What did FOFs do before there were fancy-shmancy lotions and potions? They treated their wrinkles and imperfections with things they found from the earth–raw herbs, plant and animal oils.

Now, some FOFs are nixing modern anti-aging treatments and creams loaded with chemicals and other unidentifiable ingredients in favor of the all-natural remedies used by our FOForemothers. “Recently, my nutritionist encouraged me to get as far away from manufactured creams as possible,” says FOF Trish Perry. But, do these natural remedies actually work? We spoke to FOFs who swear they do and dermatologist Dr. Jessica Krant about what the current research says about these age-old beauty secrets.

Tell us: What natural home beauty treatments do you use?

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Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree--a species native to Morocco--which is now endangered. In recent years, it has become a popular ingredient in beauty products. It is also sold in its pure form, which has been used by Moroccan natives for hundreds of years for its beauty benefits.

FOF Donna Fiorino says: “I have combination, acne-prone skin and using argan oil makes my face feel hydrated, but does not cause it to break out or feel greasy. In fact, it helps with my breakouts. I also use it on my cuticles and to smooth the ends of my hair. It really is a miracle, do-everything product!”

FOF Peggy Lanman says: ”I use argan oil by Josie Maran all over my face at night, concentrating around my eyes and neck. It is natural and very moisturizing but not greasy feeling.”

Dr. Krant says: “There are few-to-no formal studies proving a measurable effect of argan oil on skin health. However, the promise is great--it contains vitamin E, many essential fatty acids, and other antioxidants.”

Witch hazel comes from the witch hazel shub, a flowering plant that grows in North America. It’s sold as an astringent, which is made by boiling the shrub’s stems and condensing the steam.

FOF Gail Martin says: “My grandmother always had witch hazel in her medicine cabinet, but I rediscovered it for myself a few years ago. I have fairly sensitive skin, and it’s a great way to cleanse and tone without any harshness. It’s very soothing. I apply it with cotton pads or via a spray bottle that I spritz on my dry skin as a refresher. I use one by Thayers, which has a nice aroma.”

Dr. Krant says: “Witch hazel has been scientifically shown to reduce inflammation and redness when applied to skin. It has also been shown to reduce loss of moisture through the skin barrier. This moisture-blocking quality may be a reason it could reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in skin.”

Biotin is a vitamin essential to the human diet. It’s particularly abundant in swiss chard, raw egg yolk, peanuts and liver. It’s available as a dietary supplement in pill form.

FOF Debbie Geist says: “My doctor recommended Biotin to me for my dry skin. The label says that it ‘supports healthy hair, skin and nails.’ Love support in all three of those categories!”

FOF Fran Liscio says: “I use biotin specifically for my nails which tend to be soft--they split and peel easily. After taking one capsule a day--for around three weeks, I was surprised to notice that my nails were long and simply hadn't split in a while. (I use CVS pharmacy brand Biotin 5000 Mcg). The longer I used it the better and healthier and stronger my nails became.”

Dr. Krant says: “Biotin has been shown in multiple formal studies to reduce the brittleness of nails and their tendency to chip and peel. 2.5 to 5 milligrams per day seems to do the trick.”

Olive oil is an edible oil from the olive tree, which traditionally grows in the Mediterranean. Olive oil is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soaps.

FOF Trish Perry says: “A year ago, I found an online discussion between women whose mothers and grandmothers used pure olive oil as moisturizer. I loved the idea of a natural beauty product, so some nights I work a little into the ends of my hair and then I’d shampoo it out in the morning. It seems to keep the ends healthier. I’ve also started using olive oil as my nighttime ‘cream,’ on my face, throat, and decolletage. It’s pretty lightweight and seems to absorb into my skin quickly. The texture of my skin is so much nicer than when I use pricey skin creams.”

Dr. Krant says: “Olive oil is an age-old beauty secret, known to contain vitamin E, many essential fatty acids, and for its antioxidant properties. The staple of the Mediterranean diet, it’s lauded for its protective health effects. There is also some evidence that when applied to the skin it reduces damage from ultraviolet B rays which implies it may provide some protection against skin cancer and wrinkling.”

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts. It applications vary from food, to medicine, to beauty and as fuel.

