Subscribe via RSS Feed

Category: Health

Infant meningitis, Death 48 hours? Protect Infants Now Meningococcal disease

[ 6 ] January 31, 2012

THINK ITS JUST THE FLU?  Are you SURE?

crying Baby

Infant Meningitis can Look like the FLU

Meningitis in Infants (also called Meningococcal disease) can come on suddenly and a healthy child who catches meningitis can be dead in 24-48 hours.  Many mistake meningitis for the flu because it mimics flu symptoms.  The risk of meningitis death is much higher (three to seven times) in infants younger than one year of age because their immune systems are less sophisticated. It is possible to prevent Infant Meningitis via vaccines but the vaccine is not universally recommended as of yet.

 

PIN+Logo

INFANT MENINGITIS:  DID YOU KNOW?

  • Meningitis in infants is highly preventable with a vaccine.
  • 1/16 children who contract Meningitis will die from it
  • Children are currently immunized for mumps, measles, rubella and rotovirus–but more children die from meningitis than any of these diseases.
  • Of the infants who survive meningitis, many will have paralysis, limb amputations, strokes, seizures, severe scarring, hearing loss, brain and organ damage, and more.

WHAT CAN BE DONE to prevent Infant Menigitis?

Sign the Petition to Protect Infants Now (PIN) to encourage the CDC to include the Meningitis Vaccine in their recommended list of vaccines for infants.

Watch this meaningful video so you are clear on the message to Protect Infants now.  A mother who lost her child to Meningococcal Disease shares her story:

Blog Note: WE participated in this Meningitis campaign on behalf of Mom Central & Meningitis Angels. This Meningitis campaign is made possible, partially through the support provided by Novartis Vaccines.  As well, a small donation to the  charity of my choosing was made via my name by Mom Central to thank me for my participation. As usual, all the opinions for this posting are one hundred percent my own.

New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas $50 Menu Planning

[ 8 ] December 26, 2011

New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas–  $50 Menu Planning

Wedding picture small

The Chief Blonde’s Wedding  Anniversary is New Year’s Eve

Walt and my wedding anniversary is New Year’s eve.  We had a big party and then were married at the stroke of midnight. We were married in a historic hotel in a town near us. George Bush Sr, his wife Barbara and some of his staff actually had dinner in the same room where we were married!  It was a beautiful evening.

As a result, all of our friends expect us to have a New Year’s eve party every year!  While we are happy to oblige it does get very expensive.  Even if you ask them bring a dish to pass and some of their own alcohol…as the hosts we still try to have some main dishes, appetizers, beer, wine, pop, coffee, and champagne on hand.  With party hats, decorations, ice and other party extras..you can quickly get yourself up to a $200-300 party!  Whew…that’s just not possible this year with 4 kids in college!  So…

When Aldi’s challenged us to take a look at their  new line-up of award winning international exclusive wines and their other party food to pair with it…I was excited but never imagined we could get enough food and drink to easily entertain all of our friends for New Year’s eve for a mere $50.  Take a look at all we were able to obtain for $50 and get some New Years eve budget Party ideas of your own:

New years eve budget party ideas

New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas $50 Aldi’s Menu Planning:

1.  Walker Napa Valley Red Wine-California– 2011 World Value Wine Competition Score: 88 points, Silver medal.  Tastes of blackberry, black pepper, raspberry, dark cherry and vanilla  lend itself to a blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  $7.99

2. Burlwood Merlot $4.99

3. Vina Decana Tempranillo–Spain– 2011 World Value Wine Competition Score: 88 Points, Silver Medal.  Wine has a pleasingly dry taste composed of notes of red cherries, vanilla and finishing with subtle hints of oak.  $4.99

4.  Gonafalone Chianti (Italy) — Italy –2011 World Value Wine Competiton Score: 85 Points  Pronounced ruby color, brilliant bouquet and dry!  Well rounded flavor.  $5.99

