July 31 PM

Since Yahoo email was giving me guff for sending out so many email updates on Denise, I just started up a blog for her instead. Computer geek that I am, I can't believe I didn't think of this first. Make use of the comment feature to contribute your knowledge and encouragement.

She's still in critical condition, but steps in the right direction came later in the afternoon.

Denise's blood pressure was high enough that they stopped the blood pressure medication. They have to watch her, but we hope that she can maintain adequate blood pressure.
They turned her oxygen concentration from 80% this morning down to 65% by the time I left. Hopefully, her body will tolerate that. My understanding is that too rich an oxygen mixture can be bad.

On the down side, her platelet count was 18 so they couldn't do the lumbar puncture to see if there are some nasty bugs in the spinal fluid (hope there's no menengitis). They also couldn't do the D&C to clean her up from the labor. Both procedures run the risk of bleeding.
Also, she has a lot of swelling. They have been giving her a drug that helps her kidneys get rid of fluid in the bloodstream. But today they started her on Albumin, which I think is supposed to help get fluid out of cells so the swelling can go down. And her blood sugar was lower than what they wanted to see.

One of our friends told me that Denise is treating this healing process like a dance (she LOVES to dance). There are pauses here & there, back's to the audience sometimes, bursts of movement all of a sudden... That was a nice way to think of things today. Also, Denise's dad read day 25 of the Purpose Driven Life book. That chapter was about trouble, and it was perfect for today. I read it to Denise. Then when done, I put the iPod on her so she could listen to some Ella Fitzgerald music for a while. One of the nurses came in from another part of the hospital to say that everyone's thoughts & prayers are with Denise... very encouraging to hear that so many people care.

Thanks for the visits today! Our friend Kristen bought a journal for Denise and left it in her room. If you swing by the hospital, be sure to jot your name down there, and anything else you like!

Read More

Denise Update July 31 AM

Greetings!
We're sort of in a holding pattern, and they had me
sign a consent for a lumbar puncture (spinal tap, as
far as I'm concerned). Denise is still in critical
condition and most things are stable. We're a little
discouraged that her blood pressure dropped slightly
and they had to bring her oxygen concentration up from
60% to 80% (still better than the 100% she needed).
And we're still in the waiting game to find out for
sure what the cause of all this is.

However, several nurses and friends that have been in
my position encouraged me by stating that sometimes
Denise will make 2 or 3 steps ahead (and she DID with
those lungs the other day!) and then she'll pause or
go 1 or 2 steps backward. Looks like that's happening
now.

Since they've allowed people other than family to
visit, she's been flooded with well-wishers. In fact,
we'd like to keep a list for you to sign! One of the
nurses commented that Denise is definitely among the
most-visited and most frequently prayed-over patients
they've had. Thank you. I'm supposed to get the word
out that if you feel remotely ill, please refrain from
visiting until you are well for a few days (don't
worry... she'll probably still be there). Please wash
your hands before touching her, and ask the nurse if
it's OK to touch her, just to be sure. They've been
really generous with the number of visitors and length
of visit. But the nurse yesterday commented that it's
possible that too many visits could overstimulate
Denise & rob her of rest. So if your visit is cut
short or if you are asked to wait, please don't be
offended or alarmed.

As far as all the offers for practical support, I am
going to start contacting some of you soon. As the
adrenaline is wearing off, I'm faced with having to
plow through regular life in the midst of the crisis.
I am grateful that I have so many of you to rely upon
for the practical stuff. I'm glad I rub elbows with so
many teachers that are off for the summer and, oddly,
still want to be around my kids.

I'm going to the hospital in a while, so I may send
off another email this afternoon. Speaking of email,
Yahoo informed me that I now have a cap on how many
emails I'm supposed send. So I'm recruiting point
people that frequently check email so I can send just
to them, and then they can forward the updates to the
rest of a group. Maryly is taking care of Pasadena
Christian School staff, and I'd like a volunteer for
the parents (past and present... I'll provide a list
of email addresses). Kristen will be forwarding
for the Westmont College crowd. Cindy will be
taking care of Denise's dad's side of the family.
Melanie has been nominated to be the contact
for the East Whittier Friends Church crew (which also
encompasses most of the Quaker Meadow buddies... what
do you think, Melanie?). Has Jim been the guy
for Duarte Fellowship Church? I think once I get those
major groups taken care of, we'll be sitting pretty.

Thanks again for your support!

