March 2012

While doing research to write Good Health! I often come across some interesting health conditions. Here are a few I think all women should be aware of . . .

Bleachorexia -- The quest for a dazzlingly white smile has lead to this new addiction. White teeth are associated with beauty, youth, confidence and good health. That probably explains why tooth whitening is the number one cosmetic dental procedure in the US. It sounds harmless but when tooth whitening becomes an obsession it can lead to bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, blue-white almost see through teeth and even capped teeth. I was surprised to learn that tooth bleaching gels are not regulated by the FDA. So be safe and consult your dental professional before starting an over the counter treatment, use a brand you can trust and make sure you wait at least 6 months between treatments.

Nomophobia -- The younger you are the more likely you are to suffer anxiety and stress when you can’t locate your phone, when your phone is out of battery life or if you lose cell phone coverage. According to a British study, loneliness, boredom and insecurity are some of the triggers that lead to the development of nomophobia. Sixty six percent of study respondents were afflicted and it was women 18 to 24 years old who were the most likely to be “unnerved by cell phone separation.” And it’s no wonder after I recently saw an ad for the Droid Razor Max where a young woman says, “If I could use my phone all day I would definitely feel more powerful.” Really? Maybe this gal should be whitening her teeth.

Vagagony -- The Internet credits Kelly Ripa for bringing this word to our urban dictionary. Vagagony is that uncomfortable feeling a woman gets between her legs after a spinning class. Sure you could probably wear padded exercise shorts while spinning but aren’t most women exercising to remove unwanted padding from their shorts?

And finally, don’t let chromatophobia - the fear of the color green - prevent you from enjoying St. Patrick’s Day. Make the time to be good to you by considering yourself lucky. People who believe in good luck are more optimistic and more satisfied with their lives.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day & Good Health!

Terry

"May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future."
~Irish Blessing