I was born with what one physician noted in his doctor notes as “grossly flat feet.” While they aren’t the prettiest feet in the world, I believe what my doctor meant by “grossly” was that I had completely flat footsies, with no hint of an arch at all. What this really meant for me was years of shin splints, as well as foot, knee and, sometimes, even lower back pain, when standing or running … [Read more...]
Today is the last day of Heart Health Month, but there is no less need for greater awareness. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the country. Yet according to a recent Heart Health Survey by Cleveland Clinic, 74 percent of Americans do not believe that they will die of heart disease. The survey also found that 32 percent are not doing anything to prevent heart … [Read more...]
Though it didn't get nearly as much of the spotlight as National Wear Red Day yesterday, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day also took place on Feb. 7. The day was started 14 years ago to bring much needed attention to the disparity in education, diagnosis and treatment of the HIV epidemic in blacks and African-Americans. Why single out black people with HIV/AIDS? According to the Centers for … [Read more...]
The holidays can be the most magical time of the year, but they can also be the most stressful - emotionally, physically and financially. Conscious planning and self-care are crucial to being able to fully and healthfully enjoy the holidays. Commit to Your Health This Holiday Season As my gift to you, I'm sharing my top 10 Tips to Stay Healthy Through the … [Read more...]
Stacy Lyon, founder of the natural, feminine “intimate cleanser” product line Healthy Hoo Hoo, had never heard of parabens prior to 2001 when she had an intimate discussion with a roommate from college who had just undergone a double mastectomy. “She told me they found parabens in her breast cancer tissue biopsy and that spurred her to swap-out all of her health and beauty products to ones that … [Read more...]
For the first time in several years, I am in the position, hand-in-hand with my loving boyfriend, to fashion a new home for myself. Our new dwelling is more than big enough for the two of us, plus my cat. It had the requisite two bedrooms (one for my office), a kitchen with enough counter space and room for the two of us to comfortably move around at the same time. The gardens and pool were a … [Read more...]
As summer heats up in Connecticut, the Department of Public of Health (DPH) is reminding residents to protect their health in the face of the sun, high temperatures and humidity. As we enter another heatwave, it’s a great time to brush up on some sun and heat safety tips. The State of Skin Cancer in Connecticut According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most … [Read more...]
The last couple weeks have been landmark ones for me in terms of marking progress in my healing journey. Last week, I began the move into my first home away from my parents in several years. This past Wednesday, I made a trip to the DMV and came away with my license to drive again after 3 1/2 years. These two things alone are huge indications that, after a harrowing journey that sometimes seemed … [Read more...]
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a preventive double mastectomy continues to be the topic for public debate three weeks after she announced in a New York Times editorial that she had the surgery. Jolie is hardly the first woman to make this very difficult choice, and it’s one that women who already have breast cancer face as well. A recent study presented at the American Society … [Read more...]
On Monday, Strolling of the Heifers released its second annual Locavore Index, which ranks the 50 states and the District of Columbia for their commitment to local foods, rating them for the availability and consumption of locally produced foods in their state. Strolling of the Heifers, the Vermont-based advocacy group, assesses the number of farmers markets, consumer-supported agriculture … [Read more...]