Hot Hair Affair + Water Conservation

Ever since my hairdresser promised me he'd cut my hair "longer" (hey, I was 8!), I've been determined to have a long, thick mane of Rapunzel-esque hair. It hasn't happened QUITE like that, but it is really strong and healthy and I'm very fussy about what I use!

While my Kerastase-addiction isn't fading, I am having a hair affair with Pureology.
I am currently using the Strength Cure Restorative Masque (post-bleach remedy!) and the Strength Cure Split Ends Salve. Fragile ends already softening up!

For my gym bunnies, sweat is not a styling aid. Repeat after me, I WILL DRY SHAMPOO. Then, refresh your mane with Fresh Approach Dry Conditioner "for dry, undisciplined colour-treated hair" - Perfect. Dry and Undisciplined - guilty.

Pureology has a range for every hair type - including platinum blondes. I'll stick with my dark tresses, thanks. I've punished my hair enough (is there a colour I have NOT tried?!)

It is becoming more and more common to see brands linking up with causes that align with their values. While it's not always convincing, it does make it easier to choose what you use. It has a dedicated sustainability promise, both in the formulation of shampoo, conditioner and styling products AND in the packaging. Linked with Green Cross International, they are providing water to communities in need and teaching consumers about water conservation. Read more at greencrossaustralia.org.

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Rewind The Clock On Your Face and Body

I meet a lot of active, yoga-loving women as an instructor. Without exception, they have great skin, bright eyes and big smiles. They look youthful and there's not a hint of Botox about it! While you can't look like a 20-year old forever, you can definitely take actions to look and feel younger.

1. Do yoga. Not only is it a brilliant stress-buster, but the inversion bring blood flow to the face and increase lymphatic drainage (reducing any eye bags, bloated appearance). The meditation and mindfulness element will reduce anxiety, stress and enable a better hormonal balance.

2. Eat a variety of foods, in moderation. Healthy fats are fantastic for plumping your skin. These include avocado, fish, nuts, olive and coconut oil (preferably organic and definitely not in large amounts!) Try to eat as many different coloured fruit and vegetables as you can throughout the week. Each has a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Want to know more or get professional advice? There are free fact sheets at Sports Dietitians Australia.


3. Supplement. Chances are, even with a healthy and varied diet, you are not getting everything you need. For glowing skin, balanced energy, strong nails and shiny hair, I swear by DMK EFA plus (Danne Montague-King) with essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. Your body does NOT produce essential fatty acids so the only way to absorb them is to eat them or supplement.

4. Do resistance training. Ideally, using weights, bands or cables. This builds strong bones, which is the architectural frame of your body, and it also builds lean muscle which boosts your metabolism, increases your stability, improves your posture and burns calories even when you're doing nothing. I recommend BodyPump, pilates, Vinyasa yoga or a tailored weight-based workout from a qualified trainer. A challenging lower-body workout with weights increases production of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) naturally.

Question and Answer with Alison Amos, CEO Ovarian Cancer Australia

Cat: How many women are diagnosed annually in Australia?

Alison: Each year in Australia around 1400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 1000 women die from the disease each year. Sadly, ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of any women’s cancer and there has been very little improvement in survival in the past 20 years.

What are the major signs and symptoms to be aware of?

There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer so the best way of detecting the disease is to know and recognise the symptoms. The four most frequently reported symptoms for ovarian cancer are: 

1. Abdominal or pelvic pain; 
2. Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating; 
3. The need to urinate often or urgently; 
4. Feeling full after eating a small amount.
   
   If these symptoms are new for you and you experience one or more of them persistently over a four-week period, consult your GP.

Women can also track their symptoms by downloading Ovarian Cancer Australia’s symptom diary.

or our ‘K.I.S.S. & Make Up’ iPhone app which allows women to record their symptoms and generate a report to help them communicate with their GP. Our K.I.S.S and Make Up app also features makeup tips from Miranda Kerr’s Australian make-up artist and is available for FREE from the Apple iTunes and App store

What can exacerbate risk and are there preventative measures?

Risk factors include: Age: ovarian cancer is most common in women over 50 years of age and in women who have stopped menstruating (have been through menopause); Genetics and family history:  Genetics and family history are responsible for at least 15% of ovarian cancers. For example; if a woman has two or more relatives from the same side of her family affected by ovarian, or ovarian and breast cancer, her risk of developing the disease may be increased. This tends to be a result of an inherited faulty gene (BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation) that increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer.  Women who are descended from Ashkenazi Jewish populations are more likely to carry this faulty gene. All women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, regardless of family history, are recommended to attend a familial cancer centre to consider genetic testing; Child-bearing history: women who have not had children, are unable to have children, have never used oral contraceptives or have had children over the age of 30, may be at slightly higher risk. This is due to ovaries not having a “rest” from the break and repair of the surface of the ovary when women ovulate each month; Endometriosis: this condition is when the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) is also found outside of the uterus; hormonal factors: including early puberty (menstruating before 12) or late menopause (onset after 50); lifestyle factors: such as smoking tobacco, being overweight or eating a high fat diet. For more information visit www.ovariancancer.net.au.

