Stress Getting Under Your Skin? Here's What Can Help!

Research shows that stress can age your skin almost as rapidly as sun exposure. A new cache of skin care ingredients promise relief – but do they work? Here’s what you need to know.

by Colette Bouchez

In the not so distant past, experts believed that the simple act of frowning was largely responsible for those wrinkles and furrows in your brow.

Today doctors know that it’s not just the act of frowning that makes you look older – it’s also the reason behind the frown that can make a difference in how you look.

I’m talking about links between stress and skin aging – a relatively new idea but one that both doctors and skin care companies are continuing to embrace. .

While experts aren’t exactly sure how or why stress ages skin, many believe that hormones produced when stress is chronic - such as cortisol – cause a disruption in immune function that impacts the cells that normally protect skin from harm – activity that mimics the aging process in terms of damage.

“Stress hormones can cause irritation and loss of immune function in skin, which is very similar to what happens during the aging process,” says Dr. Tom Mammone, executive director of research and development for Clinique.

When skin becomes irritated in this way, Mammone says it causes a break in the natural protective barrier that keeps moisture in and external aggressors, such as pollutants, out.

“When the barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates more rapidly, irritants get in more easily, and both can cause more [aging] damage to the skin,” says Mammone.

Now if you’re thinking it’s purely psychological stress that can take its toll on your skin cells, guess again. In one now classic study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology doctors from Weill Medical College in New York City found that even a physiological stress as common as sleep deprivation can disrupt the skin barrier, causing alterations in the immune function that normally protects skin.

Certainly, a few sleepless nights or an occasional bout of worrying isn’t going to do you much harm. But when stress is chronic, or sleep deprivation ongoing, when your diet is deficient and you don’t get the nutrients you need to run at full speed, you not only endanger your health, but science now says you can end up looking far older than your years.

So what’s the solution? One option is a new breed of skin care ingredients designed to fight the signs of aging by helping to boost the immune function of skin cells. Among those creating the loudest buzz right now: Sea algae - one of the hottest new trends in anti-aging stressed-skin care.

Calming Your Stressed Skin: What To Do

While any good moisturizer can replenish some of the fluids lost when skin is stressed, the latest science shows that various forms of sea algae may also hold restorative properties - powers that go above and beyond simply increasing moisture levels.

Indeed these ingredients harnessed from under the sea are believed to specifically combat skin stress, and in doing so repair the barrier that helps protect cells from the outside in.

According to Mammone, among the most effective is a form of algae grown off the coast of Israel, in the Mediterranean Sea. Known as Red Microalgae Extract, it is harvested, cultured in a lab and then the protective elements are isolated and used as a skin care ingredient.
”This works to help counteract the negative visible effects of stress,” he says.

Blue green algae is a similar compound known for its high antioxidant properties and skin relief activity. Often it is combined with other skin-healthy ingredients such as grape seed oil to enhance its protective powers even more.

Padina Povonica is still another marine botanical good for stressed skin. It works to help cells absorb calcium, which in turn contributes to a stronger protective barrier – one that is better able to resist external skin stressors like pollution.

Among the products featuring some or all of these ingredients include Kiehl’s Cryste Marine Firming Cream, GM Collin H50 Therapy Cream, H20+ Moisture Defense Protector, and Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae with Grape Seed Extract line of products.

But perhaps the one generating the loudest buzz right now is Clinique’s brand new Super Defense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer. It boasts not only the high potency Red Algae and Padina Povonica, but also Cats Claw, a natural powerful antioxidant that both calms the skin and protects it from aging free radical damage. To be sure it also adds a healthy dose of sunscreen as well as Ferulic Acid and Rosemary extract – a triple defense team against damage from sun and pollution. It will be in stores starting in early September with a suggested retail price of $42.50.

The No Frills Way To Younger Skin

While these new ingredients may work well to protect skin, they clearly don't come cheap. And with just about everyone in an economic crunch these days, you may not be willing – or able – to part with the dollars necessary to soothe your furrowed brow.

Fortunately, there are also less costly ways to counter the effects of stress on your skin. Here are four things research shows are proven to help.

1. Reduce stress on your skin by reducing stress in your life. Sounds easier than it is, I know. But if you can manage even a short bout of relaxing activity during the day – 10 minutes of yoga, 20 minutes of gardening, 15 minutes soaking in a hot tub – studies show it can calm your frazzled nerves and reduce production of stress hormones. You’ll not only feel better, you’ll look better – and younger!

2. Eat a more nutritious diet. At least 4 to 5 servings of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables a day could knock up to 10 years off the appearance of your skin. Try peaches, melons and berries for the quickest result.

3. Get more sleep. This is particularly important if you’re over 45. Why? As we age, our entire body, including our skin, needs a little extra sack time to undergo the natural repair processes that counteract cell damage we experience during the day. If, no matter how you try, you can’t log in more than 6 hours a night, try napping in the evening. You could wake up looking younger!

