Get the Full Scoop: 'Below the Belt' Maintenance

Summertime usually means becoming BFF with your local nail salon for a mani, pedi, and yes--even a bikini wax.  Sometimes a bikini wax isn't enough as many women are also opting for the brazillian--the latest trend in hair removal. You might even say that 'everybody' is doing it, including your friends and even the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw herself!  Surprisingly, many women and/or TV shows fail to mention the health risks associated with hair removal for such an important part of the female anatomy.  If you look around, there aren't that many reliable/immediate statistics out there. That doesn't mean there aren't any risks!  How you decide to groom yourself is totally your choice, but I highly advise that you make it an educated choice. Below are some of the potential health risks that you may want to know about before you make your next round to the nail salon or spa:

• Infection (aka rashes and irritation, or worse)
• Scaring.
• Folliculitis or ingrown hairs.

While bikini waxing has become a popular trend, you shoiuld know that your body produces the "hair down there" to protect it your lady parts from infection and to protect sensitive skin. If you plan on getting a bikini was or a brazillian, consider the following tips to keep yourself safe:

• Choose a reputable and licensed salon and make sure the place is spotless.
• Never allow "double dipping" or the use of a spatula more than once.
• If something doesn't feel right, speak up. Always listen to your body and your instincts before its too late.

Bottom line:  Choose what works best for you--trimming, bikini wax, or a brazilian, just make sure you do your research and take measures to avoid risks.

The Major Symptom of a Quarter Life Crisis

Not sure what a "Quart Life Crisis" Is? Before you read what's below, start here--> read this!

I personally know that depression can be a major side-effect to the Quarter Life Crisis. Yes, that does exist.  It's a time from our late teens to our early thirties when many of us can feel stuck, having to "pay our dues" and sometimes realizing that what we thought we wanted in life, is no longer what we want. Still not sure you buy into the whole "quarter life crisis" thing? Check out the 2009 Washington Post article, Hard Times Can Be Troubling Even for Those Too Young for a Midlife Crisis.

According to Mental Health America, depression occurs most frequently in women ages 25-44. For us 20somethings, depression can creep up as we leave college and enter the workforce, the new presence of emands and challenges that can seem overwhelming, the ending "lifelong" friendships, and even a constant stream of bad dates and boyfriends/girlfriends. Some of us may have a "blue" day every once in awhile, but then there are others who might feel down for a long time--weeks, months, even years if help is not seeked.  According to the Center for Young Women's Health, "depression is a psychological condition that affects your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. You may have feelings of sadness or irritability, a lack of energy, trouble sleeping, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, or unhappy thoughts about yourself or your life. You may even feel that your life is not worth living, or think about hurting yourself. Depression can also affect you physically: you can have aches and pains all over, or in specific areas such as your stomach. You may have headaches, trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating."

How do you know if you are depressed? If you have a few of these symptoms, you should contact your primary care physician who can officially diagnose you:

• Feeling sad and/or empty.
• No long enjoying the activities you used to enjoy.
• Feeling irritated at everything, even the little things that never bothered you before.
• Tired and/or a lack of energy.
• Eating very little or eating too much.
• Always sleeping or staying awake at night constantly worrying.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Being super negative about yourself, including getting irritated when you receive a compliment.
• Feelings of hoplesness.
• Having thoughts that you no longer want to live, wanting to hurt yourself, or have tried to hurt yourself. *If you can relate to this bullet, I urge you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifelife:  1-800-273-8255.

If you are able to relate to two or more of the symptoms below, don't hesitate to reach out to a family member, friend, and especially a health professional and let them know you need help. You'll be surprised that many other 20something women go through depression and can relate to how you feel. In fact, helping others is a great method to pull someone out of depression. So speaking up and asking someone for help could also allow you to help someone else.

Bottom line: If you think you're depressed, talk to someone you can trust and seek the help of a professionals. The sooner you make an effort to get help, the sooner you can life a long happy life. Our 20s is a time where we can explore life, learn more about ourselves, and create happy memories.

Thou Shall Not Get Lazy With Birth Control

Photo Credit:  Knocked Up & Pulse Radio

A 2009 study found that "15 percent go through periods of contraceptive nonuse. The vast majority of women at risk, though, perceive themselves to be protected because they rely on a contraceptive method — but their usage is inconsistent or incorrect. Incorrect usage may include inconsistently taking birth control pills or attempting to overcompensate by using more than one condom at once, both of which decrease effectiveness."

