Month: March 2018

Endometriosis Symptoms: What’s Really Going On Down There?

Post author By Jeanne Sager
Post date March 7, 2018

iWhen Dawn Hauschild’s period showed up shortly after the birth of her second child, she expected it to be a normal adjustment to her pre-pregnancy state. Instead, the third-grade teacher’s period refused to go away, and with it came debilitating pain. The problem? Endometriosis, a chronic and painful disorder that allows uterine tissue to flourish in areas of the body other than the uterus.
It’s a lonely disease, Hauschild says.
“Your hormones are messed up, which messes with your entire body. You are in pain like the first-day period cramps every day, and people look at you like you are crazy,” she tells HealthyWay. “I talked to my best friend, who really didn’t understand what I was going through. My husband was my biggest support. But really and honestly, I felt ALONE.”
Hauschild is far from alone. An estimated 1 in 10 women in the world suffer from endometriosis, but it’s a condition that’s often misunderstood—in part because women don’t all show the same symptoms. For every woman like Hauschild, who was wracked with pain after her son’s arrival, there are women who show few or no symptoms at all.
Wondering whether you’re one of them? Here’s what the experts say.

What’s endometriosis, anyway?

Endometriosis can be (and often is) confused with endometrium, a term that refers to the mucous membrane lining the uterus. It’s an easy enough mistake to make when you look at the two words, but having one doesn’t mean you have the other.
Most cisgender women have endometrium. It’s the lining that will thicken during the menstrual cycle in anticipation of embryo implantation then shed during your period if you aren’t pregnant.
But for the millions of women with endometriosis, the endometrium doesn’t just show up in the uterus, says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Endometrial implants, as they’re called, will show up in other parts of the body—from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and beyond the reproductive system in the bowels, bladder, and other parts of the pelvis.
These implants become problematic because—just like the endometrium in the uterus—endometrial implants in other parts of the body respond to hormonal shifts and they slowly wreak havoc.
“With each period, the endometrial implants will bleed no matter where they are located in your body,” Ross explains. “As a result of the bleeding implant(s), scar tissue or ‘spiderwebs’ as I like to refer to them, develop in your pelvis, causing pain and all the other symptoms related to endometriosis.”
Those symptoms include everything from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort to painful intercourse and irregular periods.
It was both pain and bleeding that prompted Hauschild’s diagnosis. But although she had already gotten pregnant with one son, doctors said she might deal with yet another common sign of the disease: infertility. In fact this is how many women discover they have endometriosis.
Doctors still don’t know why a quarter of patients never show any of the more obvious side effects, but there’s a correlation that can’t be ignored. Anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of infertile women have endometriosis, and 30 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile. Although it is one of the most treatable causes of infertility, it also remains the least treated.
In the end, Hauschild was able to get pregnant a second time, albeit after several years of trying. But the second pregnancy and the hormones that flooded through her body seemed to make her condition worse. Still, she considers herself blessed.
“I was lucky,” Hauschild says. “I was able to have my boys. Some people are not able to have kids if they have it.”
Even those who do get pregnant, like Hauschild, often find that endometriosis worsens with each pregnancy. And the diagnosis process can be all the more frustrating, Ross says, because of the wide range of different symptoms each patient might experience.
“Since symptoms vary between women, so does the time it takes to make the diagnosis,” Ross explains. “Diagnosis can be tricky even for the specialists.”

What endometriosis is not

Whether you have endometriosis or you’re facing a possible diagnosis, there’s one thing that’s certain: It’s not your fault.
Although researchers have yet to pinpoint any one particular cause of the condition, it’s been verified that endometriosis is not something women can control. It’s not sexually transmitted, nor is it something that you can “bring on” by any one behavior or action.
Studies have ruled out a link between using the IUD for birth control and developing endometriosis, as well as the chance that previous sexually transmitted diseases might increase your chances of encountering the disease. What’s more, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may both be reproductive in nature and occur in about the same percentage of the population, but the two conditions are not linked. Having one won’t increase your chances of having the other.
Most of the risk factors are things you’re born with, says Gerardo Bustillo, MD, an OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. They include:

Never having been pregnant, early onset of menses, late menopause
Being taller and/or thinner than most women
Having a family history of endometriosis—having a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis raises your risk about six-fold
Being Caucasian or Asian
Having red hair, freckles, sensitivity to the sun, and pre-cancerous skin moles

On the other hand, a period that doesn’t begin until late adolescence correlates to a lower risk, as does being black or Hispanic.
None of those things are changeable. But Ross says there are some things that may help to lower your risk if you’re already in a higher-risk group.
“Many believe that keeping your estrogen levels low can help reduce your risk,” she notes. “The birth control pill, regular exercise, [and] avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine all help keep estrogen levels low in your body and help reduce your risk.”

Getting diagnosed with endometriosis

If you’ve been hammered by painful periods or struggled with infertility, an endometriosis diagnosis won’t be automatic…and you may have to fight for it, even at your physician’s office. Some studies have found that women can wait for as long as 11 years for a proper diagnosis.
It’s not just that the disease presents differently from woman to woman. Many practitioners are ill equipped to handle an endometriosis diagnosis. According to statistics from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

63% of general practitioners [GPs] indicated they felt ill at ease in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with endometriosis. One-half could not cite three main symptoms of the disease out of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.

In the ACOG survey, just 38 percent of GPs indicated that they perform a gynecological examination for suspected endometriosis; 28 percent recommended magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to confirm the diagnosis.
Your best bet if you think you may have endometriosis is to work with an OB-GYN. If endometriosis is suspected, your doctor will likely call for diagnostic laparoscopy first. This minimally invasive outpatient surgery makes use of a tiny incision to give doctors a look inside the pelvis, where they’ll keep an eye out for endometriosis implants and/or scar tissue (some of which can be treated during the procedure).
Diagnosis can come at any time. While many women are in their 20s or even 30s at diagnosis, Jordan Davidson recalls being diagnosed at just 12 years old. Davidson, who is the founder of Endo Warriors, an online support group for endometriosis patients, is on the younger end of the spectrum, but she’s far from alone. Girls as young as 11 have been diagnosed with endometriosis, and estimates put the number of endometriosis patients at 1 in 10 women between the ages of 15 and 49.

So what does endometriosis mean for your overall health?

The results are a mixed bag. While endometriosis is exceedingly painful for some, others never notice symptoms and can live a pretty normal life. Even the number of endometriosis implants in the body does not necessarily mean you will have pain. Some women have very few implants with significant pain. Others have a lot…with little pain.
And while it may be correlation rather than causation, Ross says it bears noting that endometriosis is often associated with other health problems such as asthma, allergies, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and ovarian and breast cancer. A diagnosis with one won’t necessarily mean you’ll be diagnosed with the others, but your risks may be higher.

There’s help.

The goal with any treatment is to reduce pelvic pain with as little intervention as possible, says Rachel Cannon, MD, an OB-GYN and instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University. Typically that means starting with medication such as birth control pills. Because the implants respond to hormones, similarly to the way the uterine lining does, the pill’s regulation of the body’s hormones can help reduce the reaction and the pain.
Of course, if you’re trying to become pregnant, birth control pills are not helpful, as they will prevent conception. The laproscopic procedure used in diagnosis may help clear up enough of the endometriosis to allow your body to become pregnant.
If a patient is in pain but isn’t interested in conception and has no pelvic masses, Bustillo says that medical therapy will likely include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and/or oral contraceptives.
If pain is not well controlled with anti-inflammatory medication and/or oral contraceptives, the next step is usually gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist drugs (such as Lupron).
“These drugs cause a temporary menopause-like state by sharply lowering estrogen levels in the body,” Bustillo says. “As a result, the endometriosis implants shrink and cause less pain.”
So why not start with GnRH agonists? There are drawbacks; they produce menopausal side effects and can result in bone loss.
Unfortunately, endometriosis has a high rate of recurrence. In patients treated surgically, it’s as high as 40 percent at 10-year follow-up, and about 20 percent of patients will need to undergo additional surgery within two years. Because of this, some may opt for a hysterectomy down the road, including removal of both ovaries.
Hysterectomy is a complicated decision, Cannon says, because it both eliminates a woman’s ability to become pregnant and has menopausal side effects. Nor is it always a simple cure. There may still be endometriosis in the body that can cause issues.
Making sense of all of your options will require your doctor’s advice, but Jordan Davidson likes to think it’s other sufferers who can help you with the emotional component. It’s why she started Endo Warriors along with fellow endometriosis sufferer Jill Fuersich.
“Growing up, I knew very few people with the condition. When I moved to New York City for college, I thought ‘Great, if there are millions of women with endometriosis in the U.S., surely there must be thousands living with the condition in the nation’s biggest city.’ Except I couldn’t find a support group,” she recalls.
Like Hauschild, she felt alone, until she met Fuersich and began to put together the pieces that now make up Endo Warriors, which offers in-person and online support. There is a private Facebook group for those living with the condition and a public page with general resources for people with endometriosis. They also provide resources for the loved ones of people with the condition. The group has regular meetings in New York City and is in the process of adding more services…and it’s open to anyone with endometriosis questions.
Others with endometriosis can find support from groups like Nancy’s Nook or Endometropolis. Resolve, a national non-profit organization for folks dealing with infertility, also has resources for those whose infertility is linked to endometriosis.
In the end, the most important thing is to speak up, Ross says.
“Women are becoming more aware of their bodies and have more access to medical information. Many women already suspect the diagnosis of endometriosis after doing their own research online before going to see their healthcare provider,” she notes.
“This is a positive step in women becoming their own patient advocate. It is incredibly important to find a healthcare provider who is comfortable and competent in treating endometriosis and who can guide your treatment based on your personal needs.”
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Sweat

Wearable, Watchable: The Risks And Rewards Of The Fitbit

Post author By Michael Taylor
Post date March 7, 2018

The Fitbit has helped redefine how we keep in shape. By using a 3-axis accelerometer, it can read everything from how many steps we take to how many calories we burn to how much we sleep in any given day.
Fitbit enthusiasts believe the device’s ability to break down our daily activity into handy stats helps us tweak our health habits for the better, getting more in tune with our bodies in the process.

