June 2010

Over the next few months most of you will fire up the grill and enjoy at least one delicious barbequed meal. For years we have been warned not to undercook our meat but now it seems that overcooking meat could be as bad if not worse. People who eat charred or well-done barbequed meat increase their risk of developing cancer by as much at three times. That’s because when meats are prepared over high heat carcinogenic chemicals known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) develop. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that backyard chefs: 1. Keep meats from directly touching the flames, 2. Remove all charred or burnt portions before eating, 3. Choose a lean cut of meat to help avoid the flare-ups and smoke caused by fat dripping onto the coals and 4. Marinate the meat—it makes those risky substances less likely to form according to scientific studies. Be careful and grill responsibly!

There is no doubt that Spanx have revolutionized the control and body shaping industry. But the illusion of a slim, tone booty may come with an annoying health side effect – yeast infections. There are a growing number of women on the Internet who claim that wearing Spanx caused their repeated yeast infections. We have been through this kind of hysteria before with panty hose and thong underwear. And, if you are one of the 4 in 10 women who owns a pair of Spanx you probably feel like the benefit outweighs the risk. Yes, synthetic materials tend to increase the temperature of the genital area and can be a contributing factor in the development of a yeast infection. But so far there haven’t been any medical alerts issued for these popular power panties. The reality of the situation: It’s not a good idea to wear your Spanx everyday. Wear your Spanx without fear – on special occasions and short-term only. Let yourself breathe!

Today I am celebrating half a century of life with more gusto than I originally anticipated. Maybe that’s because the last 6 months have been life changing. Or maybe it’s because I finally realized that when you hit the 50-year mark you just say what the heck. Starting today, and over the next 50 years, I promise that as long as there is still one of you reading my monthly ramblings I will keep reminding you to make the time to be good to you.

Good Health!

Terry

“For what occasion do you need the not-waterproof mascara?”
~Sarah Silverman

May 2010

One in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. In response to this startling statistic the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced a new national awareness campaign they are calling Choose You. Results of a recent ACS online survey of approximately 2000 women 25-64 determined that: 90 percent of respondents said they were not eating a healthy diet, about 85 percent said they don’t get the minimum amount of daily exercise and 76 percent don’t always protect their skin from the sun. According to Elizabeth Fontham, immediate past president of the ACS, “Choose You will help motivate women to prioritize their health and engage in lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce their risk of cancer. By committing to their health, women will be better able to care for their families and serve as role models for their children, families and friends.” That is 100 percent the reason I write a monthly Good Health message!

Last week Choose You Ambassador and Grey’s Anatomy star, Ellen Pompeo, helped launch the Choose You campaign in New York City. She appeared at a big rally in Times Square and was a guest on numerous talk shows to get the message out to everyone that death by cancer can be reduced as much as 50 percent if you make the commitment to: Eat Right, Stay Active, Quit Smoking, Get Regular Health Checks and Protect Your Skin. It is not easy but it is doable and there is help out there. On the Choose You website viewers receive online support and tools -- calorie calculator, virtual dietitian, nutrition and activity quiz, smoking cost calculator, prevention and early detection videos, and a desktop helper with daily health tips. If you need help making your life a priority I would encourage you to take part in Choose You Day on May 12, 2010 and/or take The Choose You Pledge at http://www.chooseyou.com.

As always, I close with my monthly plea for you to make the time to be good to you. I hear you – why should I listen to Terry Bolin? Didn’t she just have her own breast cancer scare? That’s right but, I am totally the poster girl for early detection. I am definitely not a savvy Hollywood celebrity who gets paid lots of money to kiss Patrick Dempsey. Does that make me sound bitter? I hope not . . . I think it’s great that I have a high profile helper out there spreading the Good Health message. I am excited that Ellen is getting a lot of media attention for something I have been telling you to do for years . . . OMG she is such a copy cat!

Good Health!

Terry

"If you can’t be a good example – then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.”
~ Catherine Aird

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