Why Food Labels Can Be Deceiving

Food labels can be tricky. Nutrition labels are a slippery slope. While most packaged foods contain multiple servings, the single serving nutrition facts on the label lull many health-conscious eaters into a false sense of security.

And before we know it, we’ve already consumed 2.5 servings of our “healthy” snack…just like that.

According to a new study commissioned by the FDA, this is a pretty common scenario.

In order to determine which design conveyed health information the most clearly, researchers redesigned food labels and tested them against standard ones. In one revamp, nutritional information was separated into two columns when a package contained multiple servings. The first column indicated stats for a single serving, while the second offered nutritional details on the entire package. In another revision, packages were only labeled with the latter info.

Researchers then assigned these labels to a bag of chips and a frozen mealand tested them on a group of consumers. The result? Participants were more inclined to consider a food “healthy” if they only saw nutritional info on a single serving, which is what’s currently on labels.

Don’t let the nutrition labels fool you. Next time you reach for a smart snack, check out these three most important nutritional details:

Ingredients. Read the ingredients in every packaged food you eat, and you’re bound to find some surprises. (There are at least 10 covert names for sugar.) Ingredients are listed from the biggest component of the product to the smallest.

Conversion.Download a handy conversion app on your smartphone and measure out servings.Pro-tip: 28 grams equals one ounce equals 1/8 cup, which is the average serving of cheese. If you don’t have a measuring cup handy, know that would be a piece of cheese roughlyequivalent to the end of your pointer finger.

Units. Pay attention to the units on your food label. Know roughly how much a gram, milliliter, or milligram is to avoid overdoing it on ingredients (such as salt or saturated fat) or portions.

Share your portioning tips below!

 

Does Fat Necrosis Make It More Difficult To Detect Cancerous Tumors?

Will a fatty necrosis make it more difficult to detect any new formations of cancer?

 The following question is answered by  Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Q: I am a  7-year Stage I breast cancer survivor.   I’ve had lumpectomy and radiation, with no chemotherapy.

Three years ago, had a bilateral breast reduction. Six months later, developed nipple retraction and a mass. General surgeon (who follows me for BC) was concerned at first and biopsied it twice. The results were negative.  Mammograms have been reported as within normal limits.  

My plastic surgeon (who did the reduction) would like to have yearly MRI’s because he said eventually, this mass will start to calcify, most likely keeping me flagged for biopsies. The general surgeon disagrees and feels it’s been biopsied twice and he would not do any more unless my mammogram changed.

My concern is that this fatty necrosis will hide any new cancer that may form. It’s pretty big area approx. 7.5cmx5cm.  My new internist is not happy with this area and wants me to see another surgeon. So my question is: will this make seeing any new cancer form harder? Is my risk for more necrosis higher if I have it removed since this was the radiated breast and that is what caused the necrosis in the first place? My original surgeon suggested a mastectomy to be 100% sure that nothing would ever get missed. I will be seeing new surgeon next week and would like to have some ideas before I go. I have no problem with another lumpectomy or even a mastectomy if needed.

 

A:  I’m sorry to hear you’re having so much trouble.

It’s outside of my area of expertise to advise you whether calcifications from fat necrosis can mask a tumor recurrence, but I just called our breast imaging radiologist and asked. She said fat necrosis definitely makes imaging “more challenging,” and you may require ultrasound and/or MRI in addition to mammography in the future, should you choose to leave the mass in place.

I CAN advise you that the risk for wound healing problems (including more fat necrosis) is certainly higher in a radiated breast, so the answer to the second part of your question is yes, you could end up with additional fat necrosis after surgery.

Even a mastectomy will not reduce your risk of another cancer to zero, as some breast cells are frequently left behind, but it will reduce your risk significantly. We would be happy to put you in touch with one of our surgical oncologists who specializes in breast disease, if you would like to get more specific information about risk reduction.

Hope this helps, and feel free to call or email with any more questions.

