A Woman's Network - for when life is like juggling huge exercise balls

Fruit

Think Healthy!  This is a charming download that will certainly make you smile -- I know it made me.  Download fruit.pps

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Skin Care

I have to let you all in on a wonderful inexpensive secret for beautiful looking, smooth, wrinkle-free skin.  My sister who is two years older than I am and has always been very beautiful has been looking younger and better over the past several months.  She has changed her diet and lost several pounds.  She has also embarked on a new exercise routine where she is aerobically working out several times a week, and she is in the best shape of her life.  She has more energy than she has had in many years -- and she looks absolutely fabulous for any age. 

While all this good healthy living undoubtedly contributes to her clean healthy glow, she claims that one product is responsible for her satin smooth skin.  She has been using Alpha Hydrox for several months and I have seen her wrinkles literally disappear.  I have been out with her when people have stopped her on the street to tell her that she has beautiful skin.  So, two weeks ago I took it upon myself to purchase a pot of the Alpha Hydrox formula and I have seen a difference in the way my skin looks already.  It costs around $10.00 and you can pick it up at your local CVS or at drugstore.com.  Based on the two week results and the way my sister looks --  I say go for it -- what can you lose -- just a few years off your appearance.

Fresh Summer Scents

I like to change my perfume with the season.  During the winter I like the rich fragrance of vanilla and musk in Gucci Rush.  In the spring I go for a more floral aroma, such as Prada.  And, in the autumn I like the earthy scent of Donna Karan's new Cashmere Mist.  But in the summer I like the fresh, clean smell of citrus, I like grapefruit and I like tangerines. For those of you who are not so lucky as to live around the corner from a Fresh cosmetics store, may I recommend a few of their really wonderful and crisp scents for summer.  The Fresh Index fragrances can be worn alone or layered.  The scents that I favor for the summer are... Index Grapefruit Musc, Index Tangerine Lychee and Lemon Sugar.  However, my very favorite Fresh scent for the summer is Index Pomegranate Anise -- You will love it too.  All Fresh Index fragrances are available at sephora.com.  Search fragrance -- keyword: Fresh.

Women and Depression

This article has been excerpted from -- Nami: The Voice of the Nations Mental Illness

Women and Depression Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that is much more than temporarily feeling sad or blue. It involves disturbances in mood, concentration, sleep, activity, appetite, and social behavior. Depression can develop in anyone at any age; and, although it is highly treatable, it is frequently a life-long condition in which periods of wellness alternate with recurrences of illness. Clinical depression affects twice as many women as men, both in the U.S. and in many societies around the world. It is estimated that one out of every seven women will suffer from depression in their lifetime.

Additionally, women experience higher rates of seasonal affective disorder and dysthymia (chronic depression). While the rates of bipolar disorder (manic depression) are similar in men and women, women have higher rates of the depressed phase of manic depression and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.

What causes the higher rate of depression in women? The explanation for the gender gap in susceptibility to depression lies in a combination of biological, genetic, psychological, and social factors. Biological factors There appear to be important links between mood changes and reproductive health events. Thus, the gender gap in depression is most evident during the female reproductive years. Some women experience behavior and mood changes premenstrually. As many as 10 percent to 15 percent experience a clinical depression during pregnancy or after the birth of a baby. There also appears to be an increase in depression during the perimenopausal period, but after menopause this does not appear to be the case. Additionally, differences in thyroid function between men and women may contribute to the gender difference in the prevalence of mood disorders.

Another biological factor that may contribute to gender differences in depression can be linked to circadian rhythm patterns, the complex system that regulates sleep and activity over each 24-hour period. Depressed women report more hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) than do men.

Gender differences in the activity of neurotransmitters including serotonin and the effects of estrogen on their function may also be linked to the gender disparity in rates of depression.

Genetic factors -- some forms of depression run in families. There is a 25 percent rate of depression in the first-degree relatives (mother, father, siblings) of people with depression and greater prevalence of the illness in first-degree and second-degree female relatives. But depression also occurs in people who have no family history of the disease.

