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Vanessa Leggard

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In Wellness

Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

In Wellness 4 Mins Read

Real Talk: Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

Real talk, Breast cancer in young women; breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, how fit you are, or how “healthy” your lifestyle seems. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while most people picture older women when they hear the words “breast cancer,” the truth is, young women can and do get breast cancer and it’s happening more often than you think.

According to the CDC, more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. are living with breast cancer right now. That’s a quarter of a million young women, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends living with a disease many thought wouldn’t touch them until much later in life. “Breast cancer in young women“

It’s Happening More Often and It’s More Aggressive

Here’s something that might surprise you and honestly, it should. Research shows that cases of advanced or metastatic breast cancer among women ages 25 to 39 have sharply increased since the late 1970s, nearly doubling in incidence from 1.53 to 2.90 per 100,000 between 1976 and 2009, according to a landmark JAMA study. These are young women just starting careers, building families, and living their lives suddenly faced with a diagnosis that changes everything.

And the story doesn’t stop there. New research continues to show an alarming upward trend. A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found that breast cancer in young women ages 20 to 49 are still rising, with an average 0.79% yearly increase in invasive breast cancer cases from 2000 to 2019. Both early-stage (stage I) and late-stage (stage IV) diagnoses are going up meaning more young women are being diagnosed, and some are facing aggressive disease right out of the gate.

The CDC reports that in 2022, more than 27,000 women under 45 were diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., and cases among younger women are climbing at about 0.7% per year. Researchers also note that these cancers are often more aggressive, particularly among non-Hispanic white and African American women, and that estrogen receptor–positive cancers which require specific, long-term treatments are becoming more common in this age group.

So the big question is, should we be talking about screening before 40?
Honestly, yes. Because early detection can change everything and for some women, it can mean the difference between treatment and survival.

Let’s Talk About Mammograms

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk. But breast cancer doesn’t always follow the rules, and your body doesn’t read medical guidelines.

If something feels off if you notice changes, pain, or something that just doesn’t seem right speak up. Ask your doctor about getting checked sooner. Some clinics will perform ultrasounds or mammograms on younger women if there’s a reason for concern or if you have dense breast tissue.

If you want more information on early detection, visit the American Cancer Society for screening guidelines and what to expect.

Know Your Family History (or Go Find It)

Family history matters but a lot of people don’t know theirs. Maybe your family didn’t talk about health, or you’ve lost touch with older relatives. That doesn’t mean you can’t find out.

You can research your family medical background using websites like GenealogyBank.com or FamilySearch.org to see if breast cancer appears in your family line. Sometimes death certificates or archives can tell you things your relatives couldn’t. Knowing your history could literally save your life.

Listen to Your Body

Your body will always tell you when something’s wrong, you just have to listen.
Even if you have no family history, be aware of signs like:

  • A lump or thickening in your breast
  • Changes in shape or size
  • Unexplained pain
  • Skin dimpling or nipple discharge

If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. You know your body better than anyone else. Need a quick guide? Visit BreastCancer.org to learn what to look for and when to call your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Young women are not immune to breast cancer. Awareness, self-advocacy, and early action save lives.
If you’re nearing 40, book that mammogram.
If you’re younger but something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself.
And if you don’t know your family history, go find it.

Because the best time to care for your health isn’t when something’s wrong, it’s right now.

Real Talk, Real People.

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In Eats

Healthy Foods essential to your well being

In Eats 3 Mins Read

Hamptons Wellness: 3 Foods That Keep You Feeling Good Inside and Out

Let’s talk about food that actually does your body good. Not the trendy stuff on Instagram, but the real deal that fuels your energy, your mood, and your long-term wellness.
These three healthy foods aren’t complicated. They’re simple staples that pack a serious punch for your immune system, heart, skin, and gut.

