“I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. What do you want? An adorable pancreas?” — Jean Kerr, American author and playwright.

For me, beauty starts with my skin and..from the outside in, works its magic.  Beauty IS art, its ever-changing..and for me, while  its definitely in the eyes of the beholder, it all starts with ME.

When people say “You look good!”..I believe its because my skin looks glowing…at least on my face!  (although I’ve never asked..gee, why do you say that?  Just take the complement and run with it!)

But skin is the largest organ in our bodies by far…and the one that faces the world every day – imperfections, scales, dark circles and freckles and more…

And, now that I’m approaching menopause,  I can’t seem to drink enough water – 8 glasses a day is a real challenge.  So, I have a hard time believing  I’m hydrating my skin enough.

My big question is:  with skin being our largest organ,  do we reap the benefits of drinking water to reduce dryness on the outer layer?

There is alot of controversy on this point.  Many experts refute that drinking water will hydrate the outer layer, or epidermis of skin.   Basically the moisture level of skin is not determined by internal factors. Instead, it is external factors such as skin cleansing, the environment, the number of oil glands, and the functioning of these oil-producing glands that determines how dry the skin is or will become.

Since the water moves through the body system rather quickly, the best solution is to treat the skin from the outside with a suitable and dry skin moisturizer or dry skin lotion. This forms an effective barrier to water loss from the skin.

When choosing your moisturizer, it may take some trial and error to find the right one.   And, if you’re not getting the results you want, try a new one the next time:

1. Note the first five ingredients. Look for common active ingredients, such as lanolin, glycerin, or petrolatum.  Glycerin is less likely than lanolin to cause an allergic reaction, she says. Also, pick a moisturizer that’s made by a reputable company.

2. Go for added sunscreen. Protecting your skin from harmful sun damage is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking young, so buy a moisturizer with a sun protection factor of at least 30. You’ll have to do some searching, but more companies are offering face and body moisturizers with sunscreen

3. Make it skin-type appropriate. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive, so it’s a good idea to use a different moisturizer on your face than you do on your body. Of course, choose one that’s right for your skin type. If you know you have sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to look for a moisturizer labeled hypoallergenic. If you have oily skin, go with a light, oil-free moisturizer. If you have dry skin, get something richer. And if you have combination skin, go with a lighter moisturizer for your whole face and dot drier areas with a heavier cream.

Keep in mind that you may need a lighter lotion in the summer, and a cream or ointment in the winter.

Consider using a moisturizer with retinol before bed. Retinol is vitamin A for your skin and it works by increasing the speed at which your skin cells turn over – similar to a lufra.  You can find it over the counter or by prescription, but use it carefully as it may cause a skin irritation, red skin, or dry skin.

To find out more, you’re invited to join our conversation with our skin health expert, Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, renowned dermatologist  and member of the Eucerin SkinFirst Council, about how to keep your skin healthy.   She’ll tell you why and how what you eat and drink, as well as exercise and stress all can have an impact.  You’re invited to join Kelley and Cassie on July 12th at 11:30 am here.

Join us and make your pledge to keep your skin looking great! Proceeds from your click here will benefit HealthyWomen.org.

Sharon, our first featured guest, will talk about her journey from devastated parent to, dare we say, “genius?” A former college chaplain who took the life-altering news of her children’s rare genetic condition and created a movement to improve health outcomes for people suffering from genetic diseases, she is a stunning example of how one Real Woman can make a difference.

Sharon’s joined by fellow guest Barbara Grufferman, author of the acclaimed The Best of Everything After 50: The Experts’ Guide to Style, Sex, Health. Money and More. Recently featured on “The Today Show” and in Huffington Post, The Best of Everything…. is the essential handbook to being a healthy and strong woman “of a certain age.”  It combines practical girlfriend-to-girlfriend advice from Barbara, a self-described “very inquisitive woman over 50,” and professional expertise from leading authorities in women’s health, nutrition, exercise, makeup, hair, fashion, finance, organization and sex.

Seriously, this book is one-stop shopping for those of us looking to feel and be our best!

In addition to featured guests, Real Women on Health! continues to bring listeners “Inside the Beltway” news from Robin Strongin, a Washington DC public affairs leader and creator of Disruptive Women on Health, an online platform for provocative ideas, thoughts, and solutions in the health arena.

RWoH! wants to hear your answer to the question: what are your tips for being a fabulous woman over 50?  Tune in Wednesday night and tell us what you think by calling 203-845-3044, or email us at  talktous@realwomenonhealth.com.  This is your big chance – we’ll be giving away a copy of Barbara’s book to a random caller.

