Recent news reports indicate that diagnosis of colon cancer among individuals under the age of 50 has been steadily increasing. While one’s diet may be a contributing factor (among others), overuse of antibiotics may also be a problem. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk for colon cancer have their first colonoscopy starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. If colon cancer is not detected early, it can pose a greater health risk. That’s one reason an increase among young people being diagnosed who have not yet been screened is concerning. Medical and nutrition experts both agree
Read more →No one wants to be sick in the summer, especially from tainted food. Food left out in the heat or improperly cooked is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella. If you can’t pronounce it, you probably don’t want it in your body, whether it’s chemicals, preservatives or harmful bacteria (good bacteria for a healthy gut is OK). If you are as concerned about the foods you buy to eat, be equally mindful on handling them safely. Keep the sizzle in your summer with these food safety tips from the nonprofit Stop Foodborne Illness (www.stopfoodborneillness.org): Remember
Read more →The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has debunked the theory that following an alkaline diet can improve your health and reduce your risk for cancer, stating, “What you eat can have a profound affect on your cancer risk, but the acidity or alkalinity of foods is not important. Instead, focus on making dietary choices that can truly affect your risk.” The AICR has launched a campaign to hep bust common myths and present science-based facts about cancer prevention. (link) As the recipient of numerous publicists’ pitches on the benefits of an alkaline diet, risks of high acid in your
Read more →I am pitched on a range of products and protocols that are intended to be good for you. They claim to improve your health and well-being. I keep an open mind, but I always peer into the science behind the statements. I question, “How does this work for women of all ages and backgrounds and when does it not appropriate for someone?” I’ve been schooled in the “not one diet fits all” theory of healthy eating. There are general guidelines to follow: eat more plants, leaner protein, and better fats; consume less sugar and simple carbohydrates; avoid processed foods; drink
Read more →Mother Nature has played a nasty trick on me. She robbed me of my voice. Dry, frigid winter air is playing tricks on my vocal chords. The doctor calls it “asthmatic bronchitis.” After five days, I call it a nuisance but have learned that a sense of humor is the best medicine of all. It’s tricky. I host radio shows and talk for a living. I enjoy speaking my mind. My husband must be enjoying the quiet. Thankfully, I can communicate through my writing. I’ve tried all the remedies Facebook friends have suggested. Here are a few and my thoughts: Chicken soup. Called “Jewish penicillin,”
Read more →You may have heard “endocrine disruptors” mentioned in association with certain cancers, like breast cancer. But do you know what they are and where they lurk in your food, home and personal care products? And do you know why it matters to your health? Endocrine disruptors are industrial chemicals used in herbicides, pesticides, detergents, children’s toys, plastic bottles, metal food cans, flame retardent products and personal care products including cosmetics. (to name just a few examples). Endocrine disruptors can wreak havoc on your body’s endocrine system (e.g., hormones) and your long-term health. Endocrine disruptors are extremely risky for pregnant women and can cause damage
Read more →I never thought I’d say how much I enjoyed reading a book about breasts, but I highly recommend the new release: BREASTS: The Owner’s Manual by Dr. Kristi Funk, a board-certified breast surgeon and founder of The Pink Lotus Breast Center in Beverly Hills. You may have seen or read about Dr. Funk recently. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” “Megyn Kelly Today” and numerous other national media outlets. And her name made headlines after her patient, Actress Angelina Jolie, revealed in a New York Times op-ed her pivotal decision to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy to reduce her cancer
Read more →As an overweight teen and later a Broadway actress, Liz Josefsberg felt the pressures of battling her weight. A veteran of the weight-loss industry who lost- and kept off- 65 pounds herself, Liz has worked with celebrity clients (e.g., Jennifer Hudson, Katie Couric, Jessica Simpson, Charles Barkley) and everyday people to help them manage their weight. Her book, “Target 100” streamlines the weight-loss process into six sensible easy-to-follow guidelines. Liz’s approach makes losing weight and staying in shape fun. “Six Targets. One Number. Zero Punishment” Here are Liz’s Six Targets to get started: 100 grams of carbs daily (Tip:
Read more →How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? Are you still on track? If you find yourself in a make ’em, then break ’em mode, you are not alone. Research data has shown that 80% of people break their New Year’s resolutions by February 1st. Read this article. So, if you feel you’re back to your old self in this new year, here is what you can do: Make a FABuary resolution to accomplish Just One Thing. Forget the long list. Just focus on the one thing you can do and stick to it. Keep a journal to document your progress. Sometimes it’s easy to do
Read more →I am convinced that many of the ills women faced are because our hormones go out of whack. January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Did you know women are more likely to have thyroid disease than men? And most individuals are unaware they have thyroid disease. That’s because the many symptoms of a thyroid imbalance are often attributed to another condition, like menopause. As a result, nearly half the people with thyroid disease are not diagnosed, or misdiagnosed. Source: The American Thyroid Association www.thyroid.org On January 17th my guest is Dr. Prudence Hall, who specializes in regenerative medicine. Many of Dr. Hall’s patients
Read more →Is anyone truly happy with the way today’s health care system works? What can we as empowered consumers do to be better informed- and prepared- to manage our health care, especially when a medical issue arises? On December 13th I spoke with Dr. Halee Fischer Wright, author of “Back To Balance: The Art, Science and Business of Medicine,” who pulls back the curtain on the medical business to reveal how doctors work and how we, as their clients-patients, can better communicate with them to ensure we have a more positive experience. Here are three questions Halee says you
Read more →Josh Mittledorf, PhD. takes a scholarly approach to an inevitable age-old dilemma: aging. In Cracking the Aging Code, he explains the science of growing old and what it means for staying young. A provocative read. Dr., Mittledorf joins me to discuss Nov 22 on #FearlessFabulousYou 12 noon EST W4WN Radio – The Women 4 Women Network. A few things from his book I will discuss with Dr. Mittledorf: How aging is not simply the result of wear and tear on our bodies. Rather, our bodies are destroyed on schedule, from the inside out. It is a natural evolutionary process. Why caloric restriction is
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