1. Salmon: The Heart Helper and Mood Booster

If there’s one food you should put on your plate twice a week, it’s salmon.
It’s nature’s multivitamin in fish form, loaded with iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, and B12. But the real magic is in its omega-3 fatty acids, those good fats that protect your heart and brain, ease inflammation, and even help with mood.

It’s also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that keeps your thyroid healthy and supports your immune system. Think of selenium as your body’s “anti-rust” mineral. It helps prevent damage from free radicals and keeps things running smoothly.

That grilled salmon with lemon and dill? More than delicious. It’s self-care on a plate.

For more on the benefits of salmon, click here.

2. Yogurt: Gut Love in a Cup

Let’s get real. Gut health is everything. When your gut’s happy, you’re happy.
That’s where yogurt comes in. It’s packed with protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, plus the all-important probiotics – the friendly bacteria that keep your digestive system balanced.

Go for Greek, organic, or plain yogurt whenever possible. Skip the sugary, flavored versions that turn breakfast into dessert.

A daily serving of yogurt can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and may even support mental health. The gut-brain connection is real, and taking care of your digestive system helps your entire body work better.

Learn more about the benefits of yogurt here.

3. Oranges: Your Everyday Immunity Shield

There’s a reason oranges have been a go-to for generations. They’re not just about vitamin C, though that’s a big one.
Oranges are packed with antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and flavonoids that help your body fight inflammation, lower cholesterol, and keep your heart strong.

They’ve also been linked to lowering the risk of certain cancers, including breast, lung, and colon cancer, while helping your skin glow and your blood pressure stay steady.

The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate blood pressure, while beta-carotene supports eye health and slows signs of aging.

That morning orange is doing more than waking you up. It’s protecting you from the inside out.

For more on the power of oranges, click here.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to reinvent your diet or chase the latest wellness craze.
Start with simple, real foods like salmon, yogurt, and oranges that quietly do their job to keep you healthy, glowing, and energized.

Wellness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.
Eat good. Feel good. Live well,  Hamptons style.

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In EDITORIAL

When Washington Stops Talking, America Suffers

In EDITORIAL 5 Mins Read

Real Talk, Real People.

When Washington stops talking to each other, the rest of America feels it.
A government shutdown isn’t just a headline it’s a ripple that hits your neighborhood, your flight, your mail, and even your neighbor’s paycheck.

You might think politics doesn’t affect you, but here’s the truth: it touches everything from how fast your mail arrives to whether your child’s teacher gets paid on time. Let’s break it down.

The Good News: Some Lights Stay On

Not everything comes to a halt.

  • Social Security checks still go out seniors relying on those deposits can breathe a small sigh of relief.
  • The U.S. Postal Service keeps delivering. Rain, snow, or political storm, your mail still shows up because USPS funds itself.
  • Medicare and Medicaid continue, though applications and updates move slower.
  • Essential workers  the military, border patrol, and emergency responders — still show up for duty, even if the paycheck doesn’t.

So, yes — the world keeps spinning. But here’s where it starts to wobble.

The Not-So-Good News: Turbulence Ahead

Picture this: you’re at the airport, coffee in hand, ready to travel and the TSA line snakes halfway around the terminal. Why? Because TSA agents are working without pay.

They keep showing up at first because they care about their jobs and your safety. But when rent is due, bills pile up, and gas prices climb, something’s got to give. Morale drops. Attendance dips. Stress rises.

The same goes for air traffic controllers  the men and women guiding thousands of planes through the sky while wondering when, or if, they’ll see their next paycheck. It’s more than financial pressure; it’s emotional exhaustion, and it’s dangerous.

At smaller airports, the shortage is even more visible. Staffing gaps can mean temporary closures and when the people who keep us safe are stretched thin, everyone feels it.

Politics in Your Wallet

It’s easy to say “politics doesn’t affect me,” until your flight’s delayed, your mortgage paperwork stalls, or your friend at the post office is suddenly working for free.

