It's troubling that experts come out with huge news, suggesting the TRUTH, only to find out years later, the truth has changed.  The new recommendations on screening woman for breast and cervical cancer both changed this week.  Personally, I have been getting annual mammograms since I turned 30.  Please don't anyone try to tell me that diligently having my breasts smashed into pancakes, for 21 years, was in vain!

Remember when eggs were good for you?  Then they were bad for you and your cholesterol?  Now we are told that cholesterol is altered by consuming too much bad fat, not eggs.  In fact, just this morning in a current fitness magazine,  I read an article that suggested we stop throwing the yolks out.  What about all the advice to stay OUT of the sun because of skin cancer.  In the past few months I have learned about too many people having vitamin D deficiencies, which leads to, among other things, poor bone density.  Best source of this vitamin is sunshine.  Most frightening part of that is I reside in sunny south Florida, where sun is abundant, as is poor bone density. 

It seems like every day, something we were told to be a truth, changes.  Should we have a glass of wine daily, in an effort to protect our hearts?  Are the good fats still going to be good next year?   Think about the many controversial findings in the world of pharmaceuticals.  Will that pill you take every day really lessen your odds of having a heart attack or stroke or will it end up weakening your muscles and in fact do nothing for your heart?    Will the botox injections that make you look younger, some day be found to make you look older?  YIKES!

Every day we must question the FACTS.  We must look to see who funds studies and if there might be a bias.  In my heart,  I have to question the new guidelines on mammograms and pap smears and wonder if the urgency to reform health care is behind these new findings.  Just for the record, I am all for health care reform.  Just please don't take away the things that are working to keep us healthy, such as screenings and fitness programs! 

As consumers on this planet, my single best suggestion is finding balance in your own life.  If you want an egg, have one, just don't have the whole dozen.  Most of us can enjoy unwinding at the end of a long day with a glass of wine, without any negative consequences.  Again, just don't finish off the whole bottle.   Balance is important in our fitness programs, as well.  I always recommend long distance runners also lift some weights to maintain strength and do some yoga to increase flexibility.  Body builders need to remember to do some cardio for their hearts and lungs and definitely some stretching  to keep from tearing those muscles for a strong muscle is also a tight muscle.

Consider your own risk factors for all things, because cookie cutter decisions are never right for EVERYONE.  Learn all you can about what you put into your body and the choices you make regarding keeping yourself  healthy and fit.  Always question the facts, for they are ever changing. 

If you live locally, remember that you can help feed some hungry people in Broward County by coming out to Fusion Fitness and Yoga at 10000 Sample Road.  There will be a master class from 12:30-2:30 and some vendors with their jewelry and workout clothing, as well.  Maybe you'll get lucky and cross a couple of holiday gifts off your list, or find a new class that you have been looking for.   A couple of cans of food from your pantry will be your ticket to this event.  Hope to see you there!