Catherine Morgan's blog http://www.blogher.com/blog/9949/atom/feed 2009-05-16T02:01:30-05:00 7 Lifestyle Tips For Reducing Blood Pressure and Maintaining Good Health http://www.blogher.com/7-lifestyle-tips-reducing-blood-pressure-and-maintaining-good-health 2009-07-03T23:55:36-05:00 2009-07-03T23:58:51-05:00 Catherine Morgan Did you know that one in every three adults has high blood pressure? Are you one of them?

I had some good news the other day. It seems that all of my hard work trying to eat healthy and lose weight is finally paying off. For the first time in years my blood pressure is actually normal. Yaaay! This is just the kind of validation I was looking for when I began my journey of weight loss and healthy living.

If you have high blood pressure or know someone who does, here are some tips that can help lower blood pressure naturally.

]]> Did you know that one in every three adults has high blood pressure? Are you one of them?

I had some good news the other day. It seems that all of my hard work trying to eat healthy and lose weight is finally paying off. For the first time in years my blood pressure is actually normal. Yaaay! This is just the kind of validation I was looking for when I began my journey of weight loss and healthy living.

If you have high blood pressure or know someone who does, here are some tips that can help lower blood pressure naturally.

Tip #1 - Lose 10 Pounds

Did you know that most Americans are overweight (66% are overweight or obese)? It's true. It's also true that losing as little as ten pounds can help reduce high blood pressure.

From The Science Blog...

People who find it hard to lose all the weight they want or that their doctors recommend should take heart, a North Carolina scientist says. New research suggests that losing even modest amounts of weight can pay off in better health. The study showed for the first time that shedding excess pounds decreases activity of a key enzyme known to play a central role in high blood pressure. Less body weight translates into lower blood pressure, the study found, and hence lower risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems.

Also See: Obesity On The Rise and Overweight Spouse - What Can You Do?

Tip #2 - Eat A Healthy Diet

Are you eating a heart healthy diet? Whether you are trying to lose weight or not, making healthy food choices is important for your heart health. The DASH Diet is a proven diet for lowering blood pressure...

Are you interested in lowering your blood pressure? Reducing your risk of heart disease? If so, you may want to consider the DASH Diet.

When compared to a typical America diet, women following a DASH diet were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and 18 percent less likely to have a stroke. This is a pretty big deal, especially considering that the number one cause of death in women is heart disease.

Here is a post from Single Minded Women with Ten Great Foods for a Heart Smart Life...

In reality, good health begins with choosing good foods. And these ten foods are a great, heart smart place to start:

From Tina at Think Simple Now - Eating Our Way To Death, Literally...

What would you say if I told you that meat and dairy consumption are associated with heart disease, cancer and diabetes? Or if I told you that the meat industry kills more than 10 billion animals a year, in the US alone, and contributes more toward pollution than the exhaust from all the cars in the world?

Also see: What is heart healthy eating anyway?

Tip #3 - Get Regular Exercise - Start a healthy heart workout.

You can keep your heart healthy while reducing stress and burning calories. How? Try to get 10 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day. Even a small amount of activity can have a large effect on your overall heart health. It's not really important what you do to get yourself moving and your heart pumping, as long as you do something.

Tip #4 - Reduce Sodium Intake

From Liz at Looking Good (for a mom) - Cutting Salt to Cut Fat...

I think most of us are aware that we should try to limit our sodium intake. Perhaps you refrain from salting your food, or try not to eat high salt foods like canned soups and frozen meals. You might even be checking food labels, looking to see if salt is one of the major ingredients.

But did you know that a high sodium intake can actually affect your weight loss success? It's true. Excess sodium intake actually causes your fat cells to grow larger, meaning that even with the same amount of fat, you will LOOK more flabby. Excess sodium can also increase fluid retention, keeping the scale from moving (while you feel frustrated) even as you exercise and reduce calories.

Tip #5 - Don't Smoke (and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke).

From WebMD...

Did you know that smoking and heart disease are related? Or that smoking increases blood pressure? Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But people who smoke are more also likely to develop hypertension and heart disease.

About 30% of all deaths from heart disease in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking. That's because smoking is a major cause of coronary artery disease especially in younger people.

Tip #6 - Cut Back on Caffeine

Do you drink a lot of coffee, soda or energy drinks? If so, you may be getting way too much caffeine.

From The Mayo Clinic...

Caffeine is a mild stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and many soft drinks. Too much caffeine can cause nervousness and jitters. It may also increase your blood pressure. The amount of caffeine in two to three cups of coffee can raise systolic pressure 3 to 14 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic pressure 4 to 13 mm Hg in people without high blood pressure.

Tip #7 - Avoid Stress

This may be the most difficult lifestyle change to make, especially in this stressful economy. Are you stressing over money?

Do you stress over money? I do. With the way the economy is going, if you're not stressing over money now, you sure could be in the near future. Gas prices are going up, home values are going down, and what money we do have is buying less and less. The thing about stressing over money is...It doesn't pay the bills. What it can do, is make you sick.

Yes, stressing over money (or anything for that matter) can and does make you sick.

Also See: Reading To Reduce Stress and Learn How To Reduce Stress With Positive Affirmations

It's not easy, but all of us have the power to make lifestyle changes that can benefit our heart health. The question is...Why aren't more of us making these changes? What do you think? Do you have any tips for reducing high blood pressure? Let me know in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Michael Jackson's Death Shines A Light On Sudden Cardiac Death and Prescription Drug Abuse http://www.blogher.com/michael-jacksons-death-shines-light-sudden-cardiac-death-and-prescription-drug-abuse 2009-06-30T02:34:15-05:00 2009-06-30T02:34:15-05:00 Catherine Morgan Although the cause of Michael Jackson's death is still unclear, and it may be some time before the final cause is known. Sudden cardiac death is suspected, as well as possible prescription drug abuse. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to bring some more awareness to both of these problems.

Did you know that accidental death from prescription pain medications is on the rise in this country?

It's true.

Kathleen Doheny of WebMd wrote Drug Overdose Deaths on the Rise...

]]> Although the cause of Michael Jackson's death is still unclear, and it may be some time before the final cause is known. Sudden cardiac death is suspected, as well as possible prescription drug abuse. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to bring some more awareness to both of these problems.

Did you know that accidental death from prescription pain medications is on the rise in this country?

It's true.

Kathleen Doheny of WebMd wrote Drug Overdose Deaths on the Rise...

In 2006, about 24,000 people died in the U.S. from accidental drug overdoses, she says. That's a 100% increase from 2000.

The biggest rise in these accidental poisonings is among men and women of working age, 20 to 64, and is mainly due to abusing prescription pain medicines such as oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine.

And up to 300,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac death in the United States.

From The American Heart Association -What causes sudden cardiac death?

All known heart diseases can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. Most of the cardiac arrests that lead to sudden death occur when the electrical impulses in the diseased heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation) or both. This irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Some cardiac arrests are due to extreme slowing of the heart. This is called bradycardia.

In 90 percent of adult victims of sudden cardiac death, two or more major coronary arteries are narrowed by fatty buildups. Scarring from a prior heart attack is found in two-thirds of victims. When sudden death occurs in young adults, other heart abnormalities are more likely causes. Adrenaline released during intense physical or athletic activity often acts as a trigger for sudden death when these abnormalities are present. Under certain conditions, various heart medications and other drugs — as well as illegal drug abuse — can lead to abnormal heart rhythms that cause sudden death.

The term "massive heart attack" is often wrongly used in the media to describe sudden death. The term "heart attack" refers to death of heart muscle tissue due to the loss of blood supply, not necessarily resulting in a cardiac arrest or the death of the heart attack victim. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, but the terms aren't synonymous.

From EmpowerHer - Jackson's Death Puts Spotlight on Sudden Cardiac Death...

Between 200,000 and 300,000 Americans die each year of sudden cardiac arrest, added Dr. Bruce Lindsay, a past president of the Heart Rhythm Society and director of cardiac electrophysiology at the Cleveland Clinic. "It is actually the most common cause of death in the United States," he noted.

The best emergency treatment is a shock from a defibrillator to restore heart rhythm. Defibrillators now are available in many public places, and tens of thousands of Americans have tiny defibrillators implanted in their chests each year.

In many cases there is a genetic predisposition for sudden cardiac death, but it's also often associated with the same risk factors as heart disease. So understanding the risk factors can be very helpful in prevention. And although these are two separate causes of death, prescription drug abuse can also lead to sudden cardiac death.

Women need to be especially careful when it comes to heart disease - Knowing The Facts Could Save Your Life...

You should know that…Women are at a very high risk for heart disease and heart attacks. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 65. American women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer. Women are also less likely to survive a heart attack than a man.

The biggest factors that contribute to heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history and age.

When it comes to prescription drug abuse - Parents should not assume their children won't be tempted to take something from their medicine cabinets. So keep a very close eye on your prescription medications. And if you have any suspicion at all, go ahead and lock-up prescriptions that have the potential for abuse. It's better to be safe than sorry.

From Parent Talk Today - Where Are Our Kids Getting Prescription Drugs?

At home. With friends. At a grandparent's house. At the store. At school... Kids can find prescription drugs in more places than you can imagine. Check out this terrific interactive tour, Rx Danger Zones, sponsored by The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

It's a good reminder to parents to keep a close eye on their prescription meds — and on their kids.