4. Reduce sun exposure. While some sun is good for you – studies show up to 20 minutes of exposure per day may have health values- spend too much time outdoors and that face in the mirror will age faster than you do. If you plan to be outdoors for more than 20 minutes- winter or summer - wear a sunscreen and re-apply it often.

To learn more about the new marine botanicals visit www.RedDressDiary.com - the destination for fabulous women over 40!

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Study: Attitude May Impact Breast Cancer Risks

New research shows that happiness and optimism may reduce breast cancer risks while adverse life events may increase risks. Here’s what you need to know.

by Colette Bouchez

Smile and the world smiles with you; frown and you could end up with breast cancer.

Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But, if a new study from researchers at Ben -Gurion University in Israel are correct, smiling more, as well as maintaining a positive attitude, may help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Adverse events, they say, may increase your risk.

"The results showed a clear link between outlook and risk of breast cancer, with optimists 25 percent less likely to have developed the disease. Conversely, women who suffered two or more traumatic events had a 62 percent greater risk," said Professor Ronit Peled, of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel.

His research was recently detailed in a study titled Breast Cancer, Psychological Distress and Life Events among Young Women, and was just published in the British journal BMC Cancer.

While the researchers say they aren’t at all sure what attitude has to do with disease, many believe that our immune system may take some of it’s cues from brain chemistry that is influenced by emotional events. While joy elicits one type of brain chemistry response, fear, anger and anxiety may produce something altogether different.

And both, say doctors, may stimulate your immune system in different ways.

But while no one may be certain how the connection works, Peled is certain it exists.

“We can carefully say that experiencing more than one severe and/or mild to moderate life event is a risk factor for breast cancer among young women. On the other hand, a general feeling of happiness and optimism can play a protective role,” he says.

But for cancer prevention experts like NYU’s Dr. Julia Smith, the lines in the sand are less clear. From her perspective it’s more important for women to keep in mind that no one factor alone – including emotional experiences - can dominate your risk profile.

Rather, Smith believes it’s the cumulative effects of many factors combined about which we should be most concerned.

“What worries those of us involved with cancer prevention is that we don't know the cumulative effects or the synergistic effects of, for example, how one chemical interacts with another, or what role any one exposure plays when viewed in the broader scope of the overall risk factors we have from all facets of our life, including our family and person health history,” says Smith, the director of the Lynne Cohen Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program at the NYU Cancer Institute, New York City.

Likewise, she says, there is no one factor that confers protection against breast cancer.

”It’s always the total picture, the sum of all the parts that tells us if a woman is at risk for breast cancer, and how great that risk is,” says Smith, who’s program at NYU’s Cancer Center helps dissect that puzzle and put the pieces together in a way that makes sense for each individual woman.

Analyzing Health & Happiness

The new risk factor study involved a total of 622 women – aged 25 to 45 – who answered a series of questions designed to detail their life experiences prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer. Of this group, 255 were already breast cancer patient and 367 were healthy women who never had cancer.

The questions were designed to evaluate each woman’s level of happiness and optimism, as well as root out any indications of depression or anxiety – all before being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Researchers then compared and contrasted the answers each woman gave and used a variety of psychological scoring methods to evaluate levels of happiness, optimism, anxiety and depression in both groups.

The result: The women who were shown to be optimists were 25 percent less likely to have developed breast cancer. Conversely, women who suffered two or more traumatic life events had a 62 percent greater risk of developing this disease.

Although critics of the study point out that since the women were interviewed after their diagnosis of breast cancer, recall of their pre-breast cancer state of mind may not have been accurate. Indeed, a number of studies have shown that women who are depressed frequently view their past experiences in a more negative light.

That said, Peled still believes the findings hold up – and is convinced that two or more negative life events should serve as a risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in young women.

Smith says it’s still most important to view your individual risk factors in the context of your entire breast cancer profile.

To learn more about how to determine your risk of breast cancer visit RedDressDiary.com

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New Report: Women Dying To Be Beautiful?

A new report from the YWCA suggests American women are dangerously obsessed with looking beautiful. Here’s what you need to know.

“Drop Dead Gorgeous.”

“Dying to have it. “

“A look to die for.”

If researchers are right, it may be more than mere coincidence that beauty and pain are so frequently intertwined in pop culture.

Indeed, a new report released this week from the YWCA contends that American women are obsessed with the pursuit of perfection – and paying for it in painful ways we may not even realize.

“What’s really new here is the sheer extent to which women and girls are willing to go – literally causing physical harm – to be ‘beautiful’ according to the standards perpetuated by a youth-obsessed media culture with literally thousands of messages 24 hours a day,” said YWCA USA CEO Dr. Lorraine Cole.

