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