5.  Hand rolled Blueberry and Goat Cheese Log– $2.99  (oh my goodness, I would have paid $10 for this…just scrumptious)

6. Brie Cheese Round — $2.99

7. X-Sharp White Cheddar–$2.69  (Once again, a product far that would sell for at least double in a gourmet store!)

8. Saltines — $.89

9. Black Pepper — $1.99

10. Thin Spaghetti — $.99

11. Holiday Tortilla Chips–$1.49

12. Wernsesgruner Beer — $5.99

13. Barbecue Kettle Chips — $1.99  (These chips were every bit as good as competitive chips and were half the price..really really yummy!)

14. Skim Milk — $2.29

15. Ground Black Pepper — $1.99

16. 6 in 1 Holiday Sprinkles–$2.99

Grand Total $53.65!!!!

Can you say Wow!

New Years eve budget party ideas

The Chief Blonde choosing among wines from Aldi’s Line up of Award Winning International Wines

stillblonde3 smallThe Chief Blonde Remarks: I was simply shocked at the line up of Award Winning International Wines that Aldi has available for this holiday season.  I normally shop at Costco for Value wines where I consider a value wine a bottle priced under $10!  Most of the Aldi Wines were priced at $4.99 with a few priced slightly above at $7.99!  I really enjoyed all the wines I tried, you will note I chose all reds!  My hands down favorites were Burlwood Merlot at $4.99 and the  the Gonafalone Chianti (Italy).  I would have never of guessed the Chianti was such an affordable  wine at a mere $5.99…my guess for this wine would have been $12.99 or above.  It was rich,  full bodied and enjoyable!  I will be back for more.  Just as shocking was the value that I obtained for my $50 when shopping at Aldi.  As you can see, I found everything I needed to make a lovely cheese pasta, appetizers of chips and cheese, and wine and beer to go with it!  Now, I know I can have my friends and family over to celebrate New Year’s eve and our Anniversary and not break the bank!  What Fun!  Find out more about the fine award winning wines by visiting Aldi’s!  

New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas

The Chief Blonde chooses Gonafalone Chianti (Italy) $5.99

Are you on a tight Budget this New Year’s Eve?  Would you try Aldi’s Value award winning wines?

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI and received a gift certificate to facilitate my review.”

Fashionista Events

 

Women Over 45, Combating Heat-related Illnesses

[ 3 ] July 18, 2011

NIH tips for older adults to combat heat-related illnesses

fan-woman-heat

Risk of heat-related problems increases with age

Older people can face risks related to hot weather. As people age, their bodies lose some ability to adapt to heat. They may have medical conditions that are worsened by heat. And their medications could reduce their ability to respond to heat.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some advice for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known collectively as hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia occurs when the body overheats. Conditions involving hyperthermia have different names, including heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat syncope (lightheadedness or fainting in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Health-related factors that may increase the risk of hyperthermia include:
  • Pre-existing diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Decreased ability to move around
  • Dementia or cognitive impairment
  • Certain medications that may cause dehydration or that may affect the responses to heat by the heart, blood vessels or sweat glands.
  • Being substantially overweight
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Being dehydrated
  • Age-related changes in the skin, such as decreased functioning of small blood vessels and sweat glands
Lifestyle factors that can also increase the risk of hyperthermia include hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places, and not understanding how to respond to weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at special risk, should pay attention to any air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air conditioners should go to shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries or other places with air conditioning. In addition, they can visit cooling centers which are often provided by government agencies, religious groups and social service organizations in many communities.
Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. In heat stroke, the body temperature is at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Someone with heat stroke may have a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering and mental status changes such as confusion, combativeness, disorientation or even coma. Seek immediate medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.
If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:
  • Move them into an air conditioned or other cool place
  • Urge them to lie down and rest
  • Remove or loosen tight-fitting or heavy clothing
  • Encourage them to drink water or juices if they are able to drink without choking, but avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Apply cold water, ice packs or cold wet cloths to the skin.
  • Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
For a free copy of the NIA’s AgePage on hyperthermia in English or in Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or go to http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther.asp or www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther-sp.asp for the Spanish-language version.
The NIA leads the federal government effort conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute’s broad scientific program seeks to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. For more information on research, aging, and health, go to www.nia.nih.gov.