When lawmakers can’t agree, hundreds of thousands of federal workers go without pay. That means fewer groceries bought, fewer lunches ordered, and local economies start to tighten. The ripple effect doesn’t stop at D.C. it lands right in your backyard.

Even globally, shutdowns shake confidence. Other nations start asking: How stable is America if it can’t fund itself?

Who’s Helping the Workers Holding America Together?

There are lifelines small ones:

And here’s the kicker: the “essential” workers who still show up aren’t eligible for those benefits because they’re technically not unemployed.

And this time, even back pay isn’t guaranteed. Imagine showing up every day, doing your job with integrity, and not knowing if you’ll ever be paid for it.

The Bigger Picture: Politics Isn’t Just in D.C.

Every government shutdown, every delayed bill, every closed office has a real-world impact. Politics isn’t confined to the Capitol it’s in your mailbox, your grocery store, your paycheck, and your child’s classroom.

And closer to home, in places like Southampton and across the East End, we’re facing our own housing crisis. Families who serve this community teachers, hospital workers, sanitation crews can’t afford to live here anymore.

Even as the town works to build affordable housing, it’s not nearly enough. Fourteen new homes might sound like progress, but when hundreds are waiting, it’s barely a dent. The result? People commute from miles away just to serve the very communities they’re priced out of.

It’s the same story everywhere a disconnect between policy and people.

Final Thought: Who Cares About the People Holding America Together?

While Congress argues and collects their paychecks, real people the ones holding this country together are falling apart.

They’re not faceless bureaucrats. They’re the TSA agent keeping your line moving, the air traffic controller keeping your plane safe, the postal worker delivering your prescriptions, the park ranger, the food inspector, the security officer, the family breadwinner.

They’re your neighbors, your friends, and sometimes your family.

Right now, many can’t afford to feed their children, pay rent, or put gas in their cars to get to work. Some have been laid off. Others are being bullied for problems they didn’t cause.

Without them, America doesn’t slow down it stops.
And still, there’s no urgency in Washington.

This isn’t about red or blue.
It’s about human decency.
It’s about the people who keep this country running being treated with the respect they deserve.

So I’ll ask again who’s standing up for the workers who stand up for all of us? Because until that answer changes, the system isn’t broken it’s just heartless.

Real Talk. Real People. Because this affects us all.

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In Health

Know Yourself. Check Yourself. Live.

In Health 3 Mins Read

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a time when pink ribbons fill the streets, and we’re reminded to pause, reflect, and take care of ourselves. But this month isn’t just symbolic it’s a wake-up call.

Because breast cancer doesn’t just happen to “someone else.” It affects women, men, and young women. It affects families. It changes lives.

🩷 Real Talk: Awareness Is Power

Thirty-two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember that time vividly when the fear, the uncertainty, and the courage she showed every day. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, back when people didn’t talk about breast cancer openly.

She survived and lived cancer-free for many years. Her strength was extraordinary.

But what many didn’t know then is that older radiation treatments sometimes caused heart complications years later. My mom developed heart issues and passed away in 2017 from congestive heart failure.

Her journey reminds me that breast cancer awareness isn’t just about surviving, it’s about long-term care, early detection, and paying attention to every part of your health.

📊 The Facts You Should Know

According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.

About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage – before cancer has spread outside the breast – when treatments tend to work best.

Those numbers matter, because they remind us that early detection truly saves lives.

💕 What You Can Do

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org, and it’s simple, actionable, and life-saving:

  • Self-examination is important – Know your body and your normal.
  • If you feel something, say something – Don’t wait or second-guess yourself.
  • Schedule your yearly mammogram – Talk to your doctor about your family history.
  • Women with dense breasts: Ask about additional screening options.

Early detection saves lives. Be proactive. Don’t be scared. You’re not alone.

If you need support, Ellen Hermanson Foundation is an incredible local resource right here in the Hamptons.

How to Do a Self-Exam

Once a month:

  • Look in the mirror for dimpling, redness, or swelling.
  • Raise your arms and check for changes in shape or size.
  • Feel while standing or lying down – use small circular motions.
  • If something feels off – call your doctor.

