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women's health

When Age Isn’t Just a Number

September 22, 2014 By Lena

It’s a conversation I’ve had with women from time to time; a lofty discussion about our age, and looks, and how others perceive us.

“Everyone thinks I’m 24,” states one woman haughtily, who has been blessed with a smooth, line-free face. “I was carded the other day – again,” proclaims another, tossing her long, thick locks behind her shoulder. “I only get hit on by teenagers!” laughs yet another, shrugging her shoulders in a gesture of false modesty. “It’s not my fault they think I’m so young.”

The truth is, we’re all well into our thirties. (Maybe forties, for some.) And as non-smoking, health-focused and fashionable women, it’s only natural that we enjoy a youthful appearance; one that veils our true year of birth. And let’s be honest – unless you’re 14 years old and trying to sneak into a bar, no woman wants to look older than she is. So, we continue to live our lives, having conversations like this, immersed in a culture that assures us we should strive to look younger than our age, and pat ourselves on the back when we do.

Lately, this notion has started to offend me.

After much thought, I’ve decided that I want to look 36-years old, and not a day younger. Certainly not a day older; but not for the reasons you may assume (we’ll discuss that later). I want to look 36-years old because I have earned every year that I have lived. I place value on every achievement, every obstacle, every win, every defeat. For if someone says, “Lena! I thought you were 24 years old….” well, let’s see. At 24, I may have had a university degree, but I didn’t have my corporate career, my marriage, my children, or my own business. And so the value – the level of respect, admiration, esteem or regard – I would appear to have is akin to another 24-year old, or a 24-year old me. And that’s not who I am. To say I look 2, 5 or even 10 years younger actually belittles every single accomplishment; every single stride I’ve made towards a better me.

In truth, I’m too good to look like a younger woman. I’m too smart, too motivated, too successful – and I want the respect that comes with those attributes. A twenty-something Lena spent her nights in bars. I spend my nights with my family. Or in a 5-star hotel. Or being awesome.
photo (3)So you know what? Please don’t be tempted to tell me that I look younger than I am. Because 10 out of 10 times, I’d rather be called a “stunning woman” by an older gentleman than a “hot chick” by some young punk.

As for why I don’t want to look a day older? Simple. I haven’t earned it yet.

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: aging, perceptions of beauty, women's health

Moms, Now is the Time for YOU: Healing Mix

September 21, 2014 By Lena

I often feel we’re programmed to answer the question “How are you?” a certain way – namely, “Good”, “Fine”, “Great”, or the ever popular “Can’t Complain!”

Until recently, there was only one way I truly wanted to answer that question: “Tired.”

You may remember my previous post about Now For Mothers Healing Mix –

“I’m tired all the time. In fact, from the moment I gave birth to Ryder six years ago, I’ve never felt truly rested. First, it was the stress of post pregnancy – nighttime feedings, hormonal imbalances, and postpartum blues that ebbed and flowed for almost a year. Then, it was keeping up with a feisty, curious toddler… while caring for his newborn baby brother. And later, it was balancing both boys and my inhuman drive to succeed – and while it’s been great for business, there have been casualties along the way: my health, stamina, diet, energy… you could say I’m constantly juggling a few too many balls in the air.”

At the time, I introduced you to Healing Mix, a Superfood for ALL moms taken from the first day of giving birth continuously for up to six years afterwards. The continuous benefits of Healing Mix include:

– Stimulates energy flow and increases metabolism
– Stabilizes blood sugar levels for sustained energy
– Assists in reducing congestion and phlegm in the body
– Aids in flushing toxins from the system

Today, I’m here to tell you that I’ve been enjoying it every single day for just over a month. And I’m here to tell you that it works.
Now for Mothers Healing MixFirst and foremost, it’s delicious. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting, but whenever I hear the words “supplement”, “all-natural” or “organic”, I generally brace myself for a dirt-like concoction that I have to pinch my nose to swallow. Not the case with Healing Mix. The all-natural formula is nutty, slightly sweet and very tasty – the perfect accompaniment to smoothies, yogurt, warm milk, or even straight from the package. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #HealingMix, Healing Mix, Now for Mothers, post pregnancy, women's health

It’s Not a Very Pappy Subject

November 12, 2012 By Lena

Since I don’t make a habit of talking vajayjays on my blog, the subject matter is a teeny bit uncomfortable for me.

However, for the Canadian Cancer Society, I always make an exception.

Ladies, I know you hate it. If you didn’t – well frankly, I’d be concerned. But ask yourself – when was the last time you had a pap test? If it was between 1-3 years ago, good girl. You’re taking care of your vajayjay and for that you deserve a gold star. But if it’s been more than 3 years – ahem, isn’t it time to bring the ol’ wagon into the shop?

Here’s the deal: Pap tests save lives. Benefits of regular screening include:

  • Early detection of precancerous cervical changes: Cervical cancer develops from precancerous cervical changes. Screening helps to identify these changes early so they can be treated or watched, preventing cervical cancer from developing.
  • Earlier detection of cancer: The Pap test can help detect (find) early stage cervical cancer. In most cases, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival. Early detection may also mean less treatment and less time spent recovering.
  • Reducing the anxiety of “not knowing”: Many people prefer to have ‘check-ups’, just like a physical exam with your family doctor.

I know it’s one of the more unsavory tests, but even I know that they can’t be avoided. And if you’ve got your ear plugs and blinders on right now, consider this:

Shannon Pethick was just 32-years-old when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She hadn’t had a Pap test in six to seven years, which finds changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer. Shannon is now cancer-free, but sadly, the radiation treatments she underwent put her into menopause at 32 and she’s unable to have children.

(She’s currently a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer dedicated to educating women about the importance of Paps.)

So before I get off the subject of lady bits, just do me a favour and call your doctor to schedule an appointment. For the big day, I recommend Cha-Cha-Cha by China Glaze on your toes. Get it? Cha-cha? I’m so funny.

Women who want to learn more about cervical cancer screening are encouraged to speak with their doctor or nurse, or visit www.ontario.ca/screenforlife. 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Canadian Cancer Society, Cervical Cancer Awareness, women's health

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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