Psychosocial factors -- psychosocial factors that may contribute to women's increased vulnerability to depression include the stress of multiple work and family responsibilities, sexual and physical abuse, sexual discrimination, lack of social supports, traumatic life experiences, and poverty.

Several studies of depression among college students and within the Amish community of eastern Pennsylvania have shown no gender difference in the rates of depression, suggesting that greater social equality may help reduce the higher rates of depression in women. Women also appear to be more willing than men to admit feelings of depression and report past episodes of depression to physicians, perhaps also contributing to the gender difference in depression rates. Psychological make-up plays an important role in one's vulnerability to depression as well. Thus, women with low self-esteem, pessimistic views, and tendencies towards stress are prone to clinical depression. Studies also indicate that sexual and physical abuse are major risk factors for depression. Women are twice as likely as men to have experienced sexual abuse. A recent study found that three out of five of the women diagnosed with depressive illnesses had been victims of abuse. In one major study, 100 percent of women who had experienced severe childhood sexual abuse developed depression later in life.

Does pregnancy influence depression? Although it was once thought that pregnancy was associated with low rates of mental illness in women, recent research reveals that 10 percent to 15 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy. As many as 80 percent of women experience the "postpartum blues," a brief period of depressive symptoms. Additionally, 10 percent to 15 percent of women suffer from postpartum clinical depression within three months of delivery. There is a three-fold increase in risk for depression during or following a pregnancy among women with a past history of mood disorders. Once a woman has experienced a postpartum depression, her risk of having another reaches 70 percent. One woman in a thousand experiences a postpartum psychosis-a medical emergency where the woman may inflict harm upon herself and/or her baby. The first episode of bipolar disorder in women frequently occurs following the birth of a child.

Are there gender differences in the course of a depression? Women have a higher one-year prevalence of the illness, may experience longer episodes, and have a lower rate of spontaneous remission than men. Older women are also more likely to have recurrent depressive episodes than older men. Women are two to three times more likely to develop double depression (clinical depression and chronic depression together). Although men and women exhibit similar symptoms of depression, women report more atypical symptoms including anxiety, somatization (the physical expression of mental processes such as aches and pains with no physiological cause), increases in weight and appetite, oversleeping, and expressed anger and hostility.

How about gender differences in the treatment of depression? Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. Studies have shown that interpersonal therapy and cognitive/behavioral therapy can be very effective for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Psychotherapy may be particularly useful for women patients during pregnancy and during times when they are trying to conceive to avoid possible effects on the developing fetus that may result from the use of some medications. Antidepressant medications

There is no clear evidence of gender differences in the effectiveness of antidepressant medications; although, women experience more adverse side effects than do men. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Luvox have fewer side effects and have been found to be particularly useful and effective in women patients. Some doctors suggest increasing doses of antidepressant drugs premenstrually, as the menstrual cycle may alter drug-absorption rates. Is it safe to take antidepressants during pregnancy? Because of the potential risk to the developing fetus or newborn, the costs and benefits of the use of antidepressants must be weighed carefully for women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to conceive. Most large-scale studies have not shown any significant increase in birth defects in children of women using tricyclic antidepressants (Anafranil, Elavil, Pamelor) or SSRIs during pregnancy; but be certain to consult with your own physician because not all studies have had similar results. However, MAOIs (Nardil, Parnate) may adversely affect the developing fetus and lead to complications during delivery. Lithium (commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder) has been linked to an increased incidence of birth defects; however, many healthy babies have been born to mothers using this medication. Doctors should choose the lowest effective dose of medication and select drugs with the least sedative and anticholinergic (rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, slow digestion, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention) potency because of possible adverse effects on the newborn. In patients with severe depression, doctors must weigh the risks and benefits in both the mother and the infant of medication as compared to not administering drug therapy.