But does it really? Many have posed that question throughout the Fitbit’s rise to cultural ubiquity. Every couple of years, the device makes the news for reasons that have nothing to do with making us healthier. In fact, some critics suggest it may actually do the opposite.
The Fitbit, arguably the most popular of the slew of wearable fitness trackers, has been met multifaceted set of concerns and accusations. In 2014, a lawsuit arose after numerous customers reported a rash resulting from the Fitbit’s wristband. Two years later, Fitbit was met with another suit, this one alleging that the device’s heart-rate monitoring was inaccurate.
https://twitter.com/YahooTech/status/565886067426226176
In addition to health concerns, there have been ethical concerns raised regarding how the device stores our data. On one hand, Fitbit data has been used as crucial evidence in criminal investigations; on the other, the data can potentially be exploited, whether by hackers or insurance providers.
Yet the discussion isn’t all bad. Others claim, and rather convincingly, that Fitbit data has saved their lives.
Despite the Fitbit’s omnipresence in our society, you might be surprised by what you still don’t know about the device. Let’s take a peek behind the electronic curtain and explore whether the Fitbit’s risks are worth its rewards.

Legal Troubles

One of the Fitbit’s main selling points is its trademarked “PurePulse” heart rate monitoring technology, which keeps a continuous, ever-accurate check on your beats-per-minute. Or so they claim.
A 2016 class action lawsuit disputes the technology’s accuracy, with three plaintiffs claiming it misread their heart rates. One plaintiff stated her physical trainer manually recorded her heart rate at 160 beats per minute, but her Fitbit Charge HR showed only 82 beats per minute. When she requested a refund, she was refused.
The suit also included a study where a cardiologist said Fitbit’s heart rate sensor was repeatedly inaccurate, and that it often failed to record a heartbeat at all (for 110 beats-per-minute or higher). And for heart rates that were captured, the study claims it was off by an average of 24.34 beats per minute.

Fitbit disputed the study, calling it “biased,” “baseless,” and lacking “scientific rigor.” They added that it was funded by the defendant’s lawyers and used a “consumer-grade electrocardiogram, not a true clinical device.” They asked the judge to throw out the case.
Fitbit was further emboldened after Consumer Reports released their own findings asserting that the company’s tech was accurate, but things went sideways after a new court order appeared. It cited three Fitbit employees who claimed the company knew their product claims were faulty but refused to make the knowledge public for fear of losing revenue.
So, who’s telling the truth? We won’t know until the final verdict is rendered, because the judge refused to dismiss the case.

And while this is the most high-profile legal battle against Fitbit, it’s hardly the only one: A 2014 class action lawsuit arose after users claimed the Fitbit Force caused skin irritation and rashes (the company issued a recall of the model and offered refunds to all affected users).
Fitbit is facing two additional lawsuits: a 2016 San Francisco federal case accuses the company of false advertising (among other charges) in regard to its sleep tracking feature, and a 2017 case accuses the company of multiple patent violations. Given all these unresolved outcomes, Fitbit’s future as an industry leader is far from certain.

Fitbit data has been a huge help for law enforcement.

Fitbit’s presence in the legal world isn’t all negative. The device’s ability to track our activity has served as crucial evidence in criminal cases.
Fitbit data took a leading role in the investigation of the 2017 slaying of Connie Dabate. After her husband told investigators she was shot by an intruder, investigators felt there were holes in his story, and Connie’s Fitbit data proved she wasn’t where he claimed she was at the time of her passing. This data, combined with other findings, allowed police to charge the husband with orchestrating her demise. As of this writing, he is still awaiting trial.
https://twitter.com/SpencerSays/status/859494200139710465
Of the Dabate case, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, District Attorney Craig Stedman told The Hartford Courant, “To say it is rare to use Fitbit records would be safe. It is an electronic footprint that tracks your movements. It is a great tool for investigators to use.”
Fitbit data also made a legal appearance in 2015 in the case of Jeannine M. Risley.
Risley had filed a police report claiming she was assaulted at knifepoint. After authorities located her Fitbit (which she claimed had been lost in the struggle), the data didn’t back up her statements. After investigators downloaded her activity, it showed she was awake and moving during the time she claimed she was asleep. Combining this data with other evidence, local law enforcement charged Risley with “false reports to law enforcement, false alarms to public safety, and tampering with evidence … ,” according to ABC27.
The Fitbit’s power to store our information, used ethically and responsibly, is a valuable resource for law enforcement. But what if that data gets into the wrong hands? We’ll look into that next.

Hackers can find out where you exercise, when you sleep, and where you work.

In 2016, hackers successfully breached several Fitbit users’ accounts in an attempt to get replacement parts under warranty. The hackers were also able to gain access to users’ GPS history, which shows everything from where a person exercises to what time they go to sleep.

Those implications are frightening, according to Internet of Things (IoT) thought leader and author Scott Amyx: “Security continues to be one of the sorest points when it comes to wearables and IoT. Hacking into home security cameras and autonomous vehicles are threatening enough, but wearables provide attackers more sensitive information about one’s health, biometrics, and even sex life.”
If that last sentence raises some eyebrows, it should. In 2011, many sexual habits of Fitbit users began popping up in Google searches. That happened because many users didn’t know their profiles’ default privacy settings made their data available in search engine results.
To Fitbit’s credit, the company acted quickly and set user activity sharing to “private” in the device’s default settings.

Amyx says that a less-discussed security risk is how the devices could affect corporate networks: “One of the hardest aspects of wearables is firmware. What was appropriate for an exercise tracking device as it grows into something bigger, unless carefully managed and updated into the firmware, creates potential vulnerabilities. Especially in an enterprise BYOD—bring your own device—context where your employees are wearing these devices in your network, it could be the potential weak link in your already vulnerable IT infrastructure.”

Data Mining

In addition to hacking risks, there’s another privacy risk many fitness tracker users (and users of any technology, for that matter) might not be aware of: the selling of your personal data.
A 2016 report from the Center for Digital Democracy and American University looked into data collection for Fitbit (and other wearable electronics, like Apple Watch and Misfit). Such devices, the report said, “are already being integrated into a growing Big Data digital health and marketing ecosystem, which is focused on gathering and monetizing personal health data in order to influence consumer behavior.”

Amyx echoes these concerns: “Over the recent years, numerous platforms and services have cropped up that are sucking in health data from wearables, in some cases with compensation to consumers. For most, there are explicit opt-ins, but consumers are not always fully aware of the details in the privacy terms that might allow third parties and data aggregators to sell, distribute, and use their personal health data in ways that the consumer could never have imagined. For instance, a consumer may be unknowingly penalizing himself/herself by providing data, unbeknownst to the person, to an auto insurance company who will use the data to raise his/her premium.”

Sharing your data with Fitbit can in many ways maximize your experience with the product. Fitbit’s privacy policy says they use personal information to “provide, improve, and develop services.” They also use it to personalize your statistics, goals, and insights, and to “promote safety and security.”
But when that data is sold, it could lead to denial of health care coverage to affecting the outcome of personal injury claims, according to reporting in U.S. News and The Atlantic.
Note that the Fitbit isn’t the only device sharing personal data with outside companies—in fact, they’re not even the only fitness-tracking device to be doing so. It’s important that users understand the ways their gadgets handle their information. Oftentimes, you can alter your privacy settings to minimize the sharing of your data.

Fitbits And Eating Disorders

Beyond legal, security, and privacy issues, there is another aspect of the Fitbit worth contemplating, according to clinical psychologist Alexis Conason: It could be detrimental to those who suffer from eating disorders.
“One of my concerns with the Fitbit is that many of the programs translate into activities and calories burned,” says Conason, who specializes in treatment for overeating and body image issues. “… a lot of people struggling with eating disorders will get into that mindset of, ‘If I take that kickboxing class, I’m going to burn X amount of calories, and I just had a binge last night.’ … [We can also] get into doing exercise for the sake of trying to compensate for foods that we’ve eaten, which is the hallmark feature of bulimia.”

A 2017 study by Courtney C. Simpson and Suzanne E. Mazzeo supports this concern. The study featured 493 subjects, who either used fitness-tracking devices, like the Fitbit, or calorie-tracking devices.
The authors concluded that “fitness tracking, but not calorie tracking, emerged as a unique indicator of [eating disorder] symptomatology. This finding suggests that activity monitoring might be more aligned with disordered eating attitudes and behaviors than calorie tracking.”

