Food Fun Family

My Heart Optimizer Results from Helix

Lolli — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 19:19:09 +0000

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Helix for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last month, I sent a DNA sample in to Helix. Who knew that spitting in a tube could be so revealing?

One simple DNA sample with Helix opens the doors to a world of discovery about your personal health and wellness. Check out what you can discover with Helix (with no need to submit multiple DNA samples):

Fitness Diet Pro by DNAFit
Food Sensitivity+ by EverlyWell
Wine Explorer by Vinome
Heart Optimizer by Arivale
CarrierCheck by Sema4
And so many more amazing products….like those that will tell you about your ancestry!)

How Helix Works

The first step is to order any of the products Helix offers. They’ll send you a DNA collection kit (plus easy-to-follow instructions) in the mail. You provide a small saliva sample in the provided tube (remember, the instructions will walk you through each step), and send it back to their lab. Helix then sequences your DNA by reading the millions of letters of your genetic code. Helix then stores your genetic data so you can access it later should you choose to utilize another one of the products they offer.

Heart Optimizer

One of the wellness products offered on the Helix Store is Arivale’s Heart Optimizer. This is the service that I tried out first. Heart Optimizer helps users gain an in-depth understanding of how genetics could increase the likelihood of:

High LDL (bad) cholesterol
Low HDL (good) cholesterol
High triglycerides (can cause heart disease)
Caffeine and salt’s impact on blood pressure

After I got my results back, I scheduled a one-on-one phone conversation with an Arivale Registered Dietitian, who I just spoke with a few days ago. She went over results, helped me understand what everything meant, listened to my goals, and made specific diet and exercise recommendations tailored to my DNA predisposition to improve my heart health.

The first thing that my coach asked me when we started talking was my “why.” Why did I choose Heart Optimizer? My reason is fairly simple. First, I was born with a heart condition. While it’s not serious, it can be very annoying – even distracting at times. And mostly, I worry that years of irregular heart function will leave my heart weaker as I get older.

My second “why” involved a family member who recently had an unexpected heart attack. I want to proactively take lifestyle changes NOW to try to lower the risk of heart attacks in the near future.

But, really, my biggest “why” is my family. I want to be around for them (and with them!) for many, many years!

Here are just a few things I learned on my call:

Genetics is all about potential, NOT destiny. DNA tests like the Heart Optimizer look at possibilities and predispositions.
It’s important to get blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels checked regularly. It’s been too long since I’ve checked! Again, DNA can tell you about predisposition, but it’s not a replacement for visiting a doctor regularly and having those levels monitored. As with any health issues, early detection is key.
My results were able to tell me areas that I have a higher predisposition. This doesn’t mean I HAVE problems now. But knowing about predispositions (like my predisposition for salt to have a negative effect on my blood pressure) help me make better decisions now, before there is an issue.
My Arivale coach sent me away with a goal to incorporate more Omega 3s into my diets (salmon, walnuts, and homemade salad dressings with walnut or flax oil, for instance).
I learned a TON about LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and more. I felt very comfortable asking questions (or admitting that I didn’t know much).

Here’s what my coach sent to me in my action plan after our call. I think this is great advice for anyone!

Eat a food source of omega 3 fats: Omega 3 fats are heart healthy fats that should be included regularly in a healthy, balanced diet. The best sources are oily fish, like salmon, as well as walnuts, flax, hemp, and chia. A few simple ideas for incorporating more of these foods in your diet include: – Substitute wild salmon for meat one night per week – Top a rice cake or whole grain toast with avocado and tuna – Add walnuts to oatmeal or yogurt – Try small fish, like sardines and anchovies, in pasta dishes. – Make your own salad dressing using flax or walnut oil – Add hemp seeds to a smoothie – Use chia seeds to make a fiber-rich pudding – Make your own pesto using walnuts.

Want to try a kit from Helix out for yourself? I’ve got a discount code for 30% off any purchase for the first 25 unique users! Just enter Code HelixlwiE!

Which product would you like to try first?