Real Women on Health! is broadcast live on 1350 WSTC/1400 WNLK Fairfield County’s News Talk station from 8 pm to 9 pm EST and available via streaming at http://wstcwnlk.com/.  It can also be uploaded as a podcast on-demand after our live show.

From Healthcare 2.0, to summer sun and skin cancer prevention, to sleep and sex, to a 6-time Olympic winning Guinness World Record holder….Real Women on Health! May 19^th radio show runs the gamut of guests and conversations.

The health consequences of sleep deprivation are already known, how cheating your body of the R&R it needs can make you more prone to illness, stress, traffic accidents and even weight gain.   Arianna Huffington believes getting enough shut-eye is the next feminist issue.  After all, women have already broken glass ceilings in politics, sports, business and the media – just imagine what we can do when we’re fully awake.

Can’t get to sleep?

You’ve heard wrong.  Sex is exercise and a way to get yourself to sleep.  Too tired to do much of anything?  Listen in for some solutions that can help you in this area.

Lastly, you’ll get a taste of the inspirational this week with Anne Abernathy, a Guinness World Record holder who’s the oldest woman ever to compete in the Winter Olympics Games.  Tune in to Real Women on Health! blogtalkradio at 12:30pm EST on Friday, May 21st to learn more about how she took up lugeing at the age of 33 (“the ski slopes were crowded”) and overcame multiple health issues to now become a women’s health advocate especially around bladder control.

Please join Kelley and Cassie hosts of  Real Women on Health! and their guests this Wednesday, May 92th at 8 pm – 9 pm EST streaming live on your computer. Or, if you’re near Fairfield County, Connecticut,  its 1350 or 1400 on the AM dial!

]]> http://realwomenonhealth.com/2010/05/16/better-sleep-the-next-feminist-issue/feed/ 2 http://realwomenonhealth.com/2010/05/03/heal-yourself-join-the-late-bloomers-revolution/ http://realwomenonhealth.com/2010/05/03/heal-yourself-join-the-late-bloomers-revolution/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 23:15:01 +0000 admin http://realwomenonhealth.com/?p=1023 Life has a way of taking its twists and turns and ups and downs….and soon enough we’re over 40 and wondering when, if ever, we’ll “hit our stride”.

Self-acceptance and self-esteem are closely related…and arises as you learn that you are perfect with all your  accomplishments, victories, and … vices.  Self-acceptance is as essential to one’s well-being as water is to a blooming flower.   Have you ever re-framed your “inadequacies”  and lack of self-acceptance into a humor and candor….where laughter has a place in healing and well-being?

Move over Candace Bushnell… and meet Amy Cohen, a New York Times Best-selling author of “The Late Bloomer Revolution”.   Amy says it well here, “I like to think of myself as a late bloomer, one who will, however, late come into bloom.   Although when, and if, I bloom remain a mystery.   I wish I knew how to speak a foreign language fluently.  I wish I knew how to cook a simple roast chicken, or that I had read the Idiot whose main character sounds like someone I can relate to.

By 35, Amy learned to ride the bike of her life.    Click here to take the Late Bloomer’s Quiz and join “The Late Bloomer’s Revolution”.    And, try your guess on our last question of the Late Bloomer’s Quiz here to talk with us.

Speaking of living life on our terms…learn what’s going on “inside the beltway” and take control of your healthcare with our radio show’s Washington, DC correspondant, Robin Strongin.   A true woman’s advocate with the connections to make it happen, she reveals the knowledge that will empower us women to become our own best health and wellness advocates.

Robin is the founder of Disruptive Women in Healthcare, a thriving blogging community of high powered women who are driving innovation in healthcare with thought-provoking ideas and commentary on the nation’s challenges.   This week,  she’s disrupting the status quo with a grasp on why you can’t take clinical trial information at face value…what you need to ask your doctor to stay in control of your health and well-being.

Join Kelley, Cassie, Robin and Amy on Real Women on Health! live talk radio this Wednesday, May 5th at 8 pm – 9 pm EST on your computer at www.wstcwnlk.com streaming live or, if you live near Fairfield County, Connecticut  listen “on the AM dial” at 1350/1400.

Our show is sponsored by Zestra, essential arousal oils, a patented blend of botannicals that is clinically proven to improve desire, arousal and satisfaction for 70% of women.  Check this out and use promo code ZPASS5 at check out!

Have you ever wondered why anybody these days would need a muse?  They don’t pay the bills, they don’t find you a job, and they don’t take care of your awfully well-behaved teenagers.  They’re well…just pure inspiration.

