Category Archives: Before You Get Sick

Posted on

2 Health Items to Bring When You Travel

Holiday season is upon us, which means you may have some plans for travel. Whether you are hitting the road or catching a flight, there are two things you should always make sure to bring with you.

First, bring any medications you and your loved ones will need while you are away. This includes daily medications, as well as any “as needed” medications. It’s best to bring them in their original package to ensure you use the right medication during travel. It also helps TSA agents at the airport identify what you have in your bag. If any of your prescription medications are running low, consider refilling them before you travel. It’s usually easier to do so at your own pharmacy rather than in a different location that may or may not have your particular store. Also, even if you’re not traveling, it’s a good idea to refill prescriptions before holidays, which may impact pharmacy hours.

Second, bring your health insurance card. If you keep your health insurance card in your wallet, you may be all set. Just remember, if you switch wallets for travel, be sure to grab your insurance card. Hopefully you won’t need it, but you never know what might happen while you’re away. One of your family members might get sick and need to visit a local clinic. You may need to fill or refill a prescription while you’re away. By taking your health insurance card with you wherever you go, you will be prepared for the unexpected and possibly avoid extra out-of-pocket costs.

Want more tips about health insurance? Get my book

Posted on

4 Ways to Maintain Your Breast Health

Did you know that almost 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime? Maintaining your breast health is so important to preventing breast cancer. Today, we’re sharing four important things to do to keep yourself healthy and prevent breast cancer.

Thermography 
Thermascans are much less invasive than mammograms. This process uses thermal imaging to look for “hot spots” on the breast. These hot spots are from blood flow to a specific area that cause abnormally high skin temperatures. If hot spots are found in breast tissue it can signify the presence of breast cancer. Thermascans are great to develop a baseline of breast health and can be done annually. They are also great for early detection as hot spots typically show up long before cancer does in the tissue.

Exercise
Any form of exercise is good to help prevent cancer, whether strength training, cardio or simply walking. But if you’re really trying to curb your cancer risk, consider doing Pilates. Pilates helps to build long lean muscles without creating bulk, which can pose a problem when trying to check for lumps.
Self-exam
Self-exams are so important. So many women do not do them but they are essential for early detection. Try to make this a weekly or nightly routine when you take a shower. Finding a lump early can be key to catching breast cancer before it spreads.
Iodine
Iodine is a trace mineral essential for normal metabolic function. The typical American diet is very iodine deficient, even for those who eat iodized salt. However, studies have found that iodine supplementation can reduce the occurrence of fibrocystic breast disease. Adding a liquid iodine supplement will help break up cysts in the breasts that could lead to cancer. It can also help with your metabolism and thyroid.
Whole foods
Eating whole, natural foods can be a huge player in preventing breast cancer. Be sure you’re getting a lot of nutrients from leafy greens and organic vegetables. Eat lots of lean protein and try to avoid processed foods and sugar. Sugar feeds cancer so it is best to keep sugar intake to a minimum.
Looking for tips on wellness? Pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. The summit contains 6 interviews from top female health professionals plus three videos from MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard, as well as two bonus workout videos. Use promo code “BEWELL” to recieve 50% off!
Posted on

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease In Women

Woman having chest pain - heart attack. On white backgroundCardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in women in the United States. Did you know that one in four women die due to cardiac problems? Yet, often we only hear about men having heart trouble. And even though it is just as much an epidemic in women, little research is done in this department.

What’s even more scary, is women are often times misdiagnosed after reporting their symptoms to a doctor. In fact, due to prejudices, their signs are often brushed off as anxiety or depression, so they are not receiving proper treatment because they are being misdiagnosed. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women, the risk factors, who it effects, and how to improve your odds.

Do you have chronic jaw, neck and upper back pain? Unexplained nausea or vomiting? Dizziness or lightheadedness? Unexplained fatigue? Right arm pain? These may seem like minor aches and pains, but one or any of these symptoms could be a sign that you may have heart problems. Don’t brush these symptoms under the rug. If you experiencing any of these problems, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Many other diseases and risk factors can increase your odds of developing cardiovascular disease. Women who smoke are at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke, those who have diabetes are more susceptible to cardiac issues, as well as those with high stress levels.

Contrary to popular belief, heart disease does not only affect older people. Heart disease does not discriminate against age, race, religion or gender. You are never too young to have a heart attack.

How can you decrease your odds? First, hit the pavement. Walking just 30 minutes a day is all you need. Those who are physically active sharply decrease their odds of stroke and heart attack.

Second, if you smoke, quit now. Cigarettes are filled with harmful chemicals and smoking increases your blood pressure and can lead to high cholesterol.

Third, find ways to reduce your stress. Start meditating, or find a positive way to focus your energy.

Fourth, make sure you’re getting eight hours of sleep. Your body needs that time to rest and refuel, and without that time it can put added stress on you.

Fifth, maintain a healthy weight. Women who carry around excess weight are at an increased risk of heart disease.

Heart disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Getting informed and being proactive can help save your life or the lives of those around you.

For more healthcare news and tips daily follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.