Let's Review: Parabens

I think it has been a while since I mentioned parabens, and I think this is very important, so let me mention it again. I would encourage you to check every shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion you own (especially if your kids use it). Look on the ingredients list. Look for any word ending in "paraben." There are several blends of parabens, so just look for the suffix. This is a dangerous chemical that enters the skin when applied and imitates estrogen. No one needs unregulated estrogen in his or her blood stream. It is linked to breast and uteran cancers (breast cancer can happen in men, too), early development of girls, and childhood hormonal imbalances. On a side note, it is running in to our streams and ponds from our waste products. As a result, in the heavily populated areas, male fish are becoming scarce. And who knows what it is doing to the girl fish in the mean time.
Parabens should be banned, but there is nothing in place to allow the FDA or any government agency to regulate it. The best thing we can do now is protect our own from it. Stop using any paraben and replace it with healthier options. Most Aveeno products are paraben free, though I have found a few with parabens, much to my disappointment. Bar soaps and clear soaps are more likely to be paraben free, as are clear shampoos and conditioners. Stick to original Desitin, not generics, with babies' diaper creams (yes, imagine my shock when I noticed my Target diaper cream I had applying to my baby's butt had parabens. I was sick.).
If you have a ton of bottles with parabens in them, I am sad to say I don't know how to dispose of them in a non-toxic way. Perhaps they will have a system for it when it becomes a known health issue instead of a closet knoweledge of only a few.
Be an advocate for our children and tell a friend about parabens.

Health Care Reform

I may be unpopular on my view here, but something has to be said. We MUST reform current health care. There are too many people without insurance and too many inner problems with all aspects of health care. It just can't be ignored any more.
I am tired of people who call themselves conservatives or right winged, trying to strong arm everyone by yelling and screaming things that don't even make any sense at meetings. It's a great way to get on TV, but it's just illogical and ludicrous. I am tired of people claiming that their religion dictates how they feel about issues, when really, they are just being selfish. What is Christian about being selfish? Don't tell Jesus they are using his name this way. I call these people the UnChristian Christians.
In reality, the whole idea is to "break" President Obama by blocking anything he is passionate about. Now, what is that going to do for our country? We are SO behind the rest of the civilized world in health care and education. We need reform and we need it now.
Instead of yelling and screaming, can we try listening and reading? Can we try coming up with a plan that will not break the bank, but will make sense for all of us? We are paying an unbelievable amount of money now for people who can't get insurance. We are paying every time someone cannot pay their bill, and it happens a lot. Doesn't it make more sense to pay less so that everyone can afford insurance? Can someone look at the bottom line here? And why is it that we have to depend on our employer to supply us with health insurance? Many employers can't do that, especially small businesses. Why don't we have a choice? Why isn't there a competitive market in our so-called capitalist environment?
There is a plan set up by Consumer's Union that makes sense and has been well thought out. If people could read and advocate for themselves and their neighbors, maybe we could get something done. Today.
www.prescriptionforchange.org

Garmin FR60

Garmin's latest addition is the perfect workout watch if you don't need the GPS unit. It has a VERY TINY foot pod, a heart rate strap that is very comfortable, the free Garmin software to keep track of everything, tons of options on the wrist unit, and is an actual wrist watch on a watch battery. VERY helpful. It's also small enough and light enough for a small framed lady, such as myself, but does not look feminine at all. Men can definitely sport the look.
I took my test run last night. The Garmin device recorded all the heart rate and pace information I needed and keeps all my info online.
www.garmin.com
for options!

Research News of the Week

Here are some things I am following this week.
There is new research that male cyclers (women were not part of the study) have lower bone density in their spine than non-cyclers. This is disheartening to cyclists and all exercisers. The question remains: were the men in any other activities? I think it would make sense that men who do not do any weight-bearing exercise and are in a compromised posture for their exercise would have lower bone density. But a man who balances cycling and weight lifting, it seems, would be ok. I would be curious to see if any of these men had a balanced active lifestyle.
Sminny jeans made news this week because they can cause problems with circulation in the legs. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you are cutting off the circulation in your legs with any type of clothing, then change your clothing! I think it's pretty obvious that if you are going numb in your leg or turning colors that you need to loosen up a little. It would be the same if your bike shorts are too tight. Definitely don't wear too-tight-clothes all day, and keep an eye on your legs' comfort level. I think that goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway.
Finally, ACE reports that exercise reduces migraines in sufferers. Great news, as migraines are so debilitating. I am sure the increase in blood flow is the reason.

