this & that

Read some health tips today that I thought I'd pass along. Who knows, maybe this information will end up being of some use to somebody. First, since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month (not Breast Awareness Month --oh, boy!) from Dr. Weil:

Six Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

1. A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
2. A change in the size or shape of the breast
3. Nipple discharge or tenderness
4. An inverted nipple
5. Ridges or pitting on the breast (resembling an orange peel)
6. A change in the look or feel of the breast, areola or nipple (such as temperature, swelling, redness or a scaly feel)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis and possible treatment. If you are over 40, talk to your doctor about mammograms.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 4 years ago. Before I was diagnosed, I noticed a difference in my overall energy level, weight gain (eight to ten pounds) despite a lot of exercise and eating well, seemed to be losing a lot more hair than usual when I washed it, and last but no way least, I felt a little down. Jillian Michaels was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when she was 30. She writes a lot about this condition, which is no big deal at all once it's detected. All it takes to find out if your thyroid needs some help is a simple blood test. Here are some indicators for hypothyroidism from Jillian:

Some Signs of Underactive Thyroid

Do you feel sluggish or have you started to pile on extra pounds that you can't blame on a poor diet or lack of exercise? These symptoms and others, including "brain fog," coarse hair and skin, depression, exhaustion, joint pains, constipation, and high blood pressure, may be signs that you have hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, which can sap your energy and cause you to gain weight.

Jillian also provides information about things to do if you are found to have an underactive thyroid such as not eating these veggies raw (news to me!) -- broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, and some supplements that support proper thyroid function: selenium, vitamin D, zinc, and fish oil.

As always, the best health tip is: listen to your body.

~♥~

morning coffee

I may have to give quercetin another go:

This bioflavonoid, derived from buckwheat and citrus, can help relieve symptoms of hayfever and other allergic reactions. New evidence suggests that it also may increase exercise endurance, even in those who don't work out regularly.
(Source: Dr. Weil)

Grim news in this new public health report:

Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen states experienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.

Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.
(Source: New Report Finds Obesity Epidemic Increases, Mississippi Weighs in as Heaviest State)

I love to listen to this song when I'm riding my bike (the video is nothing but you can hear the tune if you want):

The Phenomenal Handclap Band "15 to 20"

~♥~