#DrVRecommends: November Must-Haves

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Built Lunch Bags – Eat healthier, save money and look chic all at the same time with these lunch bags with designs for the whole family. Not only do they insulate for up to 4 hours but they also can be tossed into the washing machine when it needs to be cleaned up!

MAC Comfort Crème – Winter weather can wreak havoc on skin, but I prevent that as much as possible by using this moisturizer from Mac that instantly rehydrates your skin while also helping to prevent redness and irritation (because the color red may be in season but not for your face)!

Oscillococcinum – This hard to pronounce must is actually a simple, homeopathic remedy for flu symptoms like body-aches, chills, fever, chills and fatigue. Keep it on hand for whenever you start to feel rundown and notice you’re getting flu-like symptoms!

Nivea “A Kiss of Milk and Honey” Lip Balm – Keep your lips smooth, soothed and moisturized for any mistletoe moments you may encounter throughout the holiday season!

LuLulemon Studio Jacket – Another must have for those who want gear that is good before, during and after a work out. I also love this jacket because it’s reversible and it has great thumbholes to help keep the sleeves down and in place (again, perfect for cold weather). Thanks LuLulemon – you think of everything!

Quaker Oats – Cold weather makes me crave a warm, healthy and yummy breakfast and Quaker Oats fill that void. Plus they’re fast and easy, perfect for a busy morning before work.

Ugg Bailey Bowtie boots – Boots with bows that are as cozy as they are cute? Yes please! I’m snagging a pair for myself and my sister this winter!

Vitamix – The Rolls Royce of blenders this is a must for me in the winter because it allows me to make homemade soups for the winter months.

The Vitamin Code – It’s always important to be sure you have enough zinc in your system and the Vitamin Code provides good vitamins including this must that supports your skin, eyes, immune system and more.

Voluspa Candle – There is something peaceful, simple yet luxurious about lighting an amazing candle and having some “me time”. My favorite these days is my Voluspa in Truffle White Cocoa. Trust me, it smells as good as it sounds!

Tom Hanks has Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Almost 26 million people in the US have diabetes, including recognizable names like Halle Berry and as we recently learned, the larger than life, Oscar winner Tom Hanks. The actor announced earlier this month that his doctor diagnosed him with Type 2 Diabetes. Hanks also reported that his doc told him if he could “just get down to his high school weight that he could probably get rid of his diabetes.” Hanks joked on Letterman that it wouldn’t be possible as he weighed 98lbs in high school! I applaud Mr. Hanks for coming out and sharing his diagnosis, as he is typically known to be a very private, person. Media outlets have reported and questioned if perhaps Mr. Hanks’ necessity to lose and gain weight for movie roles throughout the years was responsible for him now having diabetes. As a medical professional, I have to admit that’s mostly likely not the reason and Hanks himself stated he doesn’t think that’s the case, as he has been pre-diabetic for years. Interestingly studies have shown that although a lifetime of yo-yo dieting isn’t good for you, it is a healthier alternative to obesity. I’m certainly not condoning yo-yo dieting – we all know a lifestyle change vs. dieting is the best way to maintain a healthy weight and prevent illness. It’s also important to remember that good old genetics plays a significant role in the risk for Type 2 diabetes. There is a definite link and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes for anyone who has a family history of diabetes. That doesn’t mean you will get “the suga,” as diabetes is affectionately called, but it does mean that you may be at increased risk. Wishing you the best of luck Tom in managing your diabetes, I know that he can take it on and win!

Dr. V

#Live Right At Night …Safety Tips for When Darkness Falls Earlier

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Fall is definitely upon us and that means that we’re experiencing change not only season-wise (hello fall coat, welcome back into my wardrobe) but the sun is setting earlier and morning are darker as well, meaning I don’t know about your commute but my drive to and from work these days are both going down in the dark! Honestly, some days I’m stuck in the OR and I never even see the light of day. So how can a girl get in her workouts, run errands, and commute safely as the daylight hours get shorter?

Daylight Saving’s time will be here before we know it and we must start to critically analyze our walks and routes to and from home and places like the gym to assess if they are SAFE. To be sure you’re protecting yourself while commuting, here are a few musts to think about (and talk about with your girls) to prepare for your fall and winter commute:

1) Keep a flashlight on your keychain that you can whip out quickly.

2) Consider keeping pepper spray in your purse or on a keychain. Make sure you know how to use it before you squeeze that trigger.

3) Workout with a buddy – don’t exercise, or even walk your dog alone in the dark

4) Have someone walk you to your car (and then drive them to theirs) after work or play.

5) Stay away from dimly lit streets, parks or trails that are lined with a lot of trees. If you feel uncomfortable walk in the street and KEEP your eyes open for any cars or buses.

6) Stay alert. Don’t walk down the street with your headphones on and in both ears

7) Alternate your routes depending on the amount of daylight. You may have a daylight route to work, the gym or heading out with friends and one for when it’s darker out! It’s better to opt for a longer, more well-lit route than a shorter dark one!

8) Enable the GPS on your phone so your whereabouts can be traced.

9) If you are a bit nervous while you’re out – call a friend and talk while you walk,

10) Always carry $20-40 dollars in a safe stashed place on your person for cab fare or consider using Uber.

Have a safe and well lit weekend.

Dr. V

#DrVRecommends: October Must-Haves

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Lululemon – In the Flow Crop II – So many reasons I love these workout pants, let me count the ways: For starters, the band is awesome, the ALL-the-way stretch, the fact that they don’t have a short rise…You’ll want to wear them in and out of the gym!