FOF Cassi Jensen: “I use Spectrum Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. When I rub it between my fingers, it turns liquid very quickly and I can use it as a face moisturizer, body moisturizer, lip treatment (tastes great!) or on the ends of my hair to condition and de-frizz. I use a little more sometimes at night on the ends of my hair and sleep with a shower cap or plastic wrap to really deep condition. I shampoo it out the next morning. It is supposed to be great for cooking and baking too--I'll have to get another jar for the kitchen.”

FOF Vera Brasher: “I cleanse my face morning and night with it. My skin is as soft as a baby's behind! The one I use has a somewhat gritty consistency and I think it probably acts as a gentle exfoliant.”

Dr. Krant says: “Coconut oil has repeatedly been shown to be a safe and effective moisturizer when applied to the skin. One study shows it improved open-wound healing, but, there is no evidence that when applied topically to intact, healthy skin that it’s a magical beauty secret.”

Fish oil omes from the tissues of oily fish such as salmon, some tuna and swordfish. It is thought to have many health benefits and can be ingested in liquid or pill form.

FOF Linda Holzbaur says: “I use Nordic Natural Omega3 Fish Oil capsules [orally] based on the advice of an acupuncturist. She believes most modern humans do not get enough Omega-3s in their diets. Since I’ve used it, my skin, prone to eczema, is healthier and my cholesterol levels are the best my doctor has ever seen.”

Dr. Krant says: “Fish oil, containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, is a known and proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory when ingested.”

Hempseed oil is pressed from the seed of the hemp plant. It has high nutritional value, and, in addition to being edible, it is used in body care products, lubricants, paints, inks, fuel and plastics.

FOF Vera Brasher: “I take 1 tablespoon daily of hempseed oil, usually in my salad dressing or just straight from the bottle. I also apply it to my skin. It has unique anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which allows it to detoxify and clean your skin, as well as even out skin tone. A bonus is that it has a very pleasant taste and can be used to make wonderful salad dressings, mayonnaise and dips.”

Dr. Krant says: “Hempseed oil has been shown to decrease skin inflammation and irritation when ingested. This is likely due to its high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. One study showed it also contains a small amount of Vitamin E and may be usable in a spray-on formulation, but the effect of this on skin health hasn't been studied.”

Garlic nail polish - In some countries such as the Dominican Republic, chopped, raw garlic is used as a nail strengthener. Recently, the ingredient has popped up in many nail polish formulas, as manufacturers search for nail strengthening alternatives to harsh chemicals and toxins.

FOF Stacey Riech: “I use enriched nail polish by Dr.'s REMEDY because it contains natural anti-fungal ingredients like garlic bulb extract. My nails were getting yellow from wearing regular nail polish but now they are noticeably whiter and stronger.”

Dr. Krant says: “There is no published scientific evidence relating chopped garlic-infused clear nail polish to growing stronger, harder nails. In fact, I was unable to even find a theory about how this might work, but it sounds scrumptious.”

Katy and Michelle of Twig Terrariums are giving away this fancy magnifying glass. They use it to create their own miniature moss worlds, but you can keep it in your purse and use it on that oh-so-pesky, tiny type. Enter to win by answering in the comments below: Do you ever use a magnifying glass when you read?

Cool company alert! Terrariums are making a comeback, but we’re not talking those dreadful aquarium-style science projects. Instead, two Brooklyn, N.Y. FUFs have built their business building miniature worlds inside vintage apothecary jars. Here we chat with Katy and Michelle of Twig Terrariums. Plus, their terrariums are now for sale in the FOF Shop!

Is this a full-time gig for you guys?
Oh yes, for both of us.

What are your backgrounds?
Katy: We both were Brooklyn College students; Michelle was there for design and photography and I was there for creative writing.

How did you two meet?
Michelle: We’ve known each other since I was 15 and Katy was 12. We lost touch in our teen years when Katy moved away. We met up at my 31st birthday party. A friend brought her as a surprise guest. The friendship was rekindled, and we liked to get crafty together ever since.

When did you start getting interested in terrariums?
Michelle: I spoke with my college chemistry/biology teacher on how to make a terrarium, and we started experimenting with different vintage jars. They looked like little gardens, and we added people to them. Before we knew it they were all over our apartments. So we had a choice: Sell them or give them to our friends for Christmas.

So you started selling them! Fabulous. When was this?
Michelle: About 3 years ago.