Whether you're going through a dryspell or can't cough up the cash to replenish your supply, it's important to not skip on the whatever method you choose for one main reason: Unintended Pregnancy. Below are a few tips to avoid that pleasant surprise until you're ready:

• Oops, I forgot the pill again! If you can't remember to take the pill, ask your gyno about using the patch, nuva ring, or an IUD. Discuss all your options with your doctor and don't be shy on letting her/him know about your current sexual activity and reasons for using birth control. The more you share, the better advice the doctor can provide. Here's a full list of all your options. 
• Are funds low? If you're in a relationship with someone, don't hestiate to ask that they pitch in for the costs of birth control. It takes two to tango, and assuming your significant other supports your efforts in avoiding an unplanned pregnancy, they should definitely contribute to the team effort.
• Playing russian roulette with your body is a no-no. Don't risk it--if you aren't able to keep up with your birth control, perhaps consider using a "time-out" on any sexual activity until you can find an alternative option. "Withdrawing" is not a safe method ladies, don't let him convince you otherwise!
• No Matter What--Wrap it Up.  Two is better than one, i.e. use of a condom and a contraceptive! Especially if you're not ready to have a baby. No matter what, always use a condom. Contraceptive methods do not prevent STDs or HIV/AIDS, so condom use is a nonnegotiable rule if you're sexual active, not married, and/or not planning to start a family.

Bottom line: It's no fun worrying about having an unplanned pregnancy, the stress and worry alone can negatively impact your health.  If you're sexual active, choose a method that you can stick with. If you're suddenly going through a dryspell, still keep up with the pill as you never know when that dryspell comes to end.

Confessions of an Disordered Eating 20something

Photo Credit: Sweet Additions

I must confess...I stuffed my face again tonight. Probably because I'm feeling overwhelmed, a bit out of control with life lately, and super tired with lots to do before I go to bed. Can you relate? I'm sure I'm not the only 20something female out there who lost control of food, who couldn't stop when their belly said 'no' but their brain said 'yes', or ate so fast they didn't even get to taste what they were actually eating.  Yup, this is more  of a 20something issue than many think: Disordered Eating.  This 'disorder' consists of a wide range of irregular eating behaviors that do not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

When I think of disordered eating, I think of a few of my friends who talk about trying to lose weight all the time, whether it's binge eating after caving in to their temptations after trying to stick with restrive diet or extreme (miserable) calorie counting. Disordered eating is our way of staying in control in our crazy 20something world. But wait--before you 'google it', I urge you to talk to a physician if you feel that you're battling disordered eating.  If you're constantly thinking of food, unable to stay away from the kitchen, and if eating impacts your day-to-day life, now is the time to talk to a health professional who can give you the professional help you need.

 

Most importantly, if you do have a disordered eating issue, be gentle with yourself. You're not alone as I'm sure tons of 20something gals are dealing with the same issue. With the constant pressure from society to be thin (try to think of a day you haven't seen Kate Middelton's tiny waste in the media), its no surprise that this is an issue that not only impacts teen girls, but young women, and probably other women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond!

Not sure who to call or where to start? Check out the National Eating Disorders Foundation or call their helpline at 800-931-2237 for more information, referals, and support.

Bottom Line: Disordered eating can cause  vitamin deficiencies, lowered immunity, illness, and lets not forget the mental health impact as I'm sure many of us get really down on ourselves about eating too much or too little. At what price are you willing to be thin? Life is short. Live it healthy and happy without the stress of calories or scales.

'Namaste': 3 Ways to a Less Stressful & More Fabulous You

Give your stress wings and let it fly away. ~Terri Guillemets

Stress. Everybody deals with it no matter their age or gender. There's different types of stress. Sometimes stress can be good for you. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds that they work better under a certain stress level.  According to the Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, in small doses, stress can be good because it a) makes you more alert and b) gives you a burst of energy.

But in today's world--20something women are stressed out more than ever. Not only are you becoming more independent, but you're also starting your career with insane timelines and tasks, dealing with with a small paycheck, trying to have a social life in between the late nights at work, feeling pressured to consntantly be in contact with everyone via Facebook, email, text, Twitter, and to top it all off--you need to squeeze in at least 45 minutes of gym time a day.

Relax. Refocus. Connect/Disconnect!

When feeling stressed, stop for a few minutes and take a few deep breathes to relax. This will help your muscles relax and reduce the tension that you probably have in your shoulders.

Refocus by making a list of all the things that make you feel stressed and identify the issues that you can fix now vs. later.  It's all about taking it one step at a time. Recently, I learned of other women who are dealing with situations much more stressful than my own. This helped me put things into perspective.

Find an hour or half an hour to connect with a friend or even a therapist. The best way to release stress is to talk it out. I always feel better when I talk through a stressful situation and in most cases, I'm able to find a solution through the help of a friend. On the flipside, consider disconnecting from your technology-advanced world--that's right, turn off your phone and log off of Facebook. Try something else like a funny movie, a long walk, a spin class, or hit the sheets early.

Bottom line: It's important to learn how to manage stress in your 20somethings. As we get older, our level of stress will wear and tear on our body, mind, and spirit. Making yourself a priority will not only benefit you, but your family members, friends, and coworkers.

Discuss--> How do you relieve your stress?

Women's Health Blog Award Nominations!

