Pull the plug on stress

Short-term stress can help you meet a deadline, turn a double play or keep your bumper from getting crumpled.

But when stress lingers or nags it's time to pull the plug. The more you're stressed, the greater the risk of accidents, infections and arterial aging. It's not the stress that's the trouble; it's your reaction to it. These easy techniques are great to keep in your back pocket when your first choice isn't available:

• Breathe in, lick your lips and then blow out slowly. The cool air helps you refocus and slow down.

• Scrunch your face tightly for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. Repetitive contraction and relaxation helps release the tension you hold above the neck.

• Stop for a second and focus on your breathing. Now look down. See anything moving? Probably not. That's because most people take short, shallow breaths -- the kind that come from your chest. To relax, take deep, whole breaths. It should take about 5 seconds to inhale and 7 seconds to exhale. And your belly should expand as you breathe in, then flatten as you breathe out. Ahhh ... that's better.

IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT YOU HAD FOR DINNER YESTERDAY, READ THIS

Some dark things might be in your near future: black currants and boysenberries. They could help you remember who the first American Idol was.

The extracts of these berries help combat oxidative stress and DNA damage -- both play roles in the development of Alzheimer's (as well as cancer and aging). Plus, they might increase your body's own three antioxidants, which is the real measure of whether antioxidants in food does you any good.

Black currants are small dark-purple berries that are high in vitamin C. Boysenberries are similar to black currants. What makes both special is that they're rich in anthocyanins, potent disease-fighting antioxidants. Fruits high in anthocyanins tend to have deep-red or purple hues. The top raters are chokeberries and elderberries -- but neither is edible raw.

Still, given their near superfood status, you might see them appearing more frequently in prepared juices and other products -- think jams and breads. Elderberry wine, which is popular among home winemakers, could make a comeback too.

Studies linking anthocyanins to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's are preliminary, but there's no doubt that deep-red and purple fruits, especially these, are smart food choices. So remember that dark is good. It's true for chocolate and just about any berry. And speaking of remembering things: The first Idol was Kelly Clarkson.

To submit questions , go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home.