Who Should Have a Mammogram?

With the exception of children and adolescents, all women should be entitled to mammograms.  I understand the idea behind not having women younger than 50 not having a mammogram as routine as a dental visit every six months, since there is a cost factor, and it can prove unnecessary if the results are normal.  But for the same reason we have pap smears at every annual gynecological exam to rule out abnormalities, a mammogram is useful in tracking changes in a woman’s breasts.  If a woman has no family history, that is tough – doctors may or may not be as diligent about ensuring a woman maintains good breast health.  The doctor can be lax, persuading the woman to not worry about having a mammogram until it becomes necessary.  Of course, any doctor can also be what I consider “test happy”, where he or she might treat a woman like a lab rat and have her undergo all kinds of tests (not limited to a mammogram) “just because” and run up her bill unnecessarily.  Sure, she’ll have peace of mind knowing that she is healthy if nothing is found, or else always worry that she will have something wrong with her eventually, or be mired down with all the medical debt she’s incurred.

Know Your Body

The best thing you can ever do for yourself is to know your body.  Learn how to do Breast Self Exams (BSE’s) and do them monthly.  Have a doctor you trust, so that if ever you have concerns, you aren’t placated or denied.  I do agree that it is up to a woman to talk with her doctor on an individual basis on whether or not she should have a mammogram if she is younger than the specified age range, but I also feel that a mammogram is a lifesaver for younger women who develop breast cancer but who never did feel a lump on their own.  Far too often, a lump that can be felt signifies a more advanced stage of cancer.  How many times have women suddenly been diagnosed with stage 4 right off the bat without having had family history, symptoms, or anything?  With as paranoid people are about H1N1 and ensuring we know the symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible, it boggles my mind that less instead of more is done with cancer detection.

Age is Just a Number

When it comes to breast cancer, age doesn’t always matter.  I have known women in their 20s and 30s who have had breast cancer.  I was 29 when I myself had a breast lump that turned out to be a Phylloides tumor.  Initially considered “too young” to be “at risk” for cancer, I was advised to have an ultrasound and/or mammogram if I wanted to in order to feel more at ease.  I don’t fault my doctor for having that attitude, and I think that that sort of patient-doctor conversation is what this new taskforce meant.  But I do have a problem with doctors assuming that just because a woman is younger than the norm that there isn’t a chance for something to be wrong.  Especially with how our environment is – with the air we breathe, the food we eat – such things have a way of tricking our bodies into feeling older to where people are now experiencing more illnesses at earlier ages than ever!  That in itself should give us pause.  We should be lowering and not increasing the age for when women should have mammograms, even without a family history!  I truly think that is going to be the only way women will get more serious about their health and not be lazy about noting any breast changes and seeking medical advice as soon as it’s warranted.

Cost Should Not Hamper Mammograms

While I agree that there should be a minimal cost for a mammogram, just as there is with a pap smear, I don’t think it should be an outrageous cost that would make a woman hold off on getting one.  And if a woman has financial problems, there should ALWAYS be places for her to turn in order to have one free.  Health insurance companies tend to be so greedy for money these days, but at the same time, I can see that they are trying to make a profit because of the abundance of sickly people who they lose business on because of premature deaths or too high premium costs.  It is a two-fold dilemma, because we want the health insurance companies to be on our side and give us a break, and they have to realize that by their strict policies, many are not as healthy as they could be, since they can’t afford the treatments they need.  Yet insurance companies are businesses too, as are the healthcare facilities, and they have all been hard-hit by our struggling economy.  So what’s the solution?  Everyone should have an equal chance at being healthy, plain and simple.  Because in doing that, we’re keeping the economy going.  No one should be denied coverage or not be allowed to have mammograms or other tests because the insurance company or your doctor doesn’t let you.  It’s our right to agree or turn down treatment, but we should never be turned away.

Written by Natasha Polak on Factoidz.