:O) Phil

Read More

Denise may have turned the corner :O)

Great news! Be edified that all the prayers, support,
and well-wishing IS WORKING.

Last night (Friday) the doctor told me that "I think we
may have turned the corner." He was encouraged by
Denise's progress. This was a glorious contrast to the
doctor telling us Thursday that we would lose Denise
if her lungs didn't start to improve within a day or
two. The lungs improved overnight! Let me tell you how
well it worked since you've all been pulling for us in
that specific area...

Yesterday afternoon, the doctor showed me Denise's
chest x-rays. He showed the inflammation/fluid getting
worse (appears cloudy) and worse through the x-rays.
Then the image taken Friday morning showed about 2
days worth of improvement! Denise used to need a 100%
oxygen concentration from the ventilator when on her
back, and 80% when on her front (they have this weird
contraption for flipping her on her face, which helped
her breathe better). At the moment, they have her on a
70% concentration while on her back. She's doing well
enough that they're not going to flip her anymore
(good... it was risky). Instead, they brought her a
bed that gently tilts side to side every few minutes.
I won't go into why, but it helps (it's a milder
version of flipping her on her face). They've been
able to tilt her bed up because her blood pressure has
improved enough to pump blood to her brain, and
they've even decreased the blood pressure meds. By
tilting up, it gets more fluid out of her lungs. Also,
her kidney function has been increasing, so she's been
able to get rid of more of the massive amounts of
fluids that they have to pump into her body (and that
makes for less fluid in her lungs). So the lung
situation is going very well. I guess that lots of you
have been putting us on prayer chains, and it looks
like it's working!

Her vital stats continue to remain at acceptable
levels (given her condition) or are ever so slowly
getting better (apparently she will be there for
weeks).

The latest twist is that yesterday morning, the
infectious disease specialist called to say that
Denise probably does NOT have Rocky Mountain spotted
fever after all. I won't go into the technical details
of why it took this long to figure that out. They now
think it is probably Valley Fever, but they'll have to
wait a week to be positive. Again, I won't go into the
technical details, but the coccidioides immitis
(cocci, pronounced KOK-SEE) fungus that is the cause
of Valley Fever looks too close to several other nasty
things to be able to tell just using a microscope. If
you have the time and are interested, you can look up
this stuff on the internet. Or pray for my wife.

Someone pointed out something to me that I can't
believe I didn't see earlier. That ordeal we had with
Gracie a couple years ago at Children's Hospital in
Los Angeles was probably preparation for having the
hope to deal with Denise's situation now. Gracie was
carried through that against incredible odds, with
none of the organ damage that the doctors feared. How
great it would be for Denise to come back home with no
adverse side effects from all this treatment! It CAN
be that great... I've already seen it!

So here are the next points of concern:
- The causes of Denise's problem are elusive and
involve waiting games. We'd like to find out what's
going on so it can be properly treated.

- If it IS cocci, a side-effect of the meds involves
high fever, which Denise has struggled with throughout
this illness. The cure might make the fevers worse. We
don't want damage to brain cells.

- We'd like to see fast improvement, and there's a
LONG way to go. When a doctor smiles, or says "Wow!"
when looking at blood gas results in astonishment, or
describes improvement as "remarkable," those are good
things. We'd like more of them so Denise can come home
& be mommy again.

- All of us are worried about Denise when the time
comes for her to wake up. She'll take the loss of our
baby Daniel pretty hard.

Thanks again for your support in every way. Keep it
up, as while Denise is improving, she's still in very
bad shape. They have started letting non-family
members visit, as long as they're with a family
member. Methodist Hospital's rule is 2 visitors for 10
minutes. But they've let us stretch that a little here
and there.

Thanks again! We're blessed to have you all in our
lives!

:O) Phil

Read More

Women Health - Control Your Acne With Effective Acne Treatments

Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact, more than sixty percent of the population is troubled with blackheads and pimples well beyond the teen years. If acne is your problem, cheer up. While there are no acne cures, with reliable acne treatments, including internal and external therapies, you can keep outbreaks controlled, reduce the possibility of scarring, and lessen that greasy, shiny look. It’s time to feel good about yourself again.

