Marg helgenberger's - The Christ Hospital

continued from page 11Fighting hardship, onscreen and offHelgenberger’s world includes her role as mom to19-year-old Hugh, her son with actor Alan Rosenberg(the couple separated in 2008). She splits her timebetween family, friends and a successful career inwhich she’s won the hearts of TV viewers, shared inCSI’s Screen Actors Guild award in 2005 and earnedan Emmy for her portrayal of atough prostitute in “China Beach”in 1990. “I like edgier materialbecause it suits my nature better.Bad girls or complicated women arealways more fun to play than goodgirls,” she says. “I feel an affinityfor people who’ve been throughhardships but keep going.”On top of that list isHelgenberger’s mother, a breastcancer survivor. “My mom’s alwayslooked on the bright side of life; Irespect that type of person.” In part because of hermother’s experience, Helgenberger donates her timeto various cancer charity events, hosting her ownHelgenberger and “CSI” co-stars LaurenceFishburne (center) and Robert David Hall.annual CelebrityWeekend to fightbreast cancer inOmaha, Neb.,since 1997, andattending lastSeptember’s“Stand Up ToCancer” event puttogether by theEntertainmentIndustry Foundation.On a morepersonal level,Helgenberger’s preventive measures include herannual physician visit. “I’ve been getting yearlymammograms for a long time,” she acknowledges.“And I do self-examinations regularly.”Taking care from the inside outHelgenberger knows the importance of nutritiouseating: Yogurt, fresh berries, salad greens,tuna, sliced turkey, milk, orange juice and teas areamong her nutritional staples. “I’m big on drinking“ Edgier materialsuits my naturebetter ... I feel anaffinity for peoplewho’ve been throughhardships going. but keep”lots of water and teas,” she says. “I start my day witha protein-packed smoothie made with yogurt, ricemilk and fresh fruit like berries or papaya.” But she’snot a sergeant with the food police. “I love chocolatechip cookies too much,” she laughs. “And those GirlScout Thin Mints … soul food like fried chickenwith macaroni and cheese … let’s see, I like Italianfood ...” Helgenberger continues,ticking off her list of guilty pleasures.“I mean, who doesn’t enjoya great pasta or pizza? Thin crustand not too cheesy!”Growing older gracefullyBut that doesn’t meanHelgenberger can simply ignorethe pressures Hollywood’s ageismplaces on women. “I certainly wantto look the best I possibly can, andI’ve always been a disciplined andmotivated person. But I really have to work withwhat I’ve got and grow older gracefully. I don’twear some of the clothes I wore 10 years ago—andcertainly not the ones I wore 20 years ago.”To keep her 5-foot-6-inch figure in shape,Helgenberger attends twice-weekly yoga sessions,hikes with her dog, Henry, and meditates daily.“Stress in general is bad for your health and wellbeing.That’s why I do yoga and meditate for20 minutes every morning,” says Helgenberger.“Being out among nature also reduces my stress in avisual way. A long walk, hanging out at the beach orjust appreciating the outdoors does wonders.”Singing a simple songA new element of calm for Helgenberger is a localbook club she started a few years ago. “Good readingmaterial’s always important. But I’m not one of thosereaders who can plow through a novel every weekbecause I get distracted from all the things on my plate.”Helgenberger’s distractions come in manyforms. So what would this self-described “loyal,hard-working, fun-loving” woman do with an extrahour in a day? “I’d probably play my guitar. I’d singsongs I’ve learned or want to learn. I guess youcould say that’s just another distraction,” she smiles,“but I’d say it’s simply another stress reducer.” WHT© 2009 CBS Photo Archive/Gettyimages12Women’s Health Today