1. Increase your water intake. By increasing your water intake you take some of the strain off of the liver which is trying to keep up with processing the fat in our bodies. The intake of water also flushes out the old liquid retained in our bodies. Water is an all over cleanser for the body, including the skin which will feel and look better after a few days of increased water intake. You should be drinking about 8 glasses of water a day to keep your system running smoothly and to lose weight without going on a diet.
2. Weight lose starts with the food you eat at home. You are the one who buys the food in your cupboards, so simply don’t buy the junk if you want to lose weight. It is very hard to walk past the treats we have become accustomed to in the supermarket, but if you can resist buying them they won’t be there to eat in the middle of the night. Consider this; by buying the junk you are basically saying that you plan to eat it. Don’t use the excuse that it is for the rest of the household, as they can and should live without junk too. You choose to lose weight every time you walk past the junk in the supermarket.
3. Emphasis health when you eat, not diet or weight loss. If you were eating healthily you would automatically be eating fewer calories and losing weight, as healthy eating means fruit, vegetables and more whole grain and whole wheat products. Try starting with brown sugar, and decide to eat at least 3 fruits a day. Don’t eat a hot meal without a vegetable if you want to be healthy and lose weight.
4. To lose weight switch to low fat in everything you buy. You can choose 1% fat in your dairy products. This alone cuts calories dramatically, try reading the labels before you buy and the ridiculous difference in calories between 5% and 1% dairy products will make you realize how many calories you can avoid just by making this simple switch. A latte with 1% fat milk is about half the calories as a standard latte and this alone could be the item which has kept you fat and prevented your weight loss.
5. Buy tuna in water instead of oil. Again look at the labels and you will see that the calories you can avoid make the choice an easy one, why have all those extra calories when the taste is almost the same. Weight loss is due to taking in less calories that you use, so decrease your calorie intake at every opportunity to aid your weight loss.
6. You can still taste whatever you want and lose weight, but just a taste not the whole cake! As you taste a pinch of the cake or a spoonful of the ice cream have the thought that you are not denying yourself because you have tasted it, and that is all you wanted to do, to taste. That way when people offer you a slice of cake you can take a small one then have one bite, say it was delicious and leave the rest. You will be proud of yourself and your eventual weight loss in worth more than a piece of cake.
7. I am not going to say start exercising because I know how hard that is, but the slightest increase in your movement can burn up extra calories and help you lose weight. Take the dog for a walk, kick your legs up and down while you are watching TV, park the car a block away, take the stairs or bend and stretch when you get out of bed. Any extra body motion will help you lose weight.
8. Switch to cereal which has less sugar. Once again the emphasis is on health not diet. It is healthier to have a breakfast cereal with less sugar, more roughage and less additives. If you are worried about your kids complaining, yes they will for a week or two, but then they will resign themselves to either eating what you buy or going hungry! The changes you make to your household shopping will also help other members of the family experience weight loss without dieting.
9. Carry a piece of fruit or a low calorie snack bar around with you for when you get stuck and the only option is a cake! Don’t give yourself the excuse that you had no choice because you were hungry and had to eat the only thing available which was a ten ton Danish, it’s not true, you can determine what you eat and your own rate of weight loss.
10. Don’t get hungry. When you are hungry it is much easier to scoff down what ever is in sight. Make sure you eat breakfast lunch and dinner, or even more frequent smaller meals, but don’t wait until you just have to eat. Impulse eating is detrimental to your weight loss.
11. Reward and spoil your self daily in ways that don’t involve food. We tend to go into self hate when we are over weight and rewarding yourself makes you happier and less needy for food. So go to a movie, have a manicure, buy an item of clothing or have a long hot bubble bath. After all your eventual weight loss will be the biggest reward.

Try these tips for easy weight loss while not dieting, after implementing these eating habits you will be in a better position to contemplate going on a diet, and might not even need to.