Titled “The Beauty Report” the data is gleaned from studies conducted over the last several years by a variety of researchers. But Cole says the common thread that runs through them all is the clear evidence of womens obsession with the pursuit of beauty – as well as the pursuit of an idealized body image most of us will never obtain. And she says, doing so produces a life-long burden that eventually takes a physical and emotional toll on our mental and physical health.

Among the numbers in the report with the most impact:

* 80% of women say they are very unhappy with the way they look.

* 67% of women aged 25 to 45 are trying to lose weight – even though 53% of them were considered to be a "healthy" weight.

* While 40% of newly diagnosed cases of eating disorders – like anorexia or bulimia – are found in girls between the ages of 15 and 19, symptoms of the disorder are now showing up as early as kindergarten.

* American women spend almost $7 billion dollars a year on products used in the pursuit of beauty. Over a 5 year period that translates into 1 year of college tuition. Invest just half of that sum into a savings account for 10 years and end up with nearly $10,000.

But perhaps the most telling aspect of this report had less to do with our individual pursuit of beauty - or the dollars we spend pursuing it- and more to do with how that pursuit is so deeply intertwined with peer acceptance.

I’m talking about what I like to call the “beauty bullies “ – you know who they are, that clique of cute-girls who pick on less-cute-girls because of how they look. According to the report this behavior not only influences our relentless pursuit of beauty, it has seen an alarmingly steady rise since the 1990s.

What’s even more interesting – at least from the 40 something gals point of view - is that this behavior doesn’t seem to end at the Senior Prom. Often these "beauty bullies" carry their peer pressure tactics right onto the college campus, into the sorority house and eventually, down the hallowed halls of some of America’s biggest corporations.

How bad is it? According to the report “lookism” - a term coined to describe prejudice based on appearance - is an increasingly prevalent equal opportunity employment issue. In one analysis researchers found that those who were considered less attractive actually earned 9% less than those who were considered good looking.

Many believe it is the same "beauty bullies" we met in junior high school that are now driving the "lookism" movement against other women in the business world.

The Pursuit of Beauty: Can It Ever Be Healthy?

While the report served to raise some important issues, in my opinion it also overlooked a few.

Indeed, it failed to address the idea that at least part of the increased interest in beauty products and cosmetic treatments has to do with the fact that they are simply more available - both in terms of convenience and affordability.

While our mothers and grandmothers were hard pressed to find anything more than a jar of Ponds Cold Cream to soothe their furrowed brows, today, the selection of treatments – as well as what they can accomplish and their relative affordability - places the pursuit of self improvement in tantalizingly close reach.

In this respect the report may have been a little harsh on those who are able to simply take advantage of what the beauty and medical industry has to offer - - which can be done safely, and without obsession.

That said, the real issue that seems to be at stake here is not so much the fact that women are in hot pursuit of the perfect face or body, but rather the feeling that they have no choice in the matter.

Be it acceptance among their peers, in the workplace, or in the high stakes world of love and romance, once a woman is made to believe that being herself is no longer good enough, she is in marked danger of crossing that nearly invisible line that separates healthy self improvement from dangerous beauty obsession.

Left untended, those feelings of self doubt can cripple us with depression, anxiety, phobias - and at it's worst lead us deep into addictions, domestic violence, and self hatred so strong it can eventually kill us.

So I guess the real importance in the Beauty Report is not so much to tell us that we shouldn’t yearn for that fabulous new red Dior lipstick or covet those wrinkle relieving Botox injections - or do what we can to get them. The key, it seems is not to feel any less about ourselves if those yearnings are never realized. We really are okay just the way we are.

One final point to consider: It's not just a matter of being less hard on ourselves - as women, we also have an obligation to stop being so hard on each other.

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Sci Fi Breakthroughs For Bad Hair Days

New medical research uncovers what causes bad hair days – plus a new finding that just might change forever the way you care for your hair!

Having a bad hair day? If you’re like most gals you pretty much blame it on the weather, your shampoo, even your hormones.

But if a group of German scientists are right, you need to include your hair itself on that list of the usual suspects.

Indeed, a new scientific study suggests that it’s really the way strands of hair rub up against one another and the pattern of friction that results, that helps define just how your hair is going to respond to humidity, heat, even sun and wind.

“ For the first time, we present an experimental set-up that allows measuring the subtle forces, both physical and chemical, that arise when single hairs slide past each other or are pressed against each other," study co-author Eva Max said, a researcher from Germany's University of Bayreuth who presented her findings at a recent national meeting of the American Chemical Society.

The findings came as a result of studying hair under a high-powered atomic force microscope that allowed researchers to precisely measure what happens when strands of hair touch each other under all kinds of different conditions.