This fact sheet is based on an article written by Susan J. Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A., Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published in NAMI's The Decade of the Brain (Fall 1996, Volume VII, Issue 3) The NAMI HelpLine can be a lifeline for consumers and families in need.

Heart Disease - Links

Heart Disease: Diseases That Affect the Heart and Cardiovascular System
webmd.com  A general description of various diseases that efect the heart

The National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease

The Heart Truth a campaign to educate women about heart disease

Heart Disease and Heart Attacks: What women need to know

Center for Disease Control: Cardio Vascular Health

Heart Disease - Web Md

This article appears on http://www.WebMD.com

Heart Disease:
Diseases That Affect the Heart and Cardiovascular System

When you think of heart disease, usually people think of coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart), but coronary artery disease is just one type of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease includes a number of conditions affecting the structures or function of the heart. They can include:

• Coronary artery disease (including heart attack)
• Abnormal heart rhythms or arrythmias
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
• Pericardial disease
• Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome
• Vascular disease (blood vessel disease)

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. It is important to learn about your heart to help prevent heart disease. And, if you have cardiovascular disease, you can live a healthier, more active life by learning about your disease and treatments and by becoming an active participant in your care.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is atherosclerosis, or hardening, of the arteries that provide vital oxygen and nutrients to the heart.

Abnormal Heart Rhythms

The heart is an amazing organ. It beats in a steady, even rhythm, about 60 to 100 times each minute (that's about 100,000 times each day!). But, sometimes your heart gets out of rhythm. An irregular or abnormal heartbeat is called an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia (also called a dysrhythmia) can involve a change in the rhythm, producing an uneven heartbeat, or a change in the rate, causing a very slow or very fast heartbeat.

Heart Failure

The term "heart failure" can be frightening. It does not mean the heart has "failed" or stopped working. It means the heart does not pump as well as it should.

Heart failure is a major health problem in the U.S., affecting about 4.6 million Americans. About 550,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65.

Heart Valve Disease

Your heart valves lie at the exit of each of your four heart chambers and maintain one-way blood-flow through your heart.

Examples include mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis and mitral valve insufficiency.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is a type of defect in one or more structures of the heart or blood vessels that occur before birth.

It affects 8 to 10 out of every 1,000 children. Congenital heart defects may produce symptoms at birth, during childhood and sometimes not until adulthood.

About 500,000 adults in the U.S. have grown into adulthood with congenital heart disease. This number increases by about 20,000 each year.

Cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathies are diseases of the heart muscle itself. People with cardiomyopathies have hearts that are abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart's ability to pump blood is weakened. Without treatment, cardiomyopathies worsen over time and often lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart. It is a rare condition often caused by an infection.

Aorta Disease and Marfan syndrome

The aorta is the large artery that leaves the heart and provides oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. These diseases and conditions can cause the aorta to dilate (widen) or dissect (tear), increasing the risk for future life-threatening events:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Genetic conditions such as Marfan Syndrome
• Connective tissue disorders (that affect the strength of the blood vessel walls) such as, scleroderma, osteogenesis imperfecta, polycystic kidney disease, and Turner's syndrome
• Injury

People with aorta disease should be treated by an experienced team of cardiovascular specialists and surgeons.

Other Vascular Diseases

Your circulatory system is the system of blood vessels that carry blood to every part of your body.

Vascular disease includes any condition that affects your circulatory system. These include diseases of the arteries and blood flow to the brain.

Heart Disease: Symptoms - Web MD

This article appears on http://www.WebMD.com

Heart Disease:
Symptoms

Each type of heart disease has different symptoms, although many heart problems have similar symptoms. The symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of your heart condition. Learn to recognize your symptoms and the situations that cause them. Call your doctor if you begin to have new symptoms or if they become more frequent or severe.

Coronary Artery Disease

The most common symptom is angina. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the left shoulder, arms, neck, throat, jaw or back.