Ugg Bailey Bow Boot – I’ve fallen for this feminine new addition to the Uggs family with the back bow – Shhhhh don’t tell but I’m going to be snagging pairs for a few women on my upcoming holiday shopping list! Cozy AND cute? I recommend it for sure!

Halls Cough Drops Soothing Center – Tis the season to begin sticking a few of these in your handbag: my fave cough drops from Halls. Their soothing center is just what you’ll want when you catch a cold this fall.

Progresso Soups – It’s getting colder, you’re home late from work, you’re hungry and you want some cozy, guilt-free comfort food. What do you do? Grab your favorite Progresso soup! They have several flavors to choose from and many have low sodium and fat content, and some are even gluten free!

Clorox Bleach Gel for Laundry – Do you love super clean, fresh-smelling, cozy sheets and other laundry during the fall? Same here! That’s why I swear by Clorox, 24 OZ, Fresh Meadow Scent, HE Bleach Gel, Thicker Formula, Better Control.
Mucinex Cold and Sinus – Another flu-season must? Keep these on hand to pop when you think you may be coming down with a cold or to help get rid of a horrid cough – something you don’t want at work or at play!

Nars Orgasm Blush – Ladies – it’s a must in every makeup bag. Perfect for every gal, every “look” and looks natural yet sexy. Trust me, you’ll thank me.

Nars – Body Illuminator – And speaking of that natural glow, this is a makeup must that’s great for keeping that glow after the summer has gone.

Chantelle T Shirt Bra – Every woman needs a stylish T shirt bra that really does the job, here’s one of my favorites.

It’s a 10 – Leave In Spray – It’s always the worst when you pack all of your beauty products with you for a flight and they don’t make it through the security check. Well forget about saying farewell to your hair products no more! It’s a 10 Leave In Spary now comes in a 2 oz size so you can take it on the plane with you – it’s TSA approved!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women behind lung cancer. It’s astounding but 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. And the most significant risk factors for breast cancer are simply being a woman and getting older. While 77% of breast cancer is found in women over 50 years old more than 50% of women who have breast cancer have NO identifiable risk factors except gender and age.

The World Health Organization reports 1.2 million women globally are diagnosed with breast cancer each year; and more than 200,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Currently there are more than 2 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Don’t forget to wear PINK in support that NO woman should die from breast cancer! When found early it is a treatable disease. And the gold standard for early detection is a mammogram. For many millions of women in the U.S. a mammogram is FREE. Click here to see how you or someone you know can get a free mammogram. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dcpc_Programs/default.aspx?NPID=1

Breast cancer is not a single disease, but a family of diseases with different subtypes. Some of these subtypes are more aggressive than others. Breast cancer is less common in younger women such as those in their 20s and 30s but usually in this age group it is more aggressive and sadly the survival rates are lower. Unfortunately we are seeing a greater number of cases of young pre-menopausal women with breast cancer surfacing and many of these women have the more aggressive forms of breast cancer. Research is being conducted now to determine the genetic basis between these aggressive types of breast cancer. As a young woman make sure to do your part to prevent breast cancer by:

1) Educating yourself about your family history & risk for breast cancer

2) Getting yearly clinical breast exams by your OB/GYN or family doctor

3) Doing monthly self breast exams – familiarize yourself with your breasts

Now there are components of lack of access to medical care, nutrition, personal habits, and environmental exposure that can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. But most importantly you should KNOW YOUR body better than anybody else does. Know what’s normal for YOU and what’s not!

Remember the KEY to SURVIVAL is EARLY DETECTION and TREATMENT!

Dr. V

#Live Right At Night ….. Don’t get got by ‘Sliders’

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Happy Friday and let me officially welcome you to the fall. This season is actually my favorite time of the year. The humidity is gone and soon boot and sweater weather will be here. The only drawback about the cooler months is getting in and out of the car in cold weather. I especially dislike pumping my gas in the winter time, it’s chilly outside and worse than that, more and more it seems that even doing something as simple as pumping gas is becoming unsafe for us women. So this week ladies, gas pump safety is exactly what I want to talk about. Let’s start with a question:

Have you heard of ‘Sliders’?

Let me tell you what a slider is. It’s a person who slides into your car while you are pumping gas or paying for it, and while in your car they steal your purse, wallet or other valuables! I know!! Awful isn’t it? It’s amazing how brazen and bold these purse snatchers are. Police call these thieves ‘sliders’ because just like a Slinky they slide into your car below the level of the car door and snatch items off the front seat. I know here in Washington D.C. this has been an escalating problem, and they’re also seeing it in other parts of the country.

Another thing to watch out for: the hit and jack act. There has been a recent increase in people who will purposefully hit your car, and when you get out to look at the damage they will car jack you and drive off with your vehicle.

To combat these dangerous situations I have tips to keep you safe on the road and at the pump.

1) While pumping gas – TAKE YOUR KEYS with you and lock the car when you get out.

2) Roll the windows up when you get out of the car to pump gas.

3) Keep your valuables off the front seat in plain sight.

4) Stay alert and aware of your surroundings – don’t talk on the phone and pump gas.

5) If someone hits your car before you get out to assess damage call 911.

6) If you get out of the car, lock it and keep your keys with you at all times.

Wishing you safe drives all fall long!

Dr. V

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Author: Dr. Yael Varnado

#DrVRecommends: November Must-Haves

Tom Hanks has Type 2 Diabetes

#Live Right At Night …Safety Tips for When Darkness Falls Earlier

#DrVRecommends: October Must-Haves

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

#Live Right At Night ….. Don’t get got by ‘Sliders’