Ever noticed how dancers have the most Amazing bodies, not to mention strength? Our cover model is no exception. As a professional dancer, Kendra Andrews feels just as comfortable practicing ballet as she does hip hop dancing. But to do either well, she has to be in tip-top shape. And because of her dance background, she prefers exercises that are rhythmic in nature. Here, Kendra shares with H2O readers some of her favorites that will help you break it down on the dance floor... (more inside)

DIABETES IS A DISEASE IN WHICH THE BODY DOES NOT PRODUCE OR PROPERLY USE INSULIN. INSULIN IS A HORMONE THAT IS NEEDED TO CONVERT SUGAR, STARCHES AND OTHER FOOD INTO ENERGY NEEDED FOR DAILY LIFE. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles... (more inside)

Although a popular song claims the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year,” they may not be for you if you let stress overwhelm you. Actually, stress is not the shopping, cooking, visitors, in-laws, traveling, finances, decorating, parties, gifts, and the myriad of tasks you have to accomplish in addition to dealing with your job and family. Stress is your reaction to these events.... (more inside)

You’ve probably heard that yoga is good for you. Maybe you have even taken a yoga class here and there and discovered that it makes you feel better. But what are the specific health benefits you can expect to enjoy from doing yoga regularly?... (more inside)

STUDIES SHOW BOTH HAVE HEALTH BENEFITS. When you reach for that mug in the morning, you may get more benefits than a jump-start to the day. Daily cups of coffee have been linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, gallstones and type 2 diabetes. In addition, green tea and white tea have been touted for their health benefits... (more inside)

If money and space are no object, one can spend tens of thousands of dollars putting together the perfect home gym. With so many lines of equipment available and even more pieces per line, it can become a little overwhelming when going shopping for home gym equipment. If you have the space in your home to dedicate to a full-sized home gym, consider purchasing your pieces of equipment separately so the expense is spread out over time. Any complete home gym has some of the following: weight equipment, cardio equipment, and miscellaneous equipment like balls, bands, and yoga mats... (more inside)

Millions of people are affected by high blood pressure (hypertension), a condition in which blood travels through the body’s arteries at a pressure too high for good health. A far less common type of high blood pressure affects only the arteries in the lungs. Known as pulmonary hypertension, it’s a serious illness that becomes progressively worse. For some people, pulmonary hypertension eventually proves fatal... (more inside)

When I learned a recent trip I took to Curaçao would include a hike through Mount St. Christoffel National Park, I envisioned a leisurely excursion through lush forest, highlighted by spectacular views of the surrounding Caribbean. As it turns out, I was on target with the lush forest and spectacular views aspect of my prediction. But with the “leisurely” part, not so much. Around 8:30 a.m., our group of four 20- and 30-something women parked the car at the base of the mountain, which, at 1,239 feet, is the tallest peak of Curaçao, towering above the low-lying vegetation that makes up most of this Dutch Antilles island.... (more inside)

A traditional Southern meal, while extremely delicious (not to mention comforting), isn’t exactly the healthiest around. While typically including fried foods, whether it’s chicken, catfish or green tomatoes, and known for its gravies, fatback, and biscuits, Southern cooking doesn’t always have to be a heart attack on a plate. Whether you live in the South or not, you are sure to enjoy these delicious recipes for a healthy taste of down home Southern holiday goodness... (more inside)