Boy, do I have a muse to share with you…actually, I have more than one!

It all started last year on the wowOwow web site when our friends June and Kath answered a blog post created by their now “uber-muse” Allegra Huston called “What is It About Adam Lambert?”.  That blog, which has prompted 20,000+ responses (and counting!) included two prolific writers, June Kinoshita and Kath Hollinsworth. The process of their self-discovery – as they blogged through the summer – created a serendipity that transformed their lives and resulted in the publishing of their just-released book, “On the Meaning of Adam Lambert”,  which is analytical, entertaining and downright funny (but don’t take our word for it….see reader reviews on Amazon and Juneau and Xena’s blog).

As June said, “Life has a way of stuffing you into boxes. I was happy and fulfilled with the roles I was playing, but this Adam experience made me break out of my mold and tap into a creativity and passion I’d kept on tap for years.”   Clearly, their inner-Adam has been lit through writing about him and connecting other women who have also experienced a shift in their lives and relationships through the “glambertinas” and On the Meaning of Adam Lambert.

This week, we’re thrilled to be the catalyst to bring together Allegra with June and Kath in an online  dynamic and empathetic conversation that will help you find  your own muse…and tap into your passions, in unexpected ways….in our upcoming one hour Real Women on Health! radio show on “Finding Your Muse,” April 7th at 8:30 pm EST.

What will we talk about?

Ideas for “how to” release the energy that helps you find your muse, your spark.  How to ID the passions that have lain dormant and are ready for the light of day.  Stories from June and Kath’s  book… you won’t believe it but Scrabble will never be the same!  And you can call in and share your tips and stories of how you climbed out of your box.

Just so you know… If the name Huston sounds familiar you’re right on.  Allegra has no interest in name-dropping so all you have to do is pick up her acclaimed memoir “Love Child”. soon available in paperback, to find out more.  And check out her upcoming movie, “Good Luck, Mr. Gorski”

Don’t miss this one!   Join us on April 7th at 8:30 pm EST.

“Reinvention…Restoration…Relaxation..or Get Real!

Upcoming on-line radio show this Wednesday, February 3rd at 8:30 pm EST

The women-to-women on-line radio show will be dynamic conversation to help women de-code the meaning of Reinvention for their own personal and professional lives. The outcome of the show will be greater insights into how women can access and embrace their true self in attaining personal wellbeing.

We realize that women have many different ways of thinking about Reinvention…and we’re going to explore them all!

Join us live and online for our next RealWomen on Health! online health salon and radio show with Suzanne Douglas Harris, MBA, Personal and Professional Life Coach and Susan James, Co-Founder, Self-Discovery Group, LLC in a dynamic conversation with Kelley Connors, MPH, Women’s Wellness Coach and Cassie Holm, Women’s Advocate and Communications Strategist.

Suzanne brings a distinctive blend of expertise, solid experience and personal empathy, especially around career and life changes.  Susan brings a mastery of cutting edge techniques that put her at the forefront in the field of human consciousness evolution and “true self” facilitator of leaders around the world.   They’ll be the catalyst for you to explore “reinvention” in your own life.

Just dial in on Wednesday, February 3rd at 8:30 pm EST to www.blogtalkradio.com/realwomenonhealth. If you have not registered yet, please do so and you’ll receive a link that will allow you to listen through your computer. If you would rather use a phone to listen, just dial (646) 929-2625 and you’ll be connected to our conversation. You can choose to listen or talk!

We’ve watched the ad and witnessed the controversy.  Now, we’re asking: “What’s next?”

Earlier this year, Rethink Breast Cancer released a memorable and infamous public service announcement (PSA) that was seen around the world.  Produced with the visual and sensual focus on “boobs” – specifically those of Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, host of MTV Canada – it quickly became the subject of heated and passionate commentary.  Some suggested that it was overly sexualized, male-focused and objectified women.  Others argued that the PSA breathed fresh life into a breast cancer communications strategy that has become tired, unappealing and unrealistic.

The Rethink PSA was successful because it reminded us that, yes, breast cancer has a sexual component. Women like Ms. Sovani who are between the ages of 20 – 49, are regularly diagnosed with breast cancer.  They not only deal with the physical impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, but they must navigate the sexual issues associated with the disease.  For example, the actress Christina Applegate decided to have a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.  She has openly discussed the impact of her decision on her relationship with her boyfriend and body image.

Rethink’s PSA was memorable, but we can’t afford to let the conversation begin and end with boobs.  We need to find ways to grab the attention of young men who are impacted by breast cancer, but don’t think about it much.  We need to boldly and forthrightly talk about the intimacy issues associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.  We need to bring people wedded to traditional breast cancer awareness strategies together with those who have decided to tear up the playbook.