Do you teach others how to make terrariums?
Katy: We have regular workshops all the time at our studio in Brooklyn and around town. We also do private workshops with people who want to work one-on-one with us.

How do you take care of a terrarium?
Katy: They’re moss terrariums so it’s very simple. You mist them with water every 2-4 weeks and keep them out of direct sunlight.

Very low maintenance!
Katy: That’s our goal. We are busy urban dwellers without access to acreage, so our terrariums are our backyards.

What’s your favorite scene you’ve seen someone make or made yourself?
Katy: In a workshop one woman did a medieval scene–with a knight slaying a dragon. That was cool. We have so much fun making custom pieces, like a skydiving couple we did recently. We also did wedding centerpieces and each terrarium represented a different memory in the couple’s life–from one with them having dinner by a lake, to one with them riding on mopeds.

Your business was recently featured by the New York Times. Why the sudden interest in terrariums again?
Katy: They’re so low maintenance, and we’re all so busy. You don’t have to hoe and rake and prune, and you have a petite little garden that you can potentially put your family in. Or enjoy your grandchildren in your little green world. There is a very peaceful aspect to them–yet they add a nice bit of life to any home.

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Enter to win a fancy magnifying glass by Twig Terrariums by answering in the comments below: Do you ever use a magnifying glass when you read?

One FOF will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes February 9, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

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Multiple studies (including this one by The Society for Investigative Dermatology) have determined that Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, when combined, create an elixir that provides powerful protection against photo-aging and skin cancer. We conducted our own “study”–we sent C E Ferulic (retail value: $144), a serum by SkinCeuticals that contains this supposed power-blend, to real FOFs. We asked them to test the manufacturer’s claims that this product “neutralizes free radical damage and protects against oxidative stress – the factors that lead to premature aging, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.” Did the product stack up to the studies? Read on.

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Nola, Lake Forest, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes. The dropper dispenses the product nicely. You get one drop at a time making it easy to control the amount you use. Also, once applied to the skin, it is easy to lightly spread the product with your fingertips, to cover the area you want.

Did you notice any changes in your skin? If so, what changes did you notice?
Yes. I have normal skin,  pretty nice to begin with but after using this product for 30 days, my skin feels smoother and more supple than before. I noticed a change very early on. It looks clearer, and a bit radiant. I have a more even skin tone and I was pleasantly surprised that the few age spots on my cheeks are lighter and less visible now. Also, [since I used it] I have received a few compliments that I have nice skin.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

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Gold diggers, rejoice! All products in the LaRocca Skincare line are flecked with 24K gold, which the company claims will make you look like a million bucks.

According to the LaRocca website, every person’s skin has metal ions, and the “Colloidal Gold” in LaRocca’s products “promotes electron transfer,” causing “cell turnover.” The result: Skin that is “smooth and rejuvenated with a youthful glow.” Could it be true?

LaRocca is giving 6 FOFs the chance to test 3 products from the line (total value: $195):

Exfoliating Cream Cleanser

Daily Hydrating Moisturizer

24K Gold Firming Eye Cream

6 FOFs will test these products. Click here to find out more about them, and then leave a comment below to enter to test them.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and to send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 8, 2012.)

When FOF Liz Vogel’s father got Alzheimer’s, she became his caretaker. Most would be devastated, here’s why she feels “lucky.”

[Editor's note: The essay below, by FOF Liz Vogel, is part of a series of personal blogs from our readers. Have your own story to tell? Email your idea to geri@faboverfifty.com.]

I have come to realize I am one of the lucky ones. I am the primary caregiver for my father. He lives two miles away in an independent living community, but I see him, or am in touch with him, every day. We lost my Mom three years ago, and since that time I’ve had the true pleasure of getting to know my Dad.

He has navigated his way, with amazing grace, from Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia to Alzheimer’s over the last three years. When he needed help writing checks, because his handwriting was getting worse, he asked for it. When his balance was declining and I felt his safety was at risk, he was gracious about letting me get a walker for him. When I thought a safety pendant for emergencies was prudent, he agreed. When I told him he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he looked at me, winked, smiled and said, “It is what it is, right? The good news is I probably won’t remember tomorrow!”