What treatments are available and what are the success rates?

Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Less often, treatment may include radiotherapy. The type of treatment a woman receives depends on the type and stage of her ovarian cancer and her general health. Ovarian Cancer Australia strongly recommends that women are treated by a gynaecological oncologist who specialises in treating cancers of the reproductive tract and has very specialised surgical skills. Ideally, women will also be part of a multidisciplinary health care team — where each member of the team specialises in a different area of care. 

Ovarian cancer has a five year survival rate well below the average for all cancers. In Australia, the overall five year survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is 43%. In comparison, the overall five year survival rate for a woman diagnosed with breast cancer is 89%. If diagnosed early, the majority of women can survive. Unfortunately the majority of women are diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease.

What sort of support is there for women with OC?

Ovarian Cancer Australia offers a range of resources and support options to ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.

Resilience: a free guide and personal record for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The guide includes information on diagnosis, treatment, well-being, support, as well as useful, practical information about additional support resources. Resilience also includes a support DVD which includes interviews with women with ovarian cancer as well as family members and health professionals.  

Support groups: Ovarian Cancer Australia’s support groups provide an opportunity for women to share their story, gain more information about their diagnosis and treatment, share coping strategies and receive emotional support. Support groups are held in capital cities around Australia.

Tele-support group: This support group is held monthly over the telephone and provides a space for women to share stories, obtain information and talk about coping strategies.

Online forum: The online forum enables women and their families, friends and carers to share their personal stories and information in a secure online environment.

1300 support and information line: Women can call our 1300 number for information and support from Monday to Friday.

For more information on these resources visit www.ovariancancer.net.au

Yes To...

This is one of those things I just thought everyone knew about! I've been using the Yes To Carrots and Yes To Cucumbers cleansers and moisturisers for years - admittedly, because they're the best packaging in the supermarket!
I often do the gym to shop to meeting - I know lots of us do - and this means skipping the shower!

No more sweaty face (or, "glowing!") for me though. I've got Yes To Blueberries pre-moistened towelettes in the glovebox. They smell gorgeous! Like a fruit salad for your face.
I'm keeping the Pink Grapefruit towelettes in my gym bag for quick between-class wipes too. My friend, Nat, keeps the Yes To Cucumbers in her car and finds them particularly useful for the grubby fingers of her son! There's also the fragrance free Yes To Carrots wipes new to the range.
Read more on the Yes To Website

Skull print? Peacocks? Mesh? Add to Cart!

If you spend more than 2 or 3 days in a gym or studio, all workout gear tends to look a bit same-same. Is that the 40th Lululemon top I've seen today? Is everyone advertising for Lorna Jane now? I don't understand! Is she paying you?
Anywhoo. I'm just as guilty of doing this. I am a dedicated Nike girl - no other trainers fit and last as perfectly and look as good. Well, other than North Face when I went on an experimental bend! They were purple and silver - what was I to do?

If you're excited by prints and a quirky sense of humour, I'm letting you in on a secret. Onzie not only makes amazing yoga outfits, but they have a whole gallery of people wearing their gear in action! Not models - yogis! And they're just as amazingly beautiful - if not more so. So inspiring! My favourites here. My order is in - can't wait to show you what I picked!

www.onzie.com

Bangs For Your Buck

I know I fooled most of you! I am channeling Jessica Biel's amazingly tame fringe.

Yes, I'm a sucker for a fringe. It says "chic" and it reminds me of my desperate desire to resemble Jennifer Keyte when I was young and she was a channel 7 newsreader with a killer, shiny bob and perfectly straight fringe.

If your hair, like mine, refuses to be tamed OR if you're flirting with whether to get a fringe cut, take my advice. Get a clip in. Lady Jayne Fringe Hair Extension at Priceline $24.99

Fit Makeup - No Shining Here

I have to admit, and clearly I have a one-track mind, when I saw Maybelline's FIT makeup, I thought "Great! Makeup perfect for a workout!"

Actually, it is about makeup that "fits" your skin shade. It's quite high-tech and smart. So, because it's way cheaper than most Fit tools (you could buy a CAR for all those watches and gadgets!), I suggest you invest in shine-free FIT me and save the big dollars for the Porsche Cayenne.

My shade is somewhere between 115 and 120 (depending on whether I have fake-tanned!). If you have olive skin, you need the 200 range and darker skin, the 300. Super affordable and you can say you've invested in your FITness. Well done.

Maybelline FIT Me!