Another risk factor for sudden cardiac death is anorexia, and Tom Davis from Coping With Life suspects anorexia may have contributed to Jackson's death. This is something I hadn't considered at first, but with all the reports of Jackson appearing emaciated, it seems it shouldn't be overlooked as a possible contributor in his death.

Michael Jackson and his mixed dual diagnosis...

Perhaps this was a case of anorexia - and one of the leading causes of anorexic-related deaths is a heart attack. Jackson did look frail and sickly for many years, but the shrinking waistline - outside of his morphing facial features - was the most unpleasant sight of all.

But the lawyer thought that the mental deterioration was even more pronounced than the physical issue. It's almost as if he, and others who knew him, were not surprised by this, and they wouldn't be surprised, either, if drugs contributed.

When you live a life of pain and obsession, and you're haunted by a history of being abused, a shot of Demerol is - for many - their only friend.

Here are more women blogging on Michael Jackson's untimely death...

Torie Michelle has some great video clips at the end of her tribute to Michael Jackson - Rocking My World Since 1987.

From Stupid Celebrities - Michael Jackson Dies of Heart Attack at Age 50.

From Megan's Minute - Michael Jackson Dead at Age 50...

From Bitten and Bound - Who Will Get Custody of Michael Jackson's Children?

Did you blog about the death of Michael Jackson? Do you suspect that anorexia or prescription drug abuse may have contributed to his death? Can we learn something from this tragedy? Let me know your thoughts in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Farah Fawcett and Anal Cancer: Could HPV, Anal Sex or Smoking Increase Your Risk? http://www.blogher.com/anal-cancer-could-hpv-anal-sex-or-smoking-increase-your-risk 2009-06-27T02:25:05-05:00 2009-07-01T23:56:52-05:00 Catherine Morgan The answer seems to be yes.

If it is possible for anything good to come out of the loss of Farrah Fawcett, it would probably be that it is bringing cancer awareness back to the forefront of our minds. She even made a documentary (Farrah's Story) of her experiences for that very reason.

]]> The answer seems to be yes.

If it is possible for anything good to come out of the loss of Farrah Fawcett, it would probably be that it is bringing cancer awareness back to the forefront of our minds. She even made a documentary (Farrah's Story) of her experiences for that very reason.

But, I think there are a few things that need clarification about the type of cancer that Farrah Fawcett was suffering from. You have probably heard that it was anal cancer, but you may not realize that anal cancer is not the same as colon or rectal cancer.

In researching for this post, I came across several people making statements that confused anal cancer with colon and rectal cancer. These are distinctly different types of cancers, each with their own symptoms, treatments and causes.

For one, the incidence of anal cancer is tiny in comparison to colorectal cancer.

How Common is Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer is fairly uncommon. It accounts for about 1-2% of gastrointestinal cancers. About 4,000 new cases of anal cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.A., about half in women. Approximately 600 people will die of the disease each year. This may be compared to 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer with 50,000 deaths per year.

When it comes to every type of cancer, catching it early is key to successful treatment. This is no different with anal cancer. Early detection is key, so never allow embarrassment to cause you to ignore symptoms.

 


Watch CBS Videos Online

Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer...

Some cases of anal cancer cause no symptoms at all. But bleeding occurs in more than half of patients and is usually the first sign of the disease. Often the bleeding is minor. At first, most people assume that hemorrhoids are the cause of their bleeding. Itching can also be a symptom. This is more often a sign of AIN, which should also be treated. Important symptoms of anal cancer include:

  • rectal bleeding
  • rectal itching
  • pain in the anal area
  • change in the diameter of stool
  • abnormal discharge from the anus
  • swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin areas

There are a number of benign conditions, such as hemorrhoids, fissures, or anal warts that can cause similar symptoms. But if any of the signs or symptoms of anal cancer are present, discuss them with your doctor without delay. Remember, the sooner you receive a correct diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment, and the more effective your treatment will be.

But what causes anal cancer?

Well, that's the somewhat controversial side of this disease. It seems a large percentage (up to 85%) of cases are associated with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and that anal sex may increase your risk for developing anal cancer.

From Lauren at EmpowerHer - Shedding Light on Anal Cancer...

In all the discussion about Farrah Fawcett’s cancer, most people shied away from mentioning its origin and those who did neglected to delve further into its causes. It has become taboo to talk about anal cancer because — in most cases — it alludes to anal sex and/or STDs around the anus.

However, with incidences of anal cancer steadily on the rise, it is absolutely necessary to educate people on the causes so that they can protect themselves from some of the aggravating factors that lead to the illness.

From The Philadelphia Inquirer...

HPV is but one part of the anal-cancer puzzle. The American Cancer Society points out that there are many studies that have found an increased rate of anal cancer in smokers, and the effect of smoking is especially important in people with other risk factors for anal cancer. Any condition that leads to a weakened immune system may trigger, in the presence of HPV, the development of anal cancer. This includes HIV/AIDS or any medical condition that requires the use of powerful immune-suppressing drugs.

Who is at risk for anal cancer?

Anal cancer is commonly associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus causes warts in and around the anus and on the cervix in women. It is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in women.

A risk factor is something that increases a person's chance of getting a disease. In addition to exposure to the human papilloma virus, additional risk factors include:

  • Age - Most people with anal cancer are over 50 years old.
  • Anal sex - Persons who participate in anal sex are at an increased risk.
  • Smoking - Harmful chemicals from smoking increase the risk of most cancers including anal cancer.
  • Immunosuppression - People with weakened immune systems, such as transplant patients who must take drugs to suppress their immune systems and patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, are at a somewhat higher risk.
  • Chronic local inflammation - People with long-standing anal fistulas or open wounds are at a slightly higher risk.
  • Pelvic radiation - People who have had pelvic radiation therapy for rectal, prostate, bladder or cervical cancer are at an increased risk.

I really don't find the risk factors controversial, and I don't think there needs to be a stigma associated with anal cancer. Risk factors are just that, and what they should not be are accusations. For example...Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, but there are many people dying of lung cancer that have never smoked a cigarette in their life.

This is from The American Cancer Society Survivors Network - Farah Fawcett's Anal Cancer...

I was told when I was diagnosed with stage 3 anal squamous cell cancer that the causes COULD be from my years of smoking (diagnosed at age 39) or from an HPV. They also ask me if I had anal intercourse. Never had anal intercourse. I've been with my husband for 20 years and neither of us have strayed outside our marriage.

From The Stitchery...

Farrah Fawcett lost her life to the rare cancer, anal squamous cell cancer that I had. The reports about her death list the causes of this cancer. I don’t know if Farrah had HPV, (Human Papillomavirus Virus) or had anal sex or multiple partners. We are not allowed that information. But those are the main “causes” being touted.

I didn’t have those. I did have major stomach pain, constipation/diarrhea swings, a swelling stomach, no energy for a long time, susceptibility to illness. And a tumor growing and spreading, for some period of years. I had a colonoscopy 4 years prior that didn’t reveal this tumor but now it was there.

I have so much respect for the courage that Farrah showed through her long ordeal with this disease. But, there was one thing that bothered me a little about Farrah's Story. I was under the impression that her treatments in Germany were done when all other treatments were exhausted in our country. But it seems that she made a choice to ignore her doctors recommendation for surgery, because she didn't want to end up with a colostomy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging her for this decision. I'm just wondering if the outcome might have been different, had she allowed the doctors to do the surgery before going for additional treatments in Germany?

This is from Cathi at Frugal Is A Four Letter Word - Farrah's Story...

The questions I had after watching Farrah's Story were:

  • Why did they never do the colostomy?
  • Why did they wait until the end to do anything that would cause her hair to fall out?
  • What if she had not been rich--or Farrah--who would have flown her to Germany a million times and pay for treatment.

In these ways I felt that all playing fields are not equal (as we know).

What do you think about Farrah's battle with anal cancer? Has it helped bring more awareness to this type of cancer? Has it helped decrease the stigma associated with it? Has it added to the controversy over alternative medicine? Has it made you more aware of your own personal risks for this type of cancer? Let me know in comments.

Also See:

From M at Medicine.net - Farrah Fawcett's German Cancer Care...

From Bonnie at EmpowerHer - Anal Cancer and HPV

From Behind Blogndie Park - Actress Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62

From Cora at Hidden Riches From Secret Places - Farrah's Story

Are You There Cancer? It's Me, Jenny

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Royal Pains: Can Concierge Medicine Coexist With Obama's Healthcare Plan? http://www.blogher.com/royal-pains-can-concierge-medicine-coexist-obamas-healthcare-plan 2009-06-23T03:15:51-05:00 2009-06-23T03:51:08-05:00 Catherine Morgan Have you seen the new show Royal Pains? If so, you are probably now familiar with what a concierge doctor is. It's not a bad show, but is concierge (or boutique) healthcare bad for patients?

From Doc Gurley...

]]> Have you seen the new show Royal Pains? If so, you are probably now familiar with what a concierge doctor is. It's not a bad show, but is concierge (or boutique) healthcare bad for patients?

From Doc Gurley...

