December 2010

Everybody is asking . . . Are the new airport body scanners safe? I guess the answer is yes and no depending on which expert you ask. According to Kimberly Appelgate, MD, Vice Chair for Quality and Safety in the Department of Radiology at Emory University School of Medicine, backscatter body scanner machines use low-level X-rays. Levels so low you would have to take 1000 trips through the backscatter to be exposed to the same amount of radiation found in one chest X-ray. But even though radiation levels are low there are still risks according to John Sedat, PHD a Professor Emeritus of Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Sedat believes that since exposure is limited to the body’s surface you may actually be exposed to radiation levels 10 to 20 times higher than we are being told. If you are a frequent flyer, you travel with small children or you are uncomfortable with the detailed images obtained by the backscatter body scanner give the TSA Agent a thrill -- ask for a pat-down. Otherwise, wear your best bra and panties and leave your potentially dangerous items at home.

Tis the season for Good Health! gift ideas . . .

• Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way -- According to author and explorer Dan Buettner the average person can control about 55% of his or her individual happiness by optimizing life choices. You won’t find happiness in wealth, youth, beauty or intelligence. Instead, Buettner says the happiest people do things like socialize up to 7 hours a day, have a good friend at work and invest in their future and memories not stuff. http://www.bluezones.com/explore/books/thrive

• Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System -- With the Clarisonic you give the gift of radiant skin. After using the Clarisonic customers report fewer dry patches, softer, smoother skin and even firmer skin with improved texture. And it is a great skin prep before applying self tanner. Clarisonic is almost like having a spa in your own home. http://www.clarisonic.com

• Lululemon Athletica Women’s Relaxed Fit Pant -- I own a pair of these pants and I love them! They are one of Oprah’s Favorite Things this holiday season because “they cut your butt in half.” I am not sure about that claim but, they are really comfy and I love the zippered back pocket feature. http://shop.lululemon.com/Relaxed_Fit_Pant/pd/c/560/np/560/p/1588.html

This holiday season remember to make the time to be good to you. It is okay to drink wine and eat dessert while you celebrate with family and friends – just do it in moderation. And spread the news about Good Health! by sharing this blog with female friends and relatives.

Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas & Good Health! in the New Year.

Terry

“The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.”
~ Author Unknown

November 2010

Bioidentical hormones have received a lot of attention in the past few years due in large part to influential celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Suzanne Somers who have been vocal supporters of this alternative treatment for nasty menopause symptoms. Today nearly 1 million woman are using compounded hormone creams and in doing so they may be putting their pets at risk. It turns out that veterinarians around the country are noticing an increased number of spayed dogs and cats that are exhibiting symptoms of heat. Pet owners who use hormone cream can inadvertently expose their pet to hormones when they cuddle their pet or allow their pet to lick an area of their body to which they applied hormone cream. If you have made the decision to use hormone cream make sure you are doing so without risking the safety of your pet. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying hormone cream and before handling food, pets and children.

It’s flu season and if you haven’t done so already, it is time to get your flu shot. A yearly flu shot is generally a covered expense on most health insurance policies. And, it has become really easy to find a location that offers them. You can even get a flu shot at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and many other airports across the country including O’Hare and Orlando. Now there really is no excuse for not getting a flu shot. I had my flu shot at the Target Clinic in my neighborhood last month – no appointment necessary. It didn’t hurt – well, maybe just a tiny bit.

Men look in the mirror and flex their muscles – Women look in the mirror and see imperfections. I believe that every woman is beautiful in her own way. So, in this season of Thanksgiving, be thankful for the things that make you who you are and make the time to be good to you.

Happy Thanksgiving and Good Health!

