January 2013

In December 2012, Dancing with the Stars co-host, Brooke Burke-Charvet posted on her “Modern Mom” blog that she was going to have surgery to remove a cancerous lump from her thyroid.  Today the beautiful, 41-year old mother of four is cancer-free and feeling lucky that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes.  On January 8, 2013, just one month following a thyroidectomy, Burke-Charvet appeared on Good Morning America to share her story, which began during a routine physical exam when her physician suggested a biopsy of suspicious lump in her neck.  When results of the biopsy came back as inconclusive Burke-Charvet decided not to wait and took action.  She had genetic testing that gave her doctors more information about the lump.   This information helped her make the decision to have surgery in spite of the fact that she would likely have to take medication for the rest of her life and have a large horizontal scar in a very visible place on her neck.  Burke-Charvet has a new found respect for life and she’s not hiding behind scarves and turtlenecks.  Instead she is spreading awareness about thyroid cancer.  Here’s what you need to know:  Thyroid cancer is caused when abnormal cells begin to grow in the thyroid gland. The medical community believes that exposure to a lot of radiation can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer.  Some people with thyroid cancer don’t have any symptoms and like Burke-Charvet find a lump accidently or during a routine physical.  Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump or swelling of the neck, pain in the neck or ears, trouble swallowing and/or breathing or constant wheezing, a hoarse voice and a frequent cough not related to a cold.

What are you supposed to bring to an Ultrasound Party?  I have no idea but evidently we all need to find out because they are becoming increasingly popular.  Expectant parents invite family and friends to view their baby in utero while a licensed ultrasound technician performs an ultrasound on the expectant mother.  During the procedure party guests huddle around a monitor, sip champagne and nosh on chicken wings. Gender revealing and multiple birth announcements are a popular part of these co-ed events.  If you are thinking about hosting an ultrasound party it won’t be cheap.  The cost to have a licensed ultrasound technician come to your home can be as much as $500. Personally I’m thinking it’s just that next level of oversharing – TMI.  On the other hand, maybe I’m just getting old and I no longer have any idea what is cool. 

Make the time to be good to you.  Don’t buy diet or fat-free food.  Just eat less of the real thing.  It usually tasted better and you’ll feel more satisfied.

Good Health!

Terry

“Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect.”

~Margaret Mitchell

Please let me know what you think about this month’s post by leaving a comment.   

December 2012

It’s December and time for the 2012 Edition of Good Health! Gifts . . .

Zipbuds Tangle-Free Earbuds -- Starting at $19.95.  Fashion meets function in these fun earbuds that combine military technology and great sound quality.   They’d be a great gift for just about anyone that uses earbuds when they workout.  http://www.zipbuds.com

The Meat Free Monday Cookbook by Paul, Stella & Mary McCartney -- $19.  This celebrity cookbook is not about becoming vegetarian but rather it highlights practical ways to reduce the consumption of meat.   It contains simple recipes using fresh produce, good fats and alternative protein sources that can make a huge difference to the health of our planet, to your personal health and to the health of your pocketbook. http://www.amazon.com/Meat-Free-Monday-Cookbook-Every/dp/1906868697

Royal Rivera Pears from Harry & David -- Starting at $29.95.  Pears taste great and they’re high in fiber.  They are also a good source of the mineral boron.   That’s important because the latest research suggests that boron plays an important role in the retention of calcium making the humble pear an osteoporosis preventer.  http://www.harryanddavid.com/h/fruit-gift/1

Zapi UV Brush Sanitizer -- Starting at $30.  The germaphobe on your holiday gift list is sure to appreciate this sanitizer that eliminates 99.9% percent of germs and bacteria living on a toothbrush.  http://www.violight.com

Nike+ FuelBand -- $149.  The Nike+ FuelBand is a plastic bracelet you wear on your wrist to track your daily fitness. FuelBand uses a sports-tested accelerometer to measure arm movements so it’s all about overall activity. Pedometers are so 2011.  With a Nike+ FuelBand you decide how active you want to be and then you use the iPhone app to monitor your progress.

http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/lp/nikeplusfuelband

Intimina by Lelo Laselle Kegel Exercisers – Starting $12.95.  Like something out of the pages of Fifty Shades of Grey, these silicone spheres are inserted into a woman’s vagina and help “discreetly target and strengthen” the pelvic floor.   They come in three different resistance levels and “emit a subtle vibration during movement to give you the instant confirmation” that they are in the correct position.  It’s like having a personal trainer for your intimate health.  http://www.intimina.com

The Gift of Friendship – Priceless.   According to Yvonne L. Michael, lead researcher of the Nurses’ Health Study, close friendships provide a buffer for stressful living that is likely to affect your immune and endocrine systems allowing you to age healthier.”  Friends increase your sense of belonging, boost your happiness, reduce stress, improve your self-worth and truly are a special gift. 

Make the time to be good to you this holiday season and hang out with friends -- you’ll be happier and healthier in 2013 if you do.

Merry Christmas, Happy 2013 & Good Health!

Terry

“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make everyday a holiday and celebrate just living.”

~Amanda Bradley

November 2012

I’ve been potty trained for more than 50 years so imagine my surprise when I learned that I have been doing it wrong.  According to the people behind Squatty Potty “the squat position is the natural way to achieve easier and more complete elimination.”  It’s all about bathroom posture, reduced strain and decreased pressure in the anal and rectal veins by improving the anorectal angle.  Before I blogged on this topic I sought the opinion of a trusted medical professional – my brother, he’s a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.  I somewhat expected him to tell me that Squatty Potty was just a gimmick.  But what he told me was that in his office there are retrainers that teach patients “to assist bowel evacuation with a stool in front of the toilet for their feet.”  Basically a Squatty Potty without a fancy design, fun name or high price.  Learn more about the squatting position and the Squatty Potty at http://www.squattypotty.com -- If you have trouble with constipation, hemorrhoids or are just looking to improve your colon health the Squatty Potty might be worth a try.

While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about other popular bathroom activities – texting, making/receiving phone calls and shopping.  In a recent survey 75% of respondents said they take their phone to the bathroom every time they go.  It’s not surprising that 91% of the people born between 1977 and 1993 are toilet tweeting but 65% of baby boomers admit to making calls from the porcelain throne.  Android users are most likely to use their phones in the bathroom, 22% of iPhone users have made an online purchase while in the bathroom and 19% of cell phone users have accidently dropped their phone in the toilet.  And while 92% of people surveyed claim they wash their hands after using the bathroom only 14% wash their cell phones.  That’s probably why an estimated 1 in 6 phones would test positive for fecal matter. You certainly don’t want to think about that the next time your dinner partner rests their cell phone on the table.

Take back your right to privacy in our increasingly busy lives. Make time to be good to you and make the bathroom a phone free zone.  

Happy Thanksgiving & Good Health!

Terry

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
~Melody Beattie

Please let me know what you think about this month’s entry by leaving a comment.