One of the things they found is that the more fibers slide past one another, the greater the friction between hairs, which in turn causes each hair fiber to develop a kind of “roughness” often associated with unruly or hard to manage hair.

Moreover, they found that environmental factors such as heat and humidity can influence this pattern of hair fiber interaction, ultimately setting the stage for a bad hair day.

Why Hair Conditioners Don’t Work

Although scientists have long known that friction plays a role in hair damage, they also believed that bathing the hair in emollients – like the kind found in most conditioners – would reverse the signs of damage, smoothing away roughness and allowing hair fibers to lie flat. This in turn would keep hair not only looking smoother but also make it easier to manage.

But what Max and her group suggest is that most of these products don’t work because they don’t take into consideration the impact of the different ways hair fibers interact under various conditions.

Experts predict the new research may open the door for a whole new type of hair care product - one that adjusts to the impact of environmental factors on hair, and changes the way hair fibers interact.

“The findings will help provide clearer strategies for optimizing hair care products,” says Max.

The Newest Bad Hair Day Solutions

If you cant’ wait for all this new research to come to fruition, there is at least one new hair care technology available right now – and it’s causing quite a stir. But don’t think styling products, think styling tools - hairdryers, combs and brushes that take control of a bad hair days by controlling the ionic charge of your hair.

Huh?

Yeah, it’s a bit headier than just a spritz of spray and glob of gloss, but research shows that another reason hair misbehaves has to do with electricity. More specifically, static electricity – you know the kind that causes your locks to fly away from your head each time you brush?

Well one of the things that causes static electricity is positive ions – tiny electrically charged particles in the atmosphere that attach to hair and cause it to act just a little bit wild.

To the rescue: Styling tools that give off negative ions. They attach to the positive ones and voila! They cancel out the effects, so hair is under better control .

Moreover the negative ions also help seal the hair cuticle (or outer layer) which in turn makes each strand smoother – and that helps it reflect more light. The result: Hair looks shiny, moves effortlessly and is easier to style.

Among the two most popular “negative ion generators” right now are ceramic and the natural mineral stone tourmaline. Both are now used as a foundation for brushes and combs, as well, as curling irons and hair straightening tools.

But ceramic as well as tourmaline have another quality that makes them a perfect addition to the new generation of hair dryers – when electricity passes through them, they generate what’s known as far-infrared heat.

Unlike ordinary hot hair coming from a regular blow dryer, far-infrared heat actually penetrates the hair follicle, drying it from the inside out. This reportedly offers a faster, more gentle and some say more efficient drying process that ultimately reduces damage to the hair cuticle, once again leaving it smoother and easier to manage.

Together with the negative ions generated by tourmaline and ceramic you end up with hair that is less damaged in the long run and in the short run looks smoother, is less frizzy and easier to style. What's not to love?

Tourmaline combs, brushes and hair dryers start at around $10 and can go as high as $100.00, so it pays to shop around.

To learn more about hair care products featuring tourmaline and ceramic technology visit www.RedDressDiary.com

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The Diet Shoe: Can Foot Wear Help You Lose Weight?

A cache of new “health shoes” claims to help you do everything from tone muscles to lose weight. But do they work? RedDressDiary investigates…

Nobody - I mean nobody - loves shoes more than I do. So when you tell me my choice of footwear might also double as a diet and fitness aid, boy do you have my attention.

And these are, in fact, some of the claims that drew my attention to a recent cache of “health” footwear – shoe styles that have hit the ground running, with health claims ranging from weight loss to muscle building and toning, increased circulation and more.

But can a shoe really accomplish any of this – I mean on it’s own without you actually having to do anything special like, oh, say, run 5 miles? The answer, it seems, depends on not only whom you ask - but what you're asking of your footwear.

New York City podiatrist Dr. Johanna S. Youner says, “ While some of the claims made by these manufacturers are valid, some are simply not.”

Moreover, some experts warn that because some of these shoes can cause a change in foot function, selecting the wrong style or getting an incorrect fit may net you more than just a few achy blisters.

“Its important to realize that these shoes force the foot to actually function differently, sometimes causing new muscles to engage in the foot or leg,” says podiatrist Dr. Emanuel Sergi, of Park Avenue Podiatric Associates in New York City.

If you don’t use them correctly, says Sergi, or if the fit isn’t right, a range of injuries can result including tendonitis, heel pain, plantar fasciitis (arch pain) or even a broken toe or two.
That said, I’ve also learned that if you choose your styles carefully, at least some of these new “health” shoes do have some interesting benefits to offer.

To help you make that choice I’ve asked Sergi and Youner to weigh in on the diet and exercise aspects of four of the most popular “health shoes”.

The FitFlop

Cost: $49.99
The Claims: The comfort of a traditional flip-flop with support and comfort of a walking shoe. Plus, if you walk a lot, a small but impressive medical study offers evidence of muscle toning in the calves, thighs and buttocks, plus establishing a more normal and natural “gait” pattern.