Terry

“Imagine a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety.”
~Dove Movement for Self Esteem

October 2010

Pink, it’s the color of hope, strength and solidarity for a cause. Each October the proliferation of pink products draws our attention to the need for more research and better detection methods to help fight a disease that takes the life of nearly 40,000 women annually. Over the past 25 years there has been an increase in awareness but sadly we still don’t know exactly what causes breast cancer. We do know that all women are at risk for breast cancer. In fact, most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors other than being a woman and getting older. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death among white, black, Asian and Native American women.

It is easy to see why monthly breast self exams are a MUST for women of any age or ethnicity. Know what your normal feels like and see a physician as soon as possible if you feel a lump or notice any changes in your breast. It is also very important to have a clinical breast exam as part of your annual physical and a mammogram/ultrasound as suggested by your physician. Don’t let the fear of breast cancer keep you from taking charge of your health. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer will go on to live a full life without reoccurrence. Early detection significantly increases the chances of survival and is the key to the best outcome.

Last year, 192,370 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer -- I was one of them. I was incredibly lucky that my doctor ordered the breast ultrasound that detected a teeny, tiny tumor before cancer cells had the chance to spread all over my body. Ten months after diagnosis my scars are beautiful proof that I did all I could to insure my long-term survival. I feel great! My breasts have never looked better and I have early detection to thank for my good health.

I strongly encourage you to have a plan regarding your breast health. The National Breast Cancer Organization has developed the Early Detection Plan – an interactive tool to help remind you to take charge of your breast health. Just go to: www.earlydetectionplan.org for all the details. While on the site you can also use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to calculate your personalized, potential risk of developing breast cancer based on your answers to seven questions.

Make the time to be good to you. Reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating exercise/activity into your daily routine and limiting alcohol intake. You have one body . . . one life. It is your most important responsibility to take care of it. Give yourself every opportunity to grow old gracefully.

Good Health!

Terry

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”
~Christopher Reeve

September 2010

The American Cancer Society has identified another super food – black rice. Black rice is most commonly found in China where it is also known as “forbidden rice”. According to Chinese legend, black rice was so rare, tasty and nutritious it could only be served to the Emperor. But now everyone can enjoy the antioxidant powers of this high iron, high fiber grain. Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than a spoonful of another popular super – blueberries. Anthocyanin antioxidants are responsible for the red, purple and blue color of many fruits, vegetables, grains and flowers and have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Other anthocyanin antioxidant rich foods include red grapes, strawberries, red wine, red cabbage, red onion, and blood orange juice. Best of all, black rice has an intense nutty flavor and has less natural sugar than blueberries. At this point black rice can be hard to find in the United States. However, now that the American Cancer Society is singing the praises of this ebony grain I am sure that it won’t be long before you start noticing black rice at your local grocery store.

I have said many times that my Good Health mission is to increase awareness. That’s why I feel compelled to tell you that in the past 5 years doctors has seen an increase in chemical burns caused by at-home vaginal bleaching creams. ??????????????? Women are using these creams to reduce the normal discoloration of their vaginal and anal area, discoloration that occurs as a result of the aging process and hormone changes from pregnancy. Of course, most women of a certain age would agree that vaginal bleaching is ridiculous. Just another one of those things, like Brazilian bikini waxes, that seem like a good idea – if you’re a porn star. But, I do worry about the crazy things young women are doing to themselves these days. It’s just not worth the possible irritation and blisters that vaginal bleaching has been known to cause. Dare to ignore this risky trend and leave your vulva as God intended.

Labor Day is the unofficial start of fall and apple season! In my opinion, you really haven’t lived until you have enjoyed a Minnesota-grown Honeycrisp apple. How fortunate that something so tasty is also so good for you. A recent study concluded that people who eat five or more apples a week have better lung function. Make the time to be good to you and your lungs -- enjoy an apple today.

And . . . make sure you let me know what you think of this month’s Good Health message by adding a comment to this post.

Good Health!