Not everyone has this experience. Dementia and Alzheimer’s can rob us of the person we once knew and replace him or her with a stranger. The man I have come to know in these last few years is filled with compassion, wonderfully dry humor, curiosity, sincere interest in participating with his community, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. I suspect I may be seeing the essence of the man versus the father.

As a physician, my father spent his life caring for others. In fact, I think the last three years have been an opportunity for him to take a well deserved rest. But, perhaps because he provided so much to others for years, he understands the role of caregiver and provides me with the freedom to help him when he needs it.​​

I am learning: I don’t know what it is like to be 86, but I suspect it’s not that much different than being any other age. You want a life filled with opportunities and choices and to be treated as an equal. Every day, my father teaches me how to live and behave with grace, and I hope I do him proud as I wander through these next years.

Liz Vogel is President & CEO of Dots, Inc., and on-line service that connects the dots between the people, communities and information involved in healthy aging and caregiving.  See more at www.trustdots.com.

Two weeks ago, we featured our FOFashion picks and pans from the Golden Globes. These actresses take our fashion critiques very seriously (ahem), so clearly they wanted to impress and improve at this weekend’s SAG awards. What do you think: Were their fashion choices fab, or should we wish them better luck at the Oscars?

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Glenn Close:

Bravo, Glenn! Despite its rococo ruffle at the bottom, Glenn’s Zac Posen dress was a major upgrade from her fairly forgettable and unflattering showing at the Golden Globes. Her figure looks fab, her arms are artfully concealed, and her hair and makeup are fresh and flawless. Love it! (But what do you think . . . )

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Diane Lane:

If we hadn’t seen her last dress, Diane would have received higher marks for this perfectly lovely David Meister gown. But we did see her last dress, and it knocked this one out of the water. She looks just fine, but slightly more pedestrian–or should we say, ready for the prom. Perhaps she’s saving the showstopper for Oscar.

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Meryl Streep:

Oy. Okay, based on this and the last dress, we think Meryl has two goals: to look cool and to be comfortable. Last week she fell slightly short due to the fit of her dress. This week, she’s in the ballpark, but it’s still not quite coming together. Her Vivienne Westwood gown looks too big and the belt appears plucked from another outfit. That said, the color is perfect on her, and she does seem to be reaching her own fashion goals–even if they’re not ours.

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Mary Tyler Moore:

Mary Tyler Moore received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, and frankly, she looked great. Her face may have suffered a bit too much nip and tuck over the years, but you can’t say the same for this suit, which is perfectly tailored, flattering and chic. Love the layered jewelry and the open collar. Not to mention her partner on stage: How great does Dick van Dyke look?!

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Jessica Lange:

Winner for best best actress in a TV drama, Jessica Lange also wins our vote of approval for this sparkling chocolate gown. Her hair looked great, her body looked strong. The only thing missing is some funky gold jewelry around her neck. Then again, when your neck looks that smooth, maybe you want to show it off?

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Tilda Swinton:

Nominated once again for her work in We Need to Talk About Kevin, Tilda wore an off-white Lanvin gown. Tilda, we need to talk about this dress: You looked A-MAZING at the Globes–fierce and fab, per usual. Here, you look mildly depressed and strangely wide in the middle due to heavy pleating at the waist. We’ll see you at the Oscars . . . you better bring it!

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It’s Fashion Flash time! This week it’s hosted by health and beauty author Deb Chase, the woman behind The No-Nonsense Beauty Blog.  Learn how to curb the signs of aging from this former research dermatologist, and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.

The internet is buzzing about a controversial weight-loss plan called The hCG Diet. Is this hormone-based protocol a wonder formula, or a dangerous health risk? FOF investigates.

Ask a few different medical professionals about the hCG diet and you’ll get… well, a few different answers. We know, because we asked, and that’s exactly what happened. We know that’s not what you want to hear–after all, your FOFriend just lost, like, a gazillion pounds in 3 weeks and looks great . . . But wait, wasn’t there something you heard about the FDA banning hCG? And why do all those websites that sell hCG drops look so scammy?

We spoke to two doctors who specialize in weight loss–Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, who is against the use of hCG for weight loss entirely, and Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez, MD, who uses hCG in his practice and swears by it. We also spoke to two FOFs about their own experiences with hCG. The good news is: there are a few universal truths about hCG–even if opinions differ. Before you buy those drops or get those shots, listen up!

What the heck is hCG anyway?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a protein hormone that female bodies produce in high amounts during pregnancy allowing the fetus to survive. The idea of using hCG in combination with a 500-calorie-a-day diet for weight loss was introduced in a medical journal called The Lancet in the 1954 by Dr. Albert T.W. Simeons. The dieter injects or ingests hCG three times a day and eats a strict 500 to 550 calorie diet. “The idea is that hCG acts as an appetite suppressant and allows the body to tap into and utilize the stored fat as a source of energy and nutrition,” writes Dr. Gonzalez in his own position paper on hCG. Interest in the protocol surged in the 50s after Dr. Simeons’ article was published. In the 1970s, Dr. Simeons died and “the interest in the protocol kind of died off too,” according to Dr. Gonzalez. “However, recently there’s been a resurgence.”

Over-the-counter hCG is illegal.
An abundance of products marketed as hCG are sold over the counter including drops, pellets and shots. The manufacturers of these products claim that when combined with an extremely restrictive, low-calorie diet hCG can “reset your metabolism” or shave off “20-30 pounds in 30-40 days.” In December 2011, the FDA issued a warning to consumers stating “there is no substantial evidence hCG increases weight loss beyond that resulting from the recommended caloric restriction” and that the products “are potentially dangerous even if taken as directed.” Both the FTC and FDA issued a letter to 7 manufacturers of over-the-counter hCG warning the companies that “they are violating federal law by selling drugs that have not been approved, and by making unsupported claims for the substances,” according to a press release issued by the FDA. The 7 manufacturers the FDA chose to target weren’t the only ones in violation of the law. You still may see be able to find products marketed as hCG in stores and online, but according to the FDA there are “no HCG products sold online and in stores approved for weight loss.”

Illegal or not, some women swear by it.
“My whole life, I had never been unhappy with my weight,” says FOF Sherry Ittel from Plano, Texas. Then, recently, she hit menopause and accumulated just a bit of stubborn fat that she struggled to get rid of. A friend had success using over-the-counter hCG, so, a few months ago Sherry decided she would give it a try. She bought some drops on a site called hCGdiet.com for $80. After taking the drops three times daily, combined with a strict 500-550 calorie diet, she lost her goal weight of 10 pounds in about four weeks. “I remember e-mailing my friend and saying ‘celery is not a substitute for popcorn.’ I wanted popcorn so bad,” says Sherry. “I guess a couple times I was hungry, but it wasn’t that much of an issue.”

Another FOF, Barbara Langley, from Independence, Missouri, describes herself as “overweight.” She tried dozens of diets over her lifetime–but none of them gave her the results she wanted. Then, last March, she bought hCG drops off a website called myhcgsystem.com. The diet appealed to Barbara, because, although extreme, it only required a short time commitment. “I can do anything for 23 days,” she says. Barbara lost about 40 pounds in just over three weeks. In December, she got an e-mail from the manufacturer of her hCG drops. “It said something like, ‘if you want to go on this program, you better buy your drops because the FDA will not allow them to be sold after January 1st,’” says Barbara. “It really made me concerned, like ‘what’s in these things?’ But, they offered it for some ridiculous price so I bought two bottles.”
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A sample day on the 500 calorie hCG diet for FOF Barbara Langley:

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Breakfast: A fruit, water and 25 drops of hCG

Lunch: A vegetable , a 4 oz. piece of chicken and 25 drops of hCG

Snack: A piece of Melba Toast

Dinner: Fish, a vegetable and 25 drops of hCG

Snack (before 8 p.m.): Another piece of Melba Toast or a piece of fruit

FDA officials and many medical professionals specializing in weight loss such as Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, director of Cederquist Comprehensive Weight Control, say that what concerns them most about this diet is not the hCG itself, but the strict calorie limit it imposes. Manufacturers and supporters of hCG claim that the hormone helps you utilize the stored fat as a source of energy and nutrition, in effect making up for the calories your diet is lacking. Dr. Cederquist disagrees: “Anytime you lower your caloric intake, you are theoretically burning stored fat. But, if you don’t have enough protein in your diet, your body will not allow you to break down fat. It will start breaking down muscle tissue to meet your nutritional needs.” Dr Cederquist says that the muscle could be from your arms and legs, but even more worrisome, “it could be the protein in your heart.”  According to a press release issued by the FDA, “consumers on such restrictive diets are at increased risk for side effects that include gallstone formation, an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat…A very low calorie diet should only be used under proper medical supervision.”