Other symptoms that can occur with coronary artery disease include:

• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (irregular heart beats, skipped beats or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest)
• A faster heartbeat
• Weakness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Sweating

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction or MI)

Symptoms can include:

• Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone
• Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm
• Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn)
• Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
• Extreme weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats

During a Heart attack, symptoms last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or oral medications (medications taken by mouth).

Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms (a "silent" MI). A silent MI can occur among all people, though it occurs more often among diabetics.

If you think you are having a heart attack, DO NOT DELAY. Call for emergency help (dial 911 in most areas). Quick treatment of a heart attack is very important to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.

Arrhythmias

When symptoms of arrhythmias are present, they may include:

• Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops," or feeling that your heart is "running away")
• Pounding in your chest
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired)

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is a type of arrhythmia. Most people with AF experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Heart palpitations (a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing feeling in the heart)
• Lack of energy; tired
• Dizziness (feeling faint or light-headed)
• Chest discomfort (pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest)
• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing during activities of daily living)

Heart Valve Disease

Symptoms of heart valve disease can include:

• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty catching your breath. You may notice this most when you are active (doing your normal daily activities) or when you lie down flat in bed.
• Weakness or dizziness.
• Discomfort in your chest. You may feel a pressure or weight in your chest with activity or when going out in cold air.
• Palpitations (this may feel like a rapid heart rhythm, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or a flip-flop feeling in your chest).
• If valve disease causes heart failure, symptoms may include:
• Swelling of your ankles, feet or abdomen. Swelling may also occur in your belly, which may cause you to feel bloated.
• Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible).

Symptoms do not always relate to the seriousness of your valve disease. You may have no symptoms at all and have severe valve disease, requiring prompt treatment. Or, as withmitral valve prolapse, you may have severe symptoms, yet tests may show minor valve disease.

Heart Failure

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

• Shortness of breath (often causes a hacking cough)
• Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible)
• Swelling in ankles, legs and abdomen
• Dizziness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats
• Other symptoms include nausea, palpitations, chest pain, waking suddenly at night unable to breath and changes in sleep pattern

Like valve disease, heart failure symptoms may not be related to how weak your heart is. You may have many symptoms, but your heart function may be only mildly weakened. Or you may have a severely damaged heart, but no symptoms.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart defects may be diagnosed before birth, right after birth, during childhood or not until adulthood. It is possible to have a defect and no symptoms at all. In adults, if symptoms are present, they may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Limited ability to exercise
• Symptoms of heart failure (see above) or valve disease (see above)

Congenital Heart Disease in Infants and Children

Symptoms can include:

• Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails and lips)
• Fast breathing and poor feeding
• Poor weight gain
• Recurrent lung infections
• Inability to exercise

Heart Muscle Disease (Cardiomyopathy)

Many people with heart muscle disease have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which progress and worsen as heart function worsens.

Symptoms can occur at any age and may include:

• Chest pain or pressure (occurs usually with exercise or physical activity, but can also occur with rest or after meals)
• Heart failure symptoms (see above)
• Swelling of the lower extremities
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms)

Sudden death can occur in a small number of people with cardiomyopathy.

Pericarditis

When present, symptoms of pericarditis may include:

• Chest pain. This pain is different from angina (pain caused by Coronary artery disease. It may be sharp and located in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck and occasionally, the arms and back. It is made worse when lying down, coughing or swallowing and relieved by sitting forward.

• Low-grade fever.

