Cyndi Lauper: She Wants to Have Fun and Good Health

Mind Your Body with Stephanie Stephens features celebrities and high achievers age 45+ who share their latest projects, healthy living secrets and more.

Cyndi Lauper isn’t like anyone else, is she? True to the title of her mega-hit album, She’s So Unusual, Cyndi just wanted to have fun in the 1980s and she definitely still does now. A winner of two Grammys, an Emmy, a Tony and a slew of other notable statues, Cyndi, 62, secured her place in music history with songs like “True Colors,” “Time after Time,” and of course, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

She just covered Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas,” and her musical, Kinky Boots, which has won six Tony Awards, is on fire in New York and on a U.S. tour. It also plays in London, Toronto and soon, Australia.

This Brooklyn-born dynamo has gained the upper hand over her psoriasis with help from the National Psoriasis Foundation. She reminds us that at least 7.5 million in the United States are affected by psoriasis.

Cyndi’s also a spokesperson for MoretoPsoriasis.org. Because she’s “PsO Ready,” (pronounced “So Ready”) she encourages you to join her and the PsO Me Community right there.

Psoriasis is sometimes misunderstood, she says. Yes, it does look like raised, red and scaly patches called plaques, but it’s about more than skin. It’s a chronic disease of the immune system, is categorized by five different types, and it’s not contagious. But it does affect how you feel emotionally.

Cyndi, you’ve got a lot going on and you look as energized as ever! What’s your eating plan?

I used to eat what I wanted, but as my psoriasis got worse, I knew I couldn’t have spicy or fatty foods, alcohol or gluten that might cause flare-ups. I am trying to quit sugar, too. When I eat salad or something raw, I just feel better.

What’s your workout routine?

It’s hard when I travel. If there’s no gym, I like to be able to do what I need to in my room. I stretch, do downward dog from yoga—maybe they’re modified movements, but at least I am doing them. When I’m on tour, I have to maintain body strength and vocal strength. I take vocal classes.

So how are you managing this condition?

I’m taking medication and now I’m clear and I’m really grateful—this condition doesn’t go away. It clears. Each medication has side effects, so you pick the one you can live with. Whatever you do, you have to go to a doctor. You may think “it’s just a rash,” but it is inflammation and that could lead to more serious illness.

How are you staying the course otherwise?

I tend to sometimes work too many hours, like 20 hours a day, and that’s not helpful. I try to get up no matter what and take 10 minutes for myself and stretch. Even one yoga sun salutation helps! Have a peaceful moment and you and your body build inner strength.

You said psoriasis started with your scalp in 2010, escalated two years later and that you “felt swallowed by it.” What was the worst part of this for you—the way it looked or maybe the way it made you feel about yourself?

When your whole body is covered, of course you feel embarrassed. People can look at you like you’re some sort of leper, so I would stay in “the middle of the pack.” Now my arms are still a little scarred because my skin was so thin that when I’d rub up against something, it ripped. I was a mess until I started working with the foundation and with Novartis.

You’re in the public eye. It’s part of your life. How has it felt to be so open about this?

You want to go on stage and wear great clothes, but you don’t always want people to see your skin. You see different practitioners who say you can’t wear certain clothing, and you think, “What do you think I’m going to wear, a paper bag?” I felt bad when people helped me into my costumes, because I itched and hurt, and they were concerned.

Say something inspiring to others who may have psoriasis.

Knowledge is power. When you’re sick, you feel powerless. Learn about what you have so you can overcome it, otherwise you’re living in darkness.

How do you balance your emotional and mental health?

I’m Italian, so how do you keep it even when something’s happening every minute? I think, OK, how many times do you want to go through that movie? I’m a working mom so I soldier up and I do try to keep it together. I’ve learned Reiki [a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing] and I try to meditate. Sometimes just breathing and letting go can save your a**.

What do you tell your son Declyn about being healthy?  Have you ever set any “rules” for him about eating or exercise?

He’s a teenager so he doesn’t listen at all about that stuff. They can eat whatever they want. Friends tell me if kids were meant to be cuddly and cute their entire lives, you’d never let them leave home. I think you find a balance point with this as a parent.

You’re making new music. YAY! A new country album: When should we expect that?

The end of April, around Mother’s Day.

You’ve been such a vocal proponent for LGBT rights. What’s your take on all the buzz around Caitlyn Jenner? Good or bad?

However people learn about an issue like this, it’s a good thing. Maybe your kid is feeling that they’re transgender. If that’s how they are, embrace them and help them succeed.

You’ve got style, girl. What’s your favorite look of all of them?

I wear what looks good on me. I don’t want to be somebody who’s scary to myself.

Thanks for sharing. We understand psoriasis much better now.