Doctor-administered hCG–is it safe?
Following a 500-calorie diet without guidance from a physician is almost universally frowned upon. But, the safety of using hCG under the supervision of a doctor has fueled the hottest debate yet–with everyone from Dr. Oz to Oprah forming and sharing opinions on the matter.

Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez, MD, says that five years ago, he believed hCG was “crap,” but now he prescribes it to select patients through his practice, Atlantis Medical Wellness Center in Silver Spring, MD. Dr. Gonzales says that after a family member asked him his advice on the diet, he ran trials on his office staff and “basically did a 180,” on his opinion of the drug. “It was eye-opening,” he says. “After treating hundreds of patients successfully, I’m a convert.”

Does Dr. Gonzalez worry about putting his patients on such a restrictive diet? “hCG is medication that helps your body change how it burns your own fat,” says Dr. Gonzales. “If you went on a 500- or 600-calorie-a-day diet without the hCG, it’s absolutely true [you’d be at risk for muscle breakdown], but what the hCG provides is protection from that along with an appetite suppressing type of feeling.” Sounds like a miracle! Could it be? Dr. Cederquist doesn’t think so. She references a study from the “70s or 80s” where one group of patients was restricted to 500 calories with hCG and other group of patients was restricted to 500 calories without it. “There was no significant difference between the two,” says Dr. Cedequist. Dr. Gonzalez agrees that studies on hCG have been published suggesting the effects of hCG are bogus, but calls them “small, not very good studies… No one is going to put a couple million dollars toward studies on something such as hCG that makes them pennies.”

Furthermore, Dr. Gonzalez is adamant about making a distinction between the hCG he prescribes in his office and that which is sold over the counter. “A lot of people will buy the hCG online and you don’t even know if it’s actually hCG or not, and it usually is not,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “I have patients come in here and say ‘I just want the hCG, can’t you just give me the hCG and I’ll do the rest?’ No way. It has to be done by a doctor or nurse who is experienced with the protocol.”  Dr. Gonzalez conducts careful screenings of his patients before prescribing them hCG and checks in with them frequently while they are using it. The whole protocol for 39 days including the initial screening, labs, the shots and weekly follow up appointments done under his supervision costs a patient approximately $900.

He prescribes the hCG “off-label” which means that it is not approved by the FDA for weight loss although it is approved for other uses, such as fertility issues. Prescribing drugs off-label is a fairly common medical practice (read more about off-label prescriptions), but controversial as well, depending on the drug and the problem it’s treating.

“We know it’s very safe since it has been studied for these other conditions,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “They haven’t approved hCG for weight loss but not one single death nor long term side effect has surfaced in the 50 years of use.”

The bottom line:
When it comes to doctor-administered hCG, buyer beware. Past studies on using the hCG hormone paired with a low-calorie diet for weight loss are too limited to be conclusive. There is a lot more research in this area that needs to be done. When it comes to over-the-counter hCG, stay away. These products have been deemed “potentially dangerous” and “illegal” by the FDA.

FOF Linda McCoy reveals why every FOF should know the warning signs of Atrial Fibrillation

[Editor's note: The essay below, by FOF Linda McCoy, is part of a series of personal blogs from our readers. Have your own story to tell? Email your idea to geri@faboverfifty.com.]

It started out as a routine visit to the doctor’s office. I was scheduled for lab work and a refill on my prescription for high blood pressure, which has been under control for years. The doctor quietly listened to my heart and asked the nurse to take a cardiogram. I wasn’t alarmed; I’d had Rheumatic Fever as a kid and been through many electrocardiograms.

When the doctor came back, she looked at me seriously and told me I had Atrial Fibrillation and that I needed to see a cardiologist right away. When I asked her to explain exactly what that meant, she told me my heart was not pumping correctly, and that blood was sitting in my heart chamber, which could cause it to form a blood clot.

I learned that during Atrial Fibrillation, the the upper chambers of the heart beat very rapidly and irregularly–”quivering” instead of contracting normally. By  itself, AF isn’t life threatening, but it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. It can also lead to other rhythm problems and congestive heart failure. The most serious complication is stroke: AF increases a person’s risk of having a stroke by five times the normal level.