Conason says obsessing over Fitbit data “can be very triggering to people who are at risk for an eating disorder” and suggests that instead of being reliant on such devices, we should more in touch with our individual health needs.
“Our bodies tell us what to do when we’re hungry, when we’ve had enough to eat, when we feel full, when we feel satisfied,” she says. “And, to me, that type of information is so much more reliable than what we’re getting from some arbitrary one-size-fits-all computer program.”

To Fitbit, or not to Fitbit?

It’s clear that there are many ethical issues worth contemplating regarding the Fitbit and other fitness tracking devices. Given so many potential problems and concerns, one can wonder if they really do more harm than good.
There’s plenty of good. Many people experience undoubtable benefits from the devices. The devices help them with their fitness goals, supplying them data they might not otherwise be cognizant of, all while lessening the extra expenses of personal trainers and repeated medical tests.
Patricia Lauder, a 73-year-old retiree from Connecticut, credits the device with saving her life. After recording an alarming resting heart rate number, she went to the hospital, where they discovered blood clots in her lungs, according to CNN.

Patricia Lauder, 73,believes her Fitbit saved her life. https://t.co/d7ZFI3AXci pic.twitter.com/IRJqs4Ny9H

— Global News Life (@GlobalNewsLife) April 7, 2017

And in 2016, then-18-year-old Sarah Jayne-McIntosh was rushed to the hospital after her Fitbit showed that her heart rate tripled at random. At the hospital, doctors discovered an undiagnosed heart condition, reported The Daily Mail.

The biggest risks with the Fitbit (and similar fitness-tracking devices) involve its data: We shouldn’t treat the results as infallible replacements for medical examinations, nor should we disregard the implications of internet-stored personal information.
In the end, knowledge is always power. We will have to wait to see the results of further studies (and the standing legal cases) to shape our future conversation regarding wearable fitness tech.

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No Gym Required Sweat

Rainy Day Fitspiration: Indoor Workouts That Ensure You’ll Feel The Burn Despite The Downpour

Post author By Katie Martin
Post date March 7, 2018

Spring is here! The days are slowly getting warmer, which means I can finally exercise outside again.
Jk.
I live in Florida. Despite being nicknamed the Sunshine State, Florida experiences daily downpours during spring and summer that have a serious knack for starting just as I’m lacing up my sneakers for an outdoor run.
Rainy days can be a bummer when you’re trying to work on your fitness, but you don’t have to cancel your workout just because it’s wet out. Before you skip your workout to watch Golden Girls reruns, try one of these indoor workouts, perfect for building up a sweat on rainy days.

Aquatic Fitness Classes

Aquatic fitness classes are so much more than water aerobics (although those are great too).
Aquatic fitness classes like water jogging are awesome rainy day exercises because they combine cardio and light strength training. Plus, just because you’re not dripping with sweat doesn’t mean you’re not feeling the burn.
According to an article in the Daily Mail, it’s estimated that water jogging can burn up to 11 calories a minute compared to regular jogging, which is less fun and only burns six calories a minute. That’s because working out in water is deceptively easy. The water provides resistance, forcing your body to work harder—building muscle and burning calories at the same time.
Plus, many aquatic fitness classes are offered at local YMCAs and aquatic centers, which usually offer childcare for busy moms.

Pole Dancing Classes

Before you say, “But I could never do that!” hear me out.
Pole dancing is a great rainy day workout!
Why?
Well, for starters, pole dancing fitness classes are inside. Plus, you get to wear high heels and fishnets to work out, a la Mariah Carey!
Pole dancing fitness classes can also burn major calories (up to 500 an hour!) and in addition to getting your heart rate up, pole classes are great for strength training. You’ll use your own body weight to help you achieve those crazy twists and leave feeling spent and sexy, regardless of what the weather has in store.

Dance it out.

If you don’t have childcare, or just don’t like going out in the rain, you can still get a major cardio workout right in the living room with the help of the Fitness Marshall.
Never heard of the Fitness Marshall?
Allow me to introduce you.
Caleb Marshall, otherwise known as the Fitness Marshall, burst onto the fitness scene in 2014 with his high-energy dance choreography YouTube videos.
My personal favorite is his Usher choreography, which automatically takes me back to my glory days as a college freshman.

You can still find all of his dance videos on YouTube, or check his tour schedule to dance with the Fitness Marshall in person (which I highly recommend).

Set on working out in the rain? Practice these safety tips:

If you don’t mind getting a little wet, exercising outdoors on rainy days is totally fine—as long as you do it safely.
For starters, make sure you wear reflective gear, like this reflective water repellent softshell from illumiNITE.
Excess water can cause your shoes to loosen up, increasing your risk of slipping. If you’re exercising outside on a rainy day, make sure your shoes are laced up the right way before heading out of the house.
Finally, never run during a thunderstorm. According to Virginia Tech Emergency Management, if you can even hear thunder, you’re at risk of lightening striking in your area. Stay indoors until at least a half hour after the last thunderclap before venturing outside to exercise.
If you are exercising outdoors and get caught in a thunderstorm, find shelter as quickly as possible. If you’re unable to find shelter during a thunderstorm, you can still take safety precautions. To stay safe during a storm, find the lowest geographical area away from light poles and tall trees, and stay as low to the ground as you can without lying down until the storm passes.

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Motherhood

The Science of Tickling: Does Playing "Tickle Monster" Make Parents Monsters?

Post author By Mary Sauer
Post date March 6, 2018

There really is nothing quite as joy-inducing as the sound of giggling toddlers, and there is no better way to burn off a little energy before bedtime than running around the house. For these reasons, it seems like every family has some version of “tickle monster” they play with their kids. They chase their kids around the house, tackle them, and then tickle them until they scream.
My family plays it, too. Honestly, it has never crossed my mind to question this tradition. My kids laugh ferociously every time we tickle them. Recently, however, I came across research on the science of tickling.

The main findings of this research, which was conducted in 1997 by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), is that humorous laughter and ticklish laughter share some similarities but don’t share the same psychological experience. Specifically, humorous laughter indicates enjoyment, and ticklish laughter does not.

Tickling: Fun or Torture?

There are big differences between our experiences when we are exposed to something funny and when we are being tickled.
Let’s get the similarities out of the way. The UCSD study (where college-aged test subjects watched something mundane, something funny, and were tickled, all in various orders) found that laughing at humor and laughing at tickling have a positive correlation—people who laugh a lot at humor tend to be more ticklish. This, in part, is what the researchers were trying to find out.

Yet beyond that, the similarities stop. In this study, multiple tests were conducted to examine the relationship between tickling and humorous laughter. What was most interesting (or perhaps obvious) about the results was the revelation that laughing at tickling doesn’t mean the tickle-subject is enjoying the experience.
“Despite agreeing to participate in a tickle study and despite smiling and laughing, most reported that they did not find the experience at all positive,” the researchers wrote. One study participant said she felt like she was being tortured while being tickled, even though she laughed a lot.

The researchers proved this point by measuring the effect of being tickled on the participants’ response to humor. The idea was that, if tickling was truly enjoyable, the participants would laugh more at comedy after being tickled—research shows, after all, that people tend to laugh more at a new humor stimulus if they’ve recently been laughing. They’re already giddy; it’s like they’re primed to crack up at the next funny thing.
This wasn’t the effect tickling had on the participants, however. The people who had been tickled and then exposed to Saturday Night Live didn’t laugh any harder than those who had not been tickled.

“The present results are consistent with tickle and humour responses sharing a final common motor-response pathway, without sharing the same psychological state,” the researchers wrote.
When you really think about it, it makes sense that tickling isn’t all fun and games. It’s easy for laughter to turn into tears after just a few minutes of tickling. There are also stories of young kids enduring “tickle torture.” One mom wrote into The Washington Post asking how to deal with her young child who had begun to dread being alone with his cousins for that reason.

Since then, there hasn’t been a lot of additional research on tickling. Harris, one of the original researchers from the 1997 study, has published followup literature on the topic. Specifically, in 2012 he wrote about the differences between smiling and laughing when amused and smiling and laugh when tickled. Published in The Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, he noted that a smile doesn’t always indicate a positive affect. However, he did clarify that he believes there is evidence that tickling can be enjoyed based on the environment and the relationship between the tickler and the person being tickled.
This brings up interesting questions regarding the prevalence of tickling in parent and child relationships. Should parents banish the tickle monster from their home? Or, because of the trust in the relationship, is tickling fair game?

Picking Up on Your Kid’s Cues

The truth is, it probably isn’t necessary to ban tickling from your home. It is important, however, to think twice before engaging in tickle play. It’s easy to assume that everyone involved is having fun, but parents should pay close attention to their child’s cues. As Jennifer Lehr wrote in Scary Mommy, parents who tickle their kids need to have “ground rules” in place to guide this type of play.
“Follow your child’s lead,” suggests Fran Walfish, PsyD, a Beverly Hills-based family and relationship therapist. “Some kids enjoy tickling while others find it painful. Know your child individually and intimately. Always give affection so that it feels good to both of you, not just the loving parent.”

Children who aren’t enjoying being tickled may be laughing, but they’ll often say “Stop!” or try to escape your grasp. In our family, for instance, we have one little one who yells “Stop!” before coming back for more. In light of what I know now about tickling, we’ve started asking her if she really wants to be tickled before we play tickle monster again. Usually, she says yes. Sometimes, she says no. We honor what she says because we don’t want to risk sending the wrong message.