 

Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Charleston Fashion Week

Charleston Fashion Week

Photo by Juan Fonseca.

From March 19–23, 2013, under the tents in Marion Square, experience world-class fashion that only Charleston could present.

Charleston Fashion Week is a five-night celebration featuring more than 35 runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition: East, the Spring Bridal Show, and the Rock the Runway Model Competition. The fashion extravaganza showcases emerging designer and model talent, making this show a true “pathway to New York.”

This annual fashion event intertwines with the rich culture of downtown Charleston, creating the perfect atmosphere for inspiration, artistry, and awe. Accredited with launching the careers of numerous up-and-coming fashion designers and models, this multimedia event showcases high-end runway shows, an interactive entertainment, chic after-parties, and press events.

Since its founding in 2007, Charleston Fashion Week has added new flare to the fashion scene in the Lowcountry each year. Today, CFW is one of the premier fashion weeks in North America. Last year, Charleston Fashion Week hosted approximately 7,500 event attendees and attracted over 49 million media impressions. Thanks to the popularity of the event and the people it drew from all over the world, Charleston’s economy enjoyed a$2.4 million boost last year. As a result, Charleston’s fashion, design, and retail communities continue to grow and thrive.

Also, in the past, CFW partnered with charities such as the Center for Women, Lowcountry AIDS Services and MUSC Children’s Hospital.

Check out the not-to-miss events below:

2013 Charleston Fashion Week® Events:
• March 19-23, 2013: Runway Shows
• March 22, 2013: Rock The Runway Model Competition
• March 23, 2013: Charleston Weddings magazine’s Spring Bridal Show
• March 23, 2013: Emerging Designer Finals

Ready to get your catwalk on? Purchase your tickets to one of Charleston’s most famous events here

Manicure Tips For Younger-Looking Hands

Manicure Tips for Younger Looking HandsHands may be one of the easiest ways to age-check a person, but age-defying experts have culled a few foolproof tricks to hide the signs. According to a study by plastic surgeons in England,wearing nail polish can distract people from noticing veins and age spots.

Researchers asked people to estimate women’s ages based solely on photographs of their hands. Surprisingly, 49% thought women’s hands looked younger when adorned with nail polish.

Pamper your hands and look younger—simply follow these 8 steps.

1. File. Skip the rough nail file, which weakens nails and leads to splitting and peeling. Opt for a crystal glass file instead for a smooth, chip-free nail edge.

2. Shape. Use a fine emery board to shape nail tips only—filing the sides weakens nails. Remember to keep nails no longer than ¼ inch beyond your fingertips for a more youthful appearance.

3. Push.Instead of snipping your cuticles, moisturize and push them back. This skin protects the nail’s growth center, which keeps nails strong and long.

4. Prep. Contrary to popular belief, yellow nails aren’t caused by the nail’s inability to “breathe.” Nails don’t need any air to stay healthy. In fact, polish actually protects weak nails from breaking. It’s dark polishes that cause yellow stains over time. To prevent yellowing, apply a base coat before colored polish—especially if you’re using a darker shade. If your nails are tinged yellow, rub them with a lemon wedge to help whiten them up.

5. Paint. Pale metallic polishes reflect more light, which helps disguise nicks. Plus, the shimmery particles make these formulas adhere better, so they’re less likely to chip in the first place. Try OPI Nail Lacquer in Suzi’s Hungary Again! for a pop of color and a bit of glimmer.

6. Seal. The secret to a lasting manicure is the top coat. Extend lacquer’s life by finishing your manicure with Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat ($6; drugstores), which contains color-saving UV filters.

7. Strengthen. Stop nail breakage with a daily 2.5 mg dose of the B vitamin biotin. Research shows that a daily dose of the nutrient increases nail thickness by 25%, making nails less apt to split, peel, and tear.