Connect with Helix:

Website: https://www.helix.com

Hashtag #crackyourcode

Twitter: @my_helix

Facebook: @myhelix

Instagram: @helixdnastore

Discover How Genetics Affects Your Heart Health with Helix

Lolli — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:21:51 +0000

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Helix for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Just last month, a family member unexpectedly had a heart attack. Thankfully, she’s doing great now, but the heart attack took all of us by surprise and certainly caused me to reflect on my own health and risk factors. I was recently introduced to a new sort of DNA testing. In this day and age, I’m sure most of us are familiar with DNA tests that tell us where our ancestors came from. Helix takes simple DNA tests one step further. Now, more than ever, people want to be actively involved and proactive about their health and wellness. I’m extremely grateful for the doctors that have helped me and my family members over the years. But there is also a lot we can do on our own to learn more about ourselves and make changes to live a better life. Helix believes that “by unlocking more genetic data (around 22,000 genes), every person will be able to make more informed choices and decisions about their health, lifestyle, fitness, nutrition, and more.” How cool would it be to use your DNA to uncover the best fitness and diet routine for your own body? What if your DNA could tell you which foods to avoid and which foods will help you feel the best? What if you could discover new wines tailored to your palette…based on your DNA? What if you could use your DNA to better understand your cholesterol or how your body will react to caffeine? Amazingly, you CAN find all of these answers with Helix. With Helix, you only need to get your DNA sequenced once and then over the course of your life, you can choose from a variety of unique products that use that DNA information:

Fitness Diet Pro by DNAFit
Food Sensitivity+ by EverlyWell
Wine Explorer by Vinome
Heart Optimizer by Arivale
And so many more amazing products!)

Helix uses your DNA (from a simple saliva sample sent in to their labs) as a starting point to find out SO much about your personal health and wellness profile. The results from your one sample are stored and can be used for multiple products, so if you decide you’d like to find out more in the future, you don’t have to go through the collection process again. And, yes, that includes finding out about your ancestry, too! The Heart Optimizer product is able to tell you about your predisposition for high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and caffeine and salt’s possible effect on your blood pressure. After you get your results back, you have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with an Arivale Registered Dietitian who will go over results, listen to your goals, and make specific recommendations tailored to your optimal heart health. Another great part is that I can log in and chat with Arivale coaches and ask them questions while my DNA is being sequenced, so I can get started right away.

Getting started

I ordered the Heart Optimizer kit from the website, and received my collection kit in the mail shortly after. The first step after receiving any of the kits is to register it online (so that when they receive your kit back in the lab, they know who it belongs to!). Registration was quick and easy. I think the hardest part of the whole process (for me) was remembering to not eat or drink for 30 minutes prior to providing my saliva. Luckily, the amount of saliva needed for the test is not too much. It was easier than I thought to fill the tube up to the line! Once my saliva was collected, I added it to a plastic sealed bag and then placed it in the postage-provided box that was in the kit. I was excited to get an email a couple of days later that my collection had been received and was being processed! I’m eager to see what my Heart Optimizer test results tell me. I’ll be posting again once I get my results back! Want to try a kit from Helix out for yourself? I’ve got a discount code for 30% off any purchase for the first 25 unique users! Just enter Code Helixt4HF!

Connect with Helix:

Website: https://www.helix.com Hashtag #crackyourcode Twitter: @my_helix Facebook: @myhelix Instagram: @helixdnastore

Fitness Tips for Seasoned Moms {Plus a Mother’s Day Fitness Special}

Lolli — Tue, 02 May 2017 14:37:25 +0000

This post is sponsored by Planet Fitness but all opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: The content provided by Planet Fitness is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult your physician or other health care professional before following any fitness advice to determine if it is right for your needs.

It’s spring, which means that most of us have long forgotten New Year’s Resolutions to eat better and get in shape…but as the summer approaches and we start thinking about days spent at the pool or the beach with the kids (in swimming suits. Gasp!) some of us may be thinking about hitting the gym again.

I know one of the things that often holds me and other seasoned moms back from getting a gym membership is the fear of discomfort or embarrassment. (Note: by “Seasoned moms,” I mean middle aged women with a few kids and a decent leftover baby pooch).