For those of us who don't live in the rarefied world of
"concierge" anything, here's how a concierge doc works: you, as a doc,
sign up people for a fixed monthly amount, then you offer them
hand-held service for that monthly payment. Also part of the
arrangement is a (sometimes explicit, sometimes assumed) limit on the
total number of patients the doc will see - say, 600 people total.

This is from an episode of The Doctors...

Have you ever wished you had your own personal doctor at your beck and call? Now you can. Concierge doctors are gaining popularity, but can the average person afford them? President of Elite Personal Physician Services, Dr. Cheryl BryantBruce, explains that her clients have 24/ 7 direct access to her.

“Whether you get the $100,000 package or the $10,000 package, you will get the same medical care,” Dr. BryantBruce assures. “We have a Hippocratic oath that tells us that is what we are supposed to do.”

It seems to me that if you can afford it, it's a great way to go. The trouble is, most people probably can't afford it.

Here is a video explaining the cost and benefits of concierge medicine...


From Womanist Musings - The Terrible Nightmare of Single Payer Healthcare...

The United States has some of the world’s best hospitals, yet millions of U.S. citizens are unable to access their services, making their existence meaningless to large sections of the population. Many die each year due to a lack of insurance and the greatest cause of bankruptcy is unpaid medical bills. Looking from the outside, it is clear that the American Health care system is about profit, whereas the value of a single human life is priceless.

But it's not just about more and more physicians turning to concierge medicine, it's about why?

From Chelsey Ledue at Healthcare Finance News...

To adapt to market pressures, some physicians are moving to full concierge practices. The model works well for physicians – and for patients who can afford it – but it often disenfranchises those patients who can’t afford or don’t want to move to such a model.

“The way the market is moving we may well create a system where millions of Americans no longer have access to primary care physicians,” said Lipton. “This creates a bit of a paradox as the administration and healthcare leaders are publicly highlighting what an important role PCPs play in providing and coordinating care for Americans.”

From Jennifer Erickson of The Laguna Beach Independent...

Some opponents of concierge medicine view the business model as an extra level of bureaucracy atop managed care medical insurance. Dr. Bill Anderson, who runs the Sleepy Hollow urgent care facility downtown, wrote recently in a weekly ad, "if you have a real doctor in a private practice and not a managed care medical plan, you get the same service, minus the frills. Your doctor or an associate is available by phone 24/7 and they coordinate emergency and hospital care when you need it. So what's the big deal?"

Will concierge medicine help or hurt the millions of uninsured and under-insured in our country?

From Josie Brown at Single Minded Woman - Support Single Payer Healthcare...

Last week I got a notice from our insurance carrier that our family policy rate was going up — almost 35% (!!!) — oh, and yeah, it’s time for my college age daughter to get a plan of her own: another $159 above and beyond the increase.

Few kids in college can afford to cover their own health insurance policy. Of course Martin and I will do so until she’s making an income that will do so (forget about a plan from an employer: those are becoming as rare as Ugg boots).

Adding to our cost concerns, our deductible is being raised again, and some benefits (I use that term lightly) are no longer included.

How will this new form of healthcare integrate itself into the Obama healthcare plan? Does it even want to?

From Mommy Life - Obama and ABC Merge...

On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!

Highlights on the agenda:

ABCNEWS anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver WORLD NEWS from the Blue Room of the White House.

The network plans a primetime special -- 'Prescription for America' -- originating from the East Room, exclude opposing voices on the debate.

Have you checked out the new show Royal Pains?

From Vicarella - Is There a Doctor in the Hamptons?

The show was, of course, entertaining, well-acted, well-written, clever, all anyone can ask of a new television show, in a time in which the pains of reality television seem to still be taking over. It did, however, raise the question for me, of "concierge doctors", and whether or not such a thing really does exist, and to what extent. Do the glitterati in places like the Hamptons, Manhattan, Aspen, Los Angeles, Telluride, Miami, et al., really have concierge doctors? Medical professionals who don't work for a hospital or medical practice, but rather work privately, for the world's elite, allowing them to avoid documented medical care (and, potential public embarrasment and/or police action) for plastic surgeries gone awry and drug overdoses? Doctors who pull up in a fancy SVU with a myriad of portable medical devices in the back? A black, leather Coach bag containing perscriptions? (And, how many medical thics are being violated by physicians randomly carrying a variety of perscriptions, and potentially carrying them over state lines.)

From Megan's Minute - The "Royal Pains" of the Hamptons...

Did you know there were such things as concierge doctors?

Medical professionals who hang out at ritzy resorts waiting for party-goers to overdose, or slip on the dance floor or crack-up their cars? That's when a discreet doctor is literally worth his weight in gold.

So...What do you think about concierge medicine? Will it help or hurt our chances of getting quality and affordable healthcare for everyone? If you had the money would you prefer to have a concierge doctor? Let me know your thoughts in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Can Subliminal Messages Help Me Lose Weight And Get Into Better Shape For The Summer? I hope so. http://www.blogher.com/can-subliminal-messages-help-me-lose-weight-and-get-better-shape-summer-i-hope-so 2009-06-19T23:52:02-05:00 2009-06-19T23:52:02-05:00 Catherine Morgan Sunday marks the first day of summer...How are you feeling about getting into your bathing suit? Personally, I was hoping to be in a little better shape by now. Even though I've been successful at getting closer to my ideal weight, I've been playing one step forward and two steps back for the last several weeks.

]]> Sunday marks the first day of summer...How are you feeling about getting into your bathing suit? Personally, I was hoping to be in a little better shape by now. Even though I've been successful at getting closer to my ideal weight, I've been playing one step forward and two steps back for the last several weeks.

Since I know I'm not the only mom out there struggling to eat healthy and lose weight, I won't give up. I'm determined to have my Valerie Bertinelli moment, and it would be great if I could get to it sometime this summer. And yes, I do have a plan. It involves a few of the things that have already worked for me, and a couple of new (somewhat unconventional) ideas too.

Here's an unconventional idea from izzimom - Best Weight Loss Tip Ever...

I’m not implying that any of YOU need to lose weight but if you ever need some inspiration to keep your eye on the ball and your ass in gear, just put on your bathing suit and look in the mirror. This is especially important if you’re putting on your bathing suit for the first time since it got warm. The impact will be much greater. But possibly more depressing, too. Consider yourself warned.

Then? Repeat EVERY SINGLE DAY so you never, ever become complacent or forget that you have NOT reached your goal…mostly because you sit in front of your computer all day. Ahem.

Check out some of the comments here.

I don't know about you, but I can totally relate to This Mama...

From This Mama Cooks! On A Diet - My Weight Loss, Slower Than A Herd Of Turtles...

Most weight loss and diet bloggers do a lot of weekly update posts. I haven’t since going back to Weight Watchers earlier this year and starting on their Momentum Plan. You know why? Because reading that I’ve lost 1 pound here, or gained a few pounds back there, is boring.

Well, it’s beyond boring to me that is. In fact, it’s downright maddening.

I know I'm going to need to shake things up a bit if I'm going to get back in the swing of things. So, here is my plan...

First, something new - I'm going to take the advice of Violette DeSantis from Type-A Mom and try eating a Horned Melon (hopefully they aren't too expensive)...

If we are not eating right our efforts at dieting and exercise are complemented with fatigue. Truth is we are more apt to work at eating right and continuing on a course of fitness when we have energy and less frustration. One remedy to fight fatigue is iron and a favorite source for most of us is melon. What usually comes to mind is our summer favorite, watermelon but let’s discover a new melon that packs a wallop of iron, the horned melon.

Yes, it looks scary; a puffer fish on a vine. I promise it won’t bite back.

Second, something old - I'm going to get more exercise to try to increase my metabolism, as suggested by Workout Mommy in Simple Ways To Lose Weight...

Instead of spending your free time on the couch, walk around and get a few household chores done as you keep an eye and an ear on the television. Instead of taking the elevator, use the stairs. Park at the end of the lot so that you need to walk longer to get to the office or your home. And get down to enjoy some rambunctious fun with your kids. These are small things, they’re certainly not what we would call exercise, but they do increase your metabolism and help you lose weight.

And third, something unconventional - I'm going to try a subliminal weight loss program that I received a few months ago. I listened to it a few times, but never committed to using it every day. But starting tonight, I'm going to give it a real try.

I'm hoping these subliminal messages will help keep me motivated to make healthy food choices and say "no" to the empty calories and angry whoppers. I'll keep a journal for the next month so I can report back to everyone on whether it actually worked or not.

So that's my plan, and I'm going to try really hard to stick to it. Do you have any plans for staying healthy or losing weight this summer? Will you be trying any unconventional weight loss methods? Does the thought of being seen in a bathing suit affect your desire to get into better shape? Let me know in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope 

]]> Tips For Eating Healthy During Pregnancy http://www.blogher.com/tips-eating-healthy-during-pregnancy 2009-06-15T23:38:46-05:00 2009-06-15T23:38:46-05:00 Catherine Morgan Since it's Baby Week on Discovery Health I thought I would do a little blog round-up on pregnancy nutrition.

As much as I would love to claim that I had great eating habits during my pregnancies (16 & 19 years ago), I have to admit that I made my share of pregnancy nutrition fopauxs. For example...I didn't drink even one glass of milk (I hate milk), and I gained over forty pounds each pregnancy. But enough about me, here are some posts by women trying to get it right.