8. Start again.When you’re ready for a new shade, remove old polish with a non-acetone remover. Acetonedries out your nails, and breathing in the fumes can cause throat irritation and even increase your pulse rate. After you’ve removed your old lacquer, repeat these steps, and enjoy your youthful hands!

How do you keep your hands eternally youthful?

Share your best-kept beauty secrets in the comments below!

 

Can I Have Reconstruction Surgery Even If My Radiation Treatments Damaged My Chest Area?

Are there natural methods of breast reconstruction surgery?
The following question is answered by Dr. Richard Kline of  The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

In 2001, I had to have my implant removed because I had to a recurrence of breast cancer. After chemo, my 36 treatments of radiation did considerable damage to my chest area. I did have a latissimus flap and it was a total failure! I look like a road map to California. I had both of my implants removed in 2007 because of infection that went into my right implant.

Sometimes I think I might be okay without breasts, but not really. I wear prosthetics, but they are uncomfortable. Is there any way to get a successful reconstructive surgery with one of the natural ways of reconstruction?

 

Natural Breast Reconstruction almost certainly represents your best chance for a successful reconstruction, even with your past unfortunate experiences. If you have adequate donor tissue in your abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, there is an excellent chance that it can be used for your reconstruction. Your past surgeries and history of radiation may affect the final appearance of your breasts due to effects on your skin, but they usually have no impact on our ability to successfully transfer your donor tissue using microvascular techniques. Contact us and we can talk more about your specific situation.

 

Richard M. Kline, MD
Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

3 Easy One-Pot Meals

Let’s face it—you’re busy. Between work, running errands, hitting the gym, and stealing a little “you” time, there aren’t many hours in the day left to plan and prepare a gourmet meal.

Luckily, these 3 one-pot meals are the ticket to saving time and eating delicious, healthy food. Simply put all the ingredients together, bake, and you’re done:

Rustic Ratatouille
Chickpeas are what gives this easy recipe a boost of serious nutrition and taste. These high-fiber legumes leave you feeling full and offer your body a low-fat dose of protein.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 small zucchini (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 medium onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 8 plum tomatoes (about 1 lb), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 ½ teaspoons sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

PREPARATION
Heat oven to 450°. In a bowl, toss zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper and onion with thyme, rosemary, ¾ tsp salt, black pepper, 2 tbsp water, and oil. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread veggies in pan in a single layer, and roast for 25 minutes, stirring once.

In same bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste and remaining ¼ tsp salt. Add to the pan with veggies in a single layer, and roast for about 10 to 12 minutes more. Toss veggies with vinegar, divide among 6 bowls, and sprinkle with basil. Serves 6.

Teriyaki Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids found in the salmon are not only beneficial for your brain, but they also reduce inflammation, boost heart health, lower triglycerides, relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and even aid in the treatment of depression. Make this simple dish, and reap the benefits of better health!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons chopped garlic, divided
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 6 salmon fillets (about 1 ½ lb)
  • 1 lbbrussels sprouts, halved if large
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • ½ lb shiitake mushrooms, thickly sliced

PREPARATION
Position rack in middle of oven; heat oven to 450°. In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, vinegar, 1 tsp garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Place salmon in a shallow dish; sprinkle with 1 ½ tbsp teriyaki mixture, and marinate for 15 minutes.

In a second bowl, toss brussels sprouts with 1 ½ tsp garlic, ½ tbsp canola oil, ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread brussels sprouts in pan in a single layer; roast until light brown—about 5 minutes.

In the second bowl, toss mushrooms with remaining ½ tbsp canola oil, 1 ½ tsp garlic, ¼tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Move brussels sprouts to center of pan; top with salmon; place mushrooms in pan around edges; roast, stirring mushrooms occasionally, until salmon is just cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Top salmon with remaining teriyaki mixture, and serve over brussels sprouts and mushrooms. Serves 6.