I admit I’ve been one to think twice about heading to the gym because I very obviously NEED it (as compared to the women who are totally in shape and don’t look like they need it quite as much as I do). That’s why Planet Fitness is such a good fit for me. Each Planet Fitness gym is a Judgment Free Zone® – that means the gym is non-intimidating, hassle-free, and welcoming. Planet Fitness caters to “everyday people” – like the first timers or the every-once-in-a-while gym goers, rather than just the fitness fanatics and body builders.

Well, luckily for me (and moms like me), Planet Fitness is having a new membership sale starting today! Between May 1 and 12, new members can join any Planet Fitness location for just $5 down and then $10 a month with no commitment. That includes access to the Planet Fitness club near you, but also unlimited access to small-group fitness training.

Planet Fitness also provides members access to an online community called “Planet of Triumphs,” where members can celebrate accomplishments and share inspirational stories, encourage and support each other.

There are more than 1,300 locations all over the country, many of them staffed and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s probably a club near you. To find the nearest Planet Fitness location, check out: https://planetfitness.com/local-clubs.

Fitness Tips for Seasoned Moms

Brian Zehetner, Director of Health & Fitness at Planet Fitness shared a few fitness tips for seasoned or more mature moms such as myself, and I’ve included a few of my own.
· Using the stationary bike and elliptical put less stress on the joints, making them a better option for cardio workouts.
· It’s important to remember to do weight-bearing exercises to combat osteopenia, osteoporosis (bone loss), and sarcopenia (muscle loss) as we age.
· The older we get, the longer it takes to recover between exercise sessions, so pace yourself and don’t take on too much at once.
· Focus on functional exercises which increase mobility, stability, and balance (which then reduce the risk of falls and injuries later on).
· Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Not only do I bring a water bottle to the gym, but I start off my workouts with plenty of water in my system.
· Exercising consistently is often more important than what you’re doing at the gym…but that doesn’t mean that you should skip the gym again simply because you’ve missed your last few workouts. Focus on the forward progress, not the past challenges.
· Accountability partners help so much in keeping your commitments to going to the gym. If you can, grab a friend to head to the gym with you. Even if you go alone, have a “virtual” partner that you tell about your successes.

What exercise tips would you add?

Connect with Planet Fitness:

• Website: https://www.planetfitness.com
• Facebook: @planetfitness
• Twitter: @PlanetFitness
• Instagram: @planetfitness

Ready to Experience the End of Dry Skin?

Lolli — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 15:48:54 +0000

This post is sponsored by Curél® but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I grew up in a pretty dry Western state, so I was accustomed to needing to apply lotion every day. Dry skin was a constant struggle for me, particularly my feet, hands, and elbows. When I moved to the East Coast, where we experience humid air about half of the year, I noticed that my skin wasn’t feeling as dry during the humid months. At the same time, though, I noticed that my skin felt DRIER than ever when winter came along and we no longer had the humid air.

During the winter months in particular, my elbows, hands, and feet get so dry that they are often painful. Have you ever had a similar problem?

This year, I started winter off with a new moisturizing routine, which included Curél® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER as part of my showering routine.

I was surprised that in my 42 years I had never considered the benefits of applying lotion right after showering or bathing. In my mind, my skin was already feeling moist (thanks to the warm water and shower gel I’d just used) but I’ve recently learned that after a shower is the BEST time to apply lotion.

Curious as to WHY it’s best to apply lotion right after showering? After taking a shower, your skin cells expand, providing an easy pathway for moisture into just-showered skin. Think of your skin like a sponge. When wet, your skin cells expand, providing an easy pathway for lotion to soak in. Curél® HYDRA THERAPY, with Advanced Ceramide Complex, penetrates deeply into the surface of the skin bringing moisture to the source of dryness.

So the next question is, what do ceramides do and why are they so good for your dry skin? Ceramides are found naturally in healthy skin, and are vital to maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. When your skin loses ceramides, it becomes dry and damaged. Curél® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER, with Advanced Ceramide Complex, penetrates to the source of dryness, helping to replenish skin’s ceramide levels and repair the moisture barrier.