]]> Since it's Baby Week on Discovery Health I thought I would do a little blog round-up on pregnancy nutrition.

As much as I would love to claim that I had great eating habits during my pregnancies (16 & 19 years ago), I have to admit that I made my share of pregnancy nutrition fopauxs. For example...I didn't drink even one glass of milk (I hate milk), and I gained over forty pounds each pregnancy. But enough about me, here are some posts by women trying to get it right.

From Amy at The Lawsons did Dallas - The Pregnancy Diet For Hotties...

I have taken the initiative to change my life for the better and I've officially instituted the The Pregnancy Diet for HOTTIES! And yes, when you say it out loud, the word "HOTTIES!" should be enunciated with all sorts of pizazz. You're also encouraged to show the world your boobies...no matter what word you're saying.

This revolutionary new diet was developed in my in-house laboratory.

Yes, exactly. I made it up myself.

From Keeper of the Home -Healthy,Natural Pregnancy: Something Fishy...

You've probably heard that fish is incredibly high in good omega 3 fatty acids, perfect not only for the pregnant mama's health but especially for developing that sweet little one (omega 3s are essential for proper brain development, among other things). You have probably also heard that, very sadly, our fish are being contaminated by heavy metals and other toxins (especially mercury) at an alarming rate, due to water pollution, making fish consumption a risky deal during pregnancy. Both are true.

So just what is a health-conscious, fish-loving pregnant mama to do?

From EWG, here is an excellent guide to choosing what to eat for dinner:

and Healthy, Natural Pregnancy: Prenatal Vitamins...

About a week before delivering my first child, I had a sudden panic attack. What if there was something wrong with her? What if she hadn't developed properly because of that one month when I didn't take any prenatal vitamins, or because I enjoyed a few ice creams during the hot, Japanese summer afternoons? Did I eat enough green and orange veggies? Did I get all my protein? Had I always remembered to drink my 8-10 glasses of water a day?

Thankfully, the big day came, and she was not only beautiful, but just perfect and incredibly healthy. Phew!

Although I am a big proponent of health and good nutrition and I believe that a healthier mom and diet makes for a much healthier baby, it may surprise you to know that I actually don't take a typical prenatal supplement. I do, however, pay even closer attention to my diet than usual, and focus on supplementing my whole foods diet with a few specifics that I think are especially important.

From Fit and Fabulous Pregnancy Blog - Water Intake During Your Pregnancy...

1.Water carries nutrients through your blood to your baby!

2.Water helps prevent bladder infections, which are common during pregnancy.

3.Water helps prevent constipation.

4.Water helps with hemorrhoids.

5.Although it may seem counterproductive, drinking enough water actually helps

you NOT retain water.

6.Water helps prevent dehydration which is especially important in your third

trimester when dehydration can cause contractions that can trigger preterm labor.

Here is a video with tips for eating healthy during pregnancy...


From Cranky Fitness - Obesity, Probiotics, and Pregnancy...

Good news for pregnant yogurt-lovers! Scientists in Finland looked into the effects of probiotic consumption during pregnancy. And they found that probiotics helped reduce post-pregnancy obesity levels.

Probiotics, as you may recall, are those "good" bugs that live in cultured foods like yogurt and kefir. (As opposed to the "bad" bugs you get when you drop your food on the kitchen floor and, if no-one's looking, decide to invoke the "five second rule" and eat it anyway.)

And this is from the Discovery Health Baby Week website - Pregnancy Diet Tips...

What to Eat
While there’s no single must-have nutrient for expectant moms, there are some—folate (folic acid), iron, calcium, omega-3 fats and fiber—that play important roles in a healthy pregnancy. Folate-rich leafy green vegetables, beans and citrus fruits are high on our list, along with iron-rich lean red meats, fish, poultry and dried fruits and calcium-heavy, low-fat dairy. Certain fish provide safe amounts of omega-3s, and whole grains and legumes supply the fiber.

What to Avoid
During pregnancy, foods to avoid are soft, raw or unpasteurized cheeses like Brie, Camembert, feta or goat cheese, high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, and alcohol. As always, go easy on saturated fats, sodium, caffeine and empty sugar calories. And ask your doctor about prenatal supplements, and about any changes to your diet or exercise program.

What nutrition tips do you have for moms-to-be?

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> The Swine Flu Is Now A Pandemic http://www.blogher.com/swine-flu-now-pandemic 2009-06-12T22:03:40-05:00 2009-06-12T22:06:47-05:00 Catherine Morgan On Thursday the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the first flu pandemic in 41 years. But there is no need to panic, the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has not become any more lethal, it's just being recognized as a pandemic now because of the numbers of cases and areas affected.

From The Wall Street Journal - Flu Pandemic Is Declared...

]]> On Thursday the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the first flu pandemic in 41 years. But there is no need to panic, the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has not become any more lethal, it's just being recognized as a pandemic now because of the numbers of cases and areas affected.

From The Wall Street Journal - Flu Pandemic Is Declared...

As of Thursday, the WHO reported 28,774 confirmed cases of H1N1 in 74 countries, including 144 deaths. A sharp jump in cases in Australia, where more than 1,300 people have been diagnosed, contributed to the decision to raise the alert level.

In Hong Kong, the government on Thursday ordered the closure of all nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools for two weeks after a dozen students at one school tested positive for swine flu.

While the new flu strain has spread rapidly, fewer than 1% of reported H1N1 cases have resulted in deaths. The most recent pandemic in 1968 killed about one million people, according to some estimates. The most lethal flu pandemic of the past 100 years, in 1918, is believed to have killed tens of millions of people.

The WHO estimates that seasonal flu kills up to 500,000 people each year.

So what does all of this mean for you and me? Here is a video from The New York Times...


Erin Cooper shares some tips on preventing the H1N1 virus...

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Other important actions that you can take are—
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public whileyou are sick and contagious.

From A Pregnant Pause...

Pregnant women and mothers with children are probably the most worried of all when WHO announced the first flu pandemic in 41 years with 74 countries affected.

With the Summer break (and school holidays) coming up, many families would probably have planned their flights home or purchased their holiday packages months ahead at travel fairs, even before swine flu (A H1N1) was first reported in April (early Spring) US and Mexico.

As a pregnant mother with a 3.5 year old toddler planning her travel home and deciding where to deliver my baby, this announcement pretty much firms up our decision to go home.

From EmpowerHer - First Batch of Swine Flu Vaccine...

European drug maker Novartis AG announced Friday that it has successfully produced the first batch of H1N1 swine flu vaccine, weeks earlier than had been expected.

The shortened production schedule was made possible because the vaccine was produced in cells, rather than the egg-based method typically used for vaccines, the company said.

Where do you get your Swine Flu information?

At Dr. Gwenn Is In bloggers are being asked to take a quick survey - How Do Bloggers Get Information About Swine Flu?

With Swine Flu, Influenza H1N1, now at pandemic levels world wide, gathering data and information about the virus is important to keep us all healthy. Believe it or not, part of the information hunt involves how you get your information on important health issues such as Swine Flu.

How are you feeling about the Swine Flu being recognized as a pandemic? Are you more worried? Not worried at all? Will you be changing your summer travel plans? Let me know what you think in comments.

Also See:

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Is Alternative Medicine Pseudoscience? http://www.blogher.com/alternative-medicine-pseudoscience 2009-06-09T02:16:37-05:00 2009-06-09T02:16:37-05:00 Catherine Morgan There is a lot of controversy surrounding alternative modalities of healing, and whether or not they are effective. My feelings on alternative medicine is that mainstream medicine should not be replaced by it, but rather complimented by it. It's not an all or nothing scenario. All alternative medicine is not good, but it's also not all bad.

]]> There is a lot of controversy surrounding alternative modalities of healing, and whether or not they are effective. My feelings on alternative medicine is that mainstream medicine should not be replaced by it, but rather complimented by it. It's not an all or nothing scenario. All alternative medicine is not good, but it's also not all bad.

Recently there was an article about parents who withheld medical treatment for their child to treat the child with homeopathy, and the child later died. This is a sad and tragic story, but does it prove homeopathy doesn't work? I don't think so. I think this case is more of a reflection on neglect and/or poor choices by the parents, as apposed to the failure of homeopathy. This case is a glaring example of why traditional medicine should not be ignored for alternative medicine.

Even with all the controversy, many medical professionals are now excepting that alternative healing practices can be helpful to patients when used in conjunction with their mainstream treatments.

Marilynn Marchione wrote Alternative Medicine Is Being Integrated Into Mainstream for The Huffington Post on Monday. Here is an excerpt from the article...

Alternative medicine has become mainstream. It is finding wider acceptance by doctors, insurers and hospitals like the shock trauma center at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consumer spending on it in some cases rivals that of traditional health care.

People turn to unconventional therapies and herbal remedies for everything from hot flashes and trouble sleeping to cancer and heart disease. They crave more "care" in their health care. They distrust drug companies and the government. They want natural, safer remedies.

I agree with most of what she's written about the supplement market and the lack of government regulation (it's bad), but alternative medicine is so much more than just supplements.

Angelique talks about 5 Reasons You Should Consider Alternative Healing...