Causes of Acne
Acne has never been completely understood, but hormonal imbalances and heredity are certainly major factors, and breakouts can be aggravated by stress and lifestyle choices. The chief catalyst seems to be overactive sebaceous glands which secrete too much sebum, the lubricant the helps retain moisture and then becomes too much of a good thing. The oil clogs the pores of the skin causing breakouts, mostly on the face if it is adult acne, and on the face and sometimes on the back, chest, and upper arms in the teen years. Oily skin, pimples, blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness are acne symptoms, and these can be exacerbated by diet, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, and humidity.
Acne is not to be confused with rosacea, another facial skin condition which usually strikes in the middle years and causes blotchy red skin and small bumps, but rarely whiteheads or blackheads.

Your Diet Affects Your Skin
There is no scientific proof that certain foods, like chocolate or colas, can cause breakouts, but if something seems to act as a trigger for you, avoid whatever it is. Choose a healthy, balanced diet high in fiber and high in zinc, which means shellfish, nuts, egg yolks, and whole grains; and natural raw food rich in oxalic acid, such as almonds, cashews, and beets. The whole range of B vitamins will help keep your skin clear, and too little vitamin B2 can actually cause oily skin. B vitamins are found in wheat germ, Brewer’s yeast, organ meats, nuts, and beans. Remember that one of the functions of the skin is to eliminate toxins through perspiration. This means you should drink lots of water to flush out most toxins via the kidneys and the liver and keep your system clear. Water is also necessary to keeps your skin hydrated. A good diet encourages clear, healthy skin, and works as an anti aging treatment as well.

Supplements Can Assist with Acne Control
Food grown in nutrient-depleted soil will be lacking sufficient nutrients to optimize good health and healthy skin, and so it makes sense to add one or more supplements to your diet. Supplements are also useful if you eat a lot of processed food and occasionally feel the urge to gorge yourself on fast food. The best supplement is a multivitamin suitable for your age and sex, and then you can add zinc and possibly a B vitamin complex or Brewer’s yeast to help meet your special requirements. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid which is known to benefit skin cells, and you might find it helpful to add this supplement as well.

Acne Skin Care is Needed Daily
Any acne treatment should begin with a common sense procedure such as cleansing the skin with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents, which make the oil glands more productive. An antibacterial astringent is perfect for wiping away excess oil between cleansings. Avoid squeezing and picking which can spread inflammation and cause acne scars, and use hot compresses and then an extractor for blackhead removal if needed. Antibacterial lotions that dry the skin, mild, pure soap, and a medicated cream is useful for treating oily, acne-prone skin. If you wear makeup, choose water-based acne products rather than oil-based products. Avoid anything that makes your skin feel tight and dry. If the upper layer of skin has been treated so harshly that it has become dry and shrunken, the flow of oil will be restricted and even more blockages and breakouts will occur.

Good Medical Options are Available for Acne Sufferers
A dermatologist should be consulted if your acne is severe, and this will give you access to tretinoin (Retin-A cream) or accutane for acute cases, both of which are available on perscription. You can also get prescriptions for a range of antibiotics in pill form, such as tetracycline, as well as antibiotic salves and creams. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments include topical salves and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, or a five-percent solution of tea tree oil, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Blemishes can be dried up with a variety of acne products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.

More Useful Information and Advice
* Exercise is good for the skin since it increases circulation and blood flow, but when you are exercising, avoid wearing cosmetics or moisturizers, which keep perspiration from flowing freely and cause pores to clog. Sweatbands also hold perspiration and oil against the skin and shouldn’t be used.
* Keep your hair off your face so that you are not adding to your problems with scalp oil. Avoid using hair products that are oily or greasy for the same reason.
* Prolonged exposure to the sun or sunlamps might dry acne but can result in a whole host of new problems, such as damaged, leathery skin and skin cancer. There are better solutions.
* Use caution about taking saunas and steam baths as they may aggravate your acne condition. You can’t do much about heat and humidity – nature’s version of saunas and steam baths – but keeping your skin clean and removing excess oil frequently will assist in the prevention of breakouts.
* Remember that stress makes acne worse. Don’t let emotional upsets get under your skin, so to speak. Try meditation or relaxation techniques to prevent stress-induced breakouts. Your skin isn’t the only organ that will benefit.
Acne treatments are of vital importance to acne sufferers and can make a big difference in the lives of people who have to cope with this very real problem. Both internal and external acne remedies can be found on the Internet. Compare prices and brands, and place your order from the comfort of your home. Products are usually shipped the same day that you order. Shop with confidence online, and see an improvement in your appearance within days.
Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing information and advice to online shoppers who are in the market for anti aging options, acne treatments, and general skin care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Woman Health - Acne, What Causes It?