It’s easy to use Curél® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER. After finishing your shower or bath, apply Curél® HYDRA THERAPY to wet skin. It absorbs immediately and there’s no need to rinse off or wait for it to absorb. Remember that sponge analogy? Your wet skin actually helps it absorb faster!

Not only does it feel silky-smooth going on, but Curél® HYDRA THERAPY is totally greaseless and scent-free, so even my kids are ok with using it! I noticed a difference in my skin within just a few days of using Curél® HYDRA THERAPY. No longer do my hands feel dry or get cracked. I’ve even noticed that my feet are still feeling moisturized by the end of the day and I don’t feel a need to slather them with lotion before I put my feet under the covers at night (does anyone else hate the feeling of dry skin on sheets?).

I was interested to learn that, according to a survey that Curél® conducted with bloggers like me, 80% reported that they use a body moisturizer as part of their morning routine, but only 20% said that lotion was part of their bedtime routine. For as long as I can remember, my skin has been desperate for moisture at night, and the biggest difference I noticed while using Curél® HYDRA THERAPY was that my skin no longer felt so “thirsty” for moisture at night. That’s a huge thing for me to say!

Among the 40 bloggers surveyed (myself included!), 30% said that they experience dry skin everywhere, while 20% claimed arms and 43% claimed legs as their biggest problem spot. So where do you fall? Where are your skin’s trouble areas?

Enter to Win a $100 Visa Gift Card!

Let me know in the comments below what YOUR skin’s #1 problem spot and what your tips are for combating those tough spots. Each comment will automatically be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. Good luck!

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#Sweeps” and “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 3/2-3/31

Be sure to visit the brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

The Importance of Preparing for the Unexpected

Lolli — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 15:11:29 +0000

Prepare for the unexpected. You never know what’s going to happen down the road. This was a concept that was emphasized regularly as I was growing up.
When you’re growing up, you make plans for your future. Go to college. Get married. Have a family. Buy a house.

But have you noticed that life rarely goes exactly as you had planned or envisioned it?

My mom had a pretty intense personal experience that taught her the importance of preparing for the unexpected when, at 24, she found out that her husband – my dad – was dying of cancer.

They met when they were 15. Married when they were 20. I came along when they were both 22. They had a long life ahead of them. She hadn’t planned on being a young widow. A young single mom without a career to fall back on. But there she was.

When I was an older teenager, getting ready to graduate high school and head off to college in a different state, my mom started sharing things with me. Letters from my dad. Details about his sickness.

When I was a young married soon-to-be-first-time-mom, I recalled one of the things she told me about those last few months of my dad’s life. She said that one of the main things that helped her financially during that time was their Aflac policy.

Not only did their Aflac supplemental insurance help pay for many of the hospital expenses, but it provided peace of mind at a time when the last thing either of them wanted to think about was money and bills.

The fact is, illnesses, accidents, and other unexpected things could happen at any moment, but the more prepared you are for the “what-ifs,” the easier they will be to manage and get through.

We’re no longer in that new-family, new-job stage of life. Now we’re somewhere mid-career. Kids are more expensive, house payments are more expensive, and any sort of accident or illness would hit even harder at this stage.

What is supplemental insurance like Aflac?

Aflac offers supplemental insurance, which is designed to complement your major medical insurance to help fill the holes in your health care coverage. Aflac knows that major medical insurance may not cover every expense related to a serious health event – an accident or a hospital stay or an illness like cancer. Aflac is there to help cover expenses that major medical may not cover, such as deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. Aflac pays cash directly to the insured (unless assigned), who can decide how to best use the benefits. The goal? To help policyholders maintain their current lifestyle as they recover and move on from those unexpected life events.

No matter what your life stage – whether you’re just starting a family, a middle-career family with kids and a house, or whether you’re approaching retirement, Aflac can help give you peace of mind.

Is cancer insurance right for you? Most people today know someone – a family member or a close friend – who has been touched by cancer. Even when they’re covered by major medical insurance, a cancer diagnosis can be a difficult financial challenge. A study at Duke University Medical Center found that the average monthly out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients is $1266. And that’s for insured patients!