How are you Dealing with the HEAT?  Are you watching others, who need help?

Natural Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar for GERD, How I stopped taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)

[ 7 ] June 9, 2011

I take  Apple Cider Vinegar each morning for my GERD instead of  Proton Pump Inhibitors.

apple-cider-vinegar

BLOG NOTE:  The Chief Blonde is not a doctor.  Nor does she play one on TV or this blog.  This account relates her personal experience and that of her husband.  You should always consult a doctor before altering or discontinuing  your medical treatment.

According to Ehow.com,   up to  33% of people in the US  have heartburn syptoms (GERD), and ten  percent have those symptoms daily. When you experience GERD, it can occasionally lead to inflammation in the esophagus which can then sometimes lead to cancer of the esophagus.  Without getting to graphic, but just to let you know uncorrected (GERD) can also lead to the need for blood transfusions, ulcers, extended bleeding, and sometimes death.    However, as reported by Consumer  Reports Health.org,  the drugs you take for treating GERD ,  Proton Pump Inhibitors (also referred to as PPI) such as Prilosec and Nexium, can lead to an increased incident of  pneumonia and infection from the bacteria C. difficile. Hip fractures are another concern of  long-term use of PPIs .   Also a recent study  the combination of  PPIs and  the blood thinner Plavix could increase the risk of a second heart attack.

I have had GERD (as diagnosed by a gastroenterologis) for 10+ years.  When it first was diagnosed, I was at the point that I would have let the doctor remove my esophagus (kinda hard to live that way) because I was in so much pain with GERD.  He prescribed a PPI (which one is unimportant as I took several) and I had relatively good results for years.  The reason I stopped taking PPIs was twofold. One, I was concerned about the side effects and two,  my husband had went off of them a year earlier after using Apple Cider vinegar with great results.

I took a lot of courage for me to try the Apple Cider Vinegar.  To be honest, I tried it once, just taking 3-4 Tablespoons of the vinegar straight up and it soured my stomach and I was convinced it wasn’t for me.  Then I retried the remedy, this time I had done a little more research.  My approach the second time was to add 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to 6 oz of water and 1/2 teaspoon of natural honey.  Heat in the microwave for 26  seconds (or until Lukewarm).  Stir the mixture once warm, and slam back all at once.  I drank this every morning and evening, a half-hour before meals.  I did this religiously for about 6 months.  The results were immediate (relatively) and I stopped taking my PPI within the first month of treatment (PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR–do not rely on my advice).  After 6 months of this remedy, I scaled back to just the morning dose and that is what I have been doing for two years–no PPI in sight.

Yes, I still have the occasional GERD flare-up but NOTHING like before.  Even on the PPI medicine, I had a hard time with stressful situations, bending over for extended periods (acid would splash up into my esophagus) and eating certain foods.  Now, the flare-ups are minor in comparison and usually stress induced.

The Vinegar must be apple cider.  I personally use Heinz.  You will find various ways to take the Apple Cider Vinegar if you research this remedy.  My approach may work for you or another that recommends more Vinegar, less water, etc.  Like any natural remedy, you have to be willing to play with this.  My gastroenterologist, when questioned about this theory, advised me to stay on PPIs but said taking the Apple Cide Vinegar could not hurt me.   I would not take the Apple Cider Vingar undiluted.  I always make sure to rinse my mouth thoroughly afterwards to prevent canker sores and then I drink another glass of cold water to rinse out my throat and esophagus.  Remember, Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic!