Many individuals suffer from acne, not just adolescents. Acne is caused by normally occurring bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium gets trapped in plugged skin pores or follicles, especially in the face. In an attempt to escape, the bacterium produce enzymes used to break down the sebum (the excretion produced by sebaceous glands) blocking the escape routes. When the enzymes go to work one of the side effects is inflammation in the area.
Light to moderate cases of inflammation show up as pimples and bumps. This type of acne is known as superficial acne. If the inflammation is deeper within the skin and pores, resulting in cysts and nodules, it is called cystic acne.
The excess sebum is actually a byproduct of testosterone production in the body. This is why young adolescent boys going through puberty and other individuals who are taking testosterone enhanced dietary supplements most often exhibit signs of acne. In women, the hormonal changes occurring before the menstrual cycle may also cause sporadic outbreaks.
A second cause of acne can be traced to diet and a lack of essential fatty acids. The body needs a particular quantity of essential fatty acids to remain in balance. The typical Western diet does not provide adequate amounts for most people. In place of essential fatty acids, trans-fats and other non-essential fats are found in large quantities. This fat ratio imbalance tips the scale in favor of excess sebum production leading to outbreaks of acne.
Particular chemicals and drugs may also be a factor in the appearance of acne. Any drug with added hormones or that change the hormonal balance of the body is a possible culprit. Corticosteroids and industrial pollutants may also be a contributing factor.
Overall health is crucial to remaining acne free. This includes a healthy diet, improved colon health, gentle but effective skin care and decreased exposure to chemicals and drugs which can affect the natural hormone levels of the body.
Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com - a health related e-zine. Visit her site for more health related articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Women Health - Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?

Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are more reasons to quit smoking now.

Skin is fed from within. The foods we eat are broken down into nutrients and waste. The nutrients are absorbed by the bloodstream which transports them around the body to the various organs, the largest of which is the skin. Oxygen is also transported and delivered in the same way. The cells absorb the oxygen and this is vital for the health of the organs and the life process itself. This whole process takes place automatically when we breathe........

Except when we are breathing in smoke!

When we inhale the smoke from a cigarette the carbon monoxide from the smoke is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless highly toxic gas also found in the smoke from car exhausts. The blood can absorb carbon monoxide 200 times as fast as oxygen so a lot of the oxygen is displaced by carbon monoxide. The organs including the skin are starved of life giving oxygen and slowly poisoned by the carbon monoxide.

But that's not the end of it. Cigarette smoke also contains the following deadly cocktail of chemicals. Ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, butane, nicotine, carbolic acid, collidine, formic aldehyde, lutidine, parvoline, prussic acid, pyridine, arsenic and cadmium. This list is by no means complete.

The affect on the skin of all these is catastrophic. The liver goes into overdrive trying to expel these chemicals from the body and cannot perform its normal functions properly. The skin loses its healthy glow and takes on a yellowish-grey cast. The more cigarettes smoked, the worse your skin will look.

Smoking also causes premature aging in two ways. It uses up vitamin C in the body, about 35 mg for each cigarette. Vitamin C is an unstable vitamin and cannot be manufactured by the body. One of its functions is the preservation of the collagen in the skin, the substance that gives skin its plump and youthful appearance. The collagen beaks down causing premature wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

The physical act of smoking causes us to squint, exaggerating the wrinkles around the eyes. Every time we purse our lips we deepen the wrinkles around our mouth as well.

Do yourself a favor! Stop poisoning yourself. Qit smoking now. Save the money you spend on these toxic weeds and go out and treat yourself to a facial or a new skin cream instead.

Your skin will thank you for it!

Like to have better looking skin? http://www.holistic-facial-skin-care.com will give you detailed information on all facets of skin care. The author, Wendy Owen has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health and skin care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Denise NEEDS Oxygenation within 24-48 Hours URGENT

Denise NEEDS for her lungs to improve (less
inflamation & fluid). This MUST happen soon, within
the next 24-48 hours, or the unthinkable will happen.
She's requiring a huge amount of oxygen and can't keep
on it because too much oxygen can be toxic. Everything
else hinges on this. They're doing everything they
can, and Denise is still having trouble breathing on
her own efficiently.

The doctor stated that if Denise passes away, she
won't feel any pain or know anything. That he said
this is scary.