According to Harris’ research, “A combination of thrill-seeking and pleasure in tactile contact might lead children to seek out what is still an intrinsically aversive situation.” Communication will help you and your child determine just how thrilling—and aversive—tickling is.
In general, Mayra Mendez, PhD, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Providence Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, California, believes that parents should allow children to set their own boundaries.

“Smiling or laughing because you’re getting tickled doesn’t mean you’re enjoying it,” she says. “These are sensorial reactions that may not be matching the emotional experience.”
This applies to games like tickle monster, says Mendez, but also to any situation that involves touch, including affectionate actions like hugs and kisses.

This is why it is important for parents to be watching for subtle cues from their children. Some children may ask you to stop or pull away, but others might not be so obvious. Flinching at your touch or grimacing between laughs are examples of more subtle cues that they’re not enjoying the tickling, says Mendez.

Are parents sending kids a mixed message?

In light of recent events, the topic of consent is getting a lot of attention in our culture. Now more than ever, parents are concerned with making sure their children understand that they are in charge of their body and can say no. They’re also having conversations about respecting consent, trying to teach their children to respect any no they hear from friends or family members.
In our family, we’ve been considering how important it is that our actions align with the things we say. We can tell our kids, “It’s your body,” but what message are we sending if we tickle them after they’ve said stop? Or if we pull them in for a hug or kiss when they try to wiggle away? We want to be certain we aren’t just preaching consent. We want to model it at home, too.

As parents, it’s easy to feel like we are the exception to rules about consent. It’s easy to feel that, as their mother or father, we get to smother them with kisses or tickle them whenever we please—that we don’t need our child’s permission to show them affection. The fact of the matter is that this mindset sends mixed messages to our children, says Mendez, who believes that parents need to consider how their actions align with their lessons about boundaries to their kids.
“Parents or caregivers as a whole have a tremendous power over young children,” she says. “Young children rely on learning about social cues, … what is acceptable, and … how to react to social messages from their caregivers.”

Because of this, she says it’s important that parents act in a way that is consistent with what they say to their children. Children will learn more from their emotional experiences than the words their parents say. Pushing, tickling, or hugging resistant children only sends the message that they can’t trust their own instincts. It communicates to children that they can’t trust themselves to decide what they do and don’t feel comfortable with.

What happens at home matters.

It’s important for parents to remember that their children trust them more than anyone. The way parents behave will ultimately influence how they respond to their friends or to strangers.
“If a child really isn’t comfortable with something, and the parent is still doing this action, that is sending the message that it’s okay,” says Mendez. This is confusing, and kids can’t discriminate between a parent who doesn’t respect their boundaries and a family member or stranger who pushes them to do something they’re not comfortable with.

These experiences that children have early in life have a huge impact on how they interact with others and the boundaries they set for themselves. Ultimately, parents need to respect those boundaries. They need to teach their children that they can trust themselves to decide what they are and aren’t okay with; they need to teach them that it’s okay to say no to the things they don’t enjoy. The lessons we teach our children will become the foundations for their interactions later in life.

Tags social

More Than Mom Motherhood

The 5-Minute Postpartum Skincare Routine All New Moms Need

Post author By Katie Martin
Post date March 6, 2018

Bye, bye, pregnancy glow. I hardly knew you.
There are so many things no one tells you about how your postpartum body will look and feel. Even after you’ve lost the pregnancy weight, your midsection will probably look like a blob of dough. Your hair will likely fall out by the handfuls in the shower, even though you’ve been promised by your doctor and hair stylist this is only temporary (it is). But worst of all, no one told you about the resurgence of teenage acne. No one warned you about having skin that is somehow both dry and oily at the same time. And what about all the other skin issues that rear their ugly heads post-pregnancy?
If all this has got you feeling more like a zombie extra on The Walking Dead and less like your usual gorgeous self, we’ve got you covered. You may not think you have a moment to spare for yourself, but this five-minute postpartum skincare routine is so easy you can squeeze it in between a feeding session and tummy time without missing one minute with your sweet (but exhausting) munchkin.

Back to Basics

Fayne Frey, MD and creator of the educational skincare site FryFace, explains why it’s so important we pay attention to our skin: “The skin is an organ. It protects the body from outside elements like bacteria, fungus, allergens, and the damaging effects of ultraviolet light.”
Even if you aren’t wearing makeup as you’re holed up in your house with a newborn, you still need to give your face some love.
So how should you care for your skin? Frey advises getting back to basics with a simple three-step routine.
[sol title=”Act like you’re in a Neutrogena commercial.” subheader=”Lights, camera, glowing skin!”]
Okay, so I did actually try this once and made a horrible mess everywhere. But you should start your new routine by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of the baby food, makeup, and other residue that has accumulated since your last shower—whenever that was.
I don’t know how it’s possible, but I have skin that’s both oily and dry, which is almost impossible to deal with. My favorite cleanser is Clinique’s Take The Day Off, which is a balm gentle enough for all skin types. You can rub it on dry skin for a minute or two and wipe it off with a wet washcloth.

[sol title=”Stay hydrated.” subheader=”Trade the baby bottle for a water bottle (and gel hydration).”]
To maintain healthy skin, it’s important to stay hydrated. This means drinking lots of water during the day and hydrating your skin with a good moisturizer. Frey says, “When the skin is hydrated it functions optimally. Skin is always losing water into the environment, and studies show that it does so even more during pregnancy and shortly thereafter.”
No matter your skin type, you still need to use a moisturizer after every cleansing sesh (ideally twice a day) to keep your skin balanced.
This non-oily gel cream from Laneige is great for oily, combination, and normal skin that needs hydration. On the other hand, if your postpartum skin is feeling tight and dry, try out Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench cream, which contains hyaluronic acid for optimum skin hydration.

[sol title=”Protect your skin.” subheader=”SPF isn’t just for baby.”]
“Ultraviolet light is the single most damaging influence on our skin, before and after childbirth,” says Frey. It’s important to finish up your skincare routine by applying sunblock liberally, even if you’re only outside for a few minutes each day. Adding sunscreen to your everyday skincare routine will ensure that you wear it daily, not just when you’re headed to the beach.
Sunscreens can be notoriously pore-clogging, though, so make sure you choose a sunscreen that is specially formulated for the sensitive skin on your face and neck. I like the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. The formula feels weightless and at SPF 40 with broad-spectrum protection, using it every morning sets my mind at ease. (FYI: Chemical sunscreens like this one should be applied before your moisturizer!)

Bonus Step: Throw in a little extra.

While your five-minute skincare routine is complete once you’ve cleansed, moisturized, and applied sunblock, if you have a few extra minutes (it’ll happen one day, we promise!), consider applying a hydrating face mask once a week.
I like to apply mine after baby goes down for a morning nap, while I’m still in my robe and slippers. I pop on a mask for 20 minutes, heat up my cold coffee, and turn on my favorite podcast.
It’s as close to a spa day as I’ll get anytime soon, but you know what? Knowing I’m intentionally creating time for myself is just as refreshing.

[related article_ids=3076,16199]

Tags Commerce, organic

Conscious Beauty

Makeup Artists Reveal The Industry's Most Important Secrets

Post author By HealthyWay Staff Writer
Post date March 6, 2018

With makeup, you don’t always get what you pay for.
You can spend hundreds of dollars on beauty products—and believe us, we’ve been there—but that doesn’t guarantee professional results. That’s not just our opinion, either. One 2016 study showed that professionally-applied cosmetics affected appearance much more than self-applied cosmetics did (no word on whether that study was published in the journal No Duh).
To find out how makeup artists get a flawless, camera-ready look, we decided to reach out to a few professionals (naturally). As it turns out, we’re not so much buying the wrong products as we are using them the wrong way.

Whether you’re a makeup newbie or you already have a talent for your contour palette, these tips can make a big difference. For instance…

Preparation is key.

Before we get to the experts, we’ve got to talk about moisturizing. Think of your face as a canvas: You can have all the best products in the world, but if your skin is dry and dull, you’re going to have issues.
Of course, this won’t come as shocking news to most makeup aficionados. However, while there are hundreds of moisturizers, toners, and serums on the market, there’s one product that’s absolutely indispensable: sunscreen.

When you go outside sans sunscreen, you’re not just risking a sunburn. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 90 percent of skin aging is caused by exposure to the sun. People who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday have fewer signs of skin aging than those who don’t sport the ‘screen.
You might not like the oily feel of sunscreen, especially on your face. The good news is that many brands make face-specific sunscreens that won’t leave an oily base. You can also purchase makeup foundations that have sunscreen built in.

If you want professional results, prime your face.

“Always use a primer,” says Marissa Hohner, makeup artist and owner of Sugar Skull Makeup in Chicago. “Primers allow your foundation and makeup to have a long-wear application on your skin throughout the day.”
If you’re not using a primer, you’re probably not getting the results you want. Primers even out your skin tone, minimize the appearance of pores, and help smooth out skin imperfections. They also give your makeup something to hold on to, ensuring a better all-day look.
If you want your look to last, you can’t skip this step.

“Allow your primer to seep into your skin for a couple of minutes until it feels a bit tacky to the touch,” says Hohner. “This will ensure a longer-lasting wear for your foundation throughout the day.”
That works because many primers use silicone-based polymers like dimethicone, the same types of silicones found in hair conditioners. Just as you let your hair conditioner sit in place before you wash it out, you’ll need to give your primer some time to work.