As a Woman over 45, I am thrilled to be off of PPIs. I do not like to take medicine unless I have to.  This approach worked for me.  I relate it to you as an anecdote.  I do not know your own medical history.  Only you and your doctor can determine what works for you. As advised by WebMD.com– YOU MUST CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING apple cider vinegar to make sure it won’t interfere with other medicines or other conditions you have.

WHAT APPROACH DO YOU TAKE FOR YOUR GERD?

 

MAJORITY OF REAR-SEAT PASSENGERS STILL SAY NO TO SEAT BELTS

[ 12 ] February 18, 2011

Poll Finds Roughly 80% of Respondents Admit they Don’t Wear Restraints

princess-diana

HAVEN”T THEY EVER HEARD OF PRINCESS DIANA????  Many experts have stated that if she would have been wearing her seat belt, she would have survived the horrible accident which took her life!

It started out as a simple question – how often do people wear a seat belt in the back seat? Knowing that more states have enacted laws requiring rear-seat passengers to wear seat belts, a recent poll by LeaseTrader.com’s customer advisor specialists were curious to know how effective these laws are considering all the attention given to people in the front seat of a vehicle.

The survey  polled more than 1,000 men and women each throughout the country, including states with and without rear-seat restraint laws. Adult participants in the poll said they rode in the back seat of a vehicle at least 25 times throughout 2010. Among states that have a rear-seat restraint law (Texas, Wash., Minn., Calif.), men said they wore a seat belt just 14.3 percent of the time, while women said they wore one 18.4 percent of the time. Among states that do not have a law in place (Ill., Ariz., Tenn., Neb., Penn.), the percentage dropped to 9.6 percent for men and 16.3 percent for women. Conversely, the same people polled said they wear a seat belt while in the front seat 75.2 percent of the time.

As for reasons why men and women opted against the use of a rear-seat restraint belt, forgetting to use the seat belt was the answer most often used (63.2% of all responses). Other reasons were cited, such as ‘felt it wasn’t necessary’ (13.4%), ‘didn’t think it was the law’ (9.8%) and ‘felt plenty safe without it’ (8.6%).

“What’s most disturbing is that in this day and age of always-on news coverage and awareness, there is no excuse why more people aren’t wearing seat belts in all parts of the vehicle,” said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. “Whether it’s the local television news or an online news source, we see daily images and stories of people getting hurt while driving or riding in a vehicle which should serve as a remainder of why it’s important to buckle up.”

Does the driver have a responsibility to make sure all passengers are buckled up, including those in the rear seats? According to the poll, the driver did not remind back seat passengers to buckle up roughly 75 percent of the time.

Blog Note: The Chief Blonde provided this article as a service to her readers in hopes that they would always wear their seatbelts no matter where they sit in the car. She was not compensated for this post.  The information in this post was provided by LeaseTrader.com, the most recognized name in car leasing, easily and affordably matches car shoppers with individuals looking to escape their auto lease. Visit www.LeaseTrader.com.

February is American Heart Month. Feb. 4 is National Wear Red Day! Women over 45

[ 0 ] February 1, 2011

The Heart Truth® Invites Americans to Support Heart Health Online

Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear
This February, The Heart Truth provides more ways
to get involved in the fight against heart disease in women

Friday, February 4, 2011, is National Wear Red Day®—a day when Americans wear red in support of women’s heart disease awareness. Join the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) women’s heart health campaign, The Heart Truth®, to help spread the message that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. The NHLBI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Please Watch this Video!

Your support of The Heart Truth campaign is vital to giving women life-saving messages about their risk of heart disease and inspiring them to take action to lower their personal risk. Here are some ways to get involved online:

1. Join in the Twitter Party – Follow @TheHeartTruth for heart healthy tips, resources, and action steps for heart health. To celebrate National Wear Red Day, join the Twitter Party on Feb. 4, 3-4 p.m. EST. Click here for Twitter party details.