Prevention Matters

Your lifestyle choices can lower your risk:

  • Eat real food – more plants, less processed.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
  • Exercise daily – even a walk counts.
  • Get enough rest and manage stress.
  • Stay consistent with screenings.

💕 Local Hamptons Resources

We’re fortunate to have incredible organizations right here in our community:

  • Ellen Hermanson Breast Center – Screenings, diagnostics & survivor support (ellenhermanson.org)
  • Coalition for Women’s Cancers (CWC) – Education, outreach & peer support (cwcshh.org)
  • Fighting Chance (Sag Harbor) – Free counseling for cancer patients & caregivers (fightingchance.org)

These organizations are helping our East End neighbors every day – bringing compassion, resources, and hope.

🩷 Real Talk, Real People Breast cancer awareness isn’t just a month – it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing your body, checking yourself, and living fully.

So take a moment today: feel, look, schedule that mammogram, remind a friend, and remember that awareness saves lives, maybe even your own.

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In Health

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid

In Health 6 Mins Read

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid: My Thyroid Tried to Ruin My Life, But I Fought Back (And Won… For Now) Let me keep it real with you: my thyroid and I have had a very complicated relationship. If there were a reality show called “The Real Hormones of the Hamptons,” I’d be the breakout star.

For years, I told my primary care doctor, “I don’t feel well.” His answer? “Your thyroid tests are off.” And that was it. Meanwhile, I was dragging myself through menopause, hot flashes, weight gain, sleepless nights, mood swings, and feeling like a sweaty, exhausted extra in my own life.

But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just menopause. My eyes became my trigger. Driving was difficult, my vision was blurred, and let’s be honest, it felt like my eyeballs were auditioning for their own horror movie. That’s when I finally saw a specialist. Boom: Graves’ disease.

Why Graves’ Disease Is So Hard to Pin Down

Graves’ is the ultimate shapeshifter. The symptoms are like that friend who borrows everyone else’s clothes, a little anxiety here, a little menopause there, maybe some heart palpitations just to keep things spicy. Graves’ copies everyone’s homework unless your doctor runs the right tests, it hides in plain sight.

Here’s the breakdown (and why it gets missed):

  • Graves’ disease: weight loss, fast heartbeat, heat intolerance, eye bulging, goiter
  • Anxiety: also fast heartbeat, also sleeplessness, also irritability 
  • Menopause: oh, look – fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings, weight changes!
  • Heart disease: palpitations, chest discomfort, fatigue

See the problem? Graves’ is like that kid who copies everyone’s homework. Unless you get the right tests, it hides in plain sight.

 The Tests (Or, How to Catch a Sneaky Thyroid)

When you finally land in front of a doctor who listens, here’s what helps sort it out:

  • TSH, Free T4, Free T3: The hormone trio. Low TSH + high T4/T3 = red flag.
  • Antibodies (TSI/TRAb): The smoking gun.
  • Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan: Shows if your thyroid is lit up like Times Square.
  • Ultrasound: For those who can’t do the radioactive stuff (hello, moms-to-be).
  • Eye exam: Because sometimes your eyes tell the story before your bloodwork does.

Is It Hereditary?

Short answer: yes-ish. Graves’ can run in families, but it’s not guaranteed. I like to say: genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.

Stress, smoking, hormones, even iodine in your diet, all can flip the switch. So if Auntie has a thyroid issue and you’re feeling “off,” it’s worth checking early.

My Journey, My Remission

I’ve had ups and downs. I went into remission, then during Covid my symptoms came roaring back and I had to return to meds. But here’s the twist: I started listening to my body. That’s also when I noticed the weight changes, the kind no one warns you about. When my thyroid was overactive, I dropped weight without trying. But once my meds kicked in and my levels normalized, my metabolism slowed down and the pounds crept back on. It was frustrating, but it forced me to look at my health differently, not from a place of control, but from understanding.

