Let’s Talk FAM (Finances and Medicine...and more).

Should You Use Talc-Free Makeup?  Let's talk talc. Say that five times fast! Talc is the ingredient that caused me to toss half of my make up stash in the trash. Talc is a common ingredient across many products in the makeup and personal care product industry; in fact, it's often the first ingredient listed! Talc may sound familiar to you as it was at the center of the multibillion dollar Jonson & Johnson lawsuit. To summarize, many of the plaintiffs claimed that the talc used in Johnson & Johnson baby powder was contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. And that this exposure to asbestos from using the product led to the development of gynecologic and lung cancers. As of 2020, talc has been replaced with cornstarch in  Johnson & Johnson baby powder  (commissions earned). For more information on the case, check out this  New York Times article . Now, back to makeup.  The problem. Talc is a common ingredient in makeup and personal care products,...

  Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet. This post is going to highlight some of the not so glamorous parts about having pets. Please, don't come at me! The truth is if done right, owning pets can be costly among other challenges.  At the time this post is being published, there is an epidemic of "Covid pets" - animals that were adopted while people were spending more time at home during the pandemic that are now being surrendered to shelters.  If you take on a pet without truly knowing what you're getting into or being in it for the long haul, then that's not fair to the animal either. Don't mistake me for a pet hater. I have two cats, and there was always at least one pet in my childhood home. I'm not denying the benefits of having pets, and realize that they can be beloved family members.  But let's explore some of the things pet owners might not realize they're signing up for when they get a pet. Is it a Goo...

  Let's talk living wills.  Sorry if I'm coming on too strong, but we are all going to die. And everyone deserves to die with dignity. This is why YOU need a living will. No one knows you better than you - not your partner or children, etc. Kudos if you've even had these conversations, but even better to put your wishes in writing! A living will is one part of estate planning. As you might have guessed, estate planning increases with age ( legalzoom.com ); unfortunately, not everyone grows old. While discussing death may be uncomfortable, actually dying without having your affairs in order could really be uncomfortable - for you, as your wishes may not be satisfied, and for the loved ones who may find themselves in the difficult situation of having to make decisions on your behalf while grappling with their own feelings. As a physician assistant, I've helped many clients create living wills. I've helped family members make informed decisions regarding the content ...

10 Ways to Stop Overspending on Clothing I love to shop for clothing, especially for my daughter. I always joke and say, "God knew my heart needed a daughter, but my wallet didn't!"  Thankfully I'm not going into consumer debt, but I am a spender. Rather than feel guilt or shame, I started to accept and roll with it. Here's what to do if you tend to overspend on clothing or other items.  1. Start a side hustle.  I like to have multiple income streams so I can designate funds from different sources for specific purposes. One of my favorite sides hustles is - you guessed it - reselling my daughter's clothes !  This is perfect because I truly enjoy it, and she outgrows things so quickly. I try to keep items in good condition without stains . I can sell things as she outgrows them to fund the next size up for her ever changing wardrobe. Check out this  Ramsey Solutions article  for more side hustle suggestions.  2. Start a sinking fund. Similar to having m...

How Do You Make Carsickness Go Away?  Warmer weather is finally here in Central Pennsylvania, and we have many road trips planned this summer season. Between our summer bucket list and family several hours away, it seems we are always on the road. It wasn't always this way though.  My daughter started getting carsick just before she turned one. While it seems to be better now that she's older, I continue to have anxiety while traveling. I'm sure no one enjoys carsickness, but even the picture to the left of this text seems somewhat romanticized.  First of all, children should be in the appropriate restraints (car seat, booster seat with seatbelt, etc.). Younger children are unable to communicate that they're feeling carsick, and don't have the faculties to direct their vomit conveniently outside of the car or into a sick bag (commissions earned). You many be traveling alone with your child and unable to assist them from the front seat.  Fortunately, much like  e...

Don't diet: follow this healthy eating plan instead. Let's talk healthy eating. I don't diet nor do I typically recommend any specific diets. This is true in my personal life as well as my professional career as a physician assistant. Diets often backfire and fail; they can be too restrictive in terms of limiting calories, certain foods or entire food groups. Diets can lead to disordered eating and malnutrition. Instead, I follow and recommend guidelines to promote a healthy eating plan. I compiled a list of the most common recommendations in over a decade of working in mostly primary care fields.  According to this  Forbes article , over 40% of Americans are obese. Obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions, so losing weight  is a worthy pursuit. Developing healthy eating habits should be part of a holistic plan for longevity and wellness regardless of your current or goal weight. Practical guidelines can help you create lasting lifestyle changes. Let's dig i...

Suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms? Try these treatments!  Let's talk allergic rhinitis treatment options. So you've implemented  home modifications , but you're still suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms. You're not alone! Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans and are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States according to the  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology .  I'll always advocate for avoidance, elimination, lifestyle change, etc. where possible. But when these efforts are not possible or fail, then various treatment options are available.  As an allergy sufferer, the symptoms are not fun. I'd much rather treat preemptively than feel miserable with itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sore throat. The inflammation of nasal and throat passages also makes you more prone to acute upper respiratory infections since this is where pathogens are inhaled and replicate to cause illness in the body. ...