Patience is key. Primer takes time. If you rush through and refuse to wait, you won’t be getting better-looking makeup, you’ll just waste expensive primer.
Incidentally, dimethicone-free primers are available, and they’re sometimes a better choice for people with acne and other skin conditions. If you’re noticing a reaction from your primer (or any other cosmetic product), speak with your dermatologist.

There are a few key tricks to using foundation and concealer.

After your face is moisturized and primed, it’s time for the foundation and concealer.
We could easily write an entire piece on foundation and concealer, as there are dozens of high-quality products on the market. To get professional results, you’ll need to do some experimentation to figure out what works best for you and your skin. It’s also important to decide on a look and matching your application to achieve the desired outcome. One pro-ready option: Switching to a beauty sponge.
“Pressing your foundation and concealer into your skin with a damp beauty sponge will give you more coverage and an airbrushed look,” Nashville makeup artist Corrine Towery tells HealthyWay.

As with everything in the world of cosmetics, moderation is key.
“Don’t overdo the foundation,” says Hohner. “If you cake on too much foundation, your skin can look muddy and cakey. A buildable foundation will allow you to start with a thin layer and then add upon that layer with additional product … in trouble areas that may need more coverage.”
In other words, take your time. Hey, we’re starting to notice a pattern here.

Bake your face.

No, this doesn’t involve any kitchen appliances. When you need your makeup to last all day, it’s time to “bake.” That term has been frequently used in the drag community for years—and, by and large, their makeup looks fantastic—but recently, we’ve seen it pop up in more mainstream outlets.

To “bake your face,” you’ll cover your foundation and concealer with a translucent powder and let it set for five to 10 minutes. The heat from your face will set the makeup, creating a creaseless, flawless, long-lasting look. Pretty cool, right?
Baking is especially helpful for treating any areas that are prone to wrinkles.
https://twitter.com/yurilamasbella/status/957452870181367808
“By using a light-weight, loose, translucent powder to set your under-eye concealer, you will prevent your concealer from creasing and accentuating any crow’s feet or fine lines under and around the eye,” says Hohner.
It takes a lot of time and effort to look great. Don’t risk any breaks or cracks.

There’s a trick to making your lips pop.

Just as you need to prepare your skin before applying makeup, you need to make sure that your lips are in great condition before reaching for the lipstick.
“Any flakiness should be removed prior to a lipstick application,” Artistic Director for Osmosis Colour Mineral Cosmetics Alejandro Falcon tells HealthyWay. “[After moisturizing], use a lip liner to shape and outline your lip area. I usually fill in the lip liner halfway inside the lips for a more precise look.”

If you want your lips to appear fuller, use a little bit of highlighter.
“Grab your favorite liquid illuminator and apply it to your cupid’s bow vertically,” says Caitlin Picou, makeup artist and owner of Kismet Cosmetics. “This makes your top lip pop. Take it further by applying the same illuminator to the inner parts of your lips, as well.”

Want someone to get lost in your eyes?

What’s that saying…the windows are the eyes of the house? It’s something like that.
In any case, you can command a room with your wicked winged liner and flawless smokey eye with this foolproof eye makeup process.
“Start with a cream eyeshadow base to intensify the staying power and the pigments in the shadow,” says makeup artist and founder of Formula Z Cosmetics, Zach Dishinger. “After you apply the base, line your eyes with eyeliner and blend it on top of the cream base. Next, move on to your powdered shadows.”

Mascara can take your look to the next level, but it’s not always easy to apply. The brushes can be unwieldy, and if you say that you’ve never accidentally poked yourself in the eye, you’re either remarkably coordinated or lying.
“Place a finger or a makeup sponge behind the lash to prevent the mascara from smudging on your face or eye area,” says Dishinger.
What if you make a mistake and apply too much? “Let the mascara dry completely,” Towery says. “Once it’s dry, take a clean Q-tip and wipe it off. It won’t smudge and ruin your makeup.”

When your favorite tube has run out, always save the brush.
“Keep the wand and use it with cheap mascara to save some money,” says Towery. “Mascara is mascara; the wand is what makes the difference.”

Some cosmetics are remarkably versatile.

“If there are colors you don’t use in your contour and highlight palettes, use them as eyeshadows,” says Towery.

Pretty much any cosmetic can work as a highlighter, although you’ll want to check before putting a product near your eyes or lips if it’s not designed for that express purpose. We’re big fans of the eyeshadow-as-lip-liner movement, but some intense colors have mineral additives that we’d rather not consume accidentally.

Finally, don’t assume that the most expensive brands are worth the money.

As we mentioned earlier, you don’t need to buy the most expensive beauty products to see the best results. Cheap mascaras are essentially the same as the expensive ones (other than the brush), and you can easily find decent makeup for $10 or less.

“Drugstore products are a great way to save money. Not everything is amazing, but there are hidden gems,” says Towery. “Instead of having trial and error and wasting money on random products, look up reviews and tutorials on YouTube on products to see what to buy. Some of my holy grail products are from the drugstore.”
Here’s more on drugstore beauty products vs. their high-end counterparts.

Tags Commerce, social

Happy Home Lifestyle

How To Bring The Ancient Art Of Sage Cleansing Into Your Home

Post author By Kelly Burch
Post date March 6, 2018

Think of a time when you had a bad feeling or negative outlook that you just couldn’t shake. Maybe negative emotions left over from an upsetting encounter were at play or you went into a new space and immediately felt something was “off.” Whether you credit this to intuition, energy, spirits, or something else entirely, we’ve all had the experience of our sixth sense kicking in. Although these moments are usually fleeting, they can be a real nuisance if they stick around, and you might wonder if there are any ways to turn the feeling around. Enter sage cleansing.
Burning sage, a practice also known as smudging, is said to help clear negative energies. It can be done to clear the energy around a particular person—yourself included—or to remove bad energy from a space.
The practice has caught on in recent years as evidenced by social media, but it has been around for much longer than our likes, saves, and Pinterest boards. In fact, Native American shamans have used sage smoke to carry away conflict, anger, unrest, and other negative emotions for generations.
“We cleanse negativity out and we use this also to pray. It’s very spiritual in our culture,” Mary Ellen, a member of the Mi’kmaw people, an indigenous culture native to eastern Canada, tells HealthyWay.
While it may sound unusual or even exotic, many people who have experimented with and adopted sage cleansing in recent years report that they’ve had positive experiences. Here’s everything you need to know about sage cleansing, from what to expect to how to smudge at home—regardless of where you live or your culture of origin.

What is sage?

Sage is a low-growing shrub that belongs to the mint family. Many of us are familiar with its use as an herb in culinary applications, but sage has also been associated with healing and wellness since ancient times—and not just in North American indigenous cultures. The Romans used sage in sacred ceremonies and the herb’s scientific name, Salvia, which comes from Latin, actually means “to be in good health” or “to save,” proving that the plant has long been associated with well-being and renewal.

What is sage cleansing?

One of the most common questions about sage cleansing goes something like this: “But what is it?” Because many people are unfamiliar with the concepts behind smudging, it’s a good idea to start with its most basic definition.
[pullquote align=”center”]Native American shamans have used sage smoke to carry away conflict, anger, unrest, and other negative emotions for generations.[/pullquote]
“Sage cleansing, otherwise known as ‘smudging’ is simply the act of burning sage or sage-scented incense in your home,” says Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert who works for Maple Holistics.
Donna Henes, a Brooklyn resident and urban shaman who makes a living doing space clearings and blessings that often involve burning sage says, “As long as there have been houses, people everywhere have made sure to cleanse them spiritually to ensure a safe, supportive, comforting environment in which to live.”
She goes on to say, “All sorts of methods have been and still are employed to accomplish this. The fragrant smoke of burning herbs is probably the most common method.” People have relied on different herbs indigenous to their environments including juniper, camphor, frankincense, and myrrh, but sage—commonly used by Native Americans—has become the go-to herb for smudging.

The Spiritual History of Sage Cleansing

Sage has and continues to play an integral part in diverse rituals and complex belief systems, and the basic premise that supports its use for smudging is that sage smoke can carry away negative feelings.
“The belief is that the smoke will blow any negative energy away and also carry the blessings and prayers for a sacred home out into the universe,” Henes says.
Lori Knowles, a professional space clearer and founder of Soul Advancement Path in Nashville says that burning and smoke are tied to renewal in many cultures and spiritual belief systems.
“Fire is destructive and smoke is a by-product, but spiritually these forces purify and cleanse.”
She goes on to say, “Rituals use fire and smoke to facilitate purifying and cleansing without the destruction.” Sage, specifically, has additional benefits according to Knowles.
“I believe sage smoke grounds inharmonious energy and that’s why it’s most commonly used. Our bodies are wired to unconsciously ground our energy when we smell sage smoke.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“Fire is destructive and smoke is a by-product, but spiritually these forces purify and cleanse.”
—Lori Knowles, Soul Advancement Path[/pullquote]
Mary Ellen explains that the Mi’kmaw people use sage cleansing often. “Our people smudge regularly,” she says. “It’s to get the negativity away. We smudge in ceremonies and events. We pray to the creator for positive outlook in our troubling times but also for strength and clarity.”
She says the use of sage is representative of people wanting harmony in their lives—and she doesn’t just mean the Mi’kmaw people.
According to Mary Ellen, people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds have always been invited to participate in sage cleansing, so she is not concerned by the ritual’s sudden-onset mainstream appeal. She says she’s noticed lots of individuals who are not Indigenous people use smudging to cleanse.
“It doesn’t bother me because when we have gatherings we invite everyone to smudge.”

