Makeup 101: Beauty Product Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Randi Protter, MD

Today’s entry is via Dr. Sarah Wistreich, CWH staff physician:

I admit it. I am a beauty product junkie. Ask anyone who knows me well, and they will tell you that I love it all- lotions, shadows, glosses, conditioners. I could spend hours and hours wandering cosmetic stores and be happy. With all the products on the market, there are definitely some things to be aware of while shopping, and also while using your coveted favorite products.

EYES

We all love how mascara and eyeliner make us look, but are there things we need to be careful of? Definitely! Here’s how:

  • Although you want to save time on the bus, subway or in the car, resist the temptation! This is a cause of eye injuries. One bump or sudden stop can cause an abrasion to your cornea.
  • Avoid eye products containing kohl. Traditional kohl eye liner was made from grinding a lead based black dye. Heavy metals like lead can be toxic and cause problems with the heart, bones, kidneys and other body systems. Use caution and read the labels.
  • Avoid bacterial contamination. Replace your mascara and liquid liners every three months. Don’t add water if they start becoming dry. You know that “pumping” motion you use to get every last drop out? You are forcing air, which can contain bacteria, into the container.
  • NEVER use hair dyes in eyebrows or lashes. The risk of non eye approved products includes eye damage.  They are only approved for hair. There are approved safe colors for mascara and brow pencils.

LIPS

Most of us see how gloss or lipstick comes off on cups and glasses, but the average woman absorbs about four pounds of lipstick into her system in her lifetime!

  • Use caution with products with pigment, as some lip products have been shown to contain lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can lead to problems in the heart, bones, kidneys and many other systems when found at toxic levels in the body. The pigments that are used in the coloring of lip products are often regulated for lead, but the product itself may not be.
  • Lips can get cancer too! Make sure your lip product has at least an SPF 15 in it. SPF 30 is even better.

HAIR

As women, we reserve the right to change our mind. This applies to our hair as well! Although there are many ways to move between blonde and brunette or curly and straight, the key is to do so safely. Tips:

  • Do a patch test on your skin first to make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to the product.
  • You may want to go blonder or darker, but don’t leave the product on for longer than instructed.
  • Rinse your scalp well after completion to reduce skin reactions.
  • If you have an asthma history, you can be especially sensitive to products with strong chemical odors. Proceed with caution, and with a rescue inhaler at hand.

HAIR REMOVAL
Whether you shave, wax, thread, puck or laser, know what to look for from a safety standpoint:

  • Laser treatment can be a permanent form of hair removal, but it has risks. These include blisters, skin discoloration, scarring and redness.
  • Depilatories such as gels, creams and lotions should not be used near the eyes and can cause burns, blisters and rashes.
  • Waxing, sugaring and threading can cause irritation and infection, but overall can be safe. Use caution with the temperature of products to prevent burns with waxing and sugaring.
  • Shaving is most effective when hair is wet and done in one direction. Use a clean razor with a sharp blade.

A WORD ABOUT LABELS

Packaging can be especially confusing and very often misleading when it comes to beauty products. Remember that “all natural” or “organic” products are not always hypoallergenic  and that the label “dermatologist tested” does not guarantee you will not have a reaction.

There are many websites you can refer to for cosmetic safety, such as the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. My favorite? The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. You can find it here: www.ewg.org/skindeep/. Be conscientious about what products you like and use often and pay attention to common safety issues. The goal is to keep you healthy and looking your very best!

For the full version of this article, visit Quarterlette.com at:  http://bit.ly/Xr4BKA

 

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Walk vs. Run: The Right Exercise

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Randi Protter, MD

Physical activity is a key component of your healthplan and is the single most often prescribed therapy in my practice.  We know that exercise decreases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and cancer.  It can lighten depression, improve self esteem and decrease joint pain.  Best of all, you can derive all of these benefits for the cost of a good pair of sneakers – no gym pass needed.  I totally love that!