Original article: Weight Loss Tips: How To Lose Weight Without Dieting – written by Petal on Factoidz

• Flattens stomach
• Slims waistline
• Protects the back
• Straightens spine

Sizing Information:

• What’s My Size?
• Sizing  for the Corselette Deluxe

Ordering Information:

• Price: $100, includes taxes, shipping and handling
• Available in Black, White, and Beige
• Order

Body Magic, as near as I can tell is a sort of girdle+ corset undergarment that re-shapes your body two-three sizes down (say 18 to a 14 or 12). No surgery; no Weight Watchers; no painful (and some times embarrassing moments) at the gym. Re-shaping is as a simple as getting into one of those garments (you may need help).  You can also opt for reshaping your bustline or your bottom. I can see people who haven’t slimmed down before their 30th or 40th high school reunions piling on to get one in order to appear as shapely as possible at the Big Event (perhaps they could yet win the heart of the football hero or the head cheerleader).

For those of us who can’t afford the cost of this magic re-shaping garment, there are other ways to sculpt and re-figure your body. They include:

• Visiting the gym three times a week or more and working with a trainer, if possible, at least to start.
• Dieting and eating right.  Many great weight-loss programs suit a variety of personalities and body types. Most recommend low-fat, high protein or fruits and vegetables. There are as many diets out there as Carter’s little liver pills. Generally it takes a year or so to lose some weight and keep it off, but if you need help – there are diet groups and organizations to support you. Diets have a way of melting the fat off – and re-shaping your body dramatically. Take Jared,The Subway guy, as a good example.Not only did he change the way he ate, he exercised more and check out the Before and After pictures.
• Enrolling in a body shaping class. I’ve heard some of these classes work “magic” over time (like a couple of months). Plus, regular attendance will help you make friends with the other people in your class – that’s a bonus a single undergarment can not give you.
• Exercising to reshape in the privacy of your home.  There are many inexpensive gadgets (the large inflated ball, small weights, a jump rope, even a hula hoop) that can help you restructure your figure for very little cost if you are willing to work at it on your own time in your own place.

What I like about all of the above ideas is that they contribute to your overall health, which a corset-girdle can not do, at least in my opinion.  Overweight people tend to get unhealthy over time – and no under-garment can work a heart efficiently or increase endurance. 

Finally, no matter what anyone says, there is no magic to reshaping or reducing. In the old days, when women wanted hour-glass shapes, they wore corsets that required tight lacing (see Scarlett O’Hara). But these aren’t the old days any more. If, as a country, we we’re serious about decreasing obesity and the diseases it causes, we must do more to encourage a heart-healthy lifestyle.  Body Magic is one option to down-sizing, but it’s not the only one.

Original article written by SY Kravitz on Factoidz

1. Refresh Your Skin: Those who say that they don’t need to do anything for the skin because their skin is so good that it doesn’t require any extra treatment- Well, they are wrong. It is shame that people do not understand the importance of skin care. Remember your skin is your biggest asset and it is important to invest some time and money in taking care of it. Refresh your skin time to time. Go for facials, spa treatment – anything that refreshes your skin.

2. Daily Skin Care Routine: You need to have a perfect routine for your skin care. Cleansing, moisturizing, and toning are essential for having a good skin. It is very important what you use for skin. If you have any doubt consult your dermatologist about the products to use.

3. Sun Protection: Direct exposure to the sun can severely damage your skin. UV rays of the sun cause sunburn, premature ageing and even skin cancer. Sun protection is a must for all skin types in all climates. Use a dual protection sunscreen at least 20 minutes before venturing out.

4. Exercise: Exercise improves blood circulation and that helps for healthy ‘n’ glowing skin. So exercise regularly, it is important for good skin.

5. Eat Colorful Fruits And Vegetables:Colourful vegetables and fruits have phytonutrients that give you an excellent mix of antioxidants that are vital for your skin. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins A C and E which helps in healing wounds, since they help from connective tissues such fruits include, apricot, carrots, kales, collards, mango, spinach and sweet potato. They contain vitamin A vitamin C is contained in; chili peppers, grape fruit, pineapple, cabbage plums and orange, you are required to take the above fruits in a right quantity as follows; take at least one serving of vitamin A – rich fruit or vegetables a day, one serving of vitamin C – rich fruit or vegetables a day.

