goals.
Activate Your Telomerase
Telomerase is an enzyme that scientists have shown to reverse the signs and symptoms of aging. So what activates telomerase? Sleep, immune health, meditation, exercise, and proper nutrition all seem to improve health by activating that universal stem-cell-healing engine called telomerase.
For more ideas on maintaining good health practices for your wedding, visit our Fitness & Health page.