Sudden Cardiac Death February 24, 2009

   In this week’s health alert we focus on the number one killer of women in this country – heart disease.  We are featuring a particularly nasty version of heart disease – sudden cardiac death.  The doctor we spoke to describes it as an ‘electrical short circuit’ and more often than not, it’s fatal.  In fact, almost half a million people in this country die from sudden cardiac death every year and only five percent of those who have it, survive.  People with a weakened heart are most at risk but the woman we featured suffers with it because of a genetic mutation.

       A small implanted defibrillator is the solution for the woman we featured.  It can tell when her heart is beating abnormally and give it a life saving shock.  And it’s done this a dozen times.  She also tries to stay active, eat healthy, and keep the stress down.

     Because this sudden cardiac condition can be difficult to diagnos, if you think you might be at risk, you should talk to your doctor right away.  And please know that this doesn’t just affect women, anyone can have it.

Eating Disorders February 17, 2009

  This week’s health alert focuses on an old topic with a new twist – battling an eating disorder while you’re pregnant.  We met a great woman this week who struggled with her weight and eating disorders for years.  At one time she said she was purging 10 to 12 times a day.  She was hospitalized and knew she needed to change or she would likely die.  Then, at age 35, she started her recovery – marriage and now a baby followed.

     You’d think watching her belly grow would send her into a panic because of the weight gain, but the pregnancy has had the opposite effect – she is learning to love her body again.  She’s bonding with other moms-to-be and volunteering her time teaching other women, especially pregnant women, how to love their bodies, no matter what size or shape they are.  Even after everything she’s been through personally she’s still amazed at how hard women are on themselves.  But she understands and she’s still learning herself.  She says for now she’s focusing on her family and the baby, rather than her body.

     She says the chance to give life has given her a chance at regaining control of hers.

     There’s a walk this weekend to raise awareness for eating disorders.  Merrick’s Walk is in honor of Merrick Ryan who died of anorexia when she was 19.  The walk is Sunday afternoon at Chastain park in Atlanta if you’re interested.  CBS Atlanta is a proud sponsor and all proceeds will benefit the Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN).  There is more information right here on our website under the health section.

Eyelash Enhancement February 13, 2009

   This week’s health alert looks at a product some say could eventually be bigger than botox – eyelash enhancement.  Drug maker Allergan recently won FDA approval to use Lumigan to treat glaucoma and an interesting side effect is eyelash growth!  Now, plastic surgeons are using it on people, mostly women, who’s lashes have thinned or fallen out with age.  It’s called Latisse when used specifically for eyelash growth and the women we spoke with saw results in about six weeks.  The prescription only Latisse is applied with a brush to the base of lashes once a day.  And again it takes a few weeks to see results but women in our story said the results were very noticeable and they loved their fuller lashes.

    There are side effects.  You could see a change in your eye color, growth of hair where you don’t want it,  like on your eyelid, and you could experience minor eye irritation.  Also, when you stop using Latisse your lashes may gradually return to their normal length and fullness.  Latisse is on the open market just yet but come March it will be and it’ll cost between 140 and 170 dollars a treatment.