Scallops à la Provençal

Scallops are a great way to introduce a rich taste to your meals and save some money, too. Shellfish tend to cost less than a good cut of beef, and they are lower in fat to boot. So eat up, and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 ½ tablespoons chopped garlic, divided
  • 5 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
  • 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • 2 cups fresh corn
  • 1 lb sea scallops
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, chives or a combination, divided
  • 2 cups arugula

PREPARATION
Heat oven to 375°. In a bowl, combine tomatoes with 2 tbsp garlic, 3 tsp thyme, 3 tsp oil, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray; spread tomato mixture on pan in a single layer. Bake, stirring once or twice, until tomatoes are soft and slightly charred—about 20 to 25 minutes.

Stir corn into tomato mixture. In same bowl, toss scallops with remaining 2 tsp thyme, 2 tsp oil, ½ tbsp garlic, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Place scallops on top of tomato mixture, and bake until scallops are just cooked through—about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer scallops to a plate, and cut in half. Stir vinegar and 2 tbsp herbs into tomato mixture. Divide arugula, tomato mixture and scallops among 4 bowls; sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp herbs.Serves 4.

Do you know a great one-pot healthy recipe? Share your go-to dish in the comments below!

How to Tell the People In Your Life About Your Diagnosis

When it comes to telling others about a breast cancer diagnosis, there are numerous reasons patients have difficulty putting to words what they’ve learned. Saying it aloud means it’s real—but it also begins the process of coping.

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we know how tumultuous telling loved ones about a diagnosis can be. Here are some ways you can ease into sharing the information with your family and friends.

Take your time. Though it’s important to share this information with the people closest to you, know that you can tell them when the time feels right for you. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to tell everyone. Prioritize the people you need to tell first. You can tell them to share the news with others by phone or e-mail, or you can do it yourself.

Tell your children. The sooner you inform your kids that you have breast cancer, the better. Be direct and make sure to use the word: “Mom has cancer.” They need to hear it from you—your explanation will be far less scary than what they will imagine is happening. If they have questions, simply answer them and move on.

Tell your parents. As with your children, the sooner your parents know you have breast cancer, the quicker they can adapt to the situation. Speaking up may not be easy. After all, no one wants to cause their parents pain and anguish, especially if they are elderly. But if you do plan on telling your parents, you can enlist the support of a sibling or close family friend to help you break the news.

Need more encouragement? Find out how other women dealt with their breast cancer diagnoses

Dealing with Juvenile Papillomatosis: Should I Have a Risk-Reduction Mastectomy?

 The following question is answered by Dr.James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

 

 I am getting antsy with my breast health and am concerned for my future cancer risk. I have been diagnosed with juvenile papillomatosis, and have had one benign breast lump removed.

I currently have one lymph node and 5 masses (bilateral) under watch by mammogram/ultrasound every 6 months. I am really considering a prophylactic mastectomy due to my young age (39).

What are your thoughts, and would you recommend this if I were your patient? Also, do you think insurance would cover it in my case?

 

Thank you for your question. Do you have any family members who have had breast or ovarian cancer? Even if the answer is no, some people would consider a risk reduction mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Multiple papillomas may increase your chance for breast cancer. Frequent screening with exams, ultrasounds mammograms will not prevent cancer. The idea of screening is to find something early.

If you are undergoing high risk surveillance (it seems that you are with all those repeat exams) then you should at least have the conversation with a breast surgeon who has experience with that type of surgery.  

My expertise is in breast reconstruction and one area that we specialize in is breast reconstruction immediately at the time that someone has preventive mastectomy to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer. We work with an expert breast surgeon who performs the mastectomy but preserves the breast skin and nipple. Mastectomy for preventive reasons is very different from mastectomy when cancer has already developed. The reconstruction is different in that we can usually get the best possible result under those circumstances.

I hope I have answered your question please let me know.

–Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

 Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Art Around Charleston

Image Taken From: www.marymartinart.com

It’s no surprise that Charleston, a city brimming with diversity, life, and culture, is home to some of the most revered art galleries in the country. And with gallery hops and art openings, Charleston offers endless opportunities to become involved in the thriving art scene—and get a firsthand look at the latest local and national talent.

If you’re looking for a night fueled by culture and conversation, here are some of our favorite local art galleries to visit:

  • Mary Martin Gallery: Visit Mary Martin Gallery to experience new artwork hand selected for its unique perspective and innovative medias. This eclectic gallery doesn’t limit their exhibits to any one style of work—instead, they feature art for its originality as well as beauty. Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic French quarter, the Mary Martin Gallery has truly become a destination for both local and national art collectors. The offerings range from realistic to abstract, from linear expressionism to intuitive. In addition, they have sculpture of all types, water fountains, glass, wood, and jewelry.
  • Courtyard Art Gallery: Experience the artistic vision of the Courtyard Art Gallery, one of the oldest co-op art galleries in Charleston, South Carolina. Located on East Bay Street in the historic French Quarter district, Courtyard Gallery showcases paintings, photography, paper sculpture, pottery, jewelry, walking sticks, stained glass, and more.
  • The Sylvan Gallery: The Sylvan Gallery is renowned for its distinctive exhibits featuring nationally and internationally recognized painters and sculptors. The gallery focuses on twentieth and twenty-first century representational art. Located at 171 King Street in Charleston, the gallery is in the heart of the antique and art district of our historic city and is a must-see gallery for art-lovers everywhere.
  • Robert Lange Studios: Gallery owners Megan and Robert Lange provide a forum for art based on individual, subjective style and awareness. Throughout the years, their dedication has earned the gallery a reputation for consistently featuring new and interesting artists whose imagination and distinctive personal approach continues to inspire viewers and collectors. Stop by 2 Queen Street now through February 22 to catch Robert Lange Studios’ current exhibit, Karen Ann Myers’ “Mouthful.”

Have you had the chance to visit any of these fine art galleries in Charleston? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Your Skin Problems Solved

Nothing makes you feel quite as beautiful as does healthy skin. Yet, every flaw you treat seems to produce another problem. What gives?

If you’re ready to achieve gorgeous skin without all the guesswork, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve broken down the most common skin problems and how to fix them, once and for all:

If your skin type is oily and flaky…

Improve your skin’s appearance by using a face wash with 2% salicylic acid (the active oil-fighting ingredient in most acne-prevention treatments) on your forehead, nose, and chin. Skip the cheeks and splash them with warm water instead. Before bed, trace your T-zone with an exfoliating glycolic serum. Oil is less likely to take a shine to healthy skin.

Protect your skin with an oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 and hyaluronic acid daily. It hydrates your skin without leaving it greasy.

If the skin on your face feels tight…

Washing your face with soapy face wash may be the cause of high-wire tight skin. It leaves dry skin a little too squeaky clean. Instead, rinse with lukewarm water and a milky cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils.

Keep your skin feeling great by patting a thick layer of ceramide-laced face cream on damp skin to hold in moisture. In the morning, add a second layer of moisturizer with SPF 30+.

If your skin is shiny before lunch…

Try a gel-based cleanser with glycolic acid, a heavy-hitting exfoliant that penetrates deeply, washing away hidden oil in pores. Then dab a mattifying gel all over to absorb shine.

Protect your skin with sunblock made with avobenzone, which is known to be a bit drying—in a good way. Before bed, dab on a little retinol serum, which prevents the skin from producing excessive oil.

If your skin looks red when you’re not blushing…

Supersensitive skin is quick to redden, so be sure you avoid sudsy cleansers with harsh detergents. Your best face wash will be one labeled soap-free.

Safeguard your skin from UV rays with a cream that has SPF 30+ and zinc oxide, a natural anti-inflammatory that calms redness. At night, use a lotion labeled hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate your sensitive skin.

How do you keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant all day long?