The Foot Docs Say: While they are a step up from regular flip-flops (the thick sole, provides more protection for the foot), Sergi says they are still flip-flops, and your feet are going to work harder in them. “ This increases risks of tendonitis and other injuries including muscle soreness,” he says, adding that the risks are greater if you over do it –wearing them too long too soon. This is something even the company also warns about. If you suffer from heel pain, Sergi says “never” wear a FitFlop. “The bend of the shoe can lead to serous, painful inflammation,” he says.

RedDressDiary Says: They actually look more stylish than a regular flip-flop and they do make your legs look almost as good a Dr.Scholls sandal – the original and in my opinion, still the best shoe for leg toning.

The MBT - aka The Anti-Shoe

Cost: $200-$300 - or higher.

The Claims: Also known as the Masai Barefoot Technology, these shoes utilize a signature “rolling sole” to mimic walking on uneven terrain. (Think of a sneaker where the toes and heels are both curved upwards). The goal is to trick your feet into believing you are hiking through the woods, making neglected muscles work harder to maintain balance and absorb the shock of an uneven terrain, while all the while reducing impact on hip and knee joints.

The Foot Docs Say: They can help improve certain food conditions such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis and bunions, but over do it, and again, you’ve got a whopping case of tendonitis. “Similar to custom arch supports you have to break them in – no more than a half hour a day to start and gradually increasing wear over time,” says Youner. As to whether or not they will tone your body or improve posture, experts say that in the beginning they might. But as your body gets used to the additional muscle activity required by the shoe, you’re likely to hit a plateau of improvement that won’t continue without additional workouts not related to your shoes.

RedDressDiary Says: You probably wouldn’t want to wear these in a crowded train station and if you do, for heaven’s sakes, don’t stand near the tracks!

Orthotebb Health Shoes
PRICE: $35 -$65

The Claims: Relief from pain caused by ill fitting shoes combined with a fat burning effect equal to climbing stairs are just two of the claims made by these shoes which feature an extreme “rocker sole” (think hard metal rock band shoes). They work by changing the center of gravity of your foot when you walk, which the company says can also trim and tone legs, hips, abs, buttocks and love handles, reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, improve posture and back pain, improve circulation and burn calories. Available as thong type sandals, croc type clogs or space boots.

The Foot Docs Say: Both Youner and Sergi say these shoes can be a huge help for those with specific foot problems – such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis and heel pain – but the claims end here. “ These are shoes to be used on the advice of your doctor for specific foot problems – they are not for the general public,” says Youner. Will they cause you to lose weight? Both Youner and Sergi say “No”.

RedDressDiary Says: I would not wear these on a day when you plan on drinking wine.

Arcopedico Classics
Cost: $50-$ 100

The Claims: Billed as the “world’s most comfortable shoe” this design boasts an insole that evenly distributes body weight across the entire foot to alleviate the formation of corns, calluses, and blisters, while also increasing circulation. The soft, mesh top of the original “classic” line, is also soft on corns, callous and bunions you might already have.

The Foot Doc Says: Too many of the styles offer no support and consequently are much like bedroom slippers. “ They are good only for doing chores around the house – that’s about it” says Youner. Because some of the styles lack any kind of heel counter or support, she cautions that they offer no foot control and should never be worn if you are in a hurry and moving quickly, or doing any long distance walking. In other words, don’t pack them in your bag for Disney World.

RedDressDiary Says: Newer styles are available as leather oxfords and slip ons with good heel counter support but I still wouldn’t take 'em to Disney World until you’ve walked the local mall a few times!

The best advice: If you want to improve your health, tone your muscles, and burn some calories, the only shoes proven to help are a good pair of supportive sneakers that you lace up and wear to take about 10,000 steps a day!

For more information on these shoes -plus other free footcare tips visit http://www.reddressdiary.com/

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Doctors: Fragrance Allergies Cause More Than Sneezes

A panel of European experts confirm that smelling an irritating fragrance does more than make you sneeze – it could also cause skin problems.

Your favorite new fashion magazine arrives – and it's no sooner out of the mailbox when your eyes are watering and you’re sneezing uncontrollably. Yup, it's fragrance overload, thanks to those perfume ad samples stuck between every other page.

But what you might not realize is that the rash which erupts on your fingers, hands, arms or face a few hours later, may also be the result of that same fragrance overload.

That’s the conclusion of a panel of experts from the German Federal Institute who say that while studies linking inhalation of fragrance to skin reactions are scarce, the problem definitely exists, particularly in those who already harbor a fragrance sensitivity. And they say, consumers needs to be aware of the potential for trouble.

