James Van Der Beek on Voices of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis AwarenessTalk about busy! James Van Der Beek recently became a dad and, despite his hectic acting schedule, has taken the leap into charity spokesperson, raising awareness for Voices of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). SheKnows.com jumped at the chance to speak with Van Der Beek about ulcerative colitis and other projects he’s working on.Voices of Ulcerative ColitisSheKnows.com: We heard you are working on a new disease awareness program.

Van Der Beek: Yes, I'm working with a program called Voices of UC to raise awareness about UC. UC is a chronic condition of the digestive system that affects more than 500,000 Americans. It can be very painful, but because the symptoms are not ones people like to talk about -- it can make those who have it wary of venturing too far from the nearest bathroom -- there is a lot of misdiagnosis.

SheKnows.com: Why is raising awareness of ulcerative colitis so important?

Van Der Beek: As part of the program, a survey was conducted with 1,000 people living with UC and 100 doctors who treat it. Some of the results blew me away -- they showed that a third of people with UC are first misdiagnosed with another condition and that it typically takes a year and a half, and three different doctors, for patients to be correctly diagnosed.

The study also showed a disparity between what patients were experiencing and what they were communicating to their doctors. Half of the patients in the study reported experiencing at least three or more UC flare-ups per year. But when doctors who treat UC were polled, they said only a quarter of their patients experienced that many.

Our goal is to bring awareness that this disease is out there and to emphasize to patients how important it is to be completely honest with their doctor about what they're going through.

Ulcerative colitis is nothing to be embarrassed aboutSheKnows.com: Why did you decide to get involved with the cause?

Van Der Beek: My mother suffered in silence with UC for years. She kept her condition a secret from most of our family -- even me -- because it wasn't something she felt comfortable discussing. It took her five different doctors to get a treatment plan that worked for her.

What I'm hoping to help do through my involvement with this program is reach out to people like my mom and let them know there's nothing to be embarrassed about and that people around them might be a lot more understanding than they might think. After I got involved in this program, my mom opened up to her close friends and family and found an unflinchingly solid support system.

I'm happy to report that she has figured out a treatment plan that seems to be working for her and is doing much better.

Get involved in raising awareness for ulcerative colitisSheKnows.com: What can people do to get involved with the cause?

Van Der Beek: People can go to www.LivingwithUC.com for more survey findings, personal stories and tips that may help them overcome some of the challenges of living with UC.

James Van Der Beek on becoming a dadSheKnows.com: You recently became a dad. Congrats! How has that affected you and changed your perspective on life?

Van Der Beek: Talk about a game changer! Making a positive impact on the world used to feel like something I should do -- now I feel like it's the only thing to do. It's amazing the changes you make in your life once that child arrives -- not because of some obligation, but because something deep inside you has shifted. There really aren't words. It's just the most fun thing that's ever happened to me.

New movies starring James Van Der BeekSheKnows.com: What can your fans expect to see from you in the next little while?

Van Der Beek: I've been in dad mode the last few months, but before that I shot a movie called The Big Bang with Antonio Banderas (which should be out early next year). I just recently filmed a guest spot on the new TNT show Franklin & Bash, which debuts this summer. And I've got a few projects I've been developing and producing on my own, which I'm very excited about. I look forward to telling you more about those soon!

More on Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis: Kelly's Story

Learn about Kelly's diagnosis with ulcerative colitis and her treatment at Cleveland Clinic.

More on digestive health10 tips for digestive healthQUIZ: Test your digestive healthEarly signs of digestive problems in women

SheKnows Parenting Awards Best fitness essentials

Kick It Up A Notch And Vote!SheKnows Parenting Awards are here! Vote for the best of everything related to pregnancy and parenting! We want to know what you think are the best products and services for families. Cast your vote in the SheKnows Parenting Awards! Here are the nominees in the Fitness category.

SheKnows Parent's Choice Awards are a direct reflection of our readers' opinion on specific products. Our goal is to give our readers all the information they need to make the best informed decisions in their everyday lives. All products or companies in nomination are reviewed by our team and handpicked accordingly for each category. Each winners are determined via an organic voting process performed by YOU, our valuable SheKnows readers!

Fitness websites

Find out more about these nominees and cast your vote now!

Post pregnancy workout DVD

Find out more about these nominees and cast your vote now!

Best pregnancy workout DVD

Find out more about these nominees and cast your vote now!