6. Eat More Fiber: Fiber combats inflammation and counters ageing. Switch to high-fibre foods such as whole grain breads, buns, muffins, broccoli, spinach etc. Some of the high fibre fruits are – apple, figs, blackberries, pear and banana.

7. Do Not Use Old Products: Be very careful about the skin care products. Do not use old products no matter how expensive they are; it is very harmful to use cosmetics products beyond expiry date.

8. Go Slow On The Booze: If you have to indulge in alcohol, then do so in moderation. Excessive drinking not only dulls the skin, but also ages it faster.

9. Add Supplements To Your Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the skin. Add flaxseeds and walnuts to your diet to get them naturally.

10. Learn To Deal With Stress: Stress accelerates ageing of our skin by inducing wrinkles to appear faster. Adopt relaxing techniques like meditation and yoga to heal your skin from within.

Your skin is very important part of your look. Spend a little time nourish it and look beautiful day after day.

Original article: Skin Care 101: 10 Daily Tips For Glowing Skin – written by SRV on Factoidz

Safety is a big issue

During the warmer months we can take for granted that the road are clear and that drivers usually have 100% visibility. It’s important to remember that when there’s snow on the ground, running is more treacherous. Drivers can’t judge distances as easily and they can’t stop on a dime anymore either.

Map out a running route that keeps you as safe as possible. Staying away from cars is one thing, but you also want to try and avoid ice and snow as much as possible. Slipping and falling in the winter is a common cause of some very serious injuries, like sprains and muscle tears. Pathways that are cleared of snow by the city would be ideal, but otherwise stick to roads and sidewalks that are often cleared and not too busy.

Also, remember that running later in the day is more advisable because the sun will have had time to melt more of the snow and ice.

Don’t let the cold or the ground conditions change the way you run. Shortening you stride slightly is ok, this can give you a little more balance on ice and snow. But take note of the changes and try to avoid altering your stride in any fundamental way. Stay relaxed. Changing the way you run because you’re uncomfortable with the conditions can quickly lead to injury. 

Gear, it’s all about layers

It’s good to have a bunch of active wear to choose from in the winter. Depending on the temperature and conditions outside, you want to be able to mix and match. Your goal is to achieve that perfect balance, which will keep you warm and dry, but not overheated. Ironically, it’s quite easy to overheat when running in the winter. As you start to sweat and the body warms up, runners often notice they aren’t as chilly as they thought they would be. Use your experience and judgement to choose to right outfit, not your first impression of the the temperature.

Much of the quality running gear available today lets sweat to escape to help regulate body temperature. High end gear with wicking fabrics is very useful in more extreme conditions. Try out a few different combinations of clothing and remember what works best in different conditions.

For advanced runners: Running in deep snow really gets that heart rate up fast. Give it a try once in awhile to mix up interval training.

Make sure to use common sense when running in the winter. Taking it a little easier is a good idea because winter running can be more taxing on the body. Also, taking extra time to warm up is important as the body is going to be colder early in the run. Winter running may be worth the effort, but it’s a bit more dangerous and challenging. Hopefully these tips will help you stay safe and keep in great shape all winter long.

Original article: Winter Running Tips: How To Stay Safe And Warm- written by Salvatore Delle Palme on Factoidz

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women 65 and older; it is the second-leading cause of death for women 45 to 64 and it is the third leading cause of death for women 25 to 44.   In the United States, heart disease kills more women than any other health condition.  All women of all ages should aware of heart disease — its causes and risks and prevention — whether it runs in the family or not.

Women’s warning signs differ from those for men. The signs for women are not the typical heavy weight on chest, or heartburn, shortness of breath, pain in arm or cold sweat that men are prone to. These symptoms are less likely to be a woman’s common first sign. Cause for concern in women are:

• pain or discomfort in an unusual place such as: the jaw, elbow or even a tooth
• an unexplained sense of dread, doom or anxiety
• a feeling that something is not ‘right’
• a sudden weakness or heavy fatigue similar to ‘flu symptoms’ – more than 70% of women cited this one.
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• indigestion

In addition, these symptoms may occur as long as a month before an attack.   And, if a woman has had a first heart attack, a second attack could be completely different than the first one.