2. Join The Heart Truth’s Rally to Wear Red and Protect Your Heart on Facebook –Wear your favorite red tie, dress, or Red Dress Pin on Friday Feb. 4, 2011. Your friends want to see you! Snap a picture of yourself or group, and upload your photos to The Heart Truth Facebook wall and tell us what you are doing to support heart health. We will feature a photo and personal testament to living a heart healthy life on our campaign Web site: www.hearttruth.gov.

3. Share your experience, post your story, be a role model – Heart disease affects many women. If you have a story, share it. Whether you post your story to your blog, The Heart Truth Facebook wall, or The Heart Truth Activity Registry, let others know how you are taking action to reduce your risks.

4. Share the Healthy Action badge – Become a part of The Heart Truth Healthy Action Community by pledging to take action to reduce your risk of heart disease. Post your Healthy Action Badge on your blog or personal profile page and share with others.

5. Share the excitement of the Red Dress Collection Fashion ShowThe Heart Truth created the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. The annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will showcase the power of the Red Dress and encourage all women to take action to protect their heart health. Watch the show LIVE on February 9th: http://www.cbsnews.com/hearttruth.

About The Heart Truth
The Heart Truth® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Through the campaign, the NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by the NHLBI. The Red Dress® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action.

To learn more, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute plans, conducts, and supports research related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases; and sleep disorders. The Institute also administers national health education campaigns on women and heart disease, healthy weight for children, and other topics. NHLBI press releases and other materials are available online at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

The National Institutes of Health—The Nation’s Medical Research Agency—includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

10 Signs that your Date, Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Wife or Husband is a Sociopath

[ 7 ] January 11, 2011

10 Signs That Your LOVE is a Sociopath

sociopath

As Valentine’s Day nears, everyone is thinking about  love.  Most people think this way but not EVERYONE!  “There are people in the world who don’t care about love,” says Donna Andersen, author of Lovefraud.com. “They don’t even know what love is. But they do care about power, control and sex.”

“Sociopaths are what THESE people are called”, Andersen says.  You might think of a sociopath as a deranged serial killer, but this is false. “Sociopaths know exactly what they are doing, and most of them never kill anyone,” she says. “But they are social predators who exploit just about everyone they meet. They have no heart, no conscience and no remorse.”

Unfortunatly,  Andersen had to learn about sociopaths the wrong way — by marrying one. Her former spouse absconded with $250,000 from her, cheated repeatedly during a two-year marriage, even having  a child with one of his mistresses, and ten days after Andersen got up the courage to leave, married the mother of the child committing bigamy in the process.   Read Donna Anderson’s  story about being married to a sociopath on her website.

Andersen’s new book about her experience with a spouse who is a sociopath, called, “Love Fraud – How marriage to a sociopath fulfilled my spiritual plan,”  was named “Reviewer’s Choice” via Midwest Book Review.  Also, Donna created Lovefraud.com to ensure others could recognize and heal  from the devastation of association with a sociopath.

Andersen used her experience, and the input from the experiences of thousands of readers, to compile 10 warning signs of  a sociopath and how to watch for it in your romantic interest.

10 Signs of a Sociopath

1. A certain Charisma and charm. They always have an answer, are  smooth talkers, and  never ever
miss a beat. Excitement is their middle name!
2. Possess Enormous egos.  A sociopath will often act  like they are the smartest, most successful, or richest man/woman around. They often like to brag about that.
3. Super-duper  Overly attentive.   What may seem flattering a first–someone who constantly calls, texts and emails, will quickly turn into someone who wants to be with you every single second, resenting time you spend with family and friends.  .
4. You will see a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. Just flip the switch to see someone who loves you one minute and hates you the next.
5. Obsessively Blame others. Someone else, not them is always the cause of their problems.  It’s never their fault and and excuse is always close at hand.
6. Blatant Lies and gaps in the story.  When you question them, answers are often vague, sprinkled with stupid ..often outrageous lies.  They even lie when the truth would save them.
7. Super Intense eye contact.  You could refer to it as a predatory stare. Pay attention,  if you feel chills running down your spine when they look at you…you might want to trust your instincts.
8. Always Move fast.   All of a sudden, YOU are their true love and soul mate.  Often a sociopath wants to move right in together or get married NOW!
9. They can’t avoid the Pity play.   They will often appeal to your savior complex or play on your  sympathy.  They need for you to feel  sorry for  an abusive childhood that they experience,  trouble with psychotic ex, their incurable disease or recent  financial setbacks.
10. Sexual magnetism. Sociopaths draw people to them like a “moth to the flame”.

