TAXING QUESTIONS If you itemize your deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040, you may be able to deduct expenses you paid that year for medical and dental care, including the following:
Prescription drugs and insulin
Doctor, dentist, surgeon, psychiatrist and psychologist visits
Medical supplies and equipment
Hospital, long-term care, nursing and lab services
Acupuncture and chiropractor visits
Treatment for alcohol or drugs
Quit smoking programs and prescription drugs
Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye
surgery, hearing aids, crutches and wheelchairs
Dental treatment, including X-rays, fillings, false teeth, braces, extractions and dentures
Transportation for medical care
Ambulance service
—Vitality
CALM COMMUTES Breathe deeply at every red light during your morning and afternoon commutes. Doing so will help you de-stress.
—Vitality
PERFECT POTATOES Use evaporated milk, not whole milk, when making mashed potatoes. The evaporated product is thicker, so you get the creaminess without the fat, plus it has three times the calcium per cup.
—Men’s Health
ORAL FIXATIONS A balanced diet, exercise and staying lean can cut your risk for periodontitis by 40 percent, notes a study in the “Journal of Periodontology.” Each habit may reduce high inflammation levels linked to the gum disease.
—Self
THE DYE MAY BE WHY That diaper rash that just won’t go away may actually be caused by the dye used in disposable diapers and training pants. University of Massachusetts Medical School researchers report that red, irritated skin that aligns with colored areas on diapers and training pants may be a sign of a dye allergy. Switch to diapers labeled dye-free and the rash may disappear in a few days.
—Prevention
MIX IT UP For a pre-workout snack, mix carbs and protein, such as yogurt and a granola bar or a peanut butter sandwich. Combos like these help stimulate muscle growth.
—Men’s Health
LESS FAT, MORE CASH: $825 The amount obese people saved on medical expenses
the year after losing just 5 percent of their weight (nine pounds if you weigh 185).