There are several lifestyle changes women can do to reduce your risk of heart disease:

• Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days of the week.
• Quit or don’t start smoking.
• Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.
• Take prescribed medicines; ie, blood medications, blood thinners and aspirin
• You may consider supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil tablets for decreasing high cholesterol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• A normal body mass index {BMI} is helpful; a BMI of 25 or higher can be associated with increased risk
• If overweight, a weight loss of 10-15 pounds can help to decrease risk
• Take a daily low-dose or baby aspirin after consultation with your doctor.

Recent patterns in fatal heart attacks in both men and women, show an increase during the winter holiday season, especially around Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.   Research at the University of California, San Diego and Tufts University School of Medicine examined 53 million U.S. death certificates from 1973 to 2001. They discovered an overall increase of 5% more heart-related deaths during the holiday season.

Cold weather can add strain to the heart by constricting blood vessels, which can raise a person’s blood pressure.   And there is more chance for blood clots to form.   Cold weather can also mean strenuous shoveling of snow and added strains on the heart. But even these reasons don’t explain why there are ’spikes’ of fatal heart attacks on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. According to the Circulation study, “The number of cardiac deaths is higher on Dec. 25 than on any other day of the year, second highest on Dec. 26, and third highest on Jan. 1.” These spikes occur even in balmy, mild weather areas, where there is no snow shoveling. Ref: MedWeb.com  

Some conclusions by doctors as to why these dates stand out are:  1) it could be that people ‘put off’ or don’t want to disrupt a holiday by saying they don’t feel well and/or make that trip to the emergency room; 2) hospitals and emergency rooms may be understaffed on those holiday dates; 3) holiday travelers may be hesitant to be treated by a new doctor or don’t know how to find a competent one; 4) overindulgence in eating and drinking – people eat and drink more during the holidays, especially salt-laden foods that can additionally stress an already weakened heart. 

If it is cold and frigid where you will be on the holidays, dress warmly and in layers. Avoid shoveling snow if you can help it. Stay clear of stress situations or over excitement. Don’t drink too much alcohol and or binge eat. Drinking especially can cause atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm, which in turn can cause heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. Get some fresh air, especially if you are in a log-burning fireplace atmosphere. It is cozy, yes, but the ultra-fine air particles could be bad for your heart. Sit a good distance away.  

If you feel unwell and have any of the symptoms above, call 911 and get checked out at the emergency room.   Better to be checked and be safe than to take a chance in becoming a holiday statistic.   

Enjoy the company, eat and drink in moderation and enjoy a happy, healthy, new year!

References: MayoClinic.com; WebMD; Circulation Study; LHS, Your Health; Photo:  Wikimedia Commons

Original article: Health Update on Women, Heart Attacks and the Holidays - written by Marie Coppola on Factoidz

For most people, cutting 500 calories from their diet each day is simpler than it seems. Once you begin counting calories accurately, you will realize how many you truly take in within a day and see that there is room for easy improvement. Cutting out one sugary soda a day can reduce between 90-180 calories and cutting out nibbling or snacking can save a few hundred. You will most likely not even miss these additional calories and won’t notice they are gone once you get in the habit. If you can cut out 500 calories a day, without exercise, you will lose one pound every seven days, since 500 times 7 equals 3500 calories. That’s without exercise at all! Just simple dietary changes can help you lose weight.

Add exercise to the equation and you can lose even more each week, plus provide your body with the other benefits of exercise. Some of these benefits include better sleep, better concentration, better memory, and improved circulatory function. Aerobic exercise is best for weight loss in the early stages and it helps improve heart health. Once you determine the type of exercise you like the best, set up a plan and a regimen and stick with it. You may prefer walking, jogging, biking, running, or even swimming. It really doesn’t matter what you choose; the best exercise is one you enjoy and will stick with.