So what is the best type of exercise – walking or running?  And, to be clear, I am not talking about a walk admiring the flowers – I am talking about an “I’m missing the bus!!” kind of a walk…a walk where you can talk but not sing.  The answer is both – walking and running can give you great health benefits.  The difference is in two key points:

  1. Walking has less injuries and is easier on the joints
  2. Running burns more calories

The best exercise is one that you will stick with and that you enjoy.  You should target 30 minutes on most days of the week.  Super busy and don’t have time for a 30 minute block?  No worries – a 10 minute walk or run counts! 

If you are beginning anew or have joint or other conditions that would limit a run, perhaps walking is best.  If you have been walking successfully and want pick up the pace, perhaps running will be best.  Or, you can mix it up based on how you feel each day. 

Handy tips:

  • -For the walkers among you that want to try to run, consider a free training app for your smartphone, for example, the “couch potato to 5K runner app”
  • - If you are exercising outside be safe with these tips
  • -If you are using a treadmill as part of your routine, consider listening to music.  There is a science behind the beats, and the type of music you listen to helps you maintain your pace.  You can readily find these online.  Some examples are below:
    • Beginner pace walk – 116 beats/minute:   “Smooth” by Santana
    • Brisk pace walk – 120 beats/minute: “I Feel The Earth Move” by Carole KingFast pace walk – 129 beats/minute: “Faithfully” by Journey
    • Power pace walk – 139 beats/minute: “Roxanne” by The Police
    • Running –  160 beats/minute: “I Saw Her Standing There” by The Beatles

The more you move, the more you will want to move. 

Lace Up – Move On – Live Well 

Speak to your healthcare provider  about the right exercise for you.

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Milk Multiple Choice

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Randi Protter, MD

Today’s blog post is from Kathleen Woods APN-BC, our CWH nurse practitioner:

Got Milk?  Do you mean almond, coconut, soy, skim, 2%….. help!

Americans are always looking for the next non-dairy alternative to the old dairy standby.  The latest choice is almond milk, which has posted the biggest dollar sales gains among all dairy alternative drinks in 2011.  Almond milk is made by blending together a mixture of finely ground almonds, water and sometimes sugar or other sweeteners. Because almond milk contains mostly water, it doesn’t pack as many nutrients as other milk products.  One cup of almond milk contains about 4 or 5 almonds.  One cup of unsweetened almond milk has about 40 calories and only about 2 grams of protein.

On the other hand, One cup of soy milk has 7 grams of protein, 120 calories, and 5 grams of fat.  Both soy and almond milk are good sources of B vitamins.

Soy milk and cow’s milk have basically the same amount of calories, protein and fat.  One cup of either has about 122 calories, 5 to 8 grams of protein and almost 5 grams of fat.  Soy has no cholesterol, where 2% cow’s milk has nearly 20mg.

Coconut milk comes in both regular and fat free varieties.  Regular coconut milk packs 400 calories per cup, 48 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein.  Pure or unsweetened coconut milk has between 40 and 80 calories, 0 to 4 grams of fat and only 1 gram of protein.

Now that you’re thoroughly confused, here is the skinny:

Unsweetened almond milk is a low-calorie beverage – and it’s a terrific non-dairy choice for people who are vegan, have dairy allergies, or are just looking to change things up in their cereal, smoothies or coffee.  As far as calcium content:  skim, 2%, whole, or soy milk have about 300mg of calcium per cup.    Pure Coconut, Soy and Almond milk all have 50% more calcium than cow’s milk.

So drink up!

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Breast Cancer: Fact vs. Fiction

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Randi Protter, MD

Today’s blog entry comes to us from Dr. Sarah Wistreich, staff physician here at the Center for Women’s Health:

Breast cancer is a topic that I frequently get asked about by all age groups.  With statistics as high as they are – 1 in every 8 women will get breast cancer by the time we are 80 – most of us do wonder whether we will be part of those statistics. The concern is even more relevant for those of us that have relatives with breast cancer.  My grandmother had breast cancer in her 70s and opted for a bilateral radical mastectomy. Treatment options were very different back then, but before I became a doctor I wondered if I would be faced with this diagnosis some day. That is why it is important to understand breast cancer facts vs. fiction. 

