What’s keepin’ us hot here though is more than the weather.

Robin was host to the recent Health 2.0 Conference in Washington DC in May, where we discovered many disruptive women so we’re continuing the conversation here with a sizzling summer series featuring a few of these leading women influentials and innovators we met at the conference.

The big question “WHY YOU SHOULD CARE” is not lost on us here.   Women make over 85% of healthcare decisions today and who influence virtually all healthcare decisions – as consumers, caregivers and working women.   Why you should care is about how we can now use social media to tap into new health care solutions, trials and experiences that can shape our healthcare decisions and treatment choices.   More than 30% of us women are on-line looking for health information on chat rooms, message boards and blogs.  Do you have diabetes or know some one who does?  How are you using social media to shape your healthcare?

So, here’s how to engage with us for answers and to participate:

August 3rd on-line radio show:  “Health 2.0 and Why You Should Care” features Robin Strongin, Indu Sabaiya and Jane Sarasohn-Kahn.  These empassioned highly accomplished women advocates are extremely influential in the Health 2.0 world and both have a role to play in how you CAN use social media to positively impact your health decisions that, ultimately,  affect your health.  We invite you to listen to our podcast here from yesterday, and to also consider joining us, tomorrow, on Thursday, August 5th for a follow up on-line radio show.

August 5th on-line radio show:  “Patient Empowerment: How to Be Your Own Best Advocate” features Robin Strongin, Trisha Torrey and Regina Holliday.  We’ll explore the real life cases that Trisha will share to guide you on your own journey.  Regina also has her own personal story that will illustrate to you how social media can make an impact on how you navigate the healthcare system to collect your personal health records.   She faced huge challenges in acquiring her late husband’s medical records as he struggled with cancer and her visual depictions were on the cover of the British Medical Journal in 2009.

Later in the summer, we’ll be joined by innovative healthcare professionals as they share how they use social media today to improve patient care.   Stay tuned and visit us often or better yet, subscribe to our community to stay in the loop!

]]> http://realwomenonhealth.com/2010/08/04/health-2-0-why-you-should-care/feed/ 1 http://realwomenonhealth.com/2010/07/01/beauty-starts-with-the-skin/ http://realwomenonhealth.com/2010/07/01/beauty-starts-with-the-skin/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:07:02 +0000 admin http://realwomenonhealth.com/?p=1146

“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.

How do women find the time to “do good” these days and have fun?

Enter Mary Jo Wallo.

Mary Jo Wallis is your basic renaissance woman.  In addition to surfing, snowboarding and running her own investment company in San Diego she has taken on the mantle as a national leader to Fight Frump (and Give Back!), or do “Altruism with Attitude!”  How, you ask?  Yes the sports play a role but there’s also her vision as co-creator of The Blue Thong Society, a national social and philanthropic women’s organization that’s grown since its inception in 2006 to 300 chapters and 5000 members.

Mary Jo joins Real Women on Health! as our featured guest this week, where she’s going to talk about The Blue Thong Society, give tips on what women can do to “Fight Frump!” by finding like-minded women and giving back, and tell us how BTS  was born.  A hint: it all started at her 50^th birthday when a friend noted that it could be time for the gift of a red hat.  Mary Jo laughed and said a blue thong was more her style…..and the rest, as they say, is history!

We’ll also hear from clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine and private practitioner in New Haven, Connecticut.  Dr. Mary Jane Minken, widely known in the field of gynecology and as a leader in women’s health education both inside and outside the medical community, is giving a couple of minutes of her time to talk to us about powering your pelvic core….

Join Kelley Connors, host, Real Women on Health! with Cassie, Mary Jo and Dr. Mary Jane Minkin,  this Wednesday, May 12th at 8 pm – 9 pm EST streaming live on your computer 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!

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 heard about Jenny Sanford’s new book “Staying True”?

