Practical Advice WIthout Intimidation

Compared to other magazines I also read (or used to read) such as Shape and Self, Health seems geared more toward a practical, rounded, holistic approach to health. A lot of womens' health magazines seem to picture mostly young, svelte body types. While Health has its share of these women within its pages, it seems to focus more on wellness than weight.

Content
I find the articles cover a wide range of topics each month, some occasionally more esoteric, but most of the time practical and relevant. Regular sections and examples of articles include:

Beauty
The benefits of soy, the latest dandruff-fighting products, electric shavers, and hands-free massage

Mind/Body
Types of fat that help you burn fat, latest research on women's health, summer health problems, an ancient Central American technique for cramp-free periods, and morning solutions to reduce stress

Fitness
Slow-speed strength training, finding a personal trainer with credentials, getting your shoulders ready for tank top season, and walking and running groups

Relationships
Real-life challenges, self help, ask Ali (regular feature), ethical wills, and essays

Food
Bubble tea, favorite pasta recipe, and "on our list" (one of my favorite features... a new food described every month, like fennel, coconut milk, pomegranate, etc. - encourages you to try something new)

The Guide
Usually a section on being a smart consumer - this month, it's how to get the most out of therapy

Organization
Sections of the magazine are organized sequentially, and color-coded for easy access. The layout is simple, and not cluttered or scattered like many magazines I've seen. The layout of the sections of the magazine is hands-down one of the best I have ever seen (and I organize information on web sites for a living!)

The format of Health lends itself well to being kept out on your coffee table, as a large portion of the magazine is devoted to small "bits" of knowledge and pieces of advice. Regular, smaller sections like Ask Us Anything answer health-related questions, and the inside of the back cover always has a section called Vital Stats, in which pure statistics are used to illustrate health related issues (i.e. percentage of Americans who are overweight or obese - 64, percentage of overweight cats and dogs - 25.) Often amusing, sometimes eye-opening!

My Experience
I first subscribed to Health about two years ago when I started Weight Watchers. I also subscribed to Weight Watchers magazine. I found that Health had more practical advice that was easier to follow on healthy eating, and wasn't so restrictive. Health seems more devoted to moderation rather than deprivation.

Now that I've lost weight (almost 50 pounds, and kept it off for 9 months so far) I continue to subscribe to Health. More than Weight Watchers, which in my opinion tends to have more of a "food is bad" undertone, Health focuses on the holistic value of all foods, and how to select the most nutritious and healthful foods. I plan to re-subscribe to Health, but not to Weight Watchers. I feel Health is a better value... and more practical and balanced.

If you're looking for well-rounded advice, tips, articles and recipes on a wide variety of topics all related to health (and not just intimidating, model-thin fitness buffs) Health magazine may be for you.