Prescription Drug Culture

One in five young adults say they have abused prescription drugs.

Probably because illegal drugs, like heroine and cocaine, are the ones we’re taught to stay away from.

But prescription drugs can be just as deadly.

A recent campaign aimed at parents, “not in my house” is trying to get the point across that taking a prescription drug that is not yours can lead to heart attack, stroke, dependency, and death.

Know this: a prescription is given to someone because they have an illness.

Try thinking about that before you pop a pill and gain an illness of your own.

Or if you or a friend have a problem, please ask for help. There is no shame in getting your life back.

West Coast Smack Down on Texting

Do you text while driving?

If you’re in the state of California, the Governator just signed a bill to make behind the wheel texting illegal as of Jan. 1, 2009.

Offenders will have to pay a whomping $20 for the first offense, and $50 for the second.

This seems like a small price to pay for a potential life threatening practice that too many of us use. And given the recent tragic train wreck in California, with the driver supposedly text messaging, maybe this deserves to be a law in all states.

DON’T TEXT WHEN YOU DRIVE. PERIOD.

Holy Cow: Breast Milk in your Ben & Jerry’s?

Who doesn’t love a personal pint of creamy, sweet, and delicious Ben & Jerry’s ice cream?

It’s hard not to eat the whole thing in one sitting! (Tip: to avoid overindulgence, scoop out one cup, and put the rest away! And try their frozen yogurt, pictured, which has less fat, but still tastes great.)

But not everyone loves Ben & Jer: The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is hoping Ben and Jerry’s will switch from using cow milk to breast milk.

They say human milk will lessen cow suffering, supply lactating women with an opportunity to make money, while also providing us a more healthy option, claiming the “breast is the best.”

Ben and Jerry’s has responded by saying that breast milk is best between a baby and it’s mother.

I have to admit, I am all about the ethical treatment of animals, but I don’t know if I want breast milk in my Chunky Monkey.

The next time you’re craving some B&J: their new fall flavor is Pumpkin Cheesecake, but will anything replace Wild Maine Blueberry, now R.I.P in their flavor graveyard?!

Smell This: “Fancy” by Jessica Simpson

I may not be the pop-turned-country-star’s number one fan, but I love Jessica’s new fragrance, “Fancy“.

The mix of gardenia, pears, and amber crystals may seem strange on paper, but the scent is both simple and sweet. It’s a little more cotton-candy-Esq than I usually like, but Fancy has staying power that does not overpower, even if you spray too much.

I don’t necessarily love the name (who says fancy?!) but we can look past it. Plus, most of the guys surveyed thought the scent was yummy BEFORE we told them who made it. You can get it at Macy’s for about $50.

Zumba Exercise Video is a Favorite

If you’re looking to spice up your workout, and learn some new moves to take to the dance floor, the latest craze hitting the gym is Zumba.

Since 2003, more than 3 million DVDs have been sold, and over 20,000 instructors teach the program.

Like the popular show Dancing with the Stars, Zumba teaches Latin dancing, like the mambo and the cha-cha.

If you’re feeling the treadmill rut: Zumba (which is a slang Colombian word for buzzing like a bee, or moving fast) may be the thing for you. Let me know if it’s worth the $19.99 for three months.

Gossip Girl Hottie Tells Too Skinny Girls To…gasp! Eat Something!

Kudos to Penn Badgley of (my favorite guilty pleasure) Gossip Girl for saying what is all on our minds.

To the super thin, unhealthy looking gals of the new 90210, Penn says “eat a burger!”

Or a double cheeseburger. He says the gals on Gossip are not stick figures, and portray a healthier, normal look.

And looking to his love interest, Serena, aka Blake Lively, on the show: we love her curvy body, bright smile, and overall good attitude in interviews.

Thank you, Penn, for letting us know that as a hot male, you’re not looking for bones. You’re looking for beauty inside and out. And that never means starving yourself to be something you’re not.

Penn, we at ywhealth would love to have a burger with you. XOXO

Driving Under the Influence of ADD

A recent study suggests that young adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are two to three times more likely to have an auto accident, three times more likely (in the first five to eight years of driving) to have their licenses revoked, and five times more likely to get a parking ticket.

This new information is in addition to the serious fact that motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S.

Obliviously, this problem goes beyond ADD drivers.

Who isn’t distracted these days while driving? You have a radio, CD/MP3 player, maybe even a television, cell phone, and texting to tempt drivers.

Perhaps more research and an additional class on how to drive properly, while resisting temptation to distract yourself is a good start. Some states have even banned the use of cell phones while driving.

If you have ADD, duh, take your medication as I am sure you know how to do in every day life. And never TEXT while driving. EVER.

I hardly think it’s the ADD population that is to blame. If they want to claim that, we all need an Adderall check.

Be a Good Friend

Sometimes, we need a reminder. A wake up call to say thank you for being a good friend. Thank you for loving me even though I suck sometimes, and vice versa.

I know everyone gets busy with their own priorities, but always remember that it’s so important to keep those you love close. A strong female bond is hard to keep. It can be difficult to maintain a friendship with some people, but something as simple as a phone call, a facebook message, or a text could cheer someone up, or even change their whole day.

Try sending someone you love an e-card. It’s cheap, easy, and just a click of the button lets them know you care.

Cold Suffering Cont.

Today, I asked my pharmacist for her advice on the common cold. I want it gone. Now.

Either she just didn’t care, or perhaps she is a bitch, but she said “DayQuil is about all you can do,” and chuckled. Chuckled!

So I took my cloudy head to the cold and flu aisle determined to find something to help. I picked up Alka-Seltzer Plus Immunity Complex. It’s an effervescent tablet you put in your water. Each drink has Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid to support energy by converting food to fuel, and 1000 mg of Vitamin C to support your immune system.

The orange zest taste was pretty good, and I felt a little better after taking it. I was more alert, and I had enough energy to walk my dog around the block. If you feel a cold coming on, or are at the start, give it a try. Or ask your pharmacist for a recommendation and let me know what they say!

Help for Cold Suffers

Fighting the common cold is said to be impossible. Once you get it, it needs to run its course.

But for those of us who have a life, there is no time for colds! The sneezing, running nose, headache, and scratchy throat make everything seem like a chore. (Except, of course, watching the new version of 90210.)

If you can’t already tell, I am annoyed by my cold. It’s 90 degrees in Alabama! But I have all the symptoms and I can’t wait to get rid of them.

After doing a quick survey of friends and some Internet research, I have been taking: DayQuil, Vitamin C tablets, NyQuil, and throat lozenges.

I also heard that zinc tablets help shorten the duration of a cold. And I have heard mixed reviews about Airborn pills.

So far, the DayQuil has helped to give me some energy, and help subside the headache. But it’s not a miracle product. I will keep you posted on my search for great products to keep around when you’re not feeling well. In the mean time, a sugar-free popsicle sounds amazing…