There are many reasons to choose alternative healing over traditional forms of medicine. There’s the cost, the holistic approach, no side effects. The list goes on.

For those still on the fence about alternative healing, I found an article that lists the top 5 reasons why anyone should consider it from a practical standpoint.

Well, I would have to disagree with Angelique on this one. The cost is often times more for alternative healing, because it's not usually covered by insurance. And even holistic medicine has side effects. But even so, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider alternative medicine.

From The Edge - Alternative and Allopathic Medicine: Peaceful Partnership...

Even though the scalpel may remove the tumor, since the disease effects the whole of its host/creator, the whole self must disinvite the disease and anchor wellness. In my own healing process, besides doing the inner work I knew I had to do, I researched diet, finding stunning similarities between the cancer-healing diets of Edgar Cayce and that suggested by the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education, which is based on growing edge clinical research.

I resolved the few differences between these sources with my own intuitive work and came up with a diet that can be fine-tuned for anyone who wants to heal from or prevent cancer. Bottom line: an alkaline diet rich in veggies and fruits, fiber, nuts and (non-peanut) legumes and, wild-caught fish, free-range poultry and eggs.

I am certain that the holistic modalities that I used to complement my medical care were important factors in my healing: Hypnotherapy, Self-Hypnosis, Meditation, Massage (both traditional and lymphatic drainage), Reiki, Sacro-cranial treatments, Acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique and Affirmative Prayer. Without them I believe my disease would have progressed faster; with them my recovery speeded up and my body healed not only from the disease but from the potentially devastating effects of the treatment.

Dr. Amy from The Skeptical OB calls Alternative Health Pseudoscience. Her perspective is interesting, but I think it's also an example of why an all or nothing approach isn't helpful.

The current popularity of "alternative" health is a sad testament to the pervasive appeal of pseudoscience among Americans. As a general matter, "alternative" health is the belief that simple measures (nutritional supplements, herbs, laying on of hands) are effective in preventing and treating serious illness. "Alternative" health promotes the happy fantasy that we have more control over our health than we actually do.

Like most claims of pseudoscience, "alternative" health rests on the twin pillars of lack of knowledge and magical thinking. Lack of knowledge is easy to explain. If you don't have a fund of basic scientific knowledge, if you don't understand the scientific method, and if you don't understand statistics, which is the language of science, you are not going to have a real understanding of health. Most "alternative" health advocates are woefully undereducated about human physiology, have little basic knowledge of science and no knowledge of statistics.

Not surprisingly, Dr. Amy takes a hard line against alternative health practices, but is alternative medicine just pseudoscience? I don't think so. Just because something can not be "scientifically" proven today, doesn't mean it won't be proven in the future. For example, most people believe that when they die they will go to heaven, but there is no "scientific" proof of heaven. Does that mean heaven doesn't exist? And at one time, before there was proof that the world was round, everyone believed it was flat. Was it flat just because the science wasn't available to prove it wasn't? No. Science may not be able to prove that Reiki or Acupuncture (or any other alternative modality) actually works, but that isn't proof that it doesn't work either.  Let's face it, even when things are scientifically proven one day, they are often scientifically dis-proven the next.  How many times has the FDA approved something and then needed to admit they were wrong and take it off the market?  How many times do doctors misdiagnose patients?  Even Einstein was wrong sometimes.  The only thing we know for sure, is that no one knows everything.

What do you think? Is alternative medicine pseudoscience? Have you ever used alternative modalities of healing? Was it helpful? Let me know in comments.

Also See:

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Oprah's Health Advice: Take it or leave it? http://www.blogher.com/oprahs-health-advice-take-it-or-leave-it 2009-06-05T23:13:29-05:00 2009-06-05T23:50:17-05:00 Catherine Morgan I'm not a lover (or a hater) of the Oprah Show, when she has something I'm interested in I watch, otherwise I don't. Since I write about health and wellness, I do tend to be more interested in her health related shows. Now there is a Newsweek article addressing her many controversial and sometimes misleading health related shows. No surprise, there are a lot of women blogging about whether or not Oprah's advice is good advice.

]]> I'm not a lover (or a hater) of the Oprah Show, when she has something I'm interested in I watch, otherwise I don't. Since I write about health and wellness, I do tend to be more interested in her health related shows. Now there is a Newsweek article addressing her many controversial and sometimes misleading health related shows. No surprise, there are a lot of women blogging about whether or not Oprah's advice is good advice.

Here is an excerpt from the Newsweek article - Why Health Advice on 'Oprah' Could Make You Sick...

Oprah routinely grabs viewers with the sort of tales of the strange and absurd that might be found a few clicks over on Maury Povich or Jerry Springer: women who leave their husbands for other women (another recent Oprah episode); a 900-pound mom (ditto). But there is a difference. Oprah makes her audience feel virtuous for gaping at the misfortunes of others. What would be sniffed at as seamy on Maury is somehow praised as anthropology on Oprah. This is Oprah's special brilliance. She is a gifted entertainer, but she makes it seem as though that is beside the point. Oprah is not here to amuse you, she is here to help you. To help you understand your feelings; drop those unwanted pounds; look and feel younger; get your thyroid under control; to smooth your thighs, nip and tuck your wrinkles, awaken your senses and achieve spiritual tranquillity so that you can at last be free to "Live Your Best Life."

Oprah takes these things very seriously. They are, after all, the answers she hopes to find for herself. If Oprah has an exquisite ear for the cravings and anxieties of her audience, it is because she shares them. Her own lifelong quest for love, meaning and fulfillment plays out on her stage each day. In an age of information overload, she offers herself as a guide through the confusion.

I found the article interesting, but I'm not entirely convinced that Oprah is doing a disservice to her viewers by bringing attention to alternative (and often controversial) health topics. Are some of these ideas a little flaky? Yes. Would Oprah's viewers be better served if she only towed the AMA (American Medical Association) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) line? Probably not.

Here is some of what other women are blogging on this issue.

Colleen Fitcher from Fit Fare - Next on Oprah: A Grain of Salt...

The big cover story in this week’s Newsweek is a look at the health information — apparently in most cases, misinformation — propagated by Oprah Winfrey’s signature television talk show:

From Winter Ramblings - Crazy Talk?

This well-written piece zeros in on the controversial advice offered on Oprah's show in the past, including by Suzanne Somers (hormone replacement), and Jenny McCarthy (autism).

Oprah does many things well, which the Newsweek piece also highlights. But this week's article represents bold coverage that some believe was long overdue. I believe that when it comes to special needs coverage in the media, including on Oprah, the coverage could and should be more balanced, more thorough and more inclusive of many disabilities, and presented by an array of experienced, knowledgeable voices and activists, not just Hollywood celebrities.

From Jezebel - Is Oprah Selling Snake Oil?

Health is unpredictable and scary, and it's natural to want to rely on "my science," to crave a certain feeling of control. Oprah offers that control, telling viewers, "we have the right to demand a better quality of life for ourselves. And that's what doctors have got to learn to start respecting." But this control is an illusion. We can't demand better health from our doctors, from supplements, or from the universe. At some point, we have to take what comes our way. Oprah's message of "living your best life" has been helpful to many people, but sometimes your best life comes from accepting your lot, and looking at your options with a clear, critical eye.

From Ungirdled Passion - Newsweek Blasts Oprah!

My hands trembled as I read the cover of this week’s Newsweek I pulled from the mailbox (see right). There was a photo of an almost crazed and emotional Oprah with the title, “CRAZY TALK – OPRAH, WACKY CURES & YOU.” They were calling Oprah, THE Oprah, crazy? Her advice “wacky?” This was utter blasphemy. Oprah is like God. Think about it. They're both worshiped by practically everybody, they’re both everywhere, and their bank accounts are pretty evenly matched. This was obviously a joke or the work of the devil. I quickly flipped to the feature to find out which.

It was no joke. Newsweek essentially calls her out for providing what they say many experts believe to be reckless, potentially harmful medical advice. They question the accuracy and credibility of information presented on bio-identical hormones, cosmetic procedures, thyroid dysfunction and much, much more. They even take on, gulp, The Secret! It is one of the longest features I can remember reading in Newsweek. I wonder if it’s fair to call Oprah’s show “Crazy Talk.”

Peggy from The Blog That Ate Manhattan - Oprah - I'm not a doctor, but I play a really bad one on TV...

Oprah's embrace of the Woo-Woo factor in health hasn't served either herself or her viewers. By giving her stage over to wackos like hormone-crazy Suzanne Somers and anti-vaccine nut Jenny McCarthy, while treating legitimate medical authorities as nothing more than naysayers, Oprah has behaved irresponsibly and abused the huge power that the American TV viewing public has bestowed upon her as the Queen of the daytime talk show.

Oprah's response to the Newsweek article is self-serving and disingenuous. She hides behind what she calls the 'intelligence" of her viewers to sift through the crap she presents them to find what's right for them.

For 23 years, my show has presented thousands of topics that reflect the human experience, including doctors' medical advice and personal health stories that have prompted conversations between our audience members and their health care providers. I trust the viewers, and I know that they are smart and discerning enough to seek out medical opinions to determine what may be best for them.

I believe my viewers understand the medical information presented on the show is just that—information—not an endorsement or prescription.