It’s time to have a candid conversation about “what’s next” in breast cancer awareness communications.  We believe the following questions must be addressed more broadly:

• How can we develop initiatives that acknowledge the sexual health issues associated with breast cancer while fully embracing women’s bodies in a larger context?
• What can we do to move past (or leverage) “shock and awe” campaigns and generate meaningful action?
• What do we need to do to get young men more involved in the fight against breast cancer?

Consider this an open invitation to men, health influencers and women’s health advocates to continue the conversation about issues raised by the Save the Boobs PSA in an open forum.

There are three ways you can help.

1. Spread the word about this open letter via your on and offline social networks (blog, tweet, chat and talk about it)
2. Signal your support for this open letter by leaving your virtual signature below
3. Participate in a conversation on this issue with Kelley Connors’ through her online talk show, Real Women on Health. We’re looking for input from representatives of breast cancer awareness organizations like the Susan Komen Foundation and Rethink.  Once we get enough interest, we’ll schedule the program.  (We’ll know you’re interested if you Tweet, blog and comment about this letter.)

Thank you in advance for your attention and support.

Kelley Connors

President, KC Healthcare Communications, LLC (www.kc-health.com)

Founder, Real Women on Health (www.blogtalkradio.com/realwomenonhealth)

Fard Johnmar

Founder, Envision Solutions, LLC (www.envisionsolutionsnow.com)

Founder, The Path of the Blue Eye Project (www.pathoftheblueeye.com

I recently spoke with Hillary and learned about her struggles, her triumphs and now, her determination to help others heal through personal transformation and self-empowerment.  Here is a sneak preview of her story that she will share with us live in our on-line radio show on October 8th at 7:30 pm EST.

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis initially left Hillary feeling angry, as if she’d been “given a sentence.” But she had two choices—either to be proactive or let her illness control her life. She embraced the former.

Last night’s RealWomen on Health! Show was a veritable bonanza of well care tips for women of all life stages. It all started when Jasmine Jafferali, MPH, and women’s wellness coach, shared how she cured herself of her migraines with the help of a naturopath and a single allergy test .

“After doing a scan, my naturopath found that gluten was my primary trigger, secondarily it was soy and third it was dairy. She advised me to rid it out of my diet. Desperate for relief, I went cold turkey and thus began my journey for inner healing. I found complete relief in six weeks. In fact, if I eat gluten, I will get a migraine within 24 hours. I am no longer fatigued, fall asleep at the wheel or an hour after I eat breakfast,” explains Jasmine.

Migraines are a women’s health issue. Women outnumber men 3 to 1 suffering from migraine headaches. Jasmine was one of them, however, thanks to her resolve and determination to deal with the pain and fatigue, she no longer suffers.

By the way, there are many reasons why women suffer more than men from migraines. While ovulation and menstruation may be one reason, pharmacologic triggers and dietary triggers are others to consider. Stress can be the final “straw” but usually not the only factor.

“Mainstream medicine failed to help me, I took charge of my health and as a woman, that feels good. I learned in Chinese medicine, the stomach and head are on the same chi line. The fact that whatever I was eating gave me acid reflux, then triggered my migraine was fascinating to me”explained Jasmine.

Once Jasmine told her story, several women on the show revealed their own fabulous well care tips:

Be sure to bring your own tips with you to share with us in this on-line, telephone health salon! It’s free, fun, and worth 30-min of your time to share with others and learn what others are doing to stay well and be their best.

Jasmine Jafferali, MPH is a wellness consultant with her own column in the Chicago Examiner focused on women’s health. Through her writing and coaching, she helps women, moms, children and families achieve healthier lifestyles.

Suffering from bi-weekly migraines and digestive issues, Jasmine took charge of her health after conventional medicine failed her.

She follows a gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free diet and has freed herself from migraines, fatigue and pain. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors with her family and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.

When: Monday May 11 th, @ 7 :30 pm EST – 8 pm EST

Join the conversation with Jasmine and Kelley on the Live Show.

You can ask your questions directly by registering in at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vb85e8cab.0.0.hmki94bab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com&id=preview first. Your user name and password will be emailed to you. You can then log in to the show, by going to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vb85e8cab.0.0.hmki94bab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com%2Frealwomenonhealth&id=preview. When you would like to participate live, you must also dial (646) 929-2625. Please note, this is a New York number. Local/long distance charges from your phone company will apply**.

No computer available or internet just died? Just dial-in for Audio: (646) 929-2625.