June 2009

If you are one of the 1 in 4 women suffering with incontinence or overactive bladder disorder there is some very encouraging medical news. Until now your only choice was to wear protective undergarments, take medication or have surgery to relieve your symptoms. But, in the May 2009 Journal of Urology, researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine published results of a study that suggests listening to an audio recording with a series of relaxation and visualization exercises at home, twice a day for two weeks may substantially reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder. Cognitive therapy worked because the women in the study were motivated to make a change and get control over their bodies -- brain over bladder.

Are you gross? What I mean is: Do you pee in the shower? Almost 75% of the 1000 women polled in a recent Glamour Magazine survey said they have relieved themselves in the shower at least once. I know that urine is non-toxic and sterile but, do you really want to stand in it? Is that healthy? Holistic health practitioners who endorse urine therapy believe that applying urine directly to your feet helps treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. And who can forget the 1997 episode of Friends where Monica is stung by a jellyfish and Chandler urinates on her to relieve the pain. And now some conservationists, distressed because 27% of the water used in our homes is flushed down the toilet, are encouraging the habit of peeing in the shower to protect the health of our planet. Okay -- I have reduced my consumption of bottled water, I recycle everything and I limit my use of gasoline and electricity in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint. But honestly – I do not/will not pee in the shower.

Sing in the shower, pee in the toilet and make the time to be good to you.

Good Health!

Terry

“When you know better, you do better.”
~Maya Angelou

May 2009

We all know that when we breathe our bodies take in oxygen – the most important chemical in our body. But who knew that 70% of the toxins and waste products from our bodies are removed through our breath. That is a far greater percentage than through skin at 20%, urine at 7% and feces at only 3%. The average person takes 21,600 breaths a day. But, in his new book Seven Day Energy Surge fitness expert Jim Karas says that one of the biggest drains on energy is not breathing properly. Together with collaborator Cynthia Costas Cohen, Karas encourages deep breathing as a way to increase energy and fight cancer. Cancer cells cannot properly multiply in and well oxygenated environment. A well oxygenated body is a healthy body.

On the topic of waste removal and the active, germ-conscious woman, I wanted to make sure you all heard about GoGirl. Go like a guy that is. FemMed, Inc., a Minnetonka based company, is marketing a portable, convenient, feminine urinary device that according to their website, http://www.go-girl.com, allows a woman to aim and pee while standing. Evidently European women have been using similar devices for years. But GoGirl is unique because it is made with flexible, medical grade silicone and has a patented splash guard feature. For only $5.99 you get one GoGirl feminine urinary device, tissues and a biodegradable bag for discreet disposal or storage. No more squatting over disgusting public toilets. And the best part ladies . . . GoGirl is dishwasher safe!

Exhale. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale . . . deep breath and exhale . . . deep breath and exhale. It is an easy way to make the time to be good to you.

Good Health!

Terry

“I don’t know anything that a little vanilla ice cream doesn’t improve.”
~Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa