Blog - Melanie Young- Fearless Fabulous You!

Are Antibiotics Making You Sick?

On July 24, 2019 / Healthy Living

Recent news reports indicate that diagnosis of colon cancer among individuals under the age of 50 has been steadily increasing. While one’s diet may be a contributing factor (among others), overuse of antibiotics may also be a problem. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk for colon cancer have their first colonoscopy starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. If colon cancer is not detected early, it can pose a greater health risk. That’s one reason an increase among young people being diagnosed who have not yet been screened is concerning. Medical and nutrition experts both agree

Food Safety Tips To Protect Your Health This Summer

On July 3, 2019 / Uncategorized

No one wants to be sick in the summer, especially from tainted food. Food left out in the heat or improperly cooked is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella. If you can’t pronounce it, you probably don’t want it in your body, whether it’s chemicals, preservatives or harmful bacteria (good bacteria for a healthy gut is OK). If you are as concerned about the foods you buy to eat, be equally mindful on handling them safely. Keep the sizzle in your summer with these food safety tips from the nonprofit Stop Foodborne Illness (www.stopfoodborneillness.org): Remember

The Lost Kitchen-Fearless Fabulous You June 19

On June 18, 2019 / Aging Gracefully, Fearless Fabulous You Radio Show

In “The Lost Kitchen,” a daughter writes a memoir of caring for her mother with advanced #Alzheimers. The more than two dozen recipes she shares capture memories of her mother and remind us that writing and cooking can be therapeutic. Meet poet and author, Miriam Green, on #FearlessFabulousYou June 19th 12 oon EST W4WN Radio – The Women 4 Women Network

Rules Matter Unless They No Longer Make Sense

On June 17, 2019 / Attitude Adjustment

I was never great at following directions or rules. I always tried to rework everything and asked too many questions. It was more why and why not than okay and I accept. I spoke up and disregarded people who told me to “shut up.” Rules do matter. Guidelines are good. But if they no longer make sense and seem archaic, then speak up and figure out a way to rewrite the rules. For years – centuries- we’ve lived in a country where rules and laws were made and set by a majority of men. But times change and rules should as well to stay current with the times. They need need revisiting, especially when

My Dad Wasn’t Perfect. And I Forgive Him.

On June 16, 2019 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

My Dad told off-colored jokes, made suggestive comments about women and was the first to plant kisses on a woman’s cheek and embrace her without asking. He did it all with a sense of humor and good nature because he thought women were amazing. He married an exceptional one and raised another and he put us both on pedestals. When I’d blush or roll my eyes at his off-color comments, he’d laugh and nudge me saying, “Melanie, your Dad’s just a Dirty Old Man.” People who knew my Dad would understand that he would never do anything to intentionally insult

When a Moment Counts, You Learn To Count Every Moment

On May 4, 2019 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

The call came. A friend died. It was unexpected. Our friend had been living with cancer for several years but was managing well. We’re not sure what happened. There was an accident. A head injury. Clots formed. After release from the hospital, all seemed fine. Then pain, clots, more treatment. All seemed to improve, until cardiac arrest stopped him in his tracks. Gone in a moment. A family left behind to pick up the pieces. I am haunted by the sequence of how it came to be; the what ifs roll through my head at night. There may be many factors involved in my friend’s death; cancer treatment compromises the body in

I Didn’t Sign Up for This

On April 23, 2019 / Healthy Living, Staying Grounded

Every day I receive dozens of emails from people and businesses I don’t know. I wonder, where did everyone I know go, and who are all these other people? I sign up for newsletters to stay in touch and enter contests to win trips. I sign up for one-time webinars to learn new things. I friend people who seem interesting online. But sometimes it gets to be too much. One contest submission to win a trip becomes a barrage of notices and ads. One webinar becomes a weekly entreaty to sign up for a class series or purchase coaching sessions. One

When Green Is Not Your Best Color

On April 23, 2019 / Attitude Adjustment

Someone I know professionally who whose work requires her to travel to beautiful places recently commented that she wished people would refrain from saying “I’m jealous” when someone shares good news. She wrote, “Jealousy is not something to be proud of. It is an emotion that we all wrestle with but when the word jealousy is uttered in response to someone’s achievement, it makes the moment very uncomfortable. As if somehow that person is not deserving and what they have should really be yours. Expressing jealousy isn’t a compliment or expression of support.” Jealousy is a powerful emotion but not

Is Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Really That Good for You?

On April 13, 2019 / Breast Cancer, Fearless Fabulous You Radio Show, Healthy Living, Nutrition and Diet

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has debunked the theory that following an alkaline diet can improve your health and reduce your risk for cancer, stating, “What you eat can have a profound affect on your cancer risk, but the acidity or alkalinity of foods is not important. Instead, focus on making dietary choices that can truly affect your risk.” The AICR has launched a campaign to hep bust common myths and present science-based facts about cancer prevention. (link) As the recipient of numerous publicists’ pitches on the benefits of an alkaline diet, risks of high acid in your

Just Because It’s Good for You Doesn’t Mean It’s Right for You

On March 9, 2019 / Attitude Adjustment, Fearless Fabulous You Radio Show, Healthy Living

I am pitched on a range of products and protocols that are intended to be good for you. They claim to improve your health and well-being. I keep an open mind, but I always peer into the science behind the statements. I question, “How does this work for women of all ages and backgrounds and when does it not appropriate for someone?” I’ve been schooled in the “not one diet fits all” theory of healthy eating. There are general guidelines to follow: eat more plants, leaner protein, and better fats; consume less sugar and simple carbohydrates; avoid processed foods; drink

Vegetables for breakfast. Why not?

On March 8, 2019 / Fearless Fabulous You Radio Show, food and drink, Healthy Living

I like savory breakfasts. I’m not talking about bacon, sausage and eggs. I like vegetables for breakfast- sautéed mushrooms and spinach with a poached or hard boiled egg, roasted beets in my Greek yogurt, warmed-up leftover vegetables over toast, or kale or spinach smoothies with berries. I even like a cup of vegetable soup for breakfast. My physician recently informed me my blood sugar and cholesterol levels are slightly elevated. I know this means further editing to my diet, moving more and keeping stress levels in check. The start of the day is a great place to start. Various studies have shown the benefits of eating a

The Joy of Solitude

On February 13, 2019 / Attitude Adjustment, Happiness, Healthy Living

This is a love note to all the single ladies. I was once among you for many years. Sometimes I feel among you again. My husband travels quite a bit to drink wine in far-off locales. There are many joys of solitude that I have rediscovered when David is away. Some of them apply to the joys of solo travel as well. Here are a few: You can eat what you want and when you want. Dinner does not have to be on the table at a certain time. You can eat dessert for breakfast and breakfast for dinner,