The Psychology of Sage

Sage cleansing is definitely a spiritually-inspired practice, so a certain level of belief can help people tune into the richness of the ritual. That said, Knowles tells HealthyWay that most people can tap into some connection with the practice of smudging.
“You don’t have to have a spiritual belief system to benefit,” she says. Most people understand the idea of a “vibe,” and Knowles says that feeling or concept can be used to understand sage cleansing, even for people without deep spiritual beliefs.
[pullquote align=”center”]People of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds have always been invited to participate in sage cleansing, so she is not concerned by the ritual’s sudden-onset mainstream appeal.[/pullquote]
“The vibe is the energy being emitted from a person, place, or thing,” Knowles says. After sage cleansing, the vibe will likely feel different, even to people who are skeptical.
Still not sold? Consider this: Backe says, “When sage is burned, it is known to change the ionic composition of the air that it comes into contact with—which can have a notable effect on our stress levels.”
Erick Kenneth French, a licensed clinical social worker and author and illustrator of Iphelia: Awakening the Gift of Feeling, points out that the smoke and the smell of sage change a space in small ways that our minds and bodies pick up on.
“The smell of the environment is changed and there is a very subtle change in the temperature and texture of the air when sage is burned which is highly symbolic and suggests to the subconscious mind that things are now different,” he says.

Why would I want to do a sage cleanse (and when)?

People who practice sage cleansing regularly tend to smudge because they believe burning sage removes heavy, negative energy out of a space or away from a person. Henes, for one, says “The practice of burning sage or any other substance serves to clear the air of stagnant, disagreeable energy and to lift the aura of the surroundings.”
Some people incorporate smudging into their lives almost daily, while others reserve it for religious or ceremonial events. And then there are those who first experiment with sage cleansing when they’ve had a negative or intense experience they want to move past.
Journalist Karen J. Irvine of Brattleboro, Vermont, for example, first found herself sage cleansing after tenants caused roughly $10,000 in damages to a house she owned.
“I scrubbed and scrubbed for days, but I still felt like there was an bad aura that lingered,” Irvine says. “I had to try something else.”
Irvine called her sister, who she says has always had an interest in herbs and rituals. Her sister recommended using sage to cleanse the space. Irvine found that the concept didn’t feel as foreign as one might have anticipated.
“It made sense because every time I have moved into a new home I roast a chicken as soon as I can using plenty of thyme.” After that, she says, “the house always feels more like home.”
Irvine collected sage from her garden and began spreading its smoke throughout the house.
[pullquote align=”center”]“When sage is burned, it is known to change the ionic composition of the air that it comes into contact with—which can have a notable effect on our stress levels.”
—Caleb Backe, Maple Holistics[/pullquote]
“As I did this I said a silent prayer and told the ill will to go away, not with anger but determination,” she recalls. The results were impressive. “I felt immediately better. Now our home felt like ours again—with a predominating positive energy.”
French, the licensed clinical social worker, uses sage cleansing in his therapy practice, especially after particularly intense group therapy sessions.
“The work we do is very powerful and can often lead to very strong cathartic releases of sadness or shame or even rage,” he says. “The most important thing for me is to shake off or cleanse any residual feeling-energy from the very intense and traumatic emotional releases that take place in our therapeutic work.”
Smudging after emotional release—like an argument, mourning a loss, or coming home frustrated and winding up even more agitated by the messes in your living space—might be a way for you to tune into and take care of your surroundings, then reset and move on from the negativity.
French also suggests that beyond clearing a space, sage cleansing can have a positive impact on the way you think and feel about yourself.
“There is a subtle energetic field that surrounds our bodies that has a powerful effect on how we feel and how we perceive ourselves and the world,” he says. “Smudging with sage is a way of disinfecting that subtle energy field.”

Will I feel different after sage cleansing?

The idea of sage cleansing or “disinfecting” a space can be hard to grasp if you’ve never tried it, but people who use the method say they feel an immediate difference once they’ve started implementing the ritual.
“Generally, I would say my mind is more clear and it is easier for me to be fully present for next activity,” French says of his experience after sage cleansing. “And even though I may actually be a little dirty from having just been dusted with smoke and ash, I feel clean.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“The most important thing for me is to shake off or cleanse any residual feeling-energy from the very intense and traumatic emotional releases that take place in our therapeutic work.”
—Erick Kenneth French, LCSW[/pullquote]
French says he also sleeps better after cleansing himself and his space with sage. Likewise, Knowles experiences a big difference in her outlook after sage cleansing.
“Before a sage cleansing, I will feel heavy, emotional, reactive energy. I see less color and life. My body is affected. It’s hard to breathe. I feel more emotional,” she says. She also points out that the structure and makeup of her surroundings is less obvious to her before cleansing.
“After a sage cleansing, I will feel the land, the structure, the items in structure, and the people who live and work there are lighter. There is less perceivable energetic weight. I feel that it’s easier to breathe, the atmosphere is crisper, energetic data can move quicker, and peace abounds.”

How To: Buying Sage and DIY Sage Cleansing

Whether you’re looking to create a spiritual experience, establish a self-care ritual, or experiment with the many ways in which changing your atmosphere can impact your mood, you may be keen to give the practice of sage cleansing a try for yourself. The first thing to do is find white sage, the species typically used for sage cleansing.
White sage is different from the sage used for cooking and is known for a host of health benefits, from healing wounds to relieving menstrual pain. That said, for sage cleansing purposes, it’s best to seek white sage out separately. Luckily, it is readily available online, and you can even purchase bundles or wands that are bound specifically for burning so you don’t have to do that yourself. Some people also like to incorporate a seashell into their smudging practice to catch the ash that falls as the sage burns, although a plate or similar object will also work well.
When you’re ready to begin the the sage cleansing process, light the sage and walk through each room of your house or apartment, making sure that the sage reaches the corners of every room by wafting the smoke in the right direction. You can also concentrate on windows and doors, Henes says.
Her advice: “As you spread the smoke, also spread your blessings for a home that is safe, comfortable, and welcoming.”
French says it’s important to take a moment to set your intention and to remember it as you move throughout the space burning the sage.
“Intention is everything and feelings are real, so the person smudging the environment should hold their intention in mind to cleanse whatever’s just been released or anything glomming on from the past or from having participated in someone else’s work or emotional processing,” he says.
[pullquote align=”center”]“As you spread the smoke, also spread your blessings for a home that is safe, comfortable, and welcoming.”

—Donna Henes, Mama Donna’s Space Clearning & Blessings[/pullquote]
If you’re doing a sage cleanse on yourself, begin at your head and swirl the smoking sage around your trunk and all your extremities.
“I make sure to spread the smoke all around me, covering every area of my aura and body,” says Charlotte McFarlin, a yoga instructor in Brownsville, Vermont, who does sage cleansing regularly.
Although the process will not take long, the results of the sage cleansing should take effect immediately.
“After you have smudged your house with the smoke of burning sage you will feel that the atmosphere that surrounds you has cleared and your mood will feel uplifted,” Henes says. “Even your pets will exhibit a relaxed calmness after a sage cleansing of your space.”
Ready to give it a try? Check out our favorite picks for an at-home smudging experience:

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Tags Commerce, search

Healthy Her Way Lifestyle

Jess Jones And Wendy Lopez Of Food Heaven Made Easy

Post author By Taylor Geiger
Post date March 6, 2018

Name a more dynamic duo than Jessica “Jess” Jones and Wendy Lopez of Food Heaven Made Easy. Having a hard time? We don’t blame you. Despite living on different sides of the country—Jess currently resides in California while Wendy lives in New York—these intelligent foodies are two peas in a pod.
Jess and Wendy truly embody what Healthy Her Way represents, as one of their main missions is to make healthy, plant-based eating and nutritional resources accessible and affordable for all. As registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators, Jess and Wendy understand how food can be used not only to nourish the body but also to help manage chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.
Jess and Wendy were introduced by a mutual friend back in 2009 and later wound up working together at local farmers markets, including one in the Bronx, which is when they realized their shared love for food and nutrition education. The two started co-teaching in lower income areas, sharing their insights on vegetarianism and providing people with accessible resources for healthier living.
One of Jess and Wendy’s big initiatives involved sharing vegetarian recipes that didn’t require a lot of expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. Ultimately their colorful, tasty dishes are proof that healthy eating isn’t off limits to individuals and families with lower incomes. Vegetarian cooking can be accessible to everyone (even flexitarians and meat eaters—as they point out on their website!) and it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore or financial burden.
The success of their initial efforts prompted Jess and Wendy to create original cooking videos, which eventually inspired their recipe-centric website and The Food Heaven Show.
Jess and Wendy shine in so many ways, but their podcast really resonated with us. It’s instantly apparent that these women have a genuine, supportive friendship and aim to make a real difference in this world.
If you’re looking to learn more about how to transition to a vegetarian lifestyle, best practices for sustainable eating, credible insights on diabetes prevention, or plant-powered meal inspiration—look no further than Food Heaven Made Easy.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