Be encouraged that your prayers HAVE worked, and we
need more prayer NOW! Today, Denise definitely
squeezed my hand 2 times (weak, but they were
squeezes). Since my last email, I heard that her
kidneys were working well. Acidosis is getting better.
Urine flow is going well. Her hemodynamics did better
(she's more efficiently pumping blood through her
body). I heard that she stopped deteriorating, and all
the numbers that they wanted to get better DID get
slightly better (except the lung issues). She got her
oxygen requirements down to 80% when they flip her on
her front side (but she goes back to needing more
oxygen when flipped on her back, and she can't stay on
her front). She's taken the meds well. She's turned
for the better. But if she can't start breathing
better on her own and has diminished ability to get
oxygen into her bloodstream, then none of the other
improvements will matter.

Pour it on, everyone! God's been using her mightily to
bless everyone around her for the whole time I've
known her. I can't imagine that His To-Do list for her
on earth is done.

Thanks for the support!
:O) Phil

Read More

Denise Update Thursday July 28

Sadly, we lost the baby yesterday. When a nurse asked
my dad & I to leave so she could clean Denise, she
found the baby was crowning. The baby was born quickly
but the little guy was only about 6 months along and
they couldn't get his heart & breathing going. The
ObGyn said nobody suffered; Denise didn't feel a thing
and the baby passed away peacefully. He's in a better
place than we are now, and quite well taken care of.
As bad as this is, I still saw God working in the
situation. My dad & I were going to leave the
hospital, and a neighbor happened to be in the lobby
visiting her husband. The few minutes that we were
unexpectly detained talking allowed us to hear the
"code blue to CCU" over the hospital-wide intercom and
allowed us to get back up there. Otherwise I would've
been most of the way home. Bittersweet, but I was able
to hold Daniel Williams while he was still warm. And
for that I'm thankful. He was a perfectly formed
little guy, 14 inches long, 2 pounds, 3 ounces, and
beautiful (fortunately, all the kids get ther good
looks from Denise's side of the family   :O). I'm
simply not prepared for the decisions I must make
today and tomorrow regarding mortuary, cremation,
casket, funeral, memorial, etc.

Densie started recovering from the birth-related
issues remarkably well. But the other issues are still
quite dire. They had to start blood transfusions, her
lungs have increased in inflammation & fluid. Her
blood sugar went low, acid too high. She could take in
oxygen well, but couldn't get rid of the carbon
dioxide fast enough. Kidney and liver function got
slightly worse.

Last night they tried a couple procedures to help
correct the acid & carbon dioxide problems. The
acidosis has gotten slightly lower. While still very
bad, her blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate
numbers improved slightly. That's a good sign that
she's able to improve.

While typing this, the doctor called and said that her
urine output has increased dramatically from what it
was yesterday afternoon (though it's lower than when
she first went into ICU), and that's a good sign. She
has no uterine bleeding, which is a good sign.

He said the most crucial items (read: prayer points)
are oxyenation (lung fluid & swelling) and kidney
function.

Even though the doctors & nurses say Denise is
completely sedated & probably can't hear anything, I
still talk to her. I thought it was sappy when I saw
that in movies & TV shows. But now that I'm in this
situation, it seems to be the perfect thing to do. I
figure maybe she is hearing something, and it's good
therapy for me. I'm joking around (my way to cope) and
telling her about all kinds of mundane things, along
with plenty of encouragement and prayer whispered into
her ear. Her dad & sister were singing to her all
night long. I thought I'd bring an iPod to let her
listen to so she can hear all the music she likes to
dance to. That's infinitely better than me trying to
sing.   :O)

I've spoken and read email from many of you that said
you've been praying fervently for Denise & wisdom for
the doctors & nurses. The fact that there's been some
improvement is encouraging, and I'd like you all to
know that. But she's still in very bad shape, so keep
lifting her up! Losing our baby boy yesterday
constituted the worst day of my life. The possibility
of having to bury my son and my 32-year-old wife at
this time is an unbearable thought. The kids (Gracie,
3 1/2 and Jacob, 15 months) are asking about mommy
more and more as the days go by. Truly, I'm having
"Job" phase in my life. About the only thing that's
propping me up right now is my faith in Christ and the
resulting confidence we have in where we're going when
God's done using us for His purpurse here on earth. I
say this because some of you stated that you admired
my strength through this. Trust me, it ain't *my*
strength. Not one bit.

Thanks for pulling for us. Please pour it on right
now!
:O) Phil

Read More

Acne Skin Care Tips That Work

How should people go about acne skin care? This article enumerates some basic guidelines to go by. For example, you should clean your skin gently, avoid frequent handling of the skin, avoid sun tanning, and lastly, women should choose their cosmetics carefully and men must shave carefully for good acne skin care.