This may be particularly important for women in the peri-menopause and menopause years, a time when sensitivies to fragrances can sometimes increase. Indeed, in much the way those bouncing hormone levels in pregnancy can cause you to have a negative reaction to a fragrance, the bouncing hormones of mid-life could, at least theortically, have a similar effect - and it's something that anecdotally many middle age women report as true.

Moreover, it's important to note the docs aren't just concerned about the impact of perfumes. The researchers say that scents from personal care products such as shampoos and shower gels, as well fragrances used in room deodorizers, laundry detergents, even artificial scents applied to foods can all trigger skin reactions in those who are sensitive to them.

The panel also expressed concern that fragrance allergies appear to be on the rise – a problem they believe is linked to the bombarding of the senses via the vast number of scented products now on the market.

Some American experts agree.

" Scent sells – so not only are there definitely more fragranced products in the world, the fragrances themselves are also more complex, and for many people repeated exposures can bring about a constellation of symptoms, " says Tracie DeFreitas Saab, MS, a Human Factors Consultant with the Job Accommodation Network at West Virginia University who frequently works with both employers and employees on work environmental issues.

According American Academy of Dermatology, (ADA) fragrances found in cosmetic products applied to the skin are considered a leading cause of contact dermatitis – a condition that impacts well over 2 million Americans.

And while we have some control over what fragrances come into our personal world – you can always tear out that magazine fragrance insert or switch to an unscented laundry detergent – unfortunately, we frequently don’t have that kind of influence in other environments, including the workplace, or even certain public places such as department stores or restaurants. And for some, that's a real problem.

"Being forced to breathe in other's fragrance choices is a lot like being forced to breathe in second hand smoke – it's a loss of control over your personal environment and for some it can have serious personal health consequences, " says Pamela Dalton, PhD, MPH, an olfactory researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.

So what can you do to help reduce the assault on your senses from too much fragrance?

1. If the fragrance issue is part of a department store promotion, send a letter to the store’s management expressing your dislike with the idea. Point out the potential for allergic reactions, and for extra kick tell them that shoppers who feel ill in a store frequently leave before they make all their purchases!

2.If the offending fragrance is coming from a co-worker, ask (but do it nicely) if they can tone it down. Explain that because of a concept known as “climatization” we get used to our own fragrance so it doesn’t smell strong to us. But to others, it can be overpowering.

3. If no matter what, Miss Jasmine-Rose-Honeysuckle-Vanilla-Verbena just won’t tone it down, talk to your boss about moving your workstation. Sometimes just relocating a few feet away is enough to reduce your reaction.

4. Ask your boss to spring for a gas-carbon air filter for the office. Unlike a dust filter, those that use carbon can actually help clear the air of odors.

5.If a fragrance sensitivity in your workplace is interfering with your ability to work, and no accommodations are made to help you avoid it, contact the Job Accommodation Network. They frequently act as a liaison between jobs and workers, providing education as well as on-the-job solutions. The American’s With Disabilities Act can also help on a case-by-case basis.
For contact information for both organizations, including phone numbers and websites, click here.

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Discovery: French Fries - 5 Ways To Make Them Healthier

Studies show that you can change the nutritional profile of French fries from bad to good - with these preparation tips!

If you love potato chips, if summer just isn’t summer without a bag of French fries at your fingertips, then the nutrition news this past week was both good and bad.

Good because a settlement following a lawsuit initiated by the state of California involves an agreement by manufacturers to reduce the amount of a cancer causing chemical known as acrylamide, found in abundance in both these potato snack foods.

So what’s the bad news? The changeover to a healthier potato snack isn’t going to happen any time soon. In fact, experts predict it could take quite a while before we’ll actually see the healthier versions of these foods hit store shelves - if ever.

And while acrylamide is found in many foods - including baked goods, coffee, even water – because it primarily occurs when a starchy food comes in contact with high heat, the act of frying or even baking a starchy potato appears to cause among the highest levels of acrylamide to form.

This is particularly important information for women, since research reported earlier this year found a positive association between acrylamide and breast cancer. In studies conducted at the National Food Institute at the Technical University of Denmark researchers offered what is believed to be the first significant human evidence linking this chemical to cancer.

While earlier US studies found no association, the newer research once again raises concerns for every woman over 40, a time when the risk of breast cancer naturally increases.

Healthier Snack Foods Right Now!

Now if like me, you also believe that “Potatoes and not Prozac” is the best way to a happier, healthier, serotonin-fueled brain, waiting for the “chefs of the future” to solve the acrylamide dilemma isn’t going to be the quickest route to better health.

Moreover, even if acrylamide is reduced, that still leaves us with some concerns over the heart-hateful trans fats and saturated fats frequently found in both chips and fries.

So what’s a 40 something gal to do? I put on my science cap and went to work!

What I discovered: While you can’t do a whole lot to make chips any healthier on your own
(except maybe eat less of them) there are medical studies showing there are ways to change the nutrition profile of French fries – making them healthier to eat right now, today, this minute!