Jess: Every day is different—and let’s be honest, some days I don’t even put pants on—but I usually wake up around 6:45 a.m. and then drink two glasses of water. I always like to take my vitamins and probiotics in the morning before I forget. I also like to workout in the a.m. because my motivation declines as the day goes on. I try to either go for a walk, ride my bike, lift weights, or go rock climbing. After working out, I shower up and then get to work. As a dietitian, I counsel patients two to three days per week. I focus on general wellness, plant-based eating, chronic disease management, and intuitive eating. When I’m not working with patients, I create content for my online nutrition podcast and platform, Food Heaven Made Easy. I make sure to always take a break mid-day before lunch, and I like to eat dinner by 6 p.m.
Wendy: I typically start off the day by reading a daily meditation or affirmation passage from Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff or 365 Daily Meditations. Then I drink a couple cups of water throughout the morning while getting ready and prepping breakfast. I rotate between a couple of eggs with toast or fruit or a filling green smoothie. Then it’s either working from home on Food Heaven projects or going into the clinic to provide nutrition counseling for patients. I usually pack my meals most days when working at the clinic and always have snacks on hand (usually fruits or mixed nuts). I try to take some kind of dance or fitness class a few times a week or go out for walks during my lunch breaks. Anything I can do to get some movement in! After that, it’s back home to whip up a quick and easy dinner (usually beans, tortillas, vegetables, and cheese, grilled into quesadillas). My wind-down includes seltzer water, Netflix, and a warm blanket, and then it’s off to sleep.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Jess: My favorite way to practice self-care is getting at least eight hours of sleep per night! I don’t drink coffee, so I have to really rely on my sleep to get me through the day. I also try to have balance and flexibility with eating. I find that when I give myself permission to eat anything, my body naturally craves the balance between nourishing foods and fun foods. I work with my patients to help them find this balance too.
Wendy: I love laying on my couch in silence and doing absolutely nothing. I also love taking walks in nature or exploring my city when the weather is warm. Another more indulgent form of self-care I really love is eating at new restaurants!

How do you stay inspired?

Jess: For inspo, I love to travel and listen to podcasts. I can listen to up to 10 podcast episodes in a week, and I always love hearing other people’s stories or learning about a new topic or idea. Pinterest is also a big inspiration station for me. I’m a big DIY-er and you can literally find info about ev-er-y-thang.
Wendy: By connecting with my community, which is filled with so many creative, motivated, and passionate people. I make it a priority to spend quality time with my loved ones and also make time to create new connections with people who are passionate about whatever work it is that they do.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

Jess: Does jojoba oil count? I’ve been using it for a couple years and it’s magic. I don’t use anything on my skin but this…I even wash my face with it.
Wendy: Lymph Candy deodorant and Zuzu eyeliner

What are your favorite apps?

Jess: Marco Polo…hands down my absolute fav. It’s like FaceTime for friends and fam but it saves all of your videos.
Wendy: Darkroom, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Marco Polo

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

Jess: @chocolateforbasil and @healthfullyeverafter. I absolutely love these two sites because they focus on healthy indulgences and really bring out the art and beauty of food.
Wendy: @healthfullyeverafter, @chocolateforbasil, @heyfranhey

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

Jess: This is always changing, but recently it’s been pistachios and tangerines. My general snack formula is nuts + [insert whatever fruit is in season]. I also like toast with peanut butter.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Jess: I’m reading Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield, watching Married at First Sight, and listening to Jorja Smith.
Wendy: Reading Intuitive Eating, watching This Is Us, and listening to lots of podcasts…Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations, The Nod, One Part Podcast, Latino USA, and Body Kindness.

Jess and Wendy IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

Wendy: Guatemala

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Both: Frida Kahlo

What superpower would you like to have?

Jess: The ability to fly…so I could travel the world for FREE.99.
Wendy: To be able to magically make a delicious meal appear on my table whenever I wanted

What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?

Jess: Parallel parking. I’m actually the best at it.

Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?

Jess: The ocean. I went scuba diving off the coast of Mexico and it was legit heaven on earth.

What’s your coffee order?

Wendy: I go with tea because caffeine literally makes me bounce off the walls.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

Jess: Don’t let a slip become a fall.

For more on Jess and Wendy, check out their Instagram and podcast!

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Health x Body Wellbeing

How My Sexual Assault Led To Panic Attacks (And How Seeing A Therapist Led To Healing)

Post author By Ashley Linkletter
Post date March 5, 2018

I was 20 years old when I was sexually assaulted while walking down the street in my hometown of London, Ontario. I was grabbed from behind, straight through my legs.
He put his hand firmly over my crotch and squeezed as hard as he could. It was so sudden and painful I froze. My first thought was This has to be a friend, someone I know. Who else could it be? I smelled him before I saw him—that distinct sour smell of cigarettes, alcohol, and stale sweat. He had dark hair and faded acne scars on his face. Walking away quickly, he turned his head and looked me in the eye before grinning and yelling “Nice ass!”
Oddly enough, my reaction was to start laughing—that awful laugh you feel bubbling up when it’s least appropriate, like when you see prolonged commercials for charities panning out to a group of starving children. My laughing became hysterical, eventually boiling over into sobs and hiccups right in the middle of the sidewalk. No one stopped, no one checked to see if I was alright. I had been wearing a new pair of white and mint green–striped seersucker shorts (which I later threw away). It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun kept on shining.
I could go on to tell you about my subsequent experience with the London police force (not great), identifying the perpetrator in a photo lineup along with four other women (his was the first photo I saw), going over my story one more time with a detective who looked and sounded just like Olivia Benson (and then sharing her frustration when she was told “He just doesn’t seem like the type of person who would do that” by the male police officer who worked that beat). I remember apologizing to her when I learned the case wouldn’t move forward, as if I’d failed her and the system, not the other way around.
But my story isn’t about police justice (because there was none), it’s about healing.

Moving Forward

I pretended it never happened. I tried to live my life. I graduated from university, moved over 2,500 miles across the country, got married, and realized my dream of becoming a writer. I thought I had succeeded in outrunning that sickening moment on the sidewalk when that awful laughing wouldn’t stop. Even when I was sexually harassed in other ways, I maintained my composure, like when a man I used to work with would quietly run his fingers over my body—and several of my coworkers’—so softly that no one would ever say anything until he’d moved on (at which point it felt like it was too late). In fact, 12 years after the assault I had convinced myself the experience was buried deep enough that I would never have to think about it again.
Then the incident on the bus happened. There was a drunk rider, as there often is, and he looked just like the man who assaulted me. The same leer, the same alcohol, cigarette, and sweat smell, the same insistence on taking up space he had no right to take. I turned up my music and tried to avoid eye contact, tried to think about being anywhere else in the world except on that bus. I got off at my normal stop where I was meeting my sister, and that’s when I fell to pieces.
Trying to describe a panic attack to someone who has never experienced one is impossible. I’ve read that a panic attack is similar to a heart attack, but if you’ve never had a heart attack, what do you compare it to? My panic attack began with aggressive shaking and teeth-chattering, a rushing noise similar to what it sounds like when you put your ear up to a seashell to “hear the ocean.” My speech was stunted and I couldn’t get words out of my mouth.
All of this happened in the middle of a busy intersection. The more I tried to “calm down” the more frantic I became (I will always appreciate my sister’s help during this moment). It took almost an hour for the symptoms to fully subside, except that it happened again later that night. This time, I remember hearing my husband turning the page of a book—and the sound felt physically painful. The rushing noise was worse and for a few moments I thought I was dying.
The past catches up to you, it always does.

Living With Panic Attacks—And Getting Help

The ferocity of these panic attacks was debilitating. I was terrified I would experience more (which I did, frequently) and I was afraid my life would turn into a black hole of anxiety, eclipsing all the things I loved most. It was in the darkest moments of fear that I decided to see a therapist about these panic attacks, to open the windows wide and shed light on the cobwebs that obscured the deepest and worst memories of my assault.
I found a therapist who was both empathetic and pragmatic. I enjoyed our sessions because I could be completely transparent about my needs and feelings. Working together over a period of many months, we came up with several mindfulness techniques which I could put into practice the next time I felt my anxiety mounting or when I felt the warning signs of a possible panic attack.
Panic attack warning signs differ from person to person, and for me they included a sudden acute sense of hearing or smell, an adrenaline rush, a tightness in my chest, shaky hands, repetitive intrusive thoughts, and rapid speech. Other panic attack symptoms may include:

Rapid heart rate
Heavy breathing
Muscle tension
Dizziness
Heart palpitations

Mindfulness techniques are particularly useful tools for those suffering from anxiety or panic attacks. They can be practiced anywhere: in the car, on the bus, in bed, while you’re standing in line at the bank, or while you’re at your work desk. The following are some of the most effective mindfulness techniques I use on a regular basis:

When You’re Having a Panic Attack (or are Experiencing Warning Signs)

First, take a deep breath. Then follow Project LETS’ (Let’s Erase The Stigma) advice on emergency action for panic attacks: “Look around you. Find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.”
Although these instructions may sound overly simplistic, this technique is very effective for helping people stay grounded during panic attacks.

For Coping With Day-to-Day Anxiety

I like to use a free app called MindShift, which was created by AnxietyBC and was recommended to me by my therapist. It’s especially good for when you’re out and about. As long as you have a phone and ear buds, you can follow guided mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing (or “box breathing”), visualization, and controlled muscle tensing.

