Women and obesity

Obesity, or too much body fat, is a chronic disease that is a health threat for women at every stage of life. Obesity is linked as a contributing factor to serious health conditions. As the prevalence of obesity has grown significantly, obesity has become the second largest cause of preventable death in the United States, following tobacco. Today's children and young adults are on track to mature into the most obese generation in US history, creating pressure on the health care system to deal with fat related disease.

As much as we like fast food, it will cause weight gain. Salts cause water weight gain giving that bloated feeling. Your body will breakdown the fat using what it needs for cellular energy and growth while the rest will be distributed and stored. American obesity has been linked scientifically to the typical American diet that is high in fats, salt and sugar. Sodas and juices are high sugary and acidic drinks. The acid will weaken and strip away tooth enamel. The sugar is empty calories and will essentially cause hunger and crave more sugar.

As women age, our metabolisms slow, hormone levels fluctuate and energy decreases. Lack of regular exercise and a sedentary lifestyle will cause weight gain. If we don't keep our eating habits in check and make the right food choices, packing on the pounds is easy to do. Having the "I just don't care" "I've always been heavy" "I've tried to lose the weight but can't" way of thought is self-defeating. Don't make the possible seem impossible. The first step in losing weight is to believe you can. Otherwise, the lackadaisical attitude will keep you on the merry-go-round of mood changes and health risk. A positive attitude toward food choices and exercise will help maintain a healthy weight.

Unhealthy diets and obesity will lead to:

Obstetric and Gynecologic Complications
Cholecystitis and pancreatitis
Sleep apnea
Type 2 Diabetes (NIDDM)
BReast Cancer
Low back pain, arthritis

Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and complicates management. The presence of obesity exacerbates metabolic abnormalities of diabetes including hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia. Obesity also increases insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

The risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease is increased with the coexistence of obesity and type 2 diabetes increasing morbidity and mortality. Body weights 20-30% above the ideal have mortality rates 2.5 to 3.3 times higher than for those of normal weight with type 2 diabetes!

Given all the scientific evidence and what we know, the percentage of overweight and obese Americans remains at an all time high. Making healthy food choices, incorporating exercise and living an overall healthy lifestyle is wiser and safer than choosing a life with a high risk health threat.

Good health,

TrIsha M. Pacenti RN, BSN

www.patientsmedical.com/women/obesity

Choosing between fiinancial protection vs financial ruin

Why have it?  If you have a family who depends on your paycheck for financial survival, then that is the foremost reason why you should have it. You are protecting your family's financial health after your death. The life insurance proceeds are transferred to your family tax free. The life insurance company you don't like and complain about will suddenly be loved once your family receives their check upon your death.

Your family will be able to pay death related expenses in addition to current and future bills. Life insurance allows you to invest in protection for very little cost. It is the least expensive, value added insurance available. There is no one reason for anyone to go without it. Premiums are low cost and those on a fixed budget can afford it.

Who else should have it? Anyone who is breathing. The need for life insurance is there. Someone will be burdened by the cost of your death. Having a life policy in place, even a low face amount just to cover death related expenses, is sufficient. The time to buy a life policy is now. Today is the youngest and healthiest you will be. Locking in premiums at your current age and before your next birthday, will ensure you are getting the lowest price possible.

The age of discussing death as a taboo topic is over. Procrastinating and denying own mortality is costly to everyone. By failing to prepare you a preparing to fail.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Human body contmination

What? We live in an industrialized nation. We burn coal. We pour, sprinkle, spray vegetation full of chemicals that end up in our water supply, soil and ultimately foods.  We wear make-up, dye our hair, glue on finger nails, wear sunscreen, perfumes, deodorant, etc.  There’s no denying that we live in a toxic world. There are hundreds of thousands of known chemicals to man and the list continues to grow.  There are unregulated chemicals being used and added to this toxic stew we call home.

Chemicals such as aluminum, copper, mercury and amalgam are found in our bodies. They come from deodorants, cookware, some fish, auto emissions and dental fillings. Chemicals are found in the air we breathe, plastic and canned food containers, home and garden pesticides, dry cleaning detergents, gasoline, etc. Lead is found in higher than ever concentrations in the body even though it was banned almost 50 years ago.

Unfortunately these and other metals such as iron, cadmium and copper are easily absorbed by the body and the brain. Once the metals take up residence in the brain, mental decline may occur such as memory loss, poor focus and concentration, depression, moodiness, poor reasoning skills.

If you are an expectant mother, all foods and liquids you ingest cross the placenta and are absorbed by the fetus. The flavors you eat and drink are taken up by the unborn child. Pay particular attention to the source of the foods and liquids you ingest.  

You can do due diligence by choosing certain foods, vitamins and herbal extracts that draw out or de-toxify the blood. If you are a red meat eater and white carb lover, limit intake to no more than once a week. Lean meat is best. Avoid bacon and sandwich meats. Avoid fried meats.

White carbs are sugar, white rice, pasta, white flour based foods like pretzels, donuts, bagels and chips. Free range chicken and turkey is best. Don’t fry it. Add fish, chicken, eggs up to 3 times a week. Eat fruit, vegetables, olive oils, nuts, whole grains, herbs and spices daily.  