If you use a treadmill or stationary bike, most are notoriously inaccurate when it comes to keeping an accurate count of calories burned. Calories burned are as much a function of an individual’s body as they are the type of exercise. Bear in mind that the calorie counters are “average” and may be overstated a bit. So it’s best to find an online resource such as http://walking.about.com to find out better estimates of calories burned. For example, a 170-pound person will burn about 90 calories per mile walked at 3 mph, but a 140-pound person only burns about 75 calories for the same speed and distance. So you can see that a calorie counter on the treadmill would have some disparity since most treadmills don’t have built in scales!

Continuing with the above example, for a 3.5-mile walk, a 170 pound person would burn about 300 calories. If they could do this activity four days a week, that’s a total of 1200 additional calories. Six days a week would burn 1800 calories, or another half a pound. Starting off slow and at a moderate pace will allow the body to get used to the activity and you’ll probably not feel tired or have achy muscles. After about two weeks, you can turn up the pace a bit. You may walk faster, farther or more often. A reasonable goal is to work yourself up to a moderate intensity most days of the week. This means for four or five days a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Using the walking example, it would not be unreasonable to walk three to four miles a day at a 3.5 mph pace. Your workout would last about 45 minutes to an hour and you would reasonably burn around 350 calories each day. In five days, you would be burning the equivalent of half a pound. Combine this with the calorie cuts, and you’re on your way to a safe, easy, and healthy weight loss of one to two pounds a week.

Remember to consult with your health care professional before beginning any diet or exercise program. Using the 3500 calorie per pound guideline, and researching the exercise you prefer, you can easily calculate how long it will take you to lose a specific amount of weight.

Original article: How Long Will it Take to Lose the Pounds I Want to Lose? – written by Paul C. on Factoidz

Starting your own business may be one of the biggest risks you will take in your life – and the statistics confirm it. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), two-thirds of new businesses survive for a minimum of two years, with only 44 percent surviving at least four years.

Yet, in good and bad times, the dream of being your own boss and pursuing a for-profit or non-profit business venture can be an enticing one. In fact, when the economy struggles, the number of non-employer small businesses tends to increase at a higher rate than the number of employer businesses (Source: SBA Small Business Advocate, July 2009).

But how do you make that dream a reality and take the plunge into the risky waters of small business ownership?

Small Business Matters suggests:

• Take this quick Small Business Start-Up Assessment from the SBA to help better understand your readiness for starting a small business.
• Fill out this checklist: “10 Steps to Starting a Business” – that guides you through the basic steps of planning, preparing and managing your new business.
• Get help on how to “Write a Business Plan” guide for small businesses
• Consider low-risk start-up options such as
  • Starting a Home-Based Business
  • Starting and Growing an Online Business
  • Start Part Time
  • Look for Recovery Act – SBA Loans

Reprinted with permission.

Michelle Singletary’s column also suggests you be choosy about where you shop.  You, the customer, are king.  And if you don’t like the way retailers treat you, Singletary says, “don’t just take it anymore.”  Citing a holiday shopping survey recently released by Consumer Reports, Singletary’s column highlights holiday shopping retail practices that drive consumers up the wall.

Some of the most notable:

• Stores that don’t open up all of the checkout lanes
• Coupons that exclude almost everything in the store
• Extended warranty pitches
• Up-selling at checkout
• Pushing a store credit card

Singletary noted that almost every one of the complaints resonated with her and provides solutions for those of us heading out for Black Friday shopping.  At the end of the day, take your money elsewhere. 

Or perhaps save it for a rainy day.

More Black Friday Resources:

• Washington Post Black Friday Sales Twitter Feed
• CNN on Black Friday App for iPhone
• Get Your Black Friday Shopping On
• NYTimes Readings and Resources for Black Friday
• Black Friday Etiquette and Safety Tips

Reprinted with permission.