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In Wellness

Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

October 17, 2025 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.

In Eats

Healthy Foods essential to your well being

October 14, 2025 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.

In Health

Know Yourself. Check Yourself. Live.

October 7, 2025 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.

In Health

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid

October 7, 2025 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

Symptom	Graves’ Disease	Anxiety/Stress	Menopause	Heart Disease
Weight changes	Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased eating	Normal weight or loss due to poor appetite	Weight gain or fluctuating	Can be stable or weight gain from limited activity
Heart rate	Fast heartbeat, palpitations	Fast heartbeat, usually tied to stress	Hot flashes can cause fast heart rate	Arrhythmias, chest pain, irregular beats
Energy level	Restless, hyperactive but also fatigued	Restless, wired, fatigue from poor sleep	Fatigue, sleep disturbance	Fatigue, exercise intolerance
Heat tolerance	Heat intolerance, sweating	Can sweat under stress	Hot flashes/night sweats	No consistent heat sensitivity
Mood/Behavior	Irritability, nervousness, insomnia	Worry, nervousness, insomnia	Mood swings, irritability	Depression or anxiety (secondary to illness)
Thyroid gland	Goiter (swelling at neck), sometimes tender	Normal	Normal	Normal
Eyes	Bulging eyes, gritty/dry feeling, double vision (specific to Graves’)	Normal	Normal	Normal
Skin	Rarely, thickened skin on shins (pretibial myxedema)	Normal	Normal	Possible changes due to circulation issues

Detailed Chart: How Each Test Helps Diagnose Graves


Test	What It Measures	Typical Result in Graves’	Why It Matters
TSH	Hormone from pituitary telling thyroid to make hormones	Very low or undetectable	First clue something is wrong
Free T4 / Free T3	Thyroid hormones in blood	High	Confirms hyperthyroidism
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) / TRAb	Autoantibodies that attack thyroid	Positive	Specific marker for Graves’
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU)	How much iodine thyroid absorbs	High & spread evenly (diffuse uptake)	Differentiates Graves’ from thyroiditis
Thyroid Ultrasound	Size, structure, and blood flow	Enlarged with increased blood flow	Alternative to RAIU in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Eye & Physical Exam	Eye bulging, goiter, skin changes, tremors	Often present	Helps confirm the clinical picture

In Wellness

The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts and Women’s Health

September 17, 2025 In Wellness 3 Mins Read

*The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts & Women’s Health

I’ve been blessed not to personally experience the pain of fibroids or ovarian cysts, but I’ve watched women I love suffer for years in silence. Friends, family, sisters in my community, carrying the weight of heavy bleeding, unbearable cramps, and the fear of not knowing what’s going on in their own bodies. They pushed through workdays, family obligations, and life, while privately battling pain that should have been taken seriously from the start.

For many women, especially Black women this is not a rare story.

• Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, but they can cause heavy periods, intense cramping, pelvic pressure, and even infertility. Black women are more likely to develop them, and they often show up earlier, grow larger, and cause more severe symptoms.

• Ovarian cysts can quietly exist without symptoms, but when they cause pain, it’s not subtle. Bloating, sharp pelvic aches, and even hospital trips are part of the reality.

• Dermoid cysts are a different type altogether, benign growths that come from undeveloped cells you’re born with. They can contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth (yes, really) and often go unnoticed for years. Because their symptoms, pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, can mimic fibroids, they’re sometimes misdiagnosed. The only way to confirm their presence is through imaging, like a sonogram, which can lead to surgery if they’re large or causing complications.

And then there’s dysmenorrhea -painful periods that so many women dismiss as “normal,” even when it’s a sign of something deeper.

The heartbreaking part? Too many suffer in silence because they’ve been told, directly or indirectly, that women’s pain is something to “tough out.” Add in the racial disparities in healthcare, where Black women’s symptoms are often dismissed or downplayed and it’s a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and unnecessary suffering.

Here’s what I’ve learned from the women who’ve shared their stories with me:

1. Listen to your body. Pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue are not things you should just “get used to.”

2. Push for answers. If a doctor brushes you off, find another one. You deserve to be heard.

3. Break the silence. Talking about your experience can help another woman recognize she’s not alone.

Fibroids, cysts, and other reproductive health conditions are not just “women’s problems” they’re human problems. They affect our families, our work, our emotional well-being. The more we share, the less anyone has to suffer alone.

Real talk, real people, your health matters. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.