Recognize anyone?  Is there a sociopath in your life?

It may help to read Love Fraud – The Book by Donna Anderson.

Need to read more? Read is an international expert on sociopaths.  In his book,   Without Conscience,  Dr. Hare estimates that one percent  of the people in the US are born sociopaths.  Extrapolating to the entire world, and assuming a global population of 6.5 billion–you are looking at 65 million sociopaths. Many experts feel the number is MUCH higher.  In other words…Sooner or later you are bound to cross paths with a sociopath.

Blog Note:  The Chief Blonde thought you might find this interesting.  She did not read the book, though she did visit the website.  She was not compensated for this post.

Fall Fashionista button small

Get Spa Smart! Getting the Best Deal when visiting a Spa! Women over 45

[ 0 ] November 17, 2010

In need of a little “Me Time,” though think a spa visit is out of reach?

Women over 45–Wise up and Get Spa Smart with time-tested tips on finding the best deals around.

Spa & wellness expert Mindy Terry pulls from her 18 years of creating award-winning spas to offer fresh ideas that will keep you from stressing over finding stress relief.  As the President of Creative Spa Concepts, Terry has created treatments and programming for many of the world’s leading spas. She has done the research and invites you to Get Spa Smart by tapping into the Seven Get Spa Smart Secrets:

  • Hometown Advantage – Score a discount at your favorite spa just by living in the same area code! Ask for local’s discounts at day spas, hotels and resorts in your town and make a day out of your experience by taking advantage of all the amenities. Keep in mind the deal may be limited to slower days of the week, typically Monday-Thursday
  • Buy in Bulk – Buy several services up front and receive a price break. For example, Red Door Spas offer 10 percent savings when six services are purchased or free services when a certain number of treatments are bought. Get Spa Smart by scheduling all your treatments in advance to keep your wellness routine on track
  • Be True to Your Spa – The next time you make an appointment, ask about loyalty rewards programs. You can benefit from special discounts developed for the very best guests. Just like a rewards program at a restaurant or retail store, you earn points with each visit or product purchase
  • Chain Gang – With locations throughout the United States, businesses such as Facelogic and Massage Envy offer membership programs where you receive a service every month, build them up or even transfer them. No frills here, but if you are worried about your wallet, it’s a great way to spa on a budget
  • Super-deep Discounts – For those super-savvy spenders, visit your local massage or aesthetic schools. You won’t get the plush robe, soothing tea or tranquil environment, but you will get one-hour massages and facials for as low as $25. At the time of booking, simply request students who have the “greatest number of hours” in order to work with therapists with the most experience
  • Be a Spa Detective – Pick the spas you’ve been dreaming about visiting and follow their public relations team on Twitter. Not sure how to find them? Do some detective work by visiting the spa’s web site and looking in their press room. To uncover more deals, search for the hash tags #giveaway or #contest on Twitter
  • Web Sites for Spa Lovers – Add spa web sites to your daily reading to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, treatments and products. We love www.Spa-Addicts.com, www.SpaFinder.com, www.SpaWeek.com and www.Wahanda.com. Be sure to also sign up for e-mail alerts and follow these sites on Facebook and Twitter to score the best offers

About Mindy Terry
Based in Atlanta, Mindy Terry is the President and Founder of Creative Spa Concepts. Pulling from her 18 years of
experience in the spa and wellness industries, Terry is a respected presenter and educator for her diverse expertise in the spa industry. In addition to leading Creative Spa Concepts, Terry is also a licensed cosmetologist, aesthetician, yoga instructor and certified infant massage instructor. You are invited to read more on www.creativespaconcepts.com.

