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.

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?

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?

Next month, my husband and I will be celebrating our second wedding anniversary.  By all accounts, we’re still newlyweds but sometimes it feels like we’ve been married a LONG time.

Nevertheless, we are still very happy and very much in love.  We are still learning about each other and not trying to change the things we don’t like.  That’s because we’ve learned you can’t change another human being’s behavior.  I believe you can change YOURSELF and that will change the way your mate responds to you.

Tip Number One: Don’t Raise Your Expectations Beyond the Bar.  Thinking that someone else can make you happy, trying to read one another’s mind, wanting to do everything together, and wanting to have a perfect marriage are unrealistic expectations. They can create great barriers in your marriage. Hopefully, your expectations will include being able to lovingly resolve conflicts, to appreciate your differences as individuals, to respect and cherish one another, and to be able to discuss values and priorities.

Tip Number Two: Learn How to Listen. One of the topics I address during my seminars is on communication.  As a veteran journalist, I know how important it is to convey your message to your audience.  You must do it in such a way that they will understand you and appreciate what you have to say.  I also know it is equally important to listen to the message being conveyed in order to make sure I report the story accurately.

The same rules apply in a marriage.  You have to be an effective communicator AND a good listener.  Yelling all the time to get your point across will, more than likely, fall on deaf ears.  Also, poor communication skills can lead to a breakdown in your marriage.

There are always two points of view in a discussion or argument.  While you may be adamant about sticking to your point of view, you owe your mate the courtesy and respect to hear him/her out and appreciate their feelings.  And, by all means, PAY ATTENTION.  Eye contact is very important in making your partner feel like you really are tuned in.

Once you settle into the routine of married life, romance starts to fall on the priority list. In many relationships, it’s not intentional—it just happens. When you’ve worked all day, cooked, cleaned the house, dealt with the children and unexpected problems, you can be pretty worn out by “whoopee time.”

Who’s doing most of the talking in your bedroom? If you say the “TV”, your marriage probably has some issues.

Tip Number Three: Communicate in the Bedroom: As we settle into marriage at midlife, things become routine and that tends to include sex. Communicating with your spouse is extremely important on all levels—and yes, that includes the bedroom. If you’re someone who can’t make love without the lights off or you must always be in the bottom position, why not try stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring some new ideas.

Try reading sexy literature to each other in bed. Take turns being the narrator and if asked to re-read a particularly erotic scene, do so with a little re-enactment. Role playing can be very enticing and a lot of fun! Women, in particular, enjoy the sound of their lover’s voice as he reads steamy fiction to her in a romantic setting.

Don’t be afraid to communicate your sexual desires and try to be as open-minded as you were back then.  But don’t be afraid to let him know what you don’t like.  He shouldn’t be offended if he wants to please you.

Tip Number Four: Have a One Night Stand! Why?

• You can have time alone together without distractions.
• No meals to cook, dishes to clean.
• Conversations are not interrupted.
• Intimate moments can be spontaneous.
• No hurrying home to get the babysitter home on time.
• Romance comes more naturally.

A date night is all about spending quality “alone-time” with your mate. Don’t forget, you can only get out of your relationship what you put into it so invest wisely.

Tip Number Five: Prayer and Meditation. In my opinion, a marriage cannot survive without personal relationship with God. It is through that fellowship that you will be able to renew your strength and your faith and seek the answers to the problems and questions that may plague you at any given time.

Your prayer life should be a part of everyday living. As a matter of fact, it should grow even stronger with each passing day. Couples who pray together stay together because prayer is the lifeline that can keep you from sinking when trouble comes.