Indoor health boosters!

Too cold and snowy to step outside? Stay in! Research shows you can improve your health and happiness right from the comfort of home

-  GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Strengthen bones by dancing

Turn on your favorite groovy tunes and boogie down. A new review of 28 studies from Australia shows that women who do moderate- to high-impact exercise, like dancing at least 15 minutes three days a week, have greater bone-mineral density, reducing their risk of fracture. As long as you're up on your feet, most dance steps involve weight-bearing movements that stimulate bone growth and strength.

OR EAT BLACK CURRANTS

A new study from the University of Connecticut shows that postmenopausal women who consume black currants daily have a stronger skeleton. This tart berry balances bacteria in the gut that play a key role in bone health. You can find black currants as a juice, dried fruit or a supplement.

Video games zap stress!

Love to match tiles in Bejeweled or solve puzzles in Word Wipe? Research out of New Zealand shows that within 30 minutes of playing video games, your stress plunges. The fun graphics, sounds and strategies absorb your attention, distracting you from worries.

Increase joy with potted basil