Prevent and minimize wrinkles
Premature aging is most commonly caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds. By preventing or limiting your exposure to ultraviolet radiation, you can prevent or minimize wrinkles and sun spots, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
“Once the damage is done, certain cosmetic ingredients can help,” suggests Orangeberg dermatologist Amy E. Goldstein. “Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, reduces fine wrinkles, decreases the appearance of sun spots and improves the texture of skin by desquamating dead skin cells and promoting collagen production. It is the only FDA approved prescription treatment for this indication,” says Dr. Goldstein. “Over-the-counter products containing retinol and AHA may temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing desquamation of dead skin cells, giving the skin a smoother more youthful glow. Anti-oxidants (notably Vitamin C and E) help to destroy free radicals produced by the sun and help cells repair damage caused by UV radiation,” she says. To contact Dr. Goldstein, call 845-359-4770 or visit rocklanddermatology.com.
Diabetes link in women
Researchers report an association between increased concentrations of phthalates and an increased risk of diabetes in women. In the study, women with the highest levels of phthalates had two times the risk of diabetes as those with the lowest levels of phthalates. “Phthalates have received much attention from consumer protection groups as they are ubiquitous chemicals commonly found in fragranced personal care and household products, as well as flexible plastics,” informs Patti Wood, executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education in Rye. “As with other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even extremely low level exposures to phthalates can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones required for the body to function normally. It’s the number of children being diagnosed with diabetes and other chronic diseases linked to common chemical exposures that is of greatest concern,” says Ms. Wood. “When the CDC published its sobering report that this younger generation will not, for the first time, live as long as their parents, it should be a wake-up call for all of us.”To contact Grassroots Environmental Education, call 914-422-3141 or visit grassrootsinfo.org.
Bold, bald women
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles and results in partial or total hair loss. It affects men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Bald Girls Do Lunch, a non-profit, encourages women with hair loss due to alopecia to be comfortable going bald in public or wearing the head covering of their choice. BGDL helps women from coast to coast cope effectively. “We’re the only non-profit specifically created for women with alopecia areata,” says founder, Thea Chassin, “We’re known for superb motivation, practical results, and realistic expectations that improve lives quickly. Our format facilitates communication and life skills. Bald Girls Do Lunch is the best program for women — too many of whom are hiding in plain sight, unable to talk openly to friends and family.” For more, visit baldgirlsdolunch.org.
Adult siblings not sharing
Estimates show that between 69 and 75 percent of informal elderly caregivers are women, 91 percent do not share responsibilities equally, and at least 80 percent have siblings. “Even if you live far away from your ailing parent, you can still help out,” explains Francine Russo, who consults throughout the region and wrote the book “They’re Your Parents Too.” In the book, Russo explains that distant siblings can manage finances, handle forwarded mail, fill out applications, track insurance claims, manage contacts, perform background checks, call doctors, send products that aid a disability, find local support, fill out, track and file insurance forms, provide emotional support and make regularly scheduled trips. The visit is a time to set up or organize the living space, set yourself up to be of help when back home. It is not a time to visit other family or friends. The biggest mistake distant siblings make is “not giving appreciation and emotional support to the sibling who is providing care,” explains Ms. Russo. For more information visit yourparentstoo.com.
A full 72 percent of women with menopausal symptoms are not seeking help, possibly resulting in a poorer quality of life. Now they can help themselves with a new online quiz called the “Menopause Map.” “Women have options and the menopause map allows them to find out what those options are,” says Dr. Dominic Grecco, with offices with in Mt. Kisco, Yorktown, Katonah and Valhalla. “Women can go on hormone.org, take the quiz and be given options depending on their lifestyles and characteristics. They can take these results to their doctor. The more women who utilize this quiz, the more women will have a better quality of life,” says Dr. Grecco. Many women may not be seeking help due to the results of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative, a study that found the risks of hormone replacement outweighed the benefits. Back then, doctors also took their patients off treatment. However, ten years after the study, doctors find that many patients do benefit from hormone therapy. Dr. Grecco may be reached at 914-241-4900. ■