FitSugar

Christina Applegate Is Grateful For Running

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:30:00 -0800

Need a little motivation to lace up your running shoes? Let's turn to the talented Christina Applegate for some inspiration. The courageous actress had an intensely challenging 2008 with an alarming breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy, but is admirably optimistic about the future.

Applegate is now cancer-free, and looking back on her experiences she told People magazine, "You can't get any darker than I went." However, in 2009 the actress is looking forward to being able to do the things she loves, like running. She said, "I missed running so much. I'm looking forward to running more."

We often take for granted that we're healthy and able to exercise, and Christina shines light on why we should always be grateful for our precious health.

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Christina Applegate Explains Her Double Mastectomy

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

At age 36, a double mastectomy may seem extreme treatment for breast cancer, but as Christina Applegate explained on the Oprah Winfrey Show, her genes were stacked against her.

Applegate's mother survived breast cancer after being diagnosed with the disease back in the '70s. Having a female relative with breast cancer greatly increases a woman's risk for developing the disease, which is why Christina has been getting mammograms since she was 30 years old. Upping her chances even more, Applegate tested positive for the BRCA gene, which is sometimes referred to as the "breast cancer gene." Testing positive for the BRCA genetic mutation not only greatly increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, it also increases the chances of the cancer recurring. After weighing her options, Applegate decided rather quickly to have a double mastectomy, saying that as a Sagittarius she just needed to know how she was going to tackle the problem.

To see how she explained her decision-making process to Oprah, just read more.

That [testing positive for the BRCA gene] sort of changed everything for me. Radiation was something temporary, and it wasn't addressing the issue of this [cancer] coming back or the chance of it coming back in my left breast. I sort of had to kind of weigh all my options at that point. It just seemed like, "I don't want to have to deal with this again. I don't want to keep putting that stuff in my body. I just want to be done with this." And I was just going to let them go.

Although she feels she made the right decision for her situation, considering her family history and genetic makeup, the surgery was still dramatic and painful - physically and emotionally. Another deciding factor was that after much research, Applegate found that they can make "some pretty boobies" these days. She has saline expanders in her chest to make space for future breast implants. Even thought she admits to crying daily, she is looking on the brighter side of things these days; Christina is happy that she will never have to wear a bra again. I for one am happy to see this funny gal with a smile on her face once again. And I am happy to know she beat breast cancer and to know that she is spreading the word on breast cancer detection and therapies.

If you were in her situation, what would you do? Tell me in the comments section below.

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Christina Applegate Stands Up to Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Who would have thought that the ditsy and carefree character Kelly Bundy in the hit TV show Married . . . With Children would ever receive such shocking news. The actress, Christina Applegate, known also for her roles in Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early enough through an MRI her doctor ordered, so the cancer isn't life-threatening and a full recovery is expected.

Christina is appearing on a one-hour TV special called “Stand Up To Cancer” to talk about her experience with breast cancer. It's airing on Sept. 5 to help raise funds for cancer research, and to increase awareness about this disease. Hopefully they'll talk about the importance of early detection and how necessary it is to have a doctor check you out if breast cancer is in your family, or if you've felt something you're concerned about.

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Christina Applegate's Thoughts on Self

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Christina Applegate has basically grown up on TV so she's seen her fair share of body image issues, which is why it's nice to hear her head screwed on straight when it comes to her own health. She recently sat down with Self to talk about how she stays healthy and confident in an unhealthy industry. Here are highlights:

On dealing with stress: I watch TV in bed. It's terrible, but it's the only way I can close off my mind and relax. If I just get into bed and turn the lights off, my brain talks to me way too much, so it's better if I can escape with something else for a minute. I try not to get stressed. When I do, I just get really tired. At those times, I'll go running. It's the best way of getting that energy out of your system so it's not festering.

There's more, including what her exercise routine looks like and how she keeps confident so read more.

On her exercise routine: I was really crazy about working out for a while. I was doing it six to seven days a week, and it was really intense. But I like to enjoy my life a little bit more than that. It's about balance for me. I try to do a little something at least every day. I'll get on the elliptical or on the Spin bike for anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes of cardio. And then I'll do some toning work on my own. I put on those little ankle weights to do leg exercises and bottom exercises, which, as you get older, becomes a main focus! But I love running. To me, that's just freedom. There's an incredible feeling when you finish a run. Your heart is racing fast and you feel light and airy, especially when you're running outside and there are so many beautiful things to look at.

On taking care of herself: It's really important to take care of your skin. It's the barometer of everything you've done over your years. Everything shows: sleep, age, sun damage and lack of water. Because of my work, I'm a product in a sense, so taking care of my skin is a part of work, too.

On confidence: I am who I am, whether I mess up or say the wrong thing. It's just who I am. I don't second-guess myself.

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Would You Undergo a Mastectomy to Protect Yourself From Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:47:44 -0700

A diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-changing moment that will affect almost 200,000 women this year. If faced with the diagnosis, one question your doctor will ask you to consider is whether or not you would remove a non-cancerous breast to protect yourself against the disease. The procedure is called prophylactic mastectomy, and a recent study shows that it's on the rise.

The study, conducted by the American Cancer Society, found that patients in New York who had cancer in one breast but also removed their non-cancerous breast doubled during the period of 1995-2005. During that same period there was also a slight increase in cancer-free patients who chose to remove both healthy breasts. It's likely that these women were at high risk because of family history, or they tested positive for the gene mutation associated with the disease. This is why actress Christina Applegate opted for the double mastectomy.

Although prophylactic mastectomy dramatically reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in the future, it has not been shown to increase the chances of survival from already existing breast cancer. However, many patients choose to undergo the procedure to quell anxiety.

As we begin our coverage of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am curious to know what you would do in this situation . . .

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Wipe the slate clean and excuse proof your workout today - Mark's Daily Apple
Christina Applegate loves her boot camp and kale - That's Fit
Learn to love the lean of the RealRyder spin bike - Vital Juice Daily
Falafel leads Lily Allen to quit smoking? - FitCeleb
Three eating tips from Glamour nutritionist - Shape Up
Healthy ways to use up those extra Easter eggs - Daily Spark
What is the deal with TRX? - Fit Bottomed Girls
The Atkins diet controversy rages on - Nutrition Data Blog

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Get inspired by the trials and tribulations of a half-Ironwoman finisher - Lucy's Blog
Dieting myths exposed! - Shape
Have you asked yourself what butt you really want? - Elastic Waist
Tips on what to wear for chilly workouts - Vital Juice Daily
Do alcohol and weight loss mix? - Margarita Shapes Up
NYC Marathon if full of history, will you run it? - That's Fit
Breast cancer survivor, Christina Applegate avoided hugs for weeks - FitCeleb

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