Best workout accessories

Find out more about these nominees and cast your vote now!

Hypothyroidism Dieting can damage your thyroid

Hypothyroidism
Weight Loss TipsDespite your best dieting and exercise efforts, you’re not losing weight and finding it even harder to keep weight off. Worse, you’re exhausted and can’t seem to pull yourself out of the dumps. There’s a good chance you’ve got hypothyroidism and your weight loss efforts are the root cause. We talked with Dr. Elizabeth Lyster from the Holtorf Medical Group in Foster City, California, about the impact of dieting on the thyroid.

Types of hypothyroidism

Dr. Lyster, who specializes in weight management associated with thyroid conditions, says that an underactive thyroid can be related to the thyroid's inability to function properly, hormonal imbalances, and stress.

Primary hypothyroidism

According to Dr. Lyster, primary hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland itself is not functioning well, either due to one's own antibodies attacking it (autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis), lack of iodine (a mineral needed to make thyroid hormones) or other problems with the thyroid gland.

Secondary hypothyroidism

Another type of hypothyroidism is related to the pituitary gland. "Secondary hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is not being adequately stimulated by brain-releasing hormones from the pituitary gland," says the medical specialist.

Stress-related hypothyroidism

Who knew stress to the body could cause hypothyroidism? Dr. Lyster says stress caused by disease and even calorie restriction, as in dieting, can cause an upset in thelevels of thyroid hormones. She explains that when the inactive form of thyroid hormone (thyroxine or T4) is not converting to the active form of the hormone (triiodithyronine or T3), and instead converts to reverse T3, it blocks the T3 receptors as well as blocking the proper T4 to T3 conversion, causing hypothyroidism.

What you need to know about hypothyroidism >>

Thyroid conditions are often misdiagnosed

Whenever you have changes in your health, you should see a doctor, and get a second opinion if your doctor's diagnosis and course of treatment doesn't seem to help your condition. Hypothyroidism ranks high on the list of commonly misdiagnosed health issues for women, making it important for you to rule it out or get a proper diagnosis when your health goes awry.

"Thyroid dysfunction is mistaken for all sorts of conditions in women, the most common of which include depression and other mental disorders, metabolic syndrome when they can't lose weight, and fatigue," explains Dr. Lyster.

Infertility: Is your thyroid to blame? >>

Don't let your dieting damage your thyroid

Though you may need to lose a few (or many) pounds, keep in mind that restrictive dieting or dropping entire food groups from your diet can actually hinder your weight loss efforts by impairing your thyroid function. "Prolonged calorie restriction should be avoided," says Dr. Lyster. "And the best type of exercise program is one that is enjoyable, not excessive, and can be sustainable for the long run." The doctor adds that, in general, any kind of stress to the body should be managed as well as possible before it affects thyroid function.

How dieting to the extreme can hurt your health >>

Up next: Weight loss tips for women with hypothyroidism >>

Continue »12

Gluten-free Goodie of the Week Citrus-sugar cookies recipe

Like A Bite
Of Sunshine!These gluten-free cookies are sure to brighten your day! Citrus-sugar cookies are a sweet treat with a good dose of lemon.

Note: Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows.com tries to ensure these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten free.

Picture a bowl of lemons on a table and you're sure to smile. Imagine the cheer the flavor of lemons can bring to sugar cookies! This Gluten-free Goodie of the Week recipe for citrus-sugar cookies includes both lemon juice and zest to add to the brightness and flavor of these sweet treats!

Citrus-sugar cookie recipe

Yields about 40 cookies

Ingredients:2 cups gluten-free, all-purpose flour (or try this SheKnows gluten-free baking flour blend recipe) 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/3 cup for rolling1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon xanthan gum1 egg1/2 cup shortening3 tablespoons lemon juice2 tablespoons lemon zest, dividedParchment paperDirections:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of lemon zest with the 1/3 cup sugar and set aside.In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, baking powder and xanthan gum and set aside.In a large bowl use a mixer to blend the 3/4 cup sugar and shortening together until incorporated. Add the egg and mix well.Gradually add the sugar mixture to the flour mixture. Add the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough mixture.Pinch off a small amount of dough to roll into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the sugar-zest mixture to coat them. Place them on the baking sheet and use your fingers to gently press them down until they're about 1/4-inch thick.Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bottoms begin to turn lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy these sunny, gluten-free cookies!