Of course they are never going to be the nutritional equal to a bowl of raw carrots and a few stalks of broccoli. What's more, you shouldn’t be eating a wheelbarrow full of fries – they can pack on the pounds for sure, and with it, increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

But that said, by using a little creative cooking and seasoning, studies show there are at least 5 ways you can fry your taters and eat them too!

5 Ways To Make French Fries Healthier

1. Soak Your Spuds Before Frying.

In new research published in the journal Science of Food and Agriculture a group of British food scientists found that soaking potatoes in water prior to frying dramatically reduces the formation of acrylamide. The study found that by simply washing raw potatoes you reduce the level by 23%. Soak them for 30 minutes and they go down 38%. Soak them for two full hours and cut acrylamide by a whopping 48% ! One caveat: Soaking only works if you fry your potatoes to a golden brown. Burn ‘em to a crisp and acrylamide is back.

2. Nuke Your Fries Before Frying.

In another study published in the Journal of Science and Food Agriculture a group of Turkish researchers found that pre-cooking fries in the microwave both reduces the amount of frying time and subsequently the level of acrylamide that forms. More specifically researchers found that nuking potato strips and then frying them at 150 C degrees reduced acrylamide by 36%; fry at 170 degrees C and it drops 41%; nuke and fry at 190 degrees C and it’s down 60%. You might also want to look into purchasing the new “microwave- able fries”, which come in a special box that allows you to crisp them in the micro. While there aren’t any studies on them yet, they might just be one answer to further reducing acrylamide.

3. Spice Up Your Fries

Evidence continues to mount that when added during the cooking process certain seasonings can reduce acrylamide formation. Among the most effective is the herb rosemary, according to collaborative research conducted by the National Food Institute and the Department of Systems Biology at the Technical University of Denmark. In their research rosemary reduced acrylamide formation in some foods by up to 60% . Other tests showed that blanching and salt were also effective in reducing acrylamide content in French fries.

4. Buy Healthier Fries

And that's not as hard as it seems! If you purchase frozen fries buy only the ones that are pre-blanched in healthy oils – like canola or grape seed. While this won’t necessarily do anything to reduce the amount of acrylamide, it will cut the level of trans fat dramatically, which is very good for your heart health. Many brands, including McCains, and some store brands such as Waldbaum’s America’s Choice and Stop and Shop’s Fries now feature “Zero Trans Fat” options, with saturated fat down to a half gram per serving. These same brands also contain much less sodium, which may be important if you have high blood pressure or you retain water. Again, just don’t eat the whole bag at once!

5. Go Crinkle Cut!

If you read the labels (and you should!) you’ll find out that across all brands, this particular cut of fries has far less fat and less saturated fat per serving than any other types. And, because of the shape, less of the potato may come in contact with the pan, which may reduce some of the temperature –related acrylamide concerns.

Also remember, regardless of the style or brand, cooking fries to a golden color is healthier for you than cooking them until they are so hard they can clean your dog’s teeth!
Bon Appetit!

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Hope Or Hype: Can You Really Look Younger?

As the quest to look as young as we feel continues, the sale of anti-aging cosmetics hits an all time high.

Indeed one of the more significant "look-good, feel-good" trends to come along since white lipstick and peacock blue eyeshadow involves infusing anti-aging skin care ingredients into traditional make-up products, for short term glamor with long term anti-aging benefits.

But as good as these combo products sound, is it really hope – or hype – in a compact? The answer, it seems, depends a lot on what you want, need and expect from the contents of your make up bag.

Anti Aging Cosmetics: Hope or Hype?

While experts say it is indeed possible to upload cosmetics with anti-aging skin care properties, plastic surgeon Dr. Ken Beer, director of Palm Beach Esthetics, says doing so may not be as good of an idea as it sounds.

"There is always room to add ingredients in significant amounts- the real issue is whether or not the ingredients penetrate and if so, what they do once they get there," says Beer, author of the book Palm Beach Perfect Skin.

Because most of the molecules that make up cosmetic products are too large to penetrate the dermis (one reason that products like foundation sit on top of your skin) Beer says it’s doubtful the anti-aging ingredient included in the formula is going to get where it needs to go.

Moreover, if it does, some experts worry that activity comes with a price.

“It is very difficult to deliver [into the skin] the good without including the bad - one reason why some of the anti-aging products are so irritating to skin," says dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, past president of the American Society for Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery.

Indeed, when products designed to sit on the skin are blended with ingredients that must sink into the skin , Schlessinger says a variety of problems can erupt, including acne, rosacea and various forms of dermatitis.

When Skin Care and Make Up Collide

Of even greater concern is that most of these cosmetic/skin care combos don’t contain enough ant-aging ingredients to make a significant long term difference. So, depending on what you're trying to accomplish, it's likely you'll need to use additional anti-aging skin care products anyway.