Just recently, Jenny Sanford talks to the women on “The View”. Open communication can create opportunities for healing and understanding – even in the most difficult of situations. Jenny Sanford’s release of her new book highlights her journey in coming to terms with her husband’s affair with his mistress from Argentina. And, her ability not to be a “victim” turns out to be inspiring for many women.

Yet, many women have opinions about how Jenny Sanford got married in the first place as Mark wanted to get rid of the word “fidelity” in their vows.

What’s your opinion on this? Should she have married him despite his inability to say that he would be faithful in his marriage. As Jenny says, everyone has doubts about getting married:))

Better yet, what would you have done?

I asked one of our Real Women on Health! experts, Janis Spring, PhD, that same question as she is the author of the best-selling “After the Affair”. Janis said, “I haven’t read Jenny Sanford’s new book, but on the question, should you marry someone who wants to delete the idea of fidelity from your vows?”, I’d start with wanting to know the meaning of that partner’s objection. It may mean tons; it may mean little. After all, most people enter marriage swearing fidelity, but, often, end up having affairs. Other people question whether they can promise fidelity but stay true to their partner. I’d say, verbal promises and commitments provide no guarantee of fidelity but, while the wedding bells are still ringing, if one partner has serious doubts about the likelihood he’d/she’d stay faithful, I’d say the other partner who values fidelity should have as much discomfort with their willingness to tie the knot.”

Dr. Spring is a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, a recipient of the Connecticut Psychological Association’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Practice of Psychology, and has served as a clinical supervisor in the Department of Psychology at Yale University. She received her B.A. from Brandeis University, magna cum laude, her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut, and her post-graduate training from Aaron Beck, M.D., at the Center for Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. In private practice for more than three decades, Dr. Spring is known for the richness and originality of her clinical skills and trains hundreds of therapists each year. She is a popular media guest on programs such as NPR, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper 360, and the CBS Early Show, and she presents regularly at such public venues as The Smithsonian Institute, Harvard’s Continuing Education Conferences, Smith College School of Social Work, and Kripalu Institute. She and her husband live in Westport, Connecticut, and have four sons.

When I invited Lori and Sheryl to contribute to our Real Women on Health! community, I was struck by my naivite about talking to a loved one or friend who is coping with a cancer diagnosis.

But,  that’s no longer.

I was with  my dad when he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a rare leukemia that is partially curable with Gleevec.  In last month since his diagnosis, I’ve struggled to find a way to talk to him about anything…without being overly concerned or too dismissive, too humorous and too serious.

I’m feeling like there’s no perfect way to talk to a loved one or friend and much guilt about my own apparent health…. at least for today.

So, it was with relief when Sheryl Kraft outreached to me to see how we could collaborate on an upcoming radio show on how to help a friend with cancer.  As a breast cancer survivor of many years and women’s health writer and advocate at HealthyWoman.org, Sheryl was enthusiastic about helping friends talk with their friends who might have just been diagnosed..or are in the throes of a long, active treatment cycle for any type of cancer.

Sheryl suggested we contact Lori Hope, Lung Cancer Survivor, and Author of “Help Me Live:  20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know”.

Always the filmmaker, one of Lori’s first thoughts after being diagnosed with lung cancer was, “I should make a documentary about this.”   When her therapist urged her to deal with the disease first and worry about documenting her journey later, Lori dropped the idea. But soon after, when a well-meaning friend said something to Lori that made her extremely anxious, and when people continually asked her whether she had smoked, and regaled her with tragic stories about people who had died of lung cancer, she revised her thought somewhat: “Someone really ought to write a book about what people with cancer need others to know!”

About nine months later, Ten Speed Press publisher Kirsty Melville took Lori’s seminar on documentary production at Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco, and asked Lori whether she had ever considered writing a book. After several meetings, Help Me Live started to come to life.

Published by Celestial Arts, an imprint of Ten Speed Press, Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know, tells intimate stories of words and actions that have made a tremendous difference to people with cancer. Designed to help caregivers, friends, and loved ones of cancer patients and survivors communicate more effectively and compassionately, Help Me Live does not prescribe behavior, but encourages compassion, respect, and listening.

