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Wearing Teri Jon lace dress, Stuart Weitzman evening pumps, Sabika Necklace and Prada sunnies.

As you know, the focus of this blog is bringing about health, fitness, fashion, and inspiration awareness for women of a certain age.  Women who are in a certain place–their children are grown, their careers are still in full bloom, their children are done with furthering their higher education, perhaps not yet grandparents and now, have the time to focus on opportunities to continue to be productive personally and professionally.

So, today, the health awareness focus is on inflammation in the body. There is a new kid on the block for testing, screening for inflammation in the body.

Here’s what you need to know about inflammation: Inflammation is a normal and beneficial process that occurs when white blood cells and chemicals in the body join up to protect you from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.  So, some level of inflammation is good and required for health.  Excess inflammation can cause irritation to the tissues which translates into pain, swelling and redness so often seen in people suffering from osteoarthritis.

However, the inflammatory response often gets out of control.  How?

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This happens when the immune system triggers an inflammatory response without a real threat.  This can easily cause excess inflammation to stay in the body; a condition that is linked to allergies, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease and other serious medical conditions.

You probably know your blood pressure, and whether your cholesterol is high, low, or normal.  But what about your C-RP?

C- reactive protein (C-RP) is a plasma protein produced by the liver in response to acute infection of inflammation. C-reactive protein levels can be measure in your blood.  High levels of C-RP are a cause for alarm, since its presence can be linked to inflammation possibly arising from infection, lupus, tuberculosis, heart attack risk, burns and even cancer.

C-Reactive Protein is a new marker of inflammation and is directly related to heart disease risk.  Learn what you number is and get tested yearly. Please know that since the C-RP test is new, your doctor might not routinely order it and insurance may not pay for them.  According to the American Heart Association, having a C-reactive protein test isn’t recommended for the general population to screen for heart disease risk.  Your doctor may check your C-reactive protein level after surgery or treatment for infections or other medical conditions.

Are You at RIsk for High C-RP? Seven Factors to Watch for:
1.  Overweight
2.  You get frequent infections
3.  You eat a lot of refined sugars ( some include sugary beverages, desserts, candy, cakes,white bread, pasta)
4.  You don’t floss
5.  You don’t sleep enough
6.  You’re on the Pill
7.  You Have chronic allergies
If you meet any of these criteria, your C-Reactive Protein levels could be too high.

5 Ways to Lower C-RP:
1.  Get tested ( your doctor will devise an action plan to reduce high inflammation in your body)
2.  Stick to a Mediterranean dIet
3.  Supplement with vitamin c
4.  Increase your fiber
5.  Enjoy (some) dark chocolate

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Inflammation isn’t your friend, if you think you are at risk for high levels of inflammation in your body, ask to be tested.