  • I reduced (not eliminated) gluten, iodine-heavy foods, and alcohol.
  • I made stress management non-negotiable.
  • I committed to a full night’s sleep.

Now, I’ve been in remission for a year and a half. I take it day by day. Graves’ is part of my story, but it’s not the headline. My headline is resilience, learning that healing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up for yourself every single day.

Can You Gain Weight With Graves’ Disease?

Oh, absolutely and I’m living proof. When people think of Graves’ disease, they usually picture dramatic weight loss. But after treatment, the story can flip. I actually gained weight, and losing it has been incredibly difficult and frustrating. Between menopause, lack of sleep, emotional eating, and my thyroid doing the cha-cha with my hormones, it felt like my body was working against me.

My doctor kept telling me my weight gain wasn’t connected to Graves’, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t adding up. Then I started noticing patterns, like how certain foods made me feel. I discovered that green leafy vegetables (yes, the ones we’re all told to eat!) triggered bloating that lasted for days. Turns out, when your thyroid’s recovering, your whole digestive system can become extra sensitive.

Here’s what’s really going on:

  • Treatment flips your metabolism. Once medication or radioactive iodine slows your thyroid, metabolism can dip below normal.
  • Your body’s recovering. During hyperthyroidism, you burn through calories; after treatment, appetite stays high while metabolism slows.
  • Hormone fluctuations. When thyroid levels swing from high to low, metabolism follows.
  • Menopause overlap. Lower estrogen and stress make weight management an uphill climb.

So what helps? Tracking labs, eating balanced (not restricted), limiting iodine, sleeping well, managing stress, and gentle movement, walking, yoga, light strength training. I stopped focusing on the number on the scale and started focusing on how I feel.

Because here’s the truth: the goal isn’t to be skinny, it’s to feel steady, strong, and at peace with your body.

📊 Graves’ Disease vs. Other Conditions

SymptomGraves’ DiseaseAnxiety/StressMenopauseHeart Disease
Weight changesUnexplained weight loss despite normal or increased eatingNormal weight or loss due to poor appetiteWeight gain or fluctuatingCan be stable or weight gain from limited activity
Heart rateFast heartbeat, palpitationsFast heartbeat, usually tied to stressHot flashes can cause fast heart rateArrhythmias, chest pain, irregular beats
Energy levelRestless, hyperactive but also fatiguedRestless, wired, fatigue from poor sleepFatigue, sleep disturbanceFatigue, exercise intolerance
Heat toleranceHeat intolerance, sweatingCan sweat under stressHot flashes/night sweatsNo consistent heat sensitivity
Mood/BehaviorIrritability, nervousness, insomniaWorry, nervousness, insomniaMood swings, irritabilityDepression or anxiety (secondary to illness)
Thyroid glandGoiter (swelling at neck), sometimes tenderNormalNormalNormal
EyesBulging eyes, gritty/dry feeling, double vision (specific to Graves’)NormalNormalNormal
SkinRarely, thickened skin on shins (pretibial myxedema)NormalNormalPossible changes due to circulation issues

Detailed Chart: How Each Test Helps Diagnose Graves

TestWhat It MeasuresTypical Result in Graves’Why It Matters
TSHHormone from pituitary telling thyroid to make hormonesVery low or undetectableFirst clue something is wrong
Free T4 / Free T3Thyroid hormones in bloodHighConfirms hyperthyroidism
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) / TRAbAutoantibodies that attack thyroidPositiveSpecific marker for Graves’
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU)How much iodine thyroid absorbsHigh & spread evenly (diffuse uptake)Differentiates Graves’ from thyroiditis
Thyroid UltrasoundSize, structure, and blood flowEnlarged with increased blood flowAlternative to RAIU in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Eye & Physical ExamEye bulging, goiter, skin changes, tremorsOften presentHelps confirm the clinical picture

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