People with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps. However, scrubbing will not help acne skin care; in fact, it can make the problem worse. Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser for acne skin care, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use for acne skin care. Acne skin care also means washing your skin after heavy exercise. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to
the hairline; rough scrubs or pads should not be used. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended for acne skin care unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only
on oily spots. Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair as part of acne skin care. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day for proper acne skin care.

People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars. Acne lesions can form in areas where pressure is frequently applied to the skin. Frequent rubbing and touching of skin lesions should be avoided if you take your acne skin
care seriously.

Men who shave and who have acne can try electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable for acne skin care. Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving
cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.

A suntan or sunburn that reddens the skin can make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier for a little while. But the benefits are only temporary and cannot take the place of proper acne skin care. The sun can seriously damage skin,
promote aging of skin, and cause skin cancer. Furthermore, many of the medications used to treat acne make a person more prone to sunburn.

People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. Acne skin care demands that all cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation
evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people with acne. Acne skin care products that are
labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of blemishes) should be used for acne skin care; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne.

For more information visit the Best Acne Treatment Solutions
web site here:
http://www.best-acne-treatment-solutions.com/acne-skin-care.html


About The Author: Mike Spencer loves helping people promote and
protect their health, and has been doing so for many years. Here
Mike talks about some help tips and techniques to combat acne.
Read more about Mike's Acne Prevention Tips here
http://www.best-acne-treatment-solutions.com Mike Spencer
http://www.acne-treatments-reviewed.com

Read More

Denise in Very Bad Condition

Here's what's changed since Denise went into ICU
yesterday. Things are getting worse, and she's in very
bad condition.
She's been sedated, breathing tube inserted, feeding
tube inserted, catheters for measuring blood pressure
inserted, lung cam inserted to look around.
Lower white cell count and more lung fluid than
yesterday.

They're administering Xigris, a new drug that's not
been tested on pregnant women yet. The focus has gone
from doing what's best for Denise and the baby to
simply doing what's best for Denise.
As more procedures & drugs are administered, the
chances of damage to the baby have increased. The
ObGyn said we might need to prepare ourselves to have
the baby delivered early, and there would be poor
chance of survival for the baby.
In the latest phone call, the doctor stated that
there's a 53% mortality rate among patients in
Denise's condition. The good news I've heard is that
Denise's heart is as strong as ever, and that's going
to be a great asset in the fight.

Please forward/call the requests to other friends.
I've had some address book problems, and I know that
some of our common friends & family have been left out
of the loop. Sorry to those of you that didn't get all
the updates from the start. Oh, no visitors are
allowed except family in the ICU. Thanks for the
offers to visit, though. I'm driving over right after
I send this off.

Pray and pray some more, friends!
Thanks for all the verses! They're a great comfort to
me right now. Particularly, I liked this bit from a
song by the Newsboys...

"Lord, I don't know where all this is going
Or how it all works out
Lead me to peace that is past understanding
A peace beyond all doubt"

Glory to God, no matter what!

:O) Phil

Read More

Breast Cancer for Beginners

Introduction
Because of the social changes, which has brought increased number of workingwoman and hence delayed childbearing, there has been a steep rise in the number of breast cancer patients in the last few decades. But as the incidence of the patients has risen so has raised the modality of treatments and the success rates. Also scientists have devised methods by which the cancer can be detected in an early stage and it has been convincingly proved that early detection and treatment bears a better prognosis than the later stage.

Myths
There are many myths attached to breast cancer. Some think that any lump in breast is a breast cancer but to the contrary most of them are benign. Similarly it was a popular belief earlier that breast-feeding decreases one’s risk of the cancer but that has been now found to be untrue. Some say that mammography makes the breast cancer widespread but it’s not true. Similarly there are many other myths, which need to be cleared in mind of the general mass for the proper detection and management of the tumor.

Early detection
Breast cancer can be detected in an early stage if women are taught to self-examine their breast. In case of detection of any breast lump or of any slightest suspicion, mammography should be done to rule out any tumor. Mammography is a good tool to diagnose this type of cancer.

Statistics
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. It is said that every 2-3 minutes one American woman is diagnosed a breast cancer.

Cause
Although the cause is not fully understood but it is hypothesized that there are various factors such as genetic and environmental. The environmental factors are increased age, obesity, smoking and having the first child at late age.

