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...]
February is not only a month to celebrate romance, love and candy hearts. It is also a time to draw attention to heart health. On the first Friday of February, join people all over the country in celebrating National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of women's fight against heart disease. This will be the 11th year of the Go Red for Women movement. Dubbed "the silent killer," heart disease often … [Read more...]
Some of you may look at me now and wonder—what could I possibly know about the struggle to lose weight? What do I understand about what it is like to look at myself in the mirror and not like the image reflected back me, what it’s like to feel a prisoner in my own clothes, to feel my self-worth defined by my body shape and to have my activities restricted by my size? The truth is, this was how I … [Read more...]
The Food & Drug Administration announced Monday that the makers of antimicrobial and antibacterial soaps and body washes will need to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of their products, as well as prove that they prevent the spread of illness better than simple soap and water. Failing to do so, manufacturers must reformulate or re-label these products to continue selling … [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...]
While the month of October drew a great of attention to breast cancer, November sheds the spotlight on diabetes, the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. As of 2011, according to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million, or 8.3 percent of the population, had diabetes. It is estimated that 90 to 95 percent of patients with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes … [Read more...]
It is October, and once again the month is awash with pink. Pink pens, pink water bottles, pink ribbons and pro athletes, like NFL players and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, are donning pink game apparel. On Thursday night, one side of the White House was lit up pink for breast cancer awareness. While I appreciate the sentiment and effort for awareness, I can’t help thinking: Is all the pink for … [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...]