Terry

“The healthiest response to life is joy.” ~Deepak Chopra

August 2010

Almost every morning Todd, a born again health/fitness fanatic wakes me up at 5:45 AM so that we can power walk to Excelsior -- five miles round trip, 1 hour 7 minutes our best time according to Motion X GPS. Lately we’ve noticed a few other early bird walkers swinging hand weights and we wondered if that might be a good way to ramp up our walking workout. Well in a word -- no. Fitness walking experts believe that adding weights may actually increase the potential for injury. That’s because your arm motion while holding weights may affect your stride, adding unnecessary strain to your muscles, tendons and ligaments. Even the act of gripping weights can cause your blood pressure to rise. You only burn slightly more calories walking with weights and the increased calorie burn does not justify the potential risk of injury. The best way to ramp up your walking workout is to pick up your pace. According to Therese Ikonian, exercise physiologist and author of three books on fitness walking including Mind-Body Fitness for Dummies, “Walking at the highest intensity you can comfortably stick with for the distance without hurting yourself will use more total calories and, in the long run, more total body fat.” Going from a 20-minute mile to a 15-minute mile, you'll use 30 percent more calories per minute. There are lots of reasons that a daily walk is a good health idea: exercise helps to improve your mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, maintains a healthy weight, combats chronic illness, increases your flexibility and is a great way to spend quality time with your spouse or friends. Of course, Todd has lost 5 pounds on his new fitness walking routine – I believe I have found them.

Make the time to be good to you. Lace up your sneakers, tighten your tummy muscles, hold you head high, focus 15 to 20 feet in front of you and take a brisk walk four days a week. If power walking doesn’t appeal to you -- How about biking? Health benefits associated with biking are similar to walking and it’s lots of fun. Just make sure you always wear a helmet when you ride.

Good Health!

Terry

“Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.”
Charles Schulz

July 2010

Maybe it is the Florida girl in me or maybe it is the fact that you can pick up a cute pair inexpensively but I love flip-flops. I wear them almost everyday in the summer. That is why I was so disappointed to learn that foot experts consider flip-flops to be a health hazard. A 2008 study conducted by Auburn University concluded that wearing flip-flops for prolonged periods of time could result in ankle, foot, leg, hip and back pain. Flip-flops have also been blamed for sprained ankles, overpronation, tendinitis, stress fractures and flat feet causing the American School of Sports Medicine to declare flip-flops “more harmful than high heels.” If that isn’t enough of a bummer consider that due to their open, loose fitting construction flip-flops are also a driving hazard. In May, a 17-year old driver in Pennsylvania struck and killed a bicyclist while trying to free his flip-flop that had fallen off his foot and lodged itself under the gas pedal. But lovers of this popular fashion item should not despair – it is okay to wear flips-flops for short periods of time, at the beach, poolside or in public showers where they protect feet from hot surfaces, athlete's foot and other fungus.

I am just about ready to abandon my Blackberry for the new iPhone 4. With all the fun applications you can download, the iPhone 4 seems more like a toy then a communication device. It can also be a handy “Good Health” tool. With apps like iPhodometer, SparkPeople, DailyBurn, and ZenTimer you can use an iPhone to create a diet plan, track calorie intake, monitor your fitness level and meditate. There is even an app called iPeriod to help you keep track of your menstrual cycle. But the craziest application I have seen so far has to be the Bedometer. Bedometer measures the time and intensity of “bedroom athletics” and then allows you to post that information on Facebook. My first thought was – OMG . . . really? I would be very surprised to hear any of my female friends say, “Yikes I can’t believe I just ate that super-size brownie, better work it off with my iPhone.” But my Good Health mission is to increase awareness so if Bedometer sounds like something that would be a nice addition to your health/fitness routine you should download Bedometer today.

Make the time to be good to you and enjoy a Berry-Good Smoothie. At only 161 calories it is a healthy and tasty treat. Just combine these ingredients in a blender and process until smooth -- 1 cup berries (raspberries, strawberries and/or blueberries), ¼ cup pomegranate juice, ¼ cup water, half of a banana and 1 cup ice.