Postpartum Depression and News on Generic Drugs

It took me about 3 years to admit that I had postpartum depression after the birth of my first child. It was excrutiating. I feel for all women who go through all levels of this debilitating problem. I never told my doctor, which means I never got help for it. After Brooke Shields came forward with her admission, I wished I had asked for help.
Immediately after the birth of my second child, I asked the doctor for help out of fear that this would happen to me again. He prescribed Zoloft as my "security blanket," just in case I needed it. Luckily, I haven't. This postpartum time is a million times different from my first. I understand that hormones play a big part in postpartum depression, as does iron deficiency. Maybe my hormones are better aligned this time. Maybe it's my iron pills. Maybe it's because I'm getting a little sleep and I have some help, thanks to my incredible husband. Regardless, I am happy that I do not have to use the Zoloft, but it has been in my medicine cabinet just in case.
After reading the June issue of "Self," however, even if I have symptoms, I will not be using the medicine that my pharmacist gave me. There is an article about generics in this issue of Self, so I checked my bottle. Sure enough, they gave me the generic. My doctor did NOT prescribe the generic, and he has offered to give me a more specific prescription. After reading the article, I would recommend to anyone taking any medicine that affects the brain (anti-depressants, anti-seizure meds, etc.) get the brand name drug, not the generic. The FDA does not control the amount of key ingredients in the generic drug, so they are not necessarily the same as the name brand. Generics, it seems, can actually make symptoms worse. How scary for someone who is already afraid of symptoms of depression. Make sure that if your doctor gives you a prescription that you ask questions and get the medication that you actually need.
If you don't have the June issue of Self, read it online at http://www.self.com/health/2009/06/dangers-of-generic-drugs
Take care of your body and your self!

Reality of the Caesarian

I have been very vocal on the subject of being honest about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I was published on the subject in the 2005 summer issue of "Mom and Baby." My first Caesarian was rough; especially because I tried to have her vaginally, and failed after 27 hours. You can imagine that recovery was rough.
I asked my husband if this one was worse or better than the other. He seems to think they were about the same. I honestly don't remember the amount of pain I had the first time. I do remember vividly that I was exhausted and starving. I couldn't move on my own, but I had a crying baby to take care of. I don't think I slept for the first week, and after that, sleep was still extremely rare. I remember my dinner sitting out for hours and never getting to eat. I remember not being able to get a drink of water all day long.
In those respects, at least, this postpartum is exponentially easier. The recovery from the second Caesarian, however, was not easier. I thought since it was planned and I wouldn't go through the 27 hours of labor that my muscles would miraculously heal easier. I was wrong.
This time, the baby was facing down and ready to be born the day before. We thought everything was going to go so smoothly. Well, she turned breech right before the delivery. AND, she was awake. She played get-away with the doctors, and as a result, my inner organs were shoved, pushed, popped, and pulled to get to her. Even with a spinal, it was painful. And VERY uncomfortable.
Now, 3 weeks later, I am up and around. I can hardly tell that I was unable to move 3 weeks ago. I am recovering from surgery and also from diastasis. I am splinting 24 hours a day to try to help the diastasis along. My doctor has placed 4 stitches along my rectus abdominus to help, hopefully...

I Survived a Breast Biopsy.

Getting toward the end of a pregnancy, it's never a good thing to then hear that you have a potential breast problem. So, what do I do now? What if it is something? Well, I just wanted to let you know that I did have a breast biopsy at 37 weeks pregnant, and it's not that scary.
The biopsy needle looks like something used to tranquilize an elephant. It could pass all the way through my body. My husband looked a little green after seeing that thing laid out on the table next to me.
I'm here to tell you that the lidocaine is a miracle, that the pinch is next to nothing, and that the pain afterward was minimal (we're talking 1 tylenol).
My point is this: if you feel something in your breast, don't wait. Don't get nervous and terrified about what it is and what to do. Go and get it biopsied so that you can rest. It will save your life, possibly, and set your mind at ease if you are unsure.
For me, it was a benign cyst. I am relieved to know that, and relieved that I don't have to wait to know for sure. I will have to keep an eye on it.
Do your breast check and take care of business, ladies! It's better to know than not!