For more information, visit aflac.com or check out Aflac’s Benefits Estimator to calculate the amount Aflac can provide to help with out-of-pocket costs that may not be covered by your major medical insurance: aflac.com/benefitsestimator.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Policies may not be available in all states. Limitations and exclusions may apply. Benefits are determined by state and plan level selected. Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

1 Clear Health Care Costs, “By the numbers: Out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment,” accessed Oct. 4, 2016 – https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2011/08/by-the-numbers-out-of-pocket-costs-for-cancer-treatment/

Z161056E 10/16

Five Easy Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Balance #IAmBiotic

Lolli — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 13:12:29 +0000

Thank you Florastor® Daily Probiotics for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailer to pick up your bottle of Florastor® Daily Probiotics to complement your active lifestyle!

I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. But when the kids head back to school each fall, I feel an increased drive to improve my health and find the balance that seems to go missing each summer.

Call this the season of new school year resolutions, if you will. I love re-focusing my habits for a healthier balance once the kids are back to school.

My favorite tip for feeling good, having energy, and staying healthy is finding balance. It makes such a difference when I’m able to establish balance between sleep, good foods, and exercise.

Here are a few easy changes that you can make to maintain a healthy balance in your life

Increase the amount of water you drink. I have a tumbler full of water with me at all times during the day. One of my favorite times to fill up on water is first thing in the morning. Because you’ve been sleeping for several hours when you wake up (or at least I hope you have been!), your body is dehydrated and craving water. When you fill up with water before eating breakfast or drinking other beverages, you’re setting your body up for a stronger day.

Be more active. I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk….which is obviously not great for my health. Exercise, in any form, takes time and commitment, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, difficult, or expensive. My favorite form of exercise is putting my head phones in, turning on an audio book, and walking for a few miles. I can’t tell you how much of a difference it makes to get up off my chair and move for a while. I love this quote that I pass by on my regular walking path. It’s a great reminder to me!

Get enough sleep. This is a lifestyle habit that I know and believe in but have a hard time sticking to. Getting the right amount of sleep effects so many aspects of your life and health. Getting enough sleep improves memory and concentration. Sleep and metabolism seem to go hand in hand, too….so if one of your healthy living goals is to lose weight, you can start by getting more sleep.

Choose healthy snacks. Yes, it’s important to eat well all day long, but snacks are what seem to trip me up more often than anything else. When I reach for a handful of nuts or a cup of cottage cheese instead of a bowl of ice cream or candy, I fill my belly so that I’m not hungry again in 30 minutes.

Take daily probiotics. Did you know that taking a probiotic supplement like Florastor strengthens your digestive balance and supports a healthy immune system?
What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are keep your gut healthy. Your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are good bacteria that keep your digestive system running smoothly.

A few other cool facts about Florastor Probiotics:

Florastor is the only probiotic brand with Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 which helps restore your natural flora
Florastor, which is naturally resistant to antibiotics, can help maintain flora balance while taking antibiotics
Florastor helps break down carbs and fiber
Florastor helps your body naturally absorb water and nutrients
Florastor is vegetarian, gluten-free, and contains non-GMO ingredients
Appropriate for the whole family ages 2 months and up

Find out more about Florastor Daily Probiotics here!

What are your best tips for establishing a healthy balance in your life?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

It Starts with a Smile #InvisalignSmile

Lolli — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 03:47:22 +0000

I am a member of the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board and my daughter, Necco, is currently receiving her Invisalign Teen treatment for free. All thoughts are my own.

Check the Doctor Locator to find an Invisalign provider near you.

Tomorrow my daughter and I head back to her orthodontist for another Invisalign check up. Is it silly that the two of us have grown to look forward to her every-six-to-eight-week visits?

Just two days ago, she posted this picture on her Facebook wall, with this excited caption:

“This represents about 52 out of 64 weeks of Invisalign trays fixing my teeth. I have roughly 12 more weeks before I’m supposed to be done!! My teeth look and feel better than they ever have!!”

I love that she has had such a positive experience straightening her teeth, especially because she was so hesitant to do it in the beginning. She has nothing but positivity and smiles for her Invisalign journey now.

