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Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen

Beth brings a unique combination of sharp business expertise and women's health insight to her leadership of the organization. Beth has worked in the health care industry for more than 25 years helping to define and drive public education programs on a broad range of women's health issues. She launched and has expanded the HealthyWomen.org brand. As a result of her leadership, HealthyWomen was recognized as one of the top 100 women's health web sites by Forbes for three consecutive years, and was recognized by Oprah magazine as one of the top women's health web sites. HealthyWomen now connects to millions of women across the country through its wide program distribution and innovative use of technology.

Beth is responsible for the business development and strategic positioning of HealthyWomen. She creates partnerships with key health care professionals and consumer groups to provide strategic, engaging and informative award-winning programs. She serves as the organization's chief spokesperson, regularly participating in corporate, non-profit, community and media events. She also is a practicing nurse in maternal child health at Riverview Medical Center- Hackensack Meridian Health, in Red Bank, NJ.

In addition to her nursing degree, Beth holds degrees in political science, business and public administration from Marymount University.

To stay sane, she loves to run and compete in road races. She enjoys skiing and sailing with her husband and young son, and welcoming new babies into the world.

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What Is a Colonic and Should You Get One
What Is a Colonic and Should You Get One

What Is a Colonic and Should You Get One?

A colonic is touted as a procedure to cleanse toxins from the body by streaming water in through your rectum, but there's no proof that they improve health, and they can be harmful.

Your Body

When we think about our colon, we usually associate it with words like "wastes," "dirty" or "toxins."


Then it might seem reasonable that a thorough cleansing of your colon might help rid your body of excess toxins that collect over time through eating, drinking, breathing and general lifestyle habits. Supporters of colonics link those toxins to health problems, bloating, fatigue, weight gain, bad skin and more. They see colonics as a way of promoting good health and well-being, increasing vitality and aiding in weight loss.

While cleansing your colon might sound tempting, it's illogical.

Yes, cleaning out your colon is sometimes necessary, like when you're prepping to have a colonoscopy, which necessitates you to clean out your bowel so your doctor can get a clear picture of it to screen for polyps or cancer.

But your body does a pretty good job of getting rid of toxins and other harmful substances, thanks to these two important organs: the kidney and the liver. In their intricate maneuvers that resemble the fine workings of a machine, they help the body filter and eliminate toxins and wastes and convert them into harmless substances.

A colonic, also known as colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy, is a procedure done by a practitioner, who streams gallons of water into your body through a tube inserted into your rectum.

Though research is lacking, there's nothing to support a colonic's effectiveness as a way of promoting better health. Instead, there is anecdotal data to support the case against colonics. The procedure can cause abdominal cramping and pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and, in some cases, death. Diarrhea, which causes a large amount of fluid loss, can shift your body's electrolyte levels, causing you to become lightheaded or develop leg cramps or abnormal heart rhythms.

And for those with kidney disease or heart problems who already have trouble maintaining proper fluid balance in their bodies, colonics can be particularly dangerous.

Colonics also raise the risk of eliminating the helpful and beneficial bacteria that live in your colon. This "gut flora" helps with everything from supporting your body's immune system to absorbing nutrients.

What's more, colonic hydrotherapy can put you at an increased risk for a bowel perforation or serious infection. For people with conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and recurrent diverticulitis, colonics could prove dangerous, as well.

Although there continue to be people who believes in the "magic" of colonics—whether it be routine or periodic use of colon cleansing—it might be best to consider this: Trust the inner workings of your own body to take care of business. It's equipped for and has been doing the job from the beginning of time.

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