From Jessica Grose at XXfactor - Taking Health Advice From Celebrities Is Not Too Bright...

The authors of the Newsweek article argue that by allowing Suzanne Somers on her show to spout off about "nanotechnology patches" unchallenged by medical professionals, Oprah is tacitly condoning Somers' wackadoo advice. Though Oprah is arguably the most powerful woman in America, I find it hard to believe that more than one or two of her millions of audience members would run out and buy syringes to start injecting their hoo-has with estrogen just because someone on the Oprah show recommended it.

What do you think about Oprah's advice? Take it or leave it?

Here are a few other posts I've done on Oprah related topics...

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Could The Recession Be Making More Americans Fat? Is it possible to eat healthy on a budget? http://www.blogher.com/could-recession-be-making-more-americans-fat-it-possible-eat-healthy-budget 2009-06-02T00:30:37-05:00 2009-06-02T00:30:37-05:00 Catherine Morgan There seems to be evidence that the poor economy is taking its toll on American families and their ability to make healthy food choices. For some it may be that stress is contributing to an increase in emotional eating, and for others it may be the cost of eating healthy. For what ever reason, the recession appears to be having a negative affect on obesity in America.

]]> There seems to be evidence that the poor economy is taking its toll on American families and their ability to make healthy food choices. For some it may be that stress is contributing to an increase in emotional eating, and for others it may be the cost of eating healthy. For what ever reason, the recession appears to be having a negative affect on obesity in America. And since there is no sign of economic recovery in the near future, we need to all find ways to get ourselves (and our families) through these hard times without forfeiting our health.

Back in October I wrote a post on saving money while still eating healthy, and now more than ever, I think we need to take another look at how we can do that.

Today Newsweek had an article about how the recession is contributing to an increase of overweight Americans.

Is The Recession Making Americans Fatter?

Could the plummeting economy be contributing to expanding waistlines? Something is: new data released exclusively to NEWSWEEK from Gallup-Healthways shows that in the past year, the number of Americans considered obese has jumped by 1.7 percent—or almost 5.5 million people—and that the obese report a much lower quality of life than those who are at healthier weights.

. . .

The stress of worrying about keeping or finding a job, paying bills and keeping a stable home does take a negative toll on one's health, including weight. "There's a clear link between stress and weight gain," says Leslie Heinberg, director of behavioral services for the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Cleveland Clinic. "People may be more likely to eat comfort foods or eat things that are higher in fat and calories," she explains. And, this kind of weight gain can be especially unhealthy: "There's good evidence that stress hormones may play important role in holding onto fat, especially the much more deleterious visceral fat." And a tight budget doesn't just mean stress eating, it also means we're more likely to choose foods that are cheaper, which are typically foods that are higher in fat and calories.

Let's take a look at what other women are blogging about eating healthy on a budget.

From Natures Mom Blog - Organic Healthy Foods on a Budget...

Yes, the conundrum that most families into natural health and wellness will face. On one hand we have the argument that organic, healthier foods cost more and therefore cannot be justified when we have a modest budget. There is some truth to this no doubt. Organic cow’s milk might cost you $4.99 for a half gallon at the grocery store. The non-organic milk sits right next to it at $2.79 per whole gallon. The raw organic almonds I buy at $12.99 a pound to make breakfast bars with seems extravagant when I could buy Pop Tarts for a couple dollars a box right? Why go buy $15 worth of ingredients at the store to make a good dinner when we can shop the $1 menu at McDonalds?

But then the counter argument is that unhealthy foods and non organic foods will cost us more in the long run. Why? Because food is our medicine. An unhealthy diet will eventually lead to health problems, doctor visits, unpaid sick days, hospitalizations, pharma prescriptions, etc.

From Gluten Free Mommy - A Frugal Healthy Grocery Budget...

Prices just keep going up at the grocery store! I thought it would be a good time to reflect on eating healthy and frugally, since sometimes it seems that the two are mutually exclusive. When you add on other dietary requirements or preferences like eating gluten free or shopping locally, it can seem downright impossible. I was raised that healthy eating is a priority and worth the expense, but there are ways to be frugal and eat healthy too. For those of us who are gluten-free, we know first-hand that what you put in your body matters! Consider healthy eating to be an investment in your future health.

From This Mama Cooks! On a Diet - The Pasta Queen Eating Healthy on a Budget...

Now that our economy has entered a recession, some experts hypothesize that we may pack on recession pounds as people turn to cheaper, processed foods high in empty carbohydrates. There is no doubt people are looking for ways to make their money go farther, but that doesn't mean they can only eat off the dollar menu. Here are some tips on how to live healthy without living in a cardboard box.

From $5 Dinners - Losing Weight on a Budget...

I hear so many people say, “Eating healthy is so expensive. How do you stay on a budget?” Last year, I lost 35 pounds by eating healthy foods and staying on budget. So, eating healthy is possible if you want to lose weight and not break the bank!

Planning is key to so many things and it certainly important with weight loss! Planning makes it easier to spend less when you’re trying to eat healthier.

From The Skinny Gourmet - Budget Friendly Meals That Are Nutritious and Delicious...

The quest to economize in the modern American home often focuses around food. And rightly so. According to the 2007 Consumer Expenditure Survey, moderate income Americans spend somewhere between 31 and 37% of their total food expenditures on eating outside the home. Americans earning fourty-thousand dollars or more per year spend about 42 percent of their food budget on eating out, while the wealthiest income bracket spend nearly half their budget on dining outside the home. The very poorest Americans, whose annual income was $5,000 or less spent a whopping 41 percent of their income eating out.

But now that the economy is putting the squeeze on our plates, many of us find ourselves in quite the bind: how can we make food that is nutritious, tasty, and won't break our increasingly thin wallets? And by the way, if it isn't asking too much, wouldn't it be nice if those food solutions also didn't require hours and hours of preparation time, because although we have less cash, we are still really busy folks.

Are you finding it harder to eat healthy in this poor economy? Are you surprised that the recession is causing an increase in obesity? Do you think it is possible to eat healthy on a tight budget? Do you have any tips you can share about how you and your family are eating healthy on a budget?

Also See:

Tips For Eating Green and Why You Should

Check out the BlogHer Healthy Eating tag for more women blogging on eating healthy.

Nordette's post on Ten Things I Won't Cut From My Families Budget

From Dr. Mommy - Healthy Eating On A Budget

Is It Possible To Eat Healthy on a Budget?

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope 

]]> Online Questionaires Like RealAge Are Selling Your Private Information. Are you ok with that? http://www.blogher.com/online-questionaires-realage-are-selling-your-private-information-are-you-ok 2009-05-30T01:28:20-05:00 2009-05-30T01:39:36-05:00 Catherine Morgan How private do you think your personal medical information is? You may be surprised (or angry) to find out the truth.

Could you be unknowingly giving away your private information to unscrupulous marketers? Well, if you're one of the 27 million people that have taken an online questionnaire to determine your real age, that may be exactly what has already happened.

From Stephanie Clifford at The New York Times...

]]> How private do you think your personal medical information is? You may be surprised (or angry) to find out the truth.

Could you be unknowingly giving away your private information to unscrupulous marketers? Well, if you're one of the 27 million people that have taken an online questionnaire to determine your real age, that may be exactly what has already happened.

From Stephanie Clifford at The New York Times...

While few people would fill out a detailed questionnaire about their health and hand it over to a drug company looking for suggestions for new medications, that is essentially what RealAge is doing.

RealAge allows drug companies to send e-mail messages based on those test results. It acts as a clearinghouse for drug companies, including Pfizer, Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline, allowing them to use almost any combination of answers from the test to find people to market to, including whether someone is taking antidepressants, how sexually active they are and even if their marriage is happy.

From The Great Fitness Experiment -- Is Your Real Age Accurate?

At first I will admit I was thrilled with my results. See? That healthy living obsession is paying off in the form of high-kicking organs and a mind that could battle wits against a Sicillian and win (although not in a land war in Asia.) But then the doubt started to creep in. I fussed around with my results and discovered something interesting: the test puts an immense, some might say disproportionate, emphasis on certain supplements. Especially confusing to me was the pro vitamin E stance, considering all the recent research about its harmful effects. A supplement that reportedly causes a 15% increase in early death actually added years to my life according to the quiz. Are they just operating off of old research? After all, Vitamin E used to be the wonder supplement before Vitamin D threw it off the bridge with cement shoes. Or, is something more nefarious going on?

This is from Cranky Fitness -- Find Your "Real" Real Age...

Have you taken the "Real Age" test? It's that site where you sign up and answer a bunch of family history and lifestyle questions. Then the site figures your health risks and tells you how old you "really" are.

Twenty seven million people have taken it so far. And it's energetically pushed by Oprah's pal, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Jodie Andrefski wrote Those Fun Online Quizzes May Be More Than You Bargained For...

