FitSugar

The Dieting of Mothers Visits Daughters in Eating Disorders

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:00:16 -0700

Parents model behavior for their children, whether consciously or not. A recent survey conducted by British teen mag Sugar (no relation to the PopSugar Network) found that a dieting mother can have unfortunate consequences for daughters.

Out of the 512 girls surveyed, ages 12 to 18, six percent had an eating disorder; that number rose to one in 10 among girls with mothers who dieted. Girls learn how to create a self-image from observing their mothers, and when mom labels certain foods bad and dangerous, her daughter internalizes the message. It has been shown that regular family meals can help prevent eating disorders, and when the female head of household removes herself from the ritual of the family dinner impressionable eyes are watching. Negative body image from mothers affects girls too. This is why I learned to stop talking smack about my thighs. Did your mom diet? Did it affect your relationship with food?

Are Occasional Breaks From the Pill Necessary?

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:50:05 -0700

Almost every woman I know has been on the pill at some point in her life, and many of us started when we were under 20 years old. It has many health benefits, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies, decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer, and alleviating PMS symptoms. The one big negative about the pill is that statistics show being on it for longer than 10 years puts you at a higher risk for breast cancer. Women may also be worried that taking hormones for so long may affect their chances of having a baby in the future. So does it make sense to take regular vacations from the pill to give your body some hormone-free time?

To find out if this is a good idea, read more.

While it's common to think that taking occasional breaks from the pill is beneficial for your body, it's actually not necessary. It's a myth that may have started a while back, since the very first birth control pills contained high doses of hormones. Today's pills contain a much lower amount so they're completely safe to take for years at a time. Doctors actually think it's healthier for your body to remain on the pill. The fluctuations in hormones can have a negative effect on your body, both physically and emotionally. Plus, all the symptoms you experienced when you first started the pill such as moodiness, sore breasts, or yeast infections may show up again.

What about your fertility? You may be worried that staying on the pill continuously for many years will make it harder to get pregnant when you decide to start a family. There's no evidence that being on the pill has any effect on a woman's future ability to conceive - it merely prevents pregnancy while a woman is on it. In fact, regularly going on and off the pill may increase your chances of having an unplanned pregnancy since your protection isn't consistent.

Most importantly, if you've been on the pill forever, you'll be happy to know that as soon as you go off it your risk for developing breast cancer begins to go back to normal over time. If you're worried about your risk, or the whole idea of putting hormones in your body doesn't sit well with you, talk to your doctor about hormone-free alternatives such as the ParaGard IUC. A permanent vacation from the pill might be the better option, as opposed to a break.

13 Ways to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:00:22 -0700

In America, a woman has a one in nine chance for developing breast cancer. While that statistic is extremely depressing, here are some lifestyle choices you can make to help decrease your risk.

Source: Getty

View Slideshow ›

Is Your Underwire Bra a Breast Cancer Risk?

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:00:51 -0700

Teaching at a yoga studio means I meet a lot of free-spirited folks. One student told me she stopped wearing underwire bras because she heard they can lead to breast cancer. This idea has been circling around that wearing a bra all day compresses the lymphatic system of the breast, resulting in accumulation of toxins that cause breast cancer. Just about every woman I know wears a bra, and most opt for the ones with supportive underwires, so are we all at risk?

To find out read more.

Here are some reassuring words straight from the American Cancer Society.

"We do not know of any epidemiologic studies published in scientific journals that suggest bras directly contribute to breast cancer risk or that lymphatic compression by bras might cause breast cancer. "

Another fact to chew on. If wearing an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder was linked to an increased risk in breast cancer, statistics would have shown a drop in breast cancer diagnoses in the 60s when most women were burning their bras and going braless. But stats didn't drop.

So wear your push-ups, underwires, demi cups, and sports bras without fear, especially if not wearing a bra is not an option for your girls.