Good Health!

Terry

“I don’t have time for bad decisions.” ~Kirstie Alley

June 2010

Over the next few months most of you will fire up the grill and enjoy at least one delicious barbequed meal. For years we have been warned not to undercook our meat but now it seems that overcooking meat could be as bad if not worse. People who eat charred or well-done barbequed meat increase their risk of developing cancer by as much at three times. That’s because when meats are prepared over high heat carcinogenic chemicals known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) develop. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that backyard chefs: 1. Keep meats from directly touching the flames, 2. Remove all charred or burnt portions before eating, 3. Choose a lean cut of meat to help avoid the flare-ups and smoke caused by fat dripping onto the coals and 4. Marinate the meat—it makes those risky substances less likely to form according to scientific studies. Be careful and grill responsibly!

There is no doubt that Spanx have revolutionized the control and body shaping industry. But the illusion of a slim, tone booty may come with an annoying health side effect – yeast infections. There are a growing number of women on the Internet who claim that wearing Spanx caused their repeated yeast infections. We have been through this kind of hysteria before with panty hose and thong underwear. And, if you are one of the 4 in 10 women who owns a pair of Spanx you probably feel like the benefit outweighs the risk. Yes, synthetic materials tend to increase the temperature of the genital area and can be a contributing factor in the development of a yeast infection. But so far there haven’t been any medical alerts issued for these popular power panties. The reality of the situation: It’s not a good idea to wear your Spanx everyday. Wear your Spanx without fear – on special occasions and short-term only. Let yourself breathe!

Today I am celebrating half a century of life with more gusto than I originally anticipated. Maybe that’s because the last 6 months have been life changing. Or maybe it’s because I finally realized that when you hit the 50-year mark you just say what the heck. Starting today, and over the next 50 years, I promise that as long as there is still one of you reading my monthly ramblings I will keep reminding you to make the time to be good to you.

Good Health!

Terry

“For what occasion do you need the not-waterproof mascara?”
~Sarah Silverman

May 2010

One in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. In response to this startling statistic the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced a new national awareness campaign they are calling Choose You. Results of a recent ACS online survey of approximately 2000 women 25-64 determined that: 90 percent of respondents said they were not eating a healthy diet, about 85 percent said they don’t get the minimum amount of daily exercise and 76 percent don’t always protect their skin from the sun. According to Elizabeth Fontham, immediate past president of the ACS, “Choose You will help motivate women to prioritize their health and engage in lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce their risk of cancer. By committing to their health, women will be better able to care for their families and serve as role models for their children, families and friends.” That is 100 percent the reason I write a monthly Good Health message!

Last week Choose You Ambassador and Grey’s Anatomy star, Ellen Pompeo, helped launch the Choose You campaign in New York City. She appeared at a big rally in Times Square and was a guest on numerous talk shows to get the message out to everyone that death by cancer can be reduced as much as 50 percent if you make the commitment to: Eat Right, Stay Active, Quit Smoking, Get Regular Health Checks and Protect Your Skin. It is not easy but it is doable and there is help out there. On the Choose You website viewers receive online support and tools -- calorie calculator, virtual dietitian, nutrition and activity quiz, smoking cost calculator, prevention and early detection videos, and a desktop helper with daily health tips. If you need help making your life a priority I would encourage you to take part in Choose You Day on May 12, 2010 and/or take The Choose You Pledge at http://www.chooseyou.com.

As always, I close with my monthly plea for you to make the time to be good to you. I hear you – why should I listen to Terry Bolin? Didn’t she just have her own breast cancer scare? That’s right but, I am totally the poster girl for early detection. I am definitely not a savvy Hollywood celebrity who gets paid lots of money to kiss Patrick Dempsey. Does that make me sound bitter? I hope not . . . I think it’s great that I have a high profile helper out there spreading the Good Health message. I am excited that Ellen is getting a lot of media attention for something I have been telling you to do for years . . . OMG she is such a copy cat!