For Trying to Fall Asleep at Night

I experience racing thoughts when I’m feeling particularly anxious before going to bed. I combat this in two different ways. First I make lists or write out journal entries (I find this most effective if I handwrite so I’m not looking at a screen), then I follow that up with deep breathing exercises.
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Motherhood

7 Age-Old Breastfeeding Myths And Why They're Wrong

Post author By Mary Sauer
Post date March 5, 2018

The first time someone in my family suggested I should give my second baby a bottle, I took it personally. My baby wasn’t sleeping much at night, so I found myself breastfeeding around the clock. I had brought it up not because I was looking for advice, but because I just wanted to vent about how desperately tired I was.
“Maybe she’s hungry,” they suggested to me casually. My stomach dropped when they said it. How dare they suggest I’m not doing a good job feeding my baby. I, somewhat shortly, told them I didn’t see any reason to switch to formula and ended the conversation.
Since then, I’ve heard that advice more times than I can count. Although I have come to accept that my babies just don’t seem to sleep soundly, there have been people in my life who have felt like it was breastfeeding that was the problem. They seemed to believe that if I really wanted to get more sleep, I needed to give up on breastfeeding altogether.
Breastfeeding is an interesting experience in that it is so different from mom to mom, child to child. Despite the ample amount of information on the internet, there are a lot of misconceptions about the practice that are still hanging on for dear life. Some believe that breastfeeding moms don’t sleep, while others believe that breastfeeding is the only option. Let’s clear up these myths once and for all.

Myth: Breastfed babies don’t sleep.

As it turns out, this commonly-held belief about breastfeeding is a big misunderstanding. Moms who choose to nurse their baby don’t actually sleep a lot less—they actually sleep more than moms who formula-feed, according to a study published in The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.
“Breast milk is perfectly designed for our babies,” explains Angela Dietrich-Kusch, MD, pediatric hospitalist with Riley Children’s Health. “Because it is more easily digested, it does tend to pass through their system more quickly.”

Additionally, breastfed babies are less likely to overeat since it takes more effort to drink milk from a breast than it does a bottle. However, Dietrich-Kusch was quick to express that a soundly sleeping baby is overvalued in our culture.
“The issue there is that we know from the research on sudden infant death syndrome that sleeping more soundly does not equal sleeping safely,” she explains, referring to the numerous studies that have found an increased risk of SIDS associated with formula-feeding babies, as shown in a review published in Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Myth: Breastfeeding comes naturally.

While it may be true that breastfeeding is “natural,” that doesn’t mean it just comes naturally to new moms and their babies. When I ask my friends about their breastfeeding experience, I hear the same answer from four different moms. They all tell me it was so much harder than they expected.

“Do not deny that breastfeeding is difficult and try to sell ‘easy’. Embrace the difficult – show women the personal pride and sense of accomplishment that comes from breastfeeding, just like running a marathon or scaling a mountain.” @iamKSealsAllers

— Emma Pickett (@makesmilk) February 25, 2018

“I was shell-shocked by how hard it was the first time,” shares Becky Wilson Berezoski, mom of four. “How completely dependent my baby was going to be on me, how overwhelmed I would feel being his only source of food, and how physically and emotionally taxing it would be.”
According to Rachel Borton, MSN, FNP-BC, the director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program in the Bradley University Department of Nursing, it’s uncommon for a new mom to breastfeed without facing a single challenge. Most moms experience some discomfort, their baby has difficulty latching, or mom feels like her milk is slow to come in.
“It’s not insurmountable,” she says. “You have to consistently try the same things everyday; you’re breastfeeding every three to four hours, it’s a lot of work.”

Myth: Breast size matters.

Some women may find themselves concerned that their small breasts will prevent them from producing enough milk for the baby. Breast size doesn’t influence milk production, according to Dietrich-Kusch, who said she does hear this concern from new moms in her clinical work.

“They may worry about whether or not they’re going to have the ability to make breastmilk,” she says. “Our mammary glands are not dependent on the overall size of our breasts, so that’s kind of an individual thing.”
Although it is true that milk storage capacity varies from mom to mom, storage capacity doesn’t determine if a mom is able to breastfeed. Instead, it may simply influence how often she breastfeeds, according to breastfeeding resource KellyMom.

Myth: There’s a magic pill to increase milk supply.

When a baby is depending on you as their source of food, it is easy to get caught up in concerns that you are not making enough milk. Because of this, it is fairly common for moms to search social media support groups looking for a magic pill or simple strategy for increasing their milk supply.
The issue with this is that there isn’t any clear research that there is any one thing you can eat or drink that will help you produce more milk. In fact, there simply isn’t research at all.

“Studies like that are hard to do. You’re exposing the infant to something they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. It’s hard to convince people to buy into doing studies like it,” explains Dietrich-Kusch. “Certainly, we know that things like fenugreek, the supplements they sell, they’re not harmful to babies.”
https://twitter.com/morganburby/status/965794469458067457
Outside of knowing they’re not harmful, Dietrich-Kusch simply doesn’t believe there is enough information out there to determine if milk-boosting supplements will work. One review published by The Annals of Pharmacotherapy confirmed her assertion, saying that evidence is lacking on the topic of galactogogues and breast milk production.
https://twitter.com/heartsleeve/status/969617571728281601
Although she doesn’t discourage her patients from trying, she always advises them to rely on the one method that is proven to work—breastfeeding more often and for longer periods of time. Breast milk production is a supply and demand relationship, the more a baby stimulates the breast, the more milk the mother will produce.

Myth: Breastfeeding always hurts.

When it comes to [linkbuilder id=”3228″ text=”breastfeeding myths”] that won’t go away, this just might be the most difficult-to-dispel myth out there. Nearly every mom I asked about their breastfeeding experience says she experienced a lot of pain. I hear it described as “toe-curling,” while other moms say they were in tears every time their baby nursed.

But when I follow up with experts, they say this type of pain shouldn’t be seen as normal. What is normal is to feel some discomfort during the first couple of weeks.
“That has to to do with the latch,” explains G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. “If the baby is latched properly, initially you might get uncomfortable because your nipple is not used to the breastfeeding … so you kind of get a lot of nipple chafing and dryness.”

I breastfed Mia for about a year and 4 months and she had plenty of teeth and it was never painful… I know what people are going to think, every kid is different, but believe me it is NOT supposed to hurt.

— Jfabstyles (@jfabstyles) February 6, 2018

Most moms will also experience pressure when their breasts become engorged, according to Borton, who clarifies that it is a tight pressure in both breasts that can be relieved by breastfeeding, not a stabbing pain.
On the other hand, if the mother is actually in severe pain, her nipples are bleeding or scabbing, or she has very localized pain, something isn’t right.
https://twitter.com/lizfrmtheles/status/954370920767991808
“As opposed to pain, which can either be pain from the baby latching improperly versus pain that can occur from infection due to mastitis,” says Ruiz, who advises moms experiencing redness, pain, or tenderness to see a lactation consultant for advice.

Myth: Bottle feeding causes nipple confusion.

Many moms hold off on introducing a bottle or a pacifier because of the fear of nipple confusion. It isn’t quite accurate to call this is myth since it is more of a misunderstanding.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand just how difficult it is to provide a black and white answer to this concern.

“Every single baby and mom are different,” explains Dietrich-Kusch. “We know that there are some babies that can go seamlessly between artificial nipples and breastfeeding without seemingly any issue, while others will prefer one over the other.”
Secondly, it is important to know that bottle feeding and breastfeeding don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Moms just need to be smart about how they proceed. Artificial nipples can allow babies to eat with less effort, since the milk flows more quickly. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Leigh Anne O’Connor advises moms who would like to introduce a bottle to make sure the breast is still being stimulated often to encourage continued milk production. Additionally, she suggests using bottles that have a slow flow nipple, which is typically clearly labeled on the bottle packaging.

“You’re unable to predict by looking at a baby what that baby’s preference is going to be,” says Dietrich-Kusch. “Certainly, waiting to introduce artificial nipples until breastfeeding is established seems to be the key. Once breastfeeding is established, typically anywhere between three to six weeks of life, it’s okay to at least try to see how they will do.”

Myth: Breastfeeding is the only option.

“I had to supplement early on with all my babies because they lost too much weight and were at risk of failure to thrive,” mom of four Katie Fazio shares with HealthWay. “It broke my heart, and I felt like failure as a woman and like I didn’t deserve my babies.”
Fazio’s story is a common one: Mom tries to breastfeed, mom can’t breastfeed either because she has a low milk supply or because she isn’t able to maintain her milk supply because of her lifestyle, and then mom feels really, really guilty. Although it is certainly true that breastfeeding is perfectly designed nutrition for babies, it is not the only acceptable option for babies.

It is important that moms don’t get too caught up in the myth that formula is not an acceptable alternative to breastfeeding.
Newer research published in Maternal & Child Nutrition focused on formula-feeding mothers found that, because of negative emotions associated with formula feeding, many mothers who make this choice experience decreased emotional well-being.

Ultimately, it is most important that the baby is well-fed and the mother is taken care of, making it incredibly important that mothers are supported in their decision to breastfeed or formula-feed and that they are given the information needed to dispel the most common myths about infant feeding.
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