My doctor arranged an appointment with a cardiologist for the next day. Meanwhile, I was sent home with a prescription for blood thinners and a heart drug. Of course, I had to find out what Dr. Google said, which made me more apprehensive. I spent a restless night worried about the next day’s visit.

My visit to the cardiologist confirmed my family doctor’s diagnosis. He explained that they don’t know what causes AF, but many people have it. He said I would have to remain on blood thinners and advised a procedure called cardio-version, during which an electrical shock is applied to your heart to regulate your heartbeat. A week later I got the cardioversion, but my “a-fib” came back. A month later, I got another cardio-version, but it didn’t work either.

Next, the doctor recommended ablation, a procedure where they cauterize the heart cells that are miss-firing. The decision to have it done wasn’t an easy one. Ablation is a long procedure, carries some risk, and there are no guarantees it will work. Sometimes it has to be done more than once. It took me a year to muster up the courage to go forward with it.

I arrived at the hospital pretty calm. I trusted my doctor, and, after all, I was going to be under anesthesia. They sent a young male orderly in to shave my groin area, since this is where the catheters are inserted into your legs. I sent him packing! ‘Can’t I please have a female nurse do that?’ When the nurse arrived with a razor in hand she told me what a wonderful young man the orderly was and that he had been there for years, surely trying to make me feel guilty. She did the deed with efficiency. Having the catheter put in wasn’t nearly as bad as I imagined it would be. Thank God!

Before they wheeled me into the operating room, my husband and daughter came in to say goodbye. There I was, in tears (is this normal?),  “bye then, see you later.” Next I found myself in a room that looked like the bridge of the “Starship Enterprise”–more computers than anyone could imagine. I was put completely out. I woke up seven hours later; I don’t remember being taken back to my room.  I was advised to lay flat for six hours and that the catheters (three in each leg) would come out when my blood reached a certain level. They allowed me to eat raspberry sorbet. I told my husband and daughter it was the best thing I ever ate. What was I thinking?  The blood level they were after was not obtained until seven the next morning.

They asked if I wanted a pain killer before they took the catheters in my veins and arteries out. The nurse said they sometimes make people sick,  so I declined. This REALLY hurt, and I regretted saying no. (Note to self: When the hospital staff offers a pain killer, take the drug and say “thank you!”) As soon as I was disconnected from the Foley catheter and intravenous fluids I was allowed to go home under strict instructions. The numbness and soreness in my legs bothered me.

My recovery is still in process, my left leg is still quite numb, which I am told will fade. My bruises, a dark bluish purple, will eventually disappear.  The most difficult part of the recovery is fatigue, which lasts about three months, until my heart heals completely. On the upside, my heart is now in normal rhythm and hopefully it will stay that way.  My sleep is undisturbed, my family wonders why I am so calm (is this the new me?), and importantly, I should be able to go off blood thinners in the near future.

Many people walk around with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. Some of the symptoms I missed? I was nervous, tired, agitated, my face was flushed, I had sleepless nights, and loud noises made me jump out of my skin. I am 64 and past menopause, so I should not have ignored these symptoms. I could feel my heart jumping around, although like many people I didn’t want to think it might be something serious, and I attributed it to my penchant for coffee. This is an incredibly common medical issue. Millions of people have it, doctors don’t know what causes it, but one thing is for sure: if you find yourself with these symptoms, you owe it to yourself to make a visit to your doctor. It can be managed. Heads up on this one FOFs!

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All the celebs are loco for coco…coconut water, that is. Most people drink it, but one company suggests we slather it on our faces for its anti-aging benefits. Coconut water is the active ingredient in Line Up (retail value: $36), a serum manufactured by Joey New York. According to the company, it makes “lines and wrinkles virtually disappear,” and “fills in lines and then plumps them up, creating a more youthful and awake appearance almost immediately.” We sent Line Up to our FOF testers, to find out– what’s the bottom line on this anti-ager?

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How long did you use this product?
For 45 days

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
My lines appeared to go away and I noticed a difference in the look of my skin. However the results were not worth how the product felt–like a thin layer of Elmer’s glue spread over my face. By mid morning, my face would start to flake. The product came off in what looked like peeling skin.

.{Click here to read all of the reviews!}