Diagnosis
The findings that denote a cancer are single, non-tender and firm to hard mass with ill-defined margins. This can be later confirmed by mammography and biopsy. After the cancer has been diagnosed staging is done to find out the best treatment option as well as the prognosis.

Management
The management of breast cancer rests basically on two things. The first is the treatment and second is the counseling. The treatment can further be divided into three: medical, radiation, and surgery. The medical treatment consists of drugs such as tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen, aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide and monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab. But similar to other drugs they have their own side effects profile. The side effects associated with tamoxifen are increased vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer and cataracts. The aromatase inhibitors have the side effects of leg cramps, jaundice and weight gain while the monoclonal antibodies may cause sterility or certain birth abnormalities. Generally the radiation and surgery are the modalities, which are needed for the treatment to ward off the body of the cancerous growth.

Counseling
This is one of the most important parts of the treatment both before and after the surgery. The patients are to be taught that this is only another disease, which has treatment available, and persons can lead a normal life after that.

Latest research
Latest research is being done on both the surgery and the medicine. For the surgery, surgeons are trying to find out the best way of surgery so that post surgery the patients have minimal disabilities. Similar medicines with lesser side effects are being researched.

Suresh gupta writes about breast cancer topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Woman Health - Lance Armstrong and Exercise - From Denial to Desire!

Press Conference 1996 – Lance Armstrong

On Wednesday October 2, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I have been made aware that it has spread to other parts of my body……….I ….. I am…. here is say, I will work with the doctors to overcome……..and I will work hard to race once again.

Just DO -- Nike Ad

Sunday July 24, 2005 Lance Armstrong not only beat cancer, but also went out on top after winning seven consecutive Tour De France bicycle races. If you don’t know, the Tour De France bike race is with out a doubt the most grueling endurance race ever. For the most conditioned athletes it is the hardest optical they will ever face. However, for Lance after cancer, the race seems as if it were just a formality of a race already won.

No one will ever know what truly drives a human being to overcome such odds. No one will ever know what demons they had to face each and every day in those beds, bikes and back roads of their minds. What I do know is Lance did go from denying his condition to having a deep desire to overcome it and succeed!

In my best selling book I write what it takes to go from denial about your health to incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

Here’s a small portion:

From Denial to Desire

Living in a state of denial can really be a big weight to carry for anyone, no matter what the circumstances are surrounding it. But, what does it mean to be in denial of your health? What are some of the behaviors that are associated with denial?

I know I need to make an appointment for a checkup! But you don’t.

I may have a few pounds on me, but I still feel fine.

I walk on the golf course isn’t that enough?

I’m going to die sooner or later, why start now on an exercise program?

Ok, I get the point, but……

Where do I go from here? What’s next for me?

Have A Deep Desire
What does it mean to have deep desire for something? Remember those feelings you had back when you wanted your first bicycle. That Barbie doll you made a fit over in the toy store in front of everyone. Or what about that girl or boy you would have done just about anything for? There was such a hunger, a burning in your gut. You couldn’t even think straight, eat or sleep because it occupied your every thought. You just had to have it!

Have Hope
Have hope! Acknowledging the reality of your life does not mean you have to give up hope. It can mean just the opposite, “A new, fresh beginning.” Many a people have done extraordinary things with nothing but a little bit of hope. Combine that with some faith and a deep desire to feel better, you may be surprised how your life will change.

Have an Open Mind
Have an open mind toward exercise and eating better, rather than resenting the actions.

Accept the fact that life will not hand you a perfect situation.

Learn that your self-worth is not based upon if you ask for help along the way.

We age. Our metabolism slows down, and we are more prone to injuries and illness. However, it does not have to be fatal or depressing if you exercise and eat better.
The threesome of denial, pride and laziness will always be followed up by some unwanted consequence to your health. And things that make you resist exercise and eating right are only illusions you have created.
If the whys are big enough, the hows don’t matter!Niche

Have a Long-Term Attitude
If you want to go from denial to desire, call on the “all or nothing attitude.” If you are going to start now, you have to start for good. The reality is you will have good attitude and bad attitude days for the rest of your life. But understand, if you are going to be healthier through exercise and eating, you are going to have to participate in some form of exercise till the day you die. This is not a temporary fix to a long-term problem; it is a lifestyle.