We cannot completely escape these harsh chemicals but we can certainly choose the right foods for a healthier internal environment. To learn more about heavy metal food contamination please visit, www.foodonline.com

Good health,
 
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

What is whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that is guaranteed to last for your entire life. Whole life not only provides a death benefit but also builds up cash value that can be available during your lifetime. If you are sick and laid up, you can withdrawal from the built up cash value while the face amount remains unchanged.

 Benefits of whole life insurance:

·         Cash values

·         Great way to accumulate tax deferred funds

·         Easy access to cash

·         May be used to transfer wealth

The several types of whole life policies are:

Whole life 100

·         Preserve or accumulate wealth

·         Fixed premium to age 100

 Life Paid Up at 65

·         Whole life policy with level premiums payable to age 65

·         Ideal for people who want premiums to end during retirement years

·         Higher accumulated cash value at 65 versus 100

 Life Paid up at 95 is same as for 65.

Single Premium Life

With SPL, you can make a 1 time premium payment to secure a paid up policy providing a guaranteed death benefit.

·         Ideal for those in or approaching retirement years

·         Interest credited immediately upon payment of premium 

There are expenses associated with death. If you believe you have yourself covered with the bare minimum of life insurance you may and chances are, will be leaving outstanding expenses for your family to cover out of their own pocket. Now is your opportunity to make sure you have a well-designed and enough money in your financial portfolio to cover all expenses associated with your death and protect your family from having to dip in any saved up money.

Every individual has their own unique situation. Designing a financial plan is as individual as you are. Consulting with a licensed, experienced representative is the first step in planning a financial protection for you and your family. Consultations are free and information is kept confidential. 

An hour of your time will make the difference between financial ruin and financial protection.

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagnet.com

Breast cancer awareness

A yearly mammography and monthly self-breast exams are key to breast cancer detection.  According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes. As the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, it is also the second leading cause of death among them.

Though often thought to be a woman-specific disease, breast cancer also occurs in men. In fact, each year it is estimated that approximately 2,100 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men who are at high risk for breast cancer may do self-breast exams as well.  If breast cancer runs in your family or you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, you have higher risk of developing male breast cancer.

Most women with breast cancer have some type of surgery, and for those who undergo partial or full mastectomies may find comfort in options for breast prosthesis afterward.
There are several services available to women who need special bras, camis, swim wear, etc. to help adjust to your new you. Please talk with your doctor about post breast surgery care and options available.

To learn more, please visit www.breastcancer.org

Good health,

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Benefits of preparedness

Life insurance is the cornerstone of a sound financial plan. Protecting what you value the most is what we naturally do for those we love. It's never too late or too early to protect your family's financial future. Truth is, it is difficult to have discussions on mortality. Reality is, mortality is just as real as the nose on your face. The difficulty of the conversation should not stop you from pre-planning. The time to have these discussions is now when your at your youngest and healthiest.

Pre-planning brings value and sense of security. There is no better feeling knowing that you have laid out a financial plan for your family. The flexibility of life insurance ensures you have enough money available to cover final expenses. The wide range of available products will provide the coverage you need. Another value added benefit at no cost to you or the beneficiary is that the money is federal income tax free.

There is no such thing as one-size fits all life insurance. You have unique needs, goals and responsibilities so you need a life insurance plan that's designed specifically for you. Building a successful life insurance program starts with paying attention to detail and a qualified life insurance representative.

Take time and learn how you can protect what you have worked for and accumulated your whole life. To learn more how life insurance products can help you, contact me  for a consultation. As an experienced representative, I will provide you with a financial needs analysis, review products with you and provide you with an individualized plan that is best to fit your needs.

 Medical and financial events don't wait, why should you?

Smart financial health,

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

High cholesterol isn't the only enemy of heart health

Cardiovascular issues are the #1 cause of health concern in America. It is also know as the silent killer. Cardiovascular illness is unknown until symptoms occur such as headaches as a reflection of very high blood pressure or you suffer a stroke or heart attack. Going for regular check ups from your physician will help you keep a vigilant eye on how your doing. physician during your annual physical. With millions of baby-boomers entering their fifties and sixties, there is an increasing demand for a better, easier and natural way to improve and protect heart health.

Those tasty high-fat and cholesterol rich foods Americans love can create unhealthy cholesterol that is harmful to the heart, especially as we age. OTC products flood the market claiming to reduce cholesterol without side effects. The problem with these products may have side effects and may not even address another problem known as cholesterol lipid peroxidation. This is a process which free radicals cause structural damage to the cholesterol in your body making them even more harmful to your heart and arteries.

The best way to treat elevated cholesterol is take medication prescribed by your physician, get lab values checked as needed, usually the liver profile as these drugs are metabolized through the liver pathway and follow a heart healthy diet.

Aging, our environment, dietary and lifestyle choices cause free radicals that cannot be avoided. Left unchecked, they can turn healthy cholesterol levels into unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Be smart, be kind to your heart.

Good health,

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com