Your Jewelry may be Hazardous to your Skin

Unexplained skin irritations, itchy rashes—it happens to millions of Americans and many say they have no idea what causes the breakouts. According to experts jewelry allergies are not only extremely common, but very simple to prevent.

“We see it quite frequently,” says Lisa Garner, M.D., dermatologist on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Garland. “Some patients come in and actually realize what’s going on and others do not have any idea what’s causing their rash.”

For millions of Americans the problem is nickel.

“The most common metal to be allergic to is nickel and any metal that looks silver-ish in color has nickel in it to some degree,” explains Dr. Garner.

Getting diagnosed is the first step to stopping the breakouts, but treating them is not so simple.

“The only real treatment for an allergy like this is to avoid contact with items like this,” adds Dr. Garner.

Sounds easy, but nickel can be found in practically anything metal. Dermatologists say a big help are test kits that can be used to detect nickel in items you’re considering wearing.

“You could test the fasteners on your jeans, the metal belt buckles on your belts, etc.,” says Dr. Garner.

Determining whether or not your rashes or irritations are the result of an allergy to nickel is pretty simple. If it is something you’re wearing that’s causing you to break out, simply not wearing it should cause it to go away quickly and not return. Also, your dermatologist can give you a patch test to double-check.

Are these allergies more common in certain people? It is more common in women and most common in women who have their ears pierced.

Who Should be Obama’s Running Mate?

Now that fellow baby boomer Hillary Clinton has suspended her campaign and made nice with Barack Obama, the question is will she be his running mate come November?

Most Obama supporters object to the idea while Hillary supporters say it is the smart thing to do. Hillary supporters believe it will ensure a democratic victory in November.

But If Not Hillary, Then Who?

A number of names come to mind: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Texas Congressman Ron Paul or what about General Colin Powell. What do you think?

Life Lessons for a Baby Boomer Woman

The older I get, the more I learn.  That’s one of the reasons I appreciate aging—because it comes with wisdom.  The stupid, crazy things I did 20 and 30 years ago no longer matter, but they did teach me how to grow up and move on.  Even thought these “life lessons” have been floating around cyberspace for quite a while, there are lessons I have taken to heart:

• The Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
• Money doesn’t buy class.
• The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
• We should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.
• It’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
• Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.
• Under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
• I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.
• Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
• Being kind is more important than being right.
• Never say no to a gift from a child.
• Having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
• A drive to McDonald’s with my parents when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
• The less time I have to work, the more things I get done.
• Life is like a roll of toilet paper.  The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

What have you learned?