As we celebrate America’s birthday, it seems with every passing year our collective body mass index (BMI) is increasing - yikes! Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s blog on the FDA approved weight loss drug and learn if it is safe and healthy for your body.

Cancer and its treatment will undoubtedly cause changes in your life. One change you may experience from chemotherapy is the development of the symptoms of menopause. How chemotherapy impacts the onset of menopausal symptoms is not fully understood, but this document may begin to answer some of the questions you may have, including: How will I know if the way I am feeling is associated with menopause and not with my treatment, stress or another factor? What are the symptoms of menopause…

I have uncontrollable gas. It has no pattern and it is worse if I have to urinate. Can you please offer any advice to control the gas?

What is self-image? Self-image is the personal view we have of ourselves. It is our mental image or self-portrait. Self-image is an internal dictionary that describes the characteristics of the self, including intelligent, beautiful, ugly, talented, selfish and kind. These characteristics form a collective representation of our assets and liabilities as we see them. How is self-image developed? Self-image is a product of learning. Parents or caregivers make the greatest contribution to our…

When it comes to the health of your skin, it’s a good idea to be proactive and keep an eye out for dangerous moles. This is especially true if you already have moles on your body, or if you have a family history (a close relative) of moles. In addition to limiting your exposure to sunlight and using sunscreens, examining yourself for moles can allow for early detection and treatment. If you or a close relative have moles, you should examine your body once a month. Most moles are benign…

What vaccinations do I need to have before traveling abroad? Once you decide that your travel plans will take you beyond the US borders, it’s wise to make an appointment with a travel health expert to discuss your general health and immunization needs. Whether or not you will need particular vaccines will depend on several factors, including: Your risk of exposure to diseases in the countries to be visited Your age, current health status, and vaccination history The presence of…

Some risk factors associated with aging and menopause cannot be changed. However, healthy eating can prevent or reduce certain conditions that may develop during and after menopause. What are some basic dietary guidelines during menopause? Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Since women’s diets are often low in iron and calcium, follow these guidelines: Get enough calcium. Eating and drinking 2 to 4 servings of dairy products and calcium-rich foods a day will help…

Anthocyanins are colorful compounds found in red, purple or blue fruits and vegetables that are not only tasty, but good for us too! They are thought to “turn on” cancer preventive triggers in the cells, decreasing our risk for disease.

Anthocyanins cans be found in most berries including blueberries, blackberrries, cranberries, cherries, red grapes, eggplant peel and red cabbage.

An unusual combination, yet, one of my summer favorites with sweet watermelon, fresh mint, salty olives, and feta bursting with sweet and salty in each mouthful. This recipe is from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age.

Since 1 in every 2 women are destined to have an osteoporotic bone fracture, it's important for women to know about the different treatment options available to help manage osteoporosis. Dr. Holly L. Thacker, executive director of Speaking of Women's Health, discusses the many different treatment options for osteoporosis management.t

The Sinuses Sinuses are air-filled cavities (spaces) located in your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. The sinuses produce a thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. When a sinus becomes inflamed, usually as the result of an allergic reaction, a tumor, or an infection, the inflammation will prevent the outflow of mucus and cause a pain similar to that of a headache. What are the symptoms of sinus headaches? Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and…

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women. Fortunately, most of the risk associated with heart disease is within our control. Reduce your risk of heart disease at a young age with these tips from Dr. Holly L. Thacker, executive director of Speaking of Women's Health.

I am 51 years old and have gained weight and have regular periods. I am always warm and I am experiencing periodic hot flashes. Is this menopause? I have had my thyroid levels checked and they are normal. Could it be something else?

Your intention is your vision for your life. This vision is a force in your heart, full of power and passion that cannot be seen but can be heard and felt from within. Your intention is your ultimate goal, with a direction, an attitude, and an energy you want to cultivate in yourself and in your life. Creating your intention is very exciting because it is the beginning of something bigger, something more, something really important that you want to attract into your life. You decide what it is…

The definition I like for chaos is a state of extreme confusion and disorder. While nobody would actively choose chaos, it kind of creeps up on us and before we realize, it becomes a way of life. Take this quiz to see if you are living in or headed for a chaotic life? Do you say “I don’t know why I am so tired” more than once a week, day, or hour? Would you be embarrassed to have your boss ride in your car today? Do you tend to underestimate how long things take - by half or more? Do…

After working in the emergency room for 23 years, the health and fitness field for 25 years, and life coaching for 15 years, I have had plenty of opportunity to work with people who were not aging so gracefully. Today, 60,000 baby boomers turn 60 every day. Wow! We are the largest percentage of the population and continue to live longer. I just want us to continue to live stronger as well. With that in mind, here are my top 10 ways to age gracefully (from the inside out): Move: Nothing new…

How much of the body has to be exposed without cover to get enough Vitamin D? Ten minutes is always the time I find when researching, but I cannot find out how much of the body has to be actually exposed.

What does Father's Day have to do with hair loss in women? Read Dr. Holly Thacker's column to learn more why women experience hair loss and what treatments are available.

Research and clinical experience have revealed that women's major concern with midlife and aging is weight gain. Dr. Holly L. Thacker, executive director of Speaking of Women's Health, discusses how midlife women can lose weight during menopause.

The delightfully crisp Cucumber, Mint and Feta Salad is from the ‘Ready-Made Menus – Summer Sensations’ chapter of Holly Clegg's KITCHEN 101: Secrets to Cooking Confidence cookbook.