Good Health!

Terry

"If you can’t be a good example – then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.”
~ Catherine Aird

April 2010

Can I interest you in a scoop of Deep Chocolate, Black Mission Fig or Capraccino? These are just a few of the enticing flavors of LaLoo’s Goats Milk Ice Cream -- America’s first guilt free ice cream. LaLoo’s ice cream is formulated to appeal to the traditional super premium ice cream connoisseur but with the benefit of greater nutrition function. Life is pretty good for the goats that make milk for LaLoo’s. These antibiotic-free, growth hormone-free goats graze on the 350 acres of lush green grass and thistleberry on the hillside of California’s Sonoma Valley. The milk they provide is the key ingredient in a tasty ice cream that is lower in fat, lower in lactose and easier to digest than cow’s milk. One ½ cup serving of LaLoo’s Deep Chocolate Ice Cream: 160 calories/6 grams of fat – One ½ cup serving of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate: 250 calories/11 grams of fat. That is great news for ice cream lovers. Especially now that a new study from the American Dietetic Association found that just thinking about ice cream gave testers a mental pick-me-up. Imagine what actually eating ice cream can do for you. If you are looking for a healthy, sweet treat, mental pick-me-up you should give LaLoo’s ice cream a try. Kate Hudson is rumored to be a big fan.

Our culture associates lush, long and fluttery eyelashes with youth. So in the continuing pursuit of a youthful appearance many of you may have considered lash enhancers. If Latisse worked for Brooke Shields it should be safe right? Well, I did a little research on the subject and I learned that in September of 2009 the FDA sent a letter to Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse, saying that the company downplayed the potential side effects of their lash enhancing drug. Side effects that may include delayed diagnosis of glaucoma, permanently darkened skin at the application site, permanently darker eye pigmentation and persistent redness and irritation. The way I figure it, eye lash enhancers need more testing before I would be willing to give them a try. Might I suggest my new favorite lash enhancing mascara -- Telescopic Explosion Mascara by L’Oreal Paris.

If you are reading this message and you have not seen a physician for a complete physical exam in over 12 months – PLEASE make an appointment to do so today. I know it can be scary, but it could also save your life. Don’t be afraid to take charge of your health. As women we MUST be supportive of each other and proactive when dealing with our health. Make the time to be good to you by having a yearly check up.

Good Health!

Terry

“Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?”
~George Carlin

March 2010

Can you ever have too much of a good thing? It turns out that maybe you can. The FDA is looking into reports that the long term use of the osteoporosis drug, Fosomax may be linked to spontaneous femur fractures. Millions of women are taking bisphosphonates -- Fosamax, Reclast and Boniva – to help prevent potentially life threatening hip and spine fractures. Now some doctors are starting to wonder if perscribing bone strengthening drugs for more than 5 years is putting patients at increased risk for femur fracture. In 2008, after the FDA expressed concerns Merck, the makers of Fosamax, added the words “low energy femoral shaft and subtrochanteric fractures” to their drug package insert. But that may not be warning enough. The research into the effects of long term use of bisphosphonates is ongoing so be aware. If you are taking Fosamax and experience thigh pain you should contact your doctor immediately.

When is personal grooming a health hazard? Answer: When you shave while driving. In a news report that is almost too weird to be true, Florida troopers reported that a 37 year old woman crashed her Thunderbird into the back of a Chevy truck while traveling at high speeds. Her ex-husband was steering the car from the passenger seat while she was shaving her bikini line! Megan Barnes told authorities she was on her way to Key West to meet her boyfriend and “wanted to be ready for the visit.” Next time you find yourself behind the wheel, imagine the contortions it would take to groom your bikini line. You know me -- I am all about personal maintenance but I would hope it goes without saying that this gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “distracted driving.” Ms. Barnes is currently in a lot of legal trouble but she was lucky enough to be uninjured in the crash– not even a nick.