Isn’t it incredible how far reaching a “simple” thing like confidence can be? The only thing Necco has done is straighten her teeth – and yet I can see the difference in her smile. She is proud to flash her teeth for a big grin and does it often. She is confidently making plans for her graduation and college applications (and I have to admit…after my oldest daughter got married this Spring, I am even less ready to send Necco off to school!).

Have you felt the difference that confidence makes in your own life? I’ve seen it happen in my own life (blogging has been a huge confidence booster for me) and in the lives of my children. It’s powerful to witness. I’m so thrilled to share It Starts with a Smile with you guys today.

What is It Starts with a Smile? It Starts with a Smile aims to share stories of real life patients whose new smiles gave them the confidence to change their lives in a big way. Patients across America are sharing how their life transformed drastically once they had the confidence of a new smile, and proves that changing one thing about yourself can impact everything.

Win one of FIVE Invisalign Smile Grants

When my oldest daughter was just starting high school, long before I was on the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board, I wrote an article about her smile….and her desperate need to have her teeth fixed. I was shocked and honored when my article won her Invisalign treatment. It feels like a lifetime away, but I am grateful for that opportunity every day.

And that’s just one reason that I am particularly happy to tell you today about a chance for YOU to win one of five Invisalign Smile Grants for free Invisalign treatment. It was a dream come true…an answer to my prayers…and it could be for you, too!

Think straightening teeth is just for kids? Think again! It’s for YOU, too…and isn’t it time that you did something for yourself?

Through August 14, 2016, simply go to invisalign.com/smilegrants and share what you would accomplish with a confident new smile for a chance to win one of the five Invisalign Smile Grants.

Read my other Invisalign posts to see what our journey has been like…and to see how much Necco’s smile has improved! Be sure to check out the It Starts with a Smile Pinterest board, too!

Questions? Ask away! I’ll be sharing more information in the coming months about Necco’s journey with Invisalign and my time on the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board. Please feel free to ask me any questions – here, privately, on Facebook, wherever!

Check the Doctor Locator to find an Invisalign provider near you.

5 Reasons We Love Invisalign

Lolli — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 18:14:09 +0000

I am a member of the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board and my daughter, Necco, is currently receiving her Invisalign Teen treatment for free.

It’s amazing how fast time flies. Necco is at her one-year mark with Invisalign! I can’t believe it’s been a year since she got started, and even more importantly, I can’t believe what a HUGE difference a year has made in her teeth.

There is so much that we love about Invisalign, but this graphic inspired me to go into a little more detail about some of the things that really are incredible about using Invisalign to straighten teeth.

5 Reasons to Love Invisalign:

Aligners put the focus on YOU, not your braces. Most of the time, no one has any idea that Necco is wearing Invisalign because they’re clear and fit right over her teeth. So people can focus on how adorable she is, not how her braces look.
You can eat your favorite foods, without restriction. Necco can eat anything she wants – even Easter candies and her favorite snack…POPCORN – because she simply takes her aligners out before she eats and pops them back in when she’s done eating. There’s no worry of getting foods stuck in her braces or struggling with getting food unstuck from between braces. Love that!
You can brush and floss normally. Necco is very careful about brushing and flossing her teeth and loves the fact that her teeth are “naked” and easy to brush and floss when she takes her aligners out. And when she doesn’t have access to a toothbrush and sink, she just drinks some water after eating and before putting her aligners back in.
You can pop aligners out (and back in) whenever needed. Necco really only needs to take her aligners out when she eats, but Invisalign makes it so easy that she could take them in and out whenever necessary.
Office visits are every 4-6 weeks. Necco sees her orthodontist every 6 weeks, and office visits are quick and easy. I love that they are not a huge time commitment on our part because we have plenty of other things going on!

Reason #6 That We Love Invisalign

Another thing we love about Invisalign is that we have nearly NO “emergencies.” My oldest daughter had some of her aligners crack, and although Necco has not had that happen once in the year she’s been wearing Invisalign, I know that if she DID have a problem with an aligner, the solution is simple. Anytime an aligner is lost or broken, she can simply put the last set of aligners in, give the orthodontist a call, and pick up a replacement set of aligners.