What to Expect at Your First Mammogram

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:30:30 -0700

Supporting your girls with a great sports bra is important for your workouts, especially jumping plyometrics. When you hit 40, you're going to need to take photos of them too. Yep, I'm talking about a mammogram. This soft tissue x-ray is recommended annually for every woman over 40, and if you are at risk for breast cancer (if your mother or sister has had it, for instance), you start the process at 35.

The procedure is actually pretty simple and quick, but there is a lot of smooshing of breast tissue involved. So it's good to go into the process with a sense of humor and to check your modesty at the door. Here are a few pointers to make your first mammogram as pain-free as possible.

Do not wear deodorant, perfume, or powder. These substances can interfere with the imaging of breast tissue and even show up on the mammogram as calcifications, which can alarm the radiologist reading your mammogram, rendering more images necessary. This translates directly into more squishing.
Wear separates to the appointment, so you only have to take off your top and not fully disrobe.
If you have long hair, wear it up. This way your long locks won't interfere with the machinery and you won't accidentally have your hair pulled.
Avoid wearing necklaces or dangling earrings. Or simply take them off and stow them while you are having the mammogram.

A standard mammogram is four images, two per breast. If you have breast implants, double the number of images needed. At your first mammogram, sometimes extra images are needed to get a better understanding of the baseline reading of your breast tissue. At some offices, the radiologist will read the mammogram while you wait, so you get the results immediately, which seriously decreases the stress of the entire operation. However, some clinics will send the results to your primary care physician. In that case, remember to call your doc for results.

Worried About High Blood Pressure? Eat Whole Grains

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:00:31 -0700

High blood pressure (hypertension) isn't something only older people have to worry about. It can happen at any age and since it can lead to serious heart problems, you want to get yours checked and do all you can to keep it at a healthy level. Aside from exercising regularly and limiting your salt intake, there's something else you can do to ward off high blood pressure. A new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says loading up on whole grains can help. In the study, men with the highest whole grain intake were 19 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure.

So start consuming whole grains regularly such as farro, millet, quinoa, barley, and bulgar. Add oats to your yogurt or cookie recipes, eat rice with your beans, enjoy popcorn with your movie, and opt for breads, pastas, and cereals that are made with whole grains. It's recommended to eat at least three ounces (85 grams) of whole grains a day. Do you get that much?

Get Pink and Sporty For the Cure

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:46 -0700

If you need some sporty gear, why not shop for a cause, too? There are lots of pink products out there, with some of the proceeds donated to great nonprofit breast cancer organizations. Here are some ways to get sporty for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

View Slideshow ›

Which PMS Symptom Is Worst?

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:47:51 -0700

My PMS symptoms seem to be getting worse as I get older. Is it just me, or does your sore chest bother you when doing cardio too? Ugh. Since misery loves company, tell me . . .

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Community Support

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:30:53 -0700

We are seven days into the month of October and by now you probably know it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Currently this disease affects one in eight US women. That's a lot! I encourage you all to do self-breast exams monthly and to join and participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness Group. It is a place to share how breast cancer has touched your life and learn ways to fight and prevent the disease. Knowledge is power, and the community is here for support.

Physical Traits Give Clues About Your Health Risks

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:15 -0700

There are many things we can do to enhance our health and prevent illness. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, limiting your alcohol intake, and reducing your stress can add years to your life. Who knew that your appearance and physical characteristics such as finger length and your sense of smell could let you know what health risks you might be prone to? Check out the list below from Prevention magazine.

Finger length: For women, if your index finger is shorter than your ring finger, then it means you have double the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. If yours is longer or even with your ring finger, you're in the clear, but if it's not, do exercises to strengthen your knees, such as squats and lunges. Arthritis and finger length are both related to low levels of estrogen, so that's why the two are connected.
Arm length: Extend your arms in T-position out to the sides and measure the distance form fingertip to fingertip. If the distance is less than 60 inches, you're at a higher risk for Alzheimer's. So do activities that stimulate your brain and your body. Take a painting class, learn to play a musical instrument, play chess, or take dance lessons.

There's more, so keep reading