Photo Credit: MrsBlogAlot

A HUGE thanks for the shout out from Two Girls on the Go! The two fabulous girls, Amanda & Rikki, have joined forces to share their health and fitness journey with others. And they keep it real with *easy to do workouts*, unlike those popular magazines that make you move in awkward positions, hold wierd poses, or run until you pass out. I knew I found a blog treasure when I discovered their almost-over SWEAT Challenge, which is why I'm thrilled that they listed me as one of the nominees for their blogger awards. When you're nominated, you share 7 things about yourself that your readers don't already know. Then, you list 15 other blogs you love to read!

7 fabulous things you didn't know about me until now:

1. I don't like sphagetti! I can't get the image of dead worms of out of my brain whenever I try to eat it. So I just decided to remove it from my diet all together.
2. During college, through the help of WeightWatchers, I lost 68 lbs and became a BodyPump instructor to share my new found love of fitness.
3. Since graduating college, I gradually gained the weight back but I continue to teach BodyPump and look forward to losing the weight for good this time!
4. I'm a magazinaholic. I love to read magazines like SELF, Women's Health, Shape, Fitness, and Weight Watchers. They're full of health and fitness tips that I try to incorporate in my everyday life.
5. I'm hoping to get my masters in Health Communications to further my career and passion in women's health.
6. I used to be a cheerleader and I played junior olympic volleyball. When I was a kid, I also took karate and gymnastics.
7. I have a chihuahua named Diesel Beefy el Diablo ChiChi Hooks and he's 5 years old and the love of my life :).

15 women's health blogs that rock: 

1. Our Bodies, OurSelves
2. Women's Health Zone
3. WebMD, Women's Health (Below the Belt)
4. Nubian Fitness Goddess
5. Fit Bottomed Girls
6. 30 Before 30 List
7. A Celebration of Curves
8. A Girl in the Life
9. Healthy Creature
10. A Healthy Slice of Life
11. About Life*
12. Adventures of a Done Girl Named Alex
13. Ah...Me So Hungry!
14. Amanda Lives Well
15. Appetite for Health

I find all these blogs to provide useful, valuable, insightful, intriguing, and relatable posts that I'm sure my fellow 20somethings will truly appreciate.  Support women's health and empowerment by reading these blogs. Keep the conversation going!

Binge Drinking: Life's Buzz Kill

I'm not going to preach to you guys like I'm a perfect angel who never drinks. I want to keep it real with you!So let's be honest--it's nice not being the idiot on a reality TV show binge drinking and making a fool of themselves.Many reality TV stars have gotten into trouble from binge drinking, including the 20somethings on MTV's Jersey Shore or The Real World. Even when we see what a disaster binge drinking can be, we have to admit--it's very tempting to "let loose" and have fun at a wedding or during a holiday weekend , especially if it involves an open bar! I'm all about enjoying a few drinks here and there but I'm not a fan of the potential risks when it comes to drinking margaritas like it's kool-aid! Potential risks include:

• Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells); pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus; high blood pressure; and psychological disorders. If you start binge drinking in your 20somethings--you're probably increasing your chances of having one of these diseases as you get older. No bueno! (Source:  CDC)
• HIV/AIDS and other STDS. The more alcohol you drink, the less you're in control. This means you're more prone to make bad decisions like unprotected sex-- putting you at risk for HIV/AIDS and STD's. (See my recent post on HIV/AIDS).
• Injury from car accidents or other life-threatening incidents. This isn't new--we all know the risks of getting behind the wheel after drinking. It's stupid. But honestly ask yourself how many times you 've been drunk and gotten in a car with a friend who said "It's okay, I've driven drunk before and I was fine". Let's take a guess of how many people who've gotten a DUI or killed someone have said that before they got int the car!

Not that I've given you the cold hard facts, I want to reiterate that I'm not saying to stop drinking completely.  I personally would like to cut alcohol for other health reasons, but I know some of you don't see that happening, and that's cool tool. To have a fabulous time without the risks mentioned above, try some of these tips to stay healthy and safe:

• Limit yourself to no more than 3 drinks. (5 or more drinks qualify as binge drinking according to the CDC, but as we know some bartenders go a bit crazy with the amount of alcohol in your rum & coke, so its best to play it safe).
• Sip, don't gulp. Enjoy the drink, don't gulp it down in 5 seconds--where's the fun in that? If you take your time with the drink, you'll get your money's worth and enjoy the fun. Who wants to keep going back to the overcrowded bar and wait for 20 minutes to get a drink that's way too expensive?
• Count the calories! Yup, think about the number of calories you've got in that one drink and then think about that bikini or super cute dress you want to wear. Drinking too much will add inches to your wasteline and that's so not fabulous! I'm sur ethat will make you think twice before you order that 5th margarita.

Bottom line:  In the world of 20somethings, we can't help but get caught up in the lure of alcohol to help us have a good time. One night of binge drinking could change your life forever. Make sure you weigh the consequences before you go overboard. And let's face it, no matter how much fun you think you're having while getting "trashed"--the hangover is NEVER worth it.