While she has not lost or broken any aligners, we DID have an issue before her last appointment where we had to reschedule an appointment because of a test at school that she couldn’t miss. She was worried because missing her appointment would mean that she would miss her next date to change to new aligners. The next week, I got a call the morning of her rescheduled appointment and learned that the doctor was sick and had to go home. She finally got in for her appointment about a week later. The only set-back was that she had to wear her current aligners for a little longer, but that did NOT stop her progress at all.

Check the Doctor Locator to find an Invisalign provider near you.

Take Control of Your Breast Health and Comfort

Lolli — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 16:13:16 +0000

This post about taking control of your breast health and comfort – and my experience using Violet Iodine Supplements – is sponsored by Violet. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Note: I am not a medical professional and this is simply my personal experience taking this supplement. Please talk to your doctor with any health questions or concerns.

Take Control Of Your Breast Health & Comfort

I’m sure you’ve heard the concept “you don’t appreciate something til it’s gone.” That phrase has been going through my mind the last 2 months as I’ve taken Violet – a daily non-prescription molecular iodine supplement that addresses menstrual-related breast discomfort and alleviates the symptoms associated with fibrocystic breast condition (FBC) including tenderness, swelling, aches and heaviness. Before starting Violet, I never would have said that I had a huge problem with period-related breast tenderness. It was just something that happened before I started my period. It wasn’t a “problem.”

I was curious to see if I’d notice a difference since, in my mind, the problem I was addressing wasn’t huge. Imagine my surprise, then, when I started my period unexpectedly. My first clue that Violet was working was that one of my normal “warning signs” that my period was coming – tender, achy, swollen breasts – was completely and totally absent. I was actually kind of surprised last month. My first reaction was, “Wow. Maybe this was a bigger problem than I thought.” Why? Because it’s a background symptom that I’ve gotten used to. It’s not so painful to be debilitating, but it’s definitely not comfortable.

My period came and went, as it has a tendency to do, and I was even more determined to continue taking Violet – particularly to see if I had the same result the second month. I did. Wow. I am sold and totally hooked. I didn’t appreciate the pain and discomfort until it was gone…and now I never want it back again. I’ve decided to take control of my breast health AND comfort with Violet.

What is Fibrocystic Breast Condition?

Did you know that up to 50% of women experience fibrocystic breast condition? FBC is a benign condition, but the discomfort is very real.

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but here are a few common symptoms. Can you relate?

Your breasts become tender to the touch when your period is coming.
Your breasts may feel heavy, swollen and lumpy or even dense and hard. You cringe at the thought of hugging and avoid intimacy.
You forego certain types of exercise and change sleeping positions because it hurts or feels uncomfortable.
You have to upsize your bra and wear non-restrictive clothing or wear a sports bra all day!

In women with FBC, the relationship between cell growth and cell death is out of balance, which leads to excess breast tissue resulting in breast discomfort. Molecular iodine has been demonstrated to normalize this imbalance and consequently alleviate the associated symptoms of breast tenderness, swelling, heaviness and aches, while promoting breast health.(1)

The unique, patented molecular iodine formula targets breast tissue (2) and can reduce the breast cell build-up that results in breast discomfort.(1) With consistent daily use, Violet iodine has been shown to help maintain healthy breast tissue.

(1) These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
(2) Iodine is also delivered to other tissues in the body.

A Few Words About Breast Health (And Why You Should Take Control!)

Diet, exercise, self screenings and mammograms are all important ways that women – at any age – can take care of their breast health.
Violet iodine is an easy, non-hormone daily supplement that can also help promote breast health by proactively helping to restore the natural, healthy balance of breast cells. Additionally, when maintaining a daily regimen, it helps to reduce the symptoms associated with menstrual-related breast discomfort, so women know it’s working each month!
Breast tissue is composed of milk ducts, milk glands, connective and fatty tissue.
Women with dense breasts have more fibrous tissue than fatty tissue. Having dense breasts affects women in two ways:
- Dense breast tissue makes it harder for radiologists to see cancer so mammograms can be less accurate in women with this condition.
- Having dense breast tissue might also increase your risk of getting breast cancer, although it’s unclear at this time why dense breast tissue is linked to breast cancer risk.
For some women, the menstrual-related breast discomfort can be moderate-to-severe and the majority of women think that there is nothing that can be done and as a result, do not seek treatment.
- A recent survey revealed that 87 percent of women think this discomfort is normal.
- Eighty-one percent have not consulted a doctor about their breast discomfort or tenderness.