More Gluten-free Goodie recipes

Chocolate truffle cakes
Individual mixed berry and pecan crisps
Oatmeal-apple cookies

King cake-inspired boozy milkshake

The Perfect Shake
For Mardi Gras!Put down that hurricane and step away from the margarita. We've just replaced those with a new, more delicious Mardi Gras libation. Grab a big jar of this king cake boozy milkshake for a luscious dessert and cocktail all in one!

Each sip tastes like your favorite king cake, just without all the work it takes to make one. They may taste innocent, but these shakes are strong. If you wake up on Bourbon Street with a ton of beads and a brain freeze, we can't be to blame.

King cake-inspired boozy milkshake recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:2 cups cake batter ice cream2 tablespoons cream cheese3/4 cup milkAbout 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup whipped cream vodka (or vanilla vodka)1/2 cup crumbled king cake pieces (or regular vanilla cake)Green, purple and yellow sprinklesDirections: 

Place the ice cream, cream cheese, milk and whipped cream vodka in a blender. Blend on low until mixture is smooth. Add additional vodka or ice cream to taste.Stir in the cake pieces with a spoon. Pour mixture into a Mason jar. Garnish with whipped cream and Mardi Gras sprinkles.

More Mardi Gras recipes

3 Strong Mardi Gras cocktail recipes
Delicious king cake recipe
Mardi Gras recipes for Fat Tuesday

Sexual health Natural ways to keep the fire kindled

Many women in their 20s and 30s are watching their parents scurry to see Hope Springs. This is the new movie starring Meryl Streep, who plays a 60-year-old wife desperate to rekindle physical intimacy with her husband, played by Tommy Lee Jones.

Keep your sex life thriving -- naturally

I'm sure these young women are proclaiming to themselves and each other, "This will never happen to me." Optimism is always a good sentiment to have, but intention is not always enough. In my practice, I've found that health decisions women make in their 20s truly affect the rest of their lives.

Here are a few tips for young women to keep their now-satisfying sexual lives going well into the post-50 years.

Take omega-3s regularly

Essential fatty acids are essential for moist and supple skin. That applies to the skin on the face and body, as well as to the vaginal and vulvar areas and the mucosa. Walnuts and certain seeds -- chia, hemp, flax and pumpkin -- are loaded with these good fats. Make them part of your regular diet.

Foods to boost your libido >>Kegel up

These exercises help strengthen a weak pelvic floor, a condition that can occur even without going through childbirth. A stronger pelvic floor can help increase sensitivity and lead to more intense orgasms. Kegel exercises can be done while going about your daily business -- no one will know your agenda.

Fitness for new moms and babies >> Detoxify

Fatigue sets in when the body isn't able to eliminate toxins and balance hormones. As one gets older and the body becomes more toxic, a general feeling of malaise can become the typical state of unwellness. That's why it's important to help the liver -- the body's detox site -- do its job. One of the best ways is by eating liver-friendly foods, which include leafy greens, especially dandelions.

Drink wisely

Green juices are refreshing and healing, as long as they're not full of sweeteners. According to Chinese medicine, too much sugar will create a damp heat in the vulvar area, which can lead to yeast infections. Sipping on lemon water during the day also assists in the cleansing process.

Daily detox: Foods and herbs that cleanse >>More sexual health tips for women

Midlife sexual health tips
Embarrassing sexual health issues
Treatments for painful sex during menopause

MERS-CoV virus spreading globally

Middle East Virus
Affects WorldThe SARS-like Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, known as MERS-CoV, is spreading across the globe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the novel coronavirus (NCoV) that has been in the headlines recently was renamed the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). But that doesn’t mean it’s limited to people in the region.

The SARS-like virus has infected 49 people globally, 27 of whom have died. The latest deaths occurred in Saudi Arabia and France.

On Monday, Dr. Margaret Chan, general director of the WHO, said the virus is “a threat to the entire world.”

The SARS-like virus has infected 49 people globally, 27 of whom have died.

The name change came about to better facilitate communication about the disease and provide uniformity.

The MERS-CoV is similar to a cold virus that goes after the respiratory system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. Symptoms can include fever and a cough, but are so severe they can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure.

Scientists aren’t quite sure how it spreads, which is making it hard to prevent.

More on cold and flu

How the flu can hurt your heart health
7 Flu shot facts
The holistic truth about colds and flu