Then, you have sites like RealAge. Oh, this one is nifty. This one is popular for telling you what your biological age is based on your answers to a detailed quiz about health habits and family history. Are you depressed? How often do you have sex? Now, the answers to these rather personal questions aren’t just to figure out your “Real Age” by the way. Ahhhh….no. Your information is then used to market you based on your answers. Depressed? Having problems in that area and Viagra is starting to look good? Well, let us (RealAge) help. We will allow partners to sponsor messages that we will then send to you. Aren’t we ever so helpful? *cough, cough*

“These [types of sites] are data-mining havens where users willingly opt in from the very beginning,” says Ryan Jacobson, an attorney and co-chairman of the Entertainment Media and Privacy Law Group at the law firm SmithAmundsen in Chicago. “I’m afraid that the average user fails to recognize or take the time to understand what privacy rights he or she is actually giving up by responding.”

What do you think about the way this RealAge site is using our basic desire to stay young and healthy, just to turn around and sell us out to pharmaceutical companies? Is it dishonest? Or a shrude business plan? Have you taken the questionair? Is so...How does it make you feel knowing your personal information is being used to send you pharmaceutical spam? Let us know in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope 

]]> Vitamin D: Are You Getting Enough? http://www.blogher.com/vitamin-d-are-you-getting-enough 2009-05-26T01:33:18-05:00 2009-05-26T01:33:18-05:00 Catherine Morgan Are you getting enough vitamin D? Would you know if you weren't? Apparently, most of us are deficient in vitamin D, and that is putting us at greater risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, some types of cancer, diabetes, and possibly other chronic medical problems (like asthma, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis).

You might be surprised to learn how important vitamin D is to your overall health, and how easy it is to make sure you're getting enough.

]]> Are you getting enough vitamin D? Would you know if you weren't? Apparently, most of us are deficient in vitamin D, and that is putting us at greater risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, some types of cancer, diabetes, and possibly other chronic medical problems (like asthma, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis).

You might be surprised to learn how important vitamin D is to your overall health, and how easy it is to make sure you're getting enough.

From BlogHer joyofnutrition - Vitamin D May Make You Brighter...

A study published this past week indicates that increasing your levels of vitamin D may help older people stay mentally sharp. Your body can produce vitamin D by exposing your skin to the sun as well as through the diet. Sources of vitamin D include oily fish, liver, mushrooms and fortified products, such as orange juice.

From Women to Women - Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency...

Vitamin D deficiency may be characterized by muscle pain, weak bones/fractures, low energy and fatigue, lowered immunity, symptoms of depression and mood swings, and sleep irregularities. Women with renal problems or intestinal concerns (such as IBS or Crohn’s disease) may be vitamin D deficient because they can neither absorb nor adequately convert the nutrient.

From BlogHer HeartStrong...

A recent study (The Framingham Offspring Study) published earlier this year reported an increased risk for heart disease in people whose Vitamin D levels were low. People with high blood pressure were at an even higher risk than people with normal blood pressure.

From The National Women's Health Network - Basking in the Benefits of Vitamin D...

Although we have known for ages that Vitamin D is a crucial for healthy bodies, it has received extra attention in the media lately that may have left you wondering what all the fuss is about. If you’re as skeptical about hyped up new health trends and dietary supplements as I am, then you probably haven’t gone out and bought every bottle of Vitamin D pills at your local health food store. However, the more I read and understand about it, the more inclined I am to soak up the sun and drink a tall glass of fortified soymilk.

From BlogHer eapgourmet - Vitamin D and Heart Health...

Studies conducted by the American Heart Association indicate that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk for PAD, which occurs when the arteries in a person's legs narrow or become clogged with fat. The association estimates that 8 million Americans are affected by PAD.

From BlogHer Fighting Fatigue - Vitamin Deficiency Dangers...

I never realized until I was diagnosed with a serious Vitamin D deficiency what all problems this could cause. My doctor was very concerned because my levels were dangerously low and he immediately put me on a high dose Vitamin D supplement. Some other health problems my doctor told me Vitamin D deficiency could cause include heart disease, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, PMS, Crohns Disease, cancer, MS and other autoimmune diseases.

From Naturally Knocked Up - Boost Your Fertility With Vitamin D...

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and exists in several forms. Some of these are basically inactive in the body and have limited ability to function.

Why is it important for fertility? Well, you need it in order for your body to produce sex hormones. And without the right amount of hormones in your system, you can suffer from pcos, PMS, and infertility. Vitamin D is also key in regulating cell growth and deciding how those cells grow.

In the news from PR-USA...

Pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D may be more likely to suffer from bacterial vaginosis (BV) – a common vaginal infection that increases a woman’s risk for preterm delivery, according to a University of Pittsburgh study. Available online and published in the June issue of The Journal of Nutrition, the studymay explain why African-American women, who often lack adequate vitamin D, are three times more likely than white women to develop BV.

The Sun Screen How-To...

I'm reading that sunscreens block Vitamin D absorption -- should I be worried about that?

No, and you definitely should absolutely not skip the sunscreen in order to get some Vitamin D. If you're wearing sunscreen daily on your face (which I wholeheartedly recommend) then you are getting enough incidental exposure during your normal day to boost your Vitamin D intake. But for a day when you know you will be out in the sun for a long time, especially around water, please lotion up. The damage that even a mild sunburn does to your skin is not balanced out, in any way, by the Vitamin D you will get from being sunscreen free.

Take this quick vitamin D quiz at Fit Sugar.

Also See:

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Is Elizabeth Adeney Too Old To Have A Baby? Do We Have The Right To Judge? http://www.blogher.com/elizabeth-adeney-too-old-have-baby-do-we-have-right-judge 2009-05-23T00:11:46-05:00 2009-05-23T00:14:21-05:00 Catherine Morgan Have you heard about the controversy surrounding the impending motherhood of Elizabeth Adeney at age 66? Is she too old to be having a child for the first time? Is it fair to the child? Is it selfish of the mother? Is it fair for us to sit in judgment of her?

At what age is a woman too old to be a first time mother? Would you have a baby at the age of 66?

]]> Have you heard about the controversy surrounding the impending motherhood of Elizabeth Adeney at age 66? Is she too old to be having a child for the first time? Is it fair to the child? Is it selfish of the mother? Is it fair for us to sit in judgment of her?

At what age is a woman too old to be a first time mother? Would you have a baby at the age of 66?

Is there a double standard here? Would it be o.k. if she was a married 66-year-old? Or if we were talking about a 66-year-old man? Well, there is a lot of opinion surrounding this topic, do you have one? Here is some of what other women are blogging about this controversial topic.

From Feministing - Pregnant at 66 and putting choice in context...

Each individual woman has the right to decide what's best for her when it comes to reproduction. Women have the right to choose abortion, the right to give up a child for adoption, the right to have children without getting married first, the right to sterilization, the right to NOT be sterilized, the right to IVF treatments (regardless of their partner's gender), and the list goes on. Debating a woman's fitness to be a mother or what course of action is "natural" for her is essentially buying in to an anti-choice worldview in which we can define who is and who isn't a fit mother.

Usually when the media and lawmakers weigh in on a woman's personal reproductive choices, they target low-income women, young women, women with disabilities. Adeney's situation is different because she is a woman in a position of relative privilege who has gotten pregnant via very expensive IVF treatments, but judgments about her decision are rooted in the same brand of sexism.

From Lea at Blah, Blah, Blog...

This is ridiculous!
Not that a woman has CHOSEN to have her first child at the age of 66. Nope. That doesn’t bother me a bit.
So, what is ridiculous?
The notion that a woman is too old to be a first time mom.

From The Presute of Harpyness - 66-Year-Old Woman To Give Birth...

Of course, there’s been blowback and censure and hand-wringing about what it all means. Even the Times–usually one of the more reasonable UK papers–got in on the act with a nasty bit of bias journalism that quotes bioethicist Professor Severino Antinori, who is horrified by Munro’s pregnancy. Unfortunately, when asked to elaborate on why Munro’s pregnancy is so wrong, Prof. Antinori’s logic is painfully weak (also, he sounds like a total dick):

“I am shocked by the idea of a 66-year-old woman giving birth,” he said. “I respect the choice medically but I think anything over 63 is risky because you cannot guarantee the child will have a loving mother or family.

“It is possible to give a child to the mother up to the age of 83 but it is medically criminal to do this because the likelihood is that after a year or two the child will lose his mum and suffer from psychological problems.

O RLY? Because children born to young mothers are thus guaranteed “a loving mother or family”? And their mother’s gestational age ensures that those kids never lose their moms and never suffer from psychological problems? Who are you fucking kidding, buddy? A 2-minute conversation with your local social worker or family court judge will blow away that excuse. I also love how he “respects the choice medically” but then rushes to personal judgement as fast as he possibly can.

From Strollerderby - New Mom-to-be Is 66 Years Old...

I'm sorry if any of the older mom readers who frequent our pages will take this as an insult, but news that a mom-to-be setting a new record in England for her age really made me want to go to take a nap.

Elizabeth Adeney is expecting her first child at the ripe old age of sixty-six, making her the oldest pregnant woman in English history.

And making me really, really exhausted on her behalf.

Here are a few comments from a post on momlogic...

Bravo for being a mature mother raising 2 year old twins and all, but I still think it’s wrong. I believe that when you’re at that age and stage in life you should not be bringing babies into the world. It’s unfair to the babies who will become lil people with very old parents!
- Shannon

Having grown up with much older parents myself, I felt a lot of shame with it. My friends would ask if that was my grandma, not my mom. But in the end, it comes down to how much you are loved, and that’s what matters. I am grateful to have been born at all!
- joan

From Maureen at Pink Slip: Oh, Mama...