  • Examining my breasts each month with reduce my chances of breast cancer:  FICTION

Two large studies have shown that women who performed self breast examinations had no difference in breast cancer mortality than women who did NOT perform self breast examinations.  The studies also showed that the group who did self breast exams had twice as many breast biopsies but did not find more cancers. What IS recommended is a yearly clinical breast exam done by a physician. 

  • I can have a mammogram before I am 40:  FACT

Mammography screening is recommended by most physicians to start at age 40. If a woman has a family history of breast cancer in a first degree relative, she should start getting mammograms 10 years prior to the age that the first degree relative was diagnosed at.  If a mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42, her daughter should get her first mammogram at age 32. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or molecular breast imaging (MBI) can be useful adjuncts to mammography based on one’s risk factors and breast types. This should be discussed with a physician. 

  • My chances of breast cancer are higher because my grandmother had breast cancer:  FICTION

A woman with a first degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, child) with breast cancer is twice as likely to have breast cancer.  If she has more than one first degree relative with the diagnosis, the risk can go up 3-4 times. This is not true if the woman’s mother was over the age of 50.

  • I can reduce my risk of breast cancer:  FACT

There are a few lifestyle choices that women can make that can decrease their breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is very important. Your goal for body mass index (BMI) should be between 20 and 25.  Adding exercise into your routine can also decrease your risk. Your goal should be 150 minutes per week of sweaty activity. Limiting alcohol intake can be beneficial.  Studies show that women who drank more than two drinks per day had an increased risk of up to 20% for breast cancer. If you become pregnant, breastfeeding can also decrease your breast cancer risk. 

And now, a little breast cancer fiction trivia:

So what has been shown NOT to increase your breast cancer risk? Hair dyes, abortions, miscarriages, plastics, breast implants, bras, deodorant/antiperspirant use, fertility drugs and breast trauma have not been linked to increased risks of breast cancer. 

You should discuss your risk factors with your physician and come up with a plan for your breast health. Remember the importance of knowing your family history and of the yearly clinical breast exam done by your physician.  Although genes play a large role in some breast cancers, a healthy lifestyle is very important in the prevention of breast cancer in your future. 

For the full version of this article, please visit: http://quarterlette.com/radiate/breast-cancer-the-facts/

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SUDDENLY #SANDY

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Randi Protter, MD

It’s been a wild ride of sorts here in the Northeast.  An epic hurricane followed by a nor’easter. No power. No phone. No tv. No hot water.  No (perish the thought!) internet.  Wind damage. Tree damage. House damage.  For days to weeks and more, our daily grind was the opposite of convenient. 

Our region and communities bonded as we individually struggled with a normal that was not normal.  We shared stories of where we were and what time it was when the lights went out, or where the tree fell on the house, or how we passed the time in the dark and tried to stay warm.  Some discussed which alternating day we were entitled to our gas ration and how glad we were for only a 2 hour wait. We all also have stories of kindness bestowed upon us by others.

Most, but not all, areas have now been euphemistically described as “energized.”   But is life really back to normal? 

It’s  Suddenly Sandy.   I think all people touched by the double whammy storm are changed. For some, the change may be as simple as making sure that fresh D cell batteries are always in the house.  For others, the changes are more pronounced with symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as insomnia, irritability, and tearfulness.  As cleanup and restoration broadens, we are sure to see physical illness from infections , for example, from mold and body overuse syndromes such as back pain and joint pain.

If these symptoms sound familiar and are interfering with your daily life, contact your healthcare provider to get the support that we all need through these tough times.

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