Personal Best blogs are back!

It has been quite awhile since I have had the time and energy to write a blog- but my schedule has slowed and energy is high- so I’m baaack!!

As in the past, I promise to share with you any recent medical or fitness research info which I feel is valuable to you, as well as my opinion on a variety of health and wellness topics.

Today, Id like to refinforce the importance of good sleep. Since February, when I was diagnosed with a LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ- not cancer, but a precursor to breast ca) and had the lumpectomy, I have been taking Tamoxifen. My family is riddled with breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and myself and my oncologist made the decision to begin this drug therapy for prevention reasons. It has been a rough ride, but one that has opened my eyes to the many struggles middle aged women undergo. Tamoxifen basically shuts off Estrogen reception, thus putting you into a simulated menopause. I have had days and days of insomnia, leading to extreme fatigue- so much so that I have not been able to exercise. Little did I know how devastating the effects of insomnia are- and I have a newfound sympathy for menopausal women going through the same thing. I decided that it was best for me to try a mild sleep aid to help me get back to normal as I could not function as a trainer with so little energy. Many of my clients also experience bad isomnia, but do not take action to try and relieve the symptoms.

While I cannot say what is best for anyone, what I do know is that lack of sleep affects every function of the body- from weight loss, to energy levels, to immune system suppression, to brain function, chronic pain and emotional health. DO NOT FOOL YOURSELF! NO ONE functions normally without adequate sleep. SO- I encourage you to talk to your doctors about how to help yourself! Experiment with herbs or gentle sleep aids, cut out caffeine or other foods and drinks(like alcohol) which may disrupt sleep. Your entire well-being is at risk! Take action!