Sorry, Elizabeth. I'll grant you fit, and feeling like a 39 year old. (By the way, is nothing unique to you: most people I know pretty much feel that, in terms of personality and attitude, they're in their 30's. The first person I heard this from was my mother, who told me when she was in her 60's.)

But you are not - and, as I gingerly and reluctantly approach my own Big 6-0, I am somewhat reluctant to admit this - in fact young.

You may not be old. But you aren't young.

And from the perspective of being a new mother, you are really, really old.

But why not, someone might ask, you're only as young as you feel.

To which I call bull-shit.

So...What do you think? Let me know in comments.

Also See:

The Pros and Cons of Proceating After 65

The Mama Bird Diaries

Old Age Parenthood: Fine For Men But Not For Women?

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope 

*photo credit - Mark Large/Whitehotpix/ZUMA Press

]]> Is Your Family Affected By Food Allergies? http://www.blogher.com/your-family-affected-food-allergies 2009-05-19T00:44:33-05:00 2009-05-19T00:46:15-05:00 Catherine Morgan Do you have children that suffer with food allergies? It seems like food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent. Why is that? My personal opinion, is that it has something to do with how germ and bacteria free we've become as a society.

Last week was food allergy awareness week, so I thought I would use this post to look at food allergies and how some parents are coping.

What are food allergies? From The Mayo Clinic...

]]> Do you have children that suffer with food allergies? It seems like food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent. Why is that? My personal opinion, is that it has something to do with how germ and bacteria free we've become as a society.

Last week was food allergy awareness week, so I thought I would use this post to look at food allergies and how some parents are coping.

What are food allergies? From The Mayo Clinic...

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 3, and about 4 percent of adults. While there's no cure, some children outgrow their food allergy as they get older.

Here is an informative video on food allergies...


Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Announces New Food Initiative Advocacy Committee...

WASHINGTON, DC, May 14, 2009 – Today, as we continue to mark Food Allergy Awareness Week, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., member of the Board of Directors of the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), announced the formation of FAI’s Advocacy Steering Committee. The committee’s objectives are to help build a strong nationwide presence for the food allergy community in the public policy arena; and to actively seek to increase federal funding of food allergy research, as scientists believe that with proper funding, a cure can be found in less than a decade.

The new steering committee comprises 16 leading parent advocates nationwide who confront the daily dangers of raising children with severe food allergies.

There is a lot of discussion about how schools are dealing with food allergies...

From No Whey, Mama - A Food Allergy is a Food Allergy...

I don't mean to get all Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, and I certainly am not trying to get into a "my child's allergy is more severe than yours" discussion. It's inappropriate, and it doesn't matter. The school system should treat all food allergies as if they equally severe. It's just safer that way. Besides, you never know which reaction is going to be the anaphylactic one, so it's best just to avoid reactions altogether.

From Pink Preppy Party Girl: Child Food Allergy Etiquette...

My children go to a "Nut Free" school which has changed to a "Nut Aware" school since the school cannot guarantee that it is "nut free". So, more or less, no peanut butter sandwiches allowed--no vital protein (that doesn't spoil) at lunch. There have been stories about lunch ladies taking Skittles away from children because they are made in factory that also makes M&M's. We call the lunch ladies Peanut Nazis because they embarrassed and humiliate the children who bring in the Skittles too.

How does your school deal with food allergies? Are they doing enough? Could they be doing more?

As with everything in life, sometimes bad things can lead to something good...

How A Debilitating Food Allergy Led To Launching A Baking Company...

Beth George’s story touched me and I think you will feel inspired too. Beth was unwilling to accept the host of diagnoses and psychotropic drugs doctors recommended to deal with her son’s unpredictable behavior. Instead, she was determined to figure out the cause. After years of struggling, she discovered that her son was allergic to a common wheat and certain artificial food additives. Once she removed these ingredients from her son’s diet, miraculously his symptoms disappeared. This inspired her to start a baking company, Spelt Right® Baking, that only uses organic, all natural materials with no artificial ingredients of any kind in their products.

Research...

From The Nut-Free Mom Blog: Food Allergy Awareness Week Research News...

I just received a press release from FAAN that made me smile! The organization has donated 1.1 million to food allergy research, including peanut allergy therapies and vaccines. I have high hopes for vaccines--more so than I do for immunotherapy studies like the small one just published from Duke University. This study has received a lot of media buzz but is still in its very early and experimental stages and has caused severe allergic reactions in human subjects. In fact, this experimental therapy isn't currently recommended for those who have high IgE levels (that is, patients whose blood tests indicate they are at high risk of anaphylaxis) or who have ever had a severe reaction to peanut or tree nut. That leaves many of us out! Now, if this therapy has helped you personally, great. I'm just saying that for many it's not even an option. That doesn't sound like a "cure" to me.

Also See:

From Food Allergy Buzz: Food Alergy Grocery Shopping

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis NetworkSee the Food Allergy Quick Reference at

Food Allergy Initiative

What are your experiences with food allergies? Do you have advice for other parents? Let us know in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

]]> Chronic Illness: Claims Of Cures Are Often Scams. http://www.blogher.com/chronic-illness-claims-cures-are-often-scams 2009-05-16T01:53:03-05:00 2009-05-16T02:01:30-05:00 Catherine Morgan Do you suffer from a chronic illness with no known cure? Like Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? If so, you probably wish every day that you could find a cure and finally be healthy and well.

Why is it that just about every illness without a medically proven cure, has loads of people "claiming" to know the cure? Not only is it disingenuous to promote cures to desperate people suffering with chronic illness, but it also minimizes the seriousness of these conditions.

]]> Do you suffer from a chronic illness with no known cure? Like Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? If so, you probably wish every day that you could find a cure and finally be healthy and well.

Why is it that just about every illness without a medically proven cure, has loads of people "claiming" to know the cure? Not only is it disingenuous to promote cures to desperate people suffering with chronic illness, but it also minimizes the seriousness of these conditions.

For instance, I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and many people believe the cure for this condition is as simple as getting more sleep (and oddly enough, more exercise). Guess what? CFS has nothing to do with how much sleep someone gets, and exercise often exacerbates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There is no cure for what I have, but the Internet is full of sites that claim to have "sell" the cure. Don't get me wrong, I believe that there are many alternative modalities of healing that can benefit the symptoms of this disease, but they should not be mistaken for (or touted as) cures.

From Pamela Rice Hahn - It's All In Your Head...

Anyone who copes with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Fibromyalgia (FM) knows there are people out there with all sorts of theories about what’s wrong with them. We’ve heard it all: You’re just depressed. If you’d exercise more, you’d feel better. The insulting “it’s all in your head.” And on and on.

The worst insult is probably: Everybody gets tired.

We know that! Before we got sick, we just got tired, too.

Here is a quick video about what it is like to live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...


I'm not the only women suffering with chronic illness that is frustrated by false claims of cures.

From MSMaze - Multiple Sclerosis & Mutual Support...

Apparently, I’m the voice of doom because I caution my fellow MSers to be wary of scams touting “cures“ for MS. If I had a dollar for every time I've been offered the cure for MS, I could retire. Unfortunately, these scams are intended to make a buck off our hope. I don't mean to rob anyone of hope. In fact, I'm filled with hope at recent medical breakthroughs. I stand by my advice... be wary of cures that land in your email inbox and always perform due diligence.

Kristie from X-Out MS - MS and My Diet...

There is a LOT of information floating around the internet on miracle diet cures – and amazing detoxification methods that will supposedly ‘cure’ multiple sclerosis.

While it may be somewhat exciting and offer some much needed hope for people that live with this disease – I have to be honest and say that some of the things these people are touting are really quite scary and offers a very false sense of hope and expectation. I can assure you that if any one of the people actually had a true and viable cure for this disease – it would have a whole lot more attention than an occasional blip on an internet search engine! Additionally, they would be shouting their findings from the mountain top – eager to share it with everyone they could find – and not charge $29.95 for the ‘e-book’!

Quite honestly (if you can’t tell already) most of these people completely disgust me.

From Stacy Stone at Chronic Illness 101 - Lessons in Chronic Illness...

If someone proclaims they have the cure, they would be famous and everyone would be cured. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

So...How do you protect yourself from false claims of medical cures? You can start by knowing the signs of false health claims...

To avoid becoming a victim of health fraud, consumers should learn how to evaluate health-related claims.

First, watch out for websites that offer quick and dramatic cures for serious diseases.

Consumers should be wary of statements that the product is a quick and effective cure-all or a diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments. For example, “Beneficial in treating cancer, ulcers, prostate problems, hepatitis, heart trouble and more...”

To be safe, avoid products that suggest the product can treat or cure diseases. “Shrinks tumors, cures impotency...”

Question promotions that use words like “scientific breakthrough,” “miraculous cure,” “secret ingredient” and “ancient remedy.”

--read full article at Haleakala Times

Also See:

From Fraud Files Blog - MLM Scheme, Mannatech Pays Millions For False Claims of Cures.

From The Daily WD - Daily Dose: Cheerios and Cholesterol

One Lesson From A Decade of Fighting Chronic Illness

Don't Be Fooled By Produces Claiming To Cure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope 

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