Blog Note:  The Chief Blonde was not compensated for this post nor has she used any of the services of Mindy Terry as of the date of this post.

Menopause and your Skin–Women over 45

[ 1 ] September 28, 2010

How Menopause Affects the Skin & What You Can Do About it

Old_woman_lateran_museum

By Celeste Hilling, Healthy Skin Care Expert and CEO, Skin Authority

Hot flashes and mood swings are, unfortunately, not all that you have to contend with when it comes to menopause. The skin also goes through dramatic changes. In fact, you may feel as if your skin is turning against you! Though, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy, radiant look.

Skin during menopause
Because of hormone depletion, skin becomes dry and itchy during menopause. The hormones are changing in the same patterns they do with pregnancy, so hyperpigmentation becomes very dominant. Hyperpigmentation includes brown/red patches, age spots, freckles, etc. In addition, you are not sleeping well, which is showing in the form of bags and sags around the eyes and an overall loss of elasticity in the skin.

hyperpigmentation Still blonde after all these YEARS
So, what can you do? Be cognizant that your skin care arsenal definitely grows because you have a lot attacking the body at once.

  • In the 50s, it takes two months (60 days) for cells to turn over, making resurfacing even more critical to boost collagen and elastin levels
  • The skin is definitely not as lifted or tight, so it may be time to consider non-invasive procedures such as fillers that use natural substances to replenish what nature is no longer producing
  • Because skin will be very dry, hydration is key through moisturizers, lots of water and healthy food
  • Also, as with every generation, practice sun safety (rain or shine) and proactive stress relief such as yoga and meditation

I recommend seeking out a new skin care regime.  What used to work, probably will not work anymore.  I have recently become acquainted with Skin Authority through their participation on my blog  in giveaways.  I am thrilled with the results.  You might be too, or you might need another line that works for you.  Myself,  I would also consider non-invasive procedure such as fillers, but I haven’t had the guts to do that yet.  Maybe when I turn 50!

I loved to hear from you Women over 45, What are you doing/changing to combat the effects of time?

Blog Note:  This blog is affliated with Skin Authority.  We asked for this blog post in order to help our readers better understand the affects of menopause on your skin.  No compensation was received for this post.

Anti-Cancer Foods:Peaches and Plums

[ 1 ] September 7, 2010

Women over 45 take note! Research scientists at Texas A&M identify two compounds found in stone fruit that kill cancer cells while not harming normal cells

peaches and plums

A recent study performed at Texas A&M University revealed that peaches and plums may present an even sweeter, juicier treat in their ability to fight breast cancer. According to research scientists Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos and Dr. David Byrne from AgriLife Research at Texas A&M, extracts found in commercial varieties of peaches and plums have been shown to kill breast cancer cells while not harming normal cells.

The AgriLife research scientists identified two phenolic compounds within the Rich Lady peach and Black Splendor plum that are responsible for killing the cancer cells. Phenols are organic compounds that occur in fruits and may affect traits such as aroma, taste or color. Stone fruits such as peaches and plums have especially high levels of phenols.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cancer suppression activity of extracts from a commercial variety of a yellow-fleshed peach and a red-fleshed plum and identify the phenolic fractions that may possess potential as chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic natural compounds. Based on analysis of phenolic compounds, both peach and plum extracts effectively inhibited the proliferation of the estrogen independent MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.

The researchers concluded that the phenolic compounds examined in breast cancer and normal cells (in-vitro studies) and confirmed in mice models (in-vivo studies) have potential as chemopreventive dietary compounds, however, more research is required before understanding this application to humans.

More information about the research is available at MyFruitMyBody.com.

Related Posts with Thumbnails