Where to Buy Violet Daily Molecular Iodine

You can find Violet for $19.99 at select CVS stores; Click here for CVS store near you as well as other retailers.

For more information about Violet, visit their website at https://www.violetdaily.com/ or on their social channels: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Teen Girls and Calcium (And Why Calcium Is So Important) #BeActiv

Lolli — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:00:43 +0000

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

As a mother of three teenage daughters, I can attest to the fact that there are about a million and one things to worry about. Am I teaching them to be strong women? I’m I preparing them for life on their own? Whether or not they’re getting enough calcium for their growing bodies should not be one of those things moms need to worry about, but the fact is, 86% of teenage girls are not getting enough calcium in their daily diets. (Source: 2010 study published in The Journal of Nutrition)

The scary thing is, 95% of peak bone mass is present by age 20, so it’s critical that teen girls are banking calcium now before they start slowly losing it later in life. Yes, calcium is important at every age, but it is even more important while their bones are still developing. Why is it so important? If your body is not getting enough calcium it will take it from the bones, decreasing bone mineral density which can eventually lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis.

You can see how much calcium is recommended daily by age on this handy chart chart at viactiv.com/why-calcuim

In a recent federal study, it was found that only 15% of high school students drink milk. The number is even lower for girls in high school, with only 9% reporting that they drank milk regularly.

Did you know? The recommended amount of calcium for a girl 9-18 years old is 1300 milligrams (mg). To compare, it is 1000 mg for women 19-50 years of age.

I’ve been fairly lucky, since all of my kids love milk and yogurt and cheese…but I’ve noticed as the kids have gotten older that I don’t have as much control over what they eat. Yes, I cook dinner and I shop for the food that they pack in their school lunches every day. But since I’m no longer hand-feeding them it’s tough to keep track of whether or not they’re getting all of their nutrition needs met. My job has shifted to teaching them good, healthy eating habits and why things like calcium are important in their diet so that they can make the right choices as they continue to grow.

Did you know? Many multivitamins provide only 20-30% of the recommended amount of daily calcium. While a multivitamin is great (and encouraged) it may not be enough.

Another important thing to teach girls is to avoid calcium zappers, such as sodas and salty snacks like pretzels and chips. Even healthy foods like peanut butter, corn, sunflower seeds, and garlic can make it harder for the body to absorb calcium due to their lack of vitamin D.

Did you know? Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and vitamin K helps aid in the formation of bone proteins. Vitamins D and K, found in VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews, work synergistically to increase bone mineral density and modulate bone metabolism while positively affecting calcium balance.

Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews provide teens with almost 80% of their daily value of calcium (500 mg each/1000 mg total), plus vitamins D and K. And because they come in flavors that teens (and their moms…) love – chocolate and caramel – and because they are individually wrapped, they are perfect for adding into a lunch box. And they’re WAY more fun to eat than a big pill you have to swallow (which just means that my girls and I will be more likely to be motivated to take them daily).

Viactiv is part of the three keys to healthy bones:

Obtaining an adequate daily dose of calcium from your diet
Regular bone strengthening exercises (Remember to #BeActiv)
Calcium supplements when diet is not enough

Learn more about teen calcium needs at viactiv.com/teens.

Viactiv is available at major retailers nationwide including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide. Save $2 on your next Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews.

Connect With Viactiv

Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in milk chocolate and caramel flavors at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide. Save $2 on your next in-store purchase with the Viactiv printable coupon.

Learn more about Viactiv at www.Viactiv.com and enter their current prize promotions on Viactiv’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Viactiv and new Instagram channel https://instagram.com/viactiv/.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.