• Increased heart rate.

because many of the symptoms associated with each type of heart disease are similar, it is important to see your doctor so that you can receive a correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

More and more Fibromyalgia is being recognized as one of the more prevalent chronic pain illnesses. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Most researchers agree that FM or Fibromyalgia is caused by neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dysregulation. A Fibromyalgia sufferer experiences extreme pain amplification due to abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia most commonly occur in the following areas of the body:

• Neck
• Back
• Shoulders
• Pelvic area
• Hands

The above list include some of the most common areas to experience Fibromyalgia; however, Fibromyalgia can occur in any and all body parts. Consider some of the following symptoms:

• Pain (profound, widespread, and chronic pain)
• Fatigue (all-encompassing exhaustion)
• Sleep Problems (cannot achieve deep, restful, restorative sleep)
• Irritable bowel and bladder
• Headaches and Migraines
• Restless leg syndrome
• Impaired memory and concentration
• Skin sensitivities and rashes
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Neurological symptoms
• Impaired coordination

Always consult a physician regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Fibromyalgia.

Quit Smoking Now

The National Center for Chronic Disease Control provides Useful Resources to Quit Smoking

Youth Tobacco Cessation: A Guide for Making Informed Decisions is intended to help youth organizations decide whether to undertake youth tobacco-use cessation as a specific tobacco-control activity.

Within 20 Minutes of Quitting
This glossy-color poster features what happens within 20 minutes after smokers inhale that last cigarette, their bodies begin a series of changes that continue for years. Among these health improvements are a drop in heart rate, improved circulation, and reduced risk of heart attack, lung cancer and stroke.

The Benefits of Quitting
This bright-color poster displays the benefits of quitting compared to smokers. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits, reducing risks for stroke, cancers, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ulcer, peripheral artery disease, and low-birth-weight infants.

The Health Consequences of Smoking on The Human Body - This interactive animation will motivate smokers to stop smoking. It outlines the effects of smoking on the different organs of the human body and tips to stop smoking along with information on the health benefits of quitting.

Tobacco and Cancer

Coverage For Tobacco Use Cessation Treatments

Pathways to Freedom: Winning the Fight Against Tobacco
This guide was developed to address the national concern over the high rates of smoking among the African American population. It offers proven strategies for anyone who wants to quit; how friends and family can help; and how the community and its leaders can promote the value of gaining freedom from tobacco.

You Can Quit Smoking
This is an on-line version of the consumer guide entitled You Can Quit Smoking. This popular Public Health Service brochure provides practical information and helpful tips for those who plan to quit smoking.

Don't Let Another Year Go Up In Smoke: Quit Tips
Are you one of most smokers who want to quit? Then try following this advice.

I QUIT!: What to Do When You're Sick of Smoking, Chewing, or Dipping
Cessation guide targeted to teens who are trying to quit cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. It includes tips for dealing with nicotine withdrawal and for handling the situations that may lead to relapse.

Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: A Clinical Practice Guideline.
Health care professionals have new evidence and tools to help patients quit using tobacco, according to a report issued by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS). To obtain this report you can fax 301-594-2800 [Press 1]; or call 1-800-358-9295 for physician materials and a You Can Quit Smoking consumer guide or write to Publications Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8547.
New Guidelines Challenge All Clinicians to Help Smokers Quit — Press Release.

Other Web sites to Help Quit Smoking

American Legacy Foundation — Quitting*
Legacy's national advertising campaign, hopes to raise awareness of the toll tobacco has taken upon women and encourages you or someone you love to seek help to quit smoking. Quitting may well be the most difficult thing you accomplish, but also the most rewarding and important. And when it comes to quitting smoking, there's no time like the present.

Smokefree.gov offers science-driven tools, information, and support that have been effective in helping smokers quit. Here, you will find state and national resources, free materials, and the best quitting advice the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and its partners have to offer.

The QuitNet — http://www.quitnet.org*
The QuitNet offers smokers an on-line support community, forums moderated by counselors, and individually tailored advice to help them kick their nicotine addiction.

American Cancer Society's* Resources:

• Plan Your Quit Day*
• Guide to Quitting Smoking*
• Help For Cravings and Tough Situations*
• Telephone "Quitlines" Succeed Where Other Methods Have Failed*

Today's Tip

Drink lots water.  In the summertime heat and perspiration tend to deplete our water.  Drink eight glasses a day to quench your thirst and to keep you hydrated during the summer months and all year round.