Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D.

By Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D.
 

When the topic of hormones gets brought up with women, it can often be treated like a bad word. We have been conditioned to think that hormones are the "enemy"- affecting our functioning and well-being once every month of our lives from puberty to menopause. In reality, hormones are very important chemicals in our bodies that interact and control so many of our bodily functions. The more we, as women, understand how these hormones work within our bodies, the more we can maximize our well-being.

The actual definition of a hormone is a "chemical communicator or connector" that carries messages to and from all the organs in the body. This type of inter-organ communication helps the body to remain balanced and function optimally. A hormone acts like a key that fits into a specific lock or receptor site at each organ. Each organ has a group of hormones associated with its functioning. For example, the thyroid secretes thyroxine and trodothryonine; the adrenal glands secrete norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, aldosterone and DHEA; while the pancreas is associated with glucagons and insulin.
 

To continue reading, visit www.VirginiaWomensCenter.com. 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is always important that we remember this valuable information from the National Cancer Institute. However, as we plan to spend more time in the sun during the summer months, it becomes even more essential.  
 

Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells that make the pigment melanin. It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
 

"ABCDE" can help you remember what to look for in existing or new moles: 

• Asymmetry: The shape of one half does not match the other half.
• Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
• Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue may also be seen.
• Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea (larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
• Evolving: The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun:

• Avoid outdoor activities during the middle of the day. The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you must be outdoors, seek shade when you can.
• Remember that the sun's rays can be reflected by sand, water, snow, ice and pavement. Its rays can also go through light clothing, windshields, windows and clouds.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants. Avoid loosely woven fabrics.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, neck and ears. Keep in mind that baseball caps and some sun visors protect only parts of your skin.
• Wear sunglasses that absorb UV radiation to protect the skin around your eyes.
• Use sunscreen lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the product's recommended amount to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going outside and apply again every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Be sure that your sunscreen lotion filters both UVB and UVA radiation.

 Boot Camp for New Dads is a program, by men and for men, in which veterans (new fathers who bring their 2-12 month old babies) orient rookies (fathers-to-be) on the realities of fatherhood. During the three hour session that takes place on a Saturday morning, discussions will focus on caring for babies and new moms, balancing work life with fatherhood, financing a family, following conflicting advice and dealing with your mother-in-law. The workshops are held at Richmond area hospitals and our St. Mary's office location is excited to host our first Boot Camp on June 11. For more information or to see the class schedule, visit the First Things First of Greater Richmond Web site.
 

The workshops emphasize the unique strengths and creativity that men have in caring for their children.  When dads get involved in caring for their children in addition to moms, their children benefit greatly.

Karen Levin, Cooking Light
JUNE 2007

Ingredients:
· Cooking spray
· 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast cutlets
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
· 8 cups mixed greens
· 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
· 1/3 cup diced peeled avocado
· 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
· 1/3 cup fat-free Italian dressing
· 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
· 1 bacon slice, cooked and crumbled
 

Preparation:
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side or until done. Cut into 1/2-inch slices.
 

Combine greens, tomatoes, avocado and onions in a large bowl. Drizzle greens mixture with dressing; toss gently to coat. Arrange about 2 cups greens mixture on each of 4 salad plates. Top each serving with 4 ounces chicken, 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese and about 1/2 teaspoon bacon.

Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 263
Calories from fat: 27%
Fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 2.4g
Monounsaturated fat: 3.2g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1.4g
Protein: 37.9g
Carbohydrate: 8.9g
Fiber: 3.7g
Cholesterol: 99mg
Iron: 2.6mg
Sodium: 606mg
Calcium: 89mg