SPRING BREAK!!! I am spending the month of March in Naples, Florida. After my crazy start to 2010 I am grateful that I have the opportunity to take long walks on the beach, relax by the pool and soak up the Florida vitamin D. I have definitely made the time to be good to me. I hope you have the opportunity to make the time to be good to you.

Good Health!

Terry

“When in doubt, wear red.”
~Bill Blass

February 2010

Nine years ago I began sending out a monthly Good Health message to remind my friends to make the time to take care of their health. I am so glad I listened to my own advice and made having regular breast cancer screening a priority. On December 28, 2009 I was told I had early stage breast cancer. I made the decision to be aggressive with my treatment -- before cancer had even one more day to sicken the body God gave me to take care of.

On January 19, 2010 I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. At first I felt like I have been hit by a truck but, now I feel pretty good under the circumstances. I owe the possibility that I will live the rest of my life cancer free to early detection. Life doesn’t come with guarantees but, I am feeling pretty good about the choice I have made to be proactive about my health. Find out more about my experience with breast cancer by reading “My Story” on Caring Bridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terrybolin and if you want, leave me a message and/or sign up for journal updates about my progress.

Early detection isn’t only important for treating cancer. Surprise delivery stories are the focus of the TLC show “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant”. Can you imagine what Carri Emmons, a 27 year old mother of three, was thinking when she went into her bathroom not knowing she was pregnant and came out with a 9 pound 9 ounce baby boy? Surprise!!! Check your local listings and find out how this kind can happen to a woman. Producers of the show stress that the most important thing viewers can learn from Carri and other women like her is how crucial it is to know your own body. I couldn’t agree more -- If something doesn’t seem right make sure that you see a doctor. In most cases, early diagnosis/detection gives you a much better chance for a positive outcome.

February is the month we celebrate love and heart health. Make sure you hug your family and friends. And tell everyone you know to make the time to be good to themselves and make the time to be good to you. I am more committed than ever to my “Good Health” mission. For me the words “make the time to be good to you” have never been more meaningful.

Happy Valentine’s Day and Good Health!

Terry XXXOOO

“I never get sick. It’s a waste of time.”
~Martha Stewart

January 2010

An investigative report recently aired on Good Morning America that revealed a dirty little secret. According to the report, representatives bought blouses, pants and underwear from a variety of popular retailers. Then they brought them to Dr. Philip Tierno, director of microbiology and immunology at New York University for testing. The results: some garments tested positive for respiratory secretions, vaginal organisms--including yeast and fecal germs. According to Dr. Tierno, "Some garments were grossly contaminated with many organisms … indicating that either many people tried it or ... someone tried it on with heavy contamination.” He likened it to “touching somebody's arm pit or groin.” While the chance that you would get sick is somewhat slight, Dr. Tierno says that it could happen. Before you wear those new clothes you should wash them. Or run them through one cycle in a hot dryer. Dr. Tierno also suggests wearing clothes underneath while trying on new clothes and washing your hands after shopping. Personally, I find the information in this report really disturbing – maybe that’s because I never dreamed I would live to see the day when I would be grossed out by new clothes.

Your breath can be gross too. So what do you do when you are out with friends or at work and you want to know if you have bad breath? Try licking the back of your hand using as much surface area of the tongue as possible. It is kind of a weird thing to do so you will want to make sure no one is looking. Then wait 30 seconds and sniff. If the scent is sulfurous – it is time to brush or pop an Altoid.

January is National Puzzle Month! Several studies have found that people who participate in leisure time activities such as jigsaw puzzles have a better quality of life, longer life expectancy and decreased incidence of brain illnesses like dementia, memory loss and most notably, Alzheimer's disease. Make the time to be good to you by giving yourself an intellectual workout – make a jigsaw puzzle.

Good Health!

Terry

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
~Robert Brault