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