Please join us on Thursday evening, November 19th at 8:30 pm EST for a 45 min conversation with Lori and Sheryl.  Come prepared to share your story, your own struggles and your own victories with us.

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

We often think of taking care of our aging moms, as they outlive dad by seven or more years. However, many women who today outlive their husbands are looking to their girlfriends, and other social supports that they’ve nurtured throughout their lifetime to sustain a sense of community and connectedness.   In fact, with friends aplenty, widows chose singlehood even while they grieve for their spouses, and experience loss – many for the rest of their lives.

In a strange twist of fortune — some might call it poetic justice — age can bring with it something of a reversal in gender roles. The rise of an old girls’ network, friends and family who see women through a lifetime of transitions, often contrasts sharply with the decline of the old boys’ network, the professional associations that secure young men’s places in the world but offer little support or solace in later life.

I talked with best selling author, Janis Spring, PHD, who is a nationally acclaimed expert on issues of trust, intimacy, and forgiveness, to talk about her just-released book called Life with Pop: Lessons on Caring for an Aging Parent (Avery Penguin).

Released on April 30, 2009, her true story and lessons learned takes place in an independent living facility in West Hartford, CT.

This book reflects Janis’ story as told through her professional eyes as both a clinical psychologist and her personal experience as a daugher of an aging dad.

If you’re a daughter or daughter-in-law,  this podcast with Janis will ring true to you as a caregiver.  As a recent Washington Post article explained, for years, economists warned that women entering the work force would become unavailable as unpaid caregivers for the elderly. Plausible — but untrue. Family caregiving continues at high levels, though more than half of adult children who help elderly parents also work full time, and 10 percent part time. That can exact a steep toll. And more than 70% of caregivers are women, including daughters.

Please go to our on-line radio show home page and listen to one my favorite “coffee table” talks.  Find out what makes this book a breakthrough in caregiving, and discover one woman’s story that may help you make sense of your own.

Go to our radio show page  or listen right on this page to our conversation.

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.

What does Celine Dion and Halle Barry have in common with a rising number of American women today?

(besides beauty and brains…)

More women are becoming moms later in life than ever before and the rate of women over 40 having children continues to rise. This show is designed just for mid-life mammas…to give you some perspective on how to address body image and weight challenges.

Join me Real Women on Health! in a new series, Mid-Life Mammas, which will take place on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm – the first one will be on September 17th called “Baby, Body and Beyond”.

This on-line health salon and radio show is for women over 40 who’ve just had their first or second baby and will be led by a top flight women’s wellness coach, Michelle Segar, PhD.

During the on-line and live show, we’ll focus on taking time for self-care and how it can relate to improved weight management. You’ll also gain access to your own inner wellspring that holds the key to your well-being.

So, plop down on the couch with a glass of refreshing water with lemon or your favorite light wine, your cell phone and come prepared to ask questions and share your own successes as a mid-life mamma.

Tell us how you balance baby and body…and beyond! Or not!

Michelle, a health and fitness blogger at MORE.com, will provide her insights on how and why coaching works, who is most successful in achieving results and engage in conversation with you about how you can best insert your own needs into your life and manage your weight.

You won’t be disappointed.

This top notch women’s health researcher at the University of Michigan has interesting research results to share, and knows women’s weight issues intimately, both as an academic researcher and women over 40 herself.

Michelle Segar is America’s leading expert on exercise motivation for women over 40. She is the founder of the National Center for Women and Wellness and a Psychology Researcher at the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Michigan. She has a doctorate in Psychology and master’s degrees in Health Behavior-Health Education and Kinesiology from The University of Michigan.

Her coaching service, EssentialSteps®, is sought after by women and companies nationwide.

To join our conversation and learn more about how you can balance baby, body and beyond as a mid-life mamma, please go to www.blogtalkradio.com/realwomenonhealth. We look forward to hearing your voice on September 17th at 7:30 pm EST.