But if you’re thinking more is better, guess again. Combine the wrong anti-aging ingredients and your skin could pay the price.

On the Not-So-Bad end of the scale, the anti-aging ingredients in your make up could simply cancel out the ones in your skin care, leaving you with no benefits at all.

On the “Oh-No” end of the scale, dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Jamahl says the ingredients could interact in a way that will make your skin scream for mercy.

“This, for example, could occur if your anti aging skin care product contained Retinol and your anti aging make-up contained an alpha hydroxy acid – or even higher concentrations of Retinol.,” says Jamahl, a dermatologist at the NYU-Langone Medical Center in New York City.

Separately, she says either one can be fine for the skin. But toss them on your face at the same time and you could end up with a nasty irritation that replaces those teenage acne years as your worst skin memory.

"Ingredient formulation is a precise science that requires expertise and understanding of ingredient solubility as well as ingredient delivery to the skin, " says Jamal.

Moreover, Schlessinger says that in general, the more ingredients a cosmetic has, the more likely your skin is to react in a negative way, including increasing your risk of allergic reaction.

Now if you’re thinking you can solve this dilemma by using only anti-aging cosmetics and no other skin care, guess again. Experts agree that you’re not likely to get enough benefits from the cosmetics alone to see any significant difference in your skin.

"Trying to put a lot of different ingredients into a single product usually produces sub-optimal results – in general, you are far better off using higher concentrations of individual skin care products on their own, and then find a make-up that compliments your skin type, tone and coloring,” says Beer.

The one area where you can feel good about combining skin care with makeup is in using cosmetics that contain sunscreen – one of your best anti aging secret weapons. While Schlessinger says most make up with sunscreen doesn't offer enough protection to rely on it solely , it can add an extra layer of protection that is beneficial.

What can also help: Sticking to make-up products that contain moisturizers, so they won't go into lines and wrinkles.

Click here for more advice on selecting make-up products for over 40 skin.

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Study: Hungry Again? It's In Your Genes!

Do you wonder why you’re the only one at the neighborhood barbecue going back for not only “seconds” but “thirds”?

Do “all you can eat” restaurants shudder when they see you walk in the door?

And are you frustrated – and maybe even a little angry – because you’re just so hungry all the time you simply can’t stay on a diet?

If this sounds familiar, don’t beat yourself up …your humongous appetite may be all in your genes.
At least that’s the conclusion of a new British study conducted at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College in London.

The research , just published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, indicates the gene at fault is known as FTO - and when it's present it appears to modify our appetite so that we don’t get the feeling of satiety or fullness after eating a reasonable amount of food.

"“It is not simply the case that people who carry the risky variant of this gene automatically become overweight – but they are more susceptible to overeating," says lead author Professor Jane Wardle.

The study which focused on more than 3,000 children aged 8-11, compared the appetites and eating habits among those who carried the gene to those who did not.

Doctors relied on parental reports of the children’s vital statistics – including height, weight and waist circumference, and asked each family to fill out a food questionnaire designed to detail their children’s eating habits.

They also asked the parents to assess how much their children enjoyed food, and most importantly, how quickly and easily their appetite was satiated . Or, in short, how quickly they became full.

The end result: Those who carried the gene had a more difficult time getting full then those who didn’t carry the gene. And those who carried two copies were cited as having a much larger appetite – far above what would be normal for their age group.

According Wardle, “What we have shown is that children with the ’risky’ variants of the gene have weaker satiety responses – meaning they don’t just overeat, but they struggle to recognize when they are full, ” she says.

Moreover, she adds that FTO has a similar effect on both boys and girls, and that age, current weight, body mass index or socio economic background doesn’t seem to matter. FTO is, however, the first obesity gene to be discovered among the Caucasian race.

And while the researchers are quick to point out that carrying the extra gene doesn’t guarantee you are carrying the extra pounds – but it does put you at risk for being overweight simply because you are likely to eat more than the person whose appetite is under proper genetic control.

This is not the first study to link FTO with obesity. Previous research has shown that adults who harbor the gene generally weigh more than those who don't. The missing piece was whether or not FTO influences appetite or calorie burning. This was the first research to hone in on FTO's link to appetite.

Moreover, experts say the findings add to a growing body of evidence that obesity is, at least in part, influenced by genetics. One recent study suggested it may be responsible for up to 77% of all weight problems – with only 25% of the blame going to environmental factors.

Researchers also estimate there are some 600 different genes currently identified as playing a role in obesity – indicating there is no one single genetic cause, and that issues could be different for each of us.

In 2007, more than 25% of the US population tipped the scales into the obese category – up almost 2% from 2005, according to reports in Morbidity and Mortality for this month.

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