Take an “Inside-Out” Approach
It is really important to understand that in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle, you have to develop a positive type of mind set. Sure it looks great and feels great to have a well-shaped body on the outside. However, you will never win the aging battle if you think that all you have to do is work on the outside of the body.

You will have a better chance of feeling better inside and outside if you have a deep desire to be healthy both physically and emotionally first! When your motives and desires come from the heart or “INSIDE-OUT”, then true health begins to grow. And if your physical appearance changes during the process, that is icing on the cake.

Changing from the ”INSIDE-OUT” is a concept or idea, a day-to-day mindset. When your main desire to exercise centers in your heart, it is here you start to live your life with the attitude of
What’s next? - In a Nut Shell

What’s next? Only you can answer that question.

Denial, Pride and Lazy will be your biggest obstacles when getting in better shape. And it would be unrealistic to think you will ever be totally rid of them. On the other hand, building a strong desire to stand on your own can be your biggest strength against them. When your desire to feel better is so strong, the truth becomes a tool instead of a barrier.

Denial, Pride and Lazy are fictional characters in our minds. While paralyzing, immediate action without compromise tends to scare them away. Waiting to feel better makes no logical sense. Starting right now makes all the sense in the world because the result will be that you feel better.

“If only I had known.” they said.

From the coach’s box:

The process will be a lot easier with an open-minded, long-term approach to your health.
Most importantly, focus on what matters most in the long run-- — working on your inside physical and emotional well being.
No, you may not be a Lance Armstrong, but you do have the capabilities to overcome adversity in your life. We may not be able to win races on a bicycle, however we can LIVESTRONG, and go from a state of denial to a deep desire to feel better through exercise and eating better.

Way to go Lance. Thanks for being such an inspiration to us all!


------------------------------
Greg Ryan is a high profile fitness expert and former employee of Kathy Smiths. Best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE book series. Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting. A proven formula the doctor’s DON’T want you to know about. For FREE MINI COURES click here www.resolutions.bz

Read More

Your Risk of Cancer Can Increase With Weight Gain!

We hear it all the time…lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5’10” weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.

Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and author of “Your Personal Guide to Wellness” notes that while this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight people in developed countries with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. She also estimates that there are 600,000 obesity related deaths each year in America.

Just how does obesity shorten our lifespan? The answer to this question is complex, yet there is a clear link between obesity and the development of cancer. An extensive study conducted by the American Cancer Institute involving 750,000 people showed that obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer developing in the following organs: breast, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder.

Michael Thun, MD, vice-president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society (ACS) says one reason obesity may raise cancer risk is because fat cells produce a form of estrogen called estradiol that promotes rapid division of cells, increasing chances of a random genetic error while cells are replicating, which can lead to cancer. In addition, fat centered around the abdomen may increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood, which may increase cancer risk.

"Women who are obese after menopause have a 50% higher relative risk of breast cancer," notes Thun, "and obese men have a 40% higher relative risk of colon cancer…. Gallbladder and endometrial cancer risks are five times higher for obese individuals”.

There is evidence that cancer rates in developed countries are increasing at 5 to 15 times faster than developing countries. A major contributor to this alarming reality has proven to be diet. In populations where the diet consists mostly of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains – in contrast to the typical Western diet of fatty meats, refined flours, oils and sugars – the risk of cancer is much lower.

The interaction of diet and the development of cancer is an active field of research and Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of “What Color is Your Diet”, says “It appears that diet has its most significant effects after the cancer has already formed, acting to inhibit or stimulate the growth of that cancer”. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex set of interactions, the typical Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

1. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if weight has become health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a BMI (a ratio of height to weight) over 25. Of those, nearly half (27%) qualify as obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. In 1980, just 15% of Americans were considered obese. You can check your BMI at the website below.

2. Match your diet to your body’s requirements. If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

3. Color your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables. There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

4. Eat lean protein with every meal. Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

5. Rev up your metabolism with activity. If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well-being, exercise is a key ingredient. Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), says adults should do something for 30 minutes each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk. Children should be active for an hour each day. We are more likely to develop habits around things we enjoy, so seek activities which you enjoy doing. It is also helpful to build physical activity into your daily routine: use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift at work, park your car in the parking bay furthest from the super marketing and don’t use the remote control to change TV channels.

6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight. Whilst a small percentage of people possess the discipline to lose weight, many obese people have developed strong thoughts and habits concerning the food they eat. In order to establish new habits, most people respond well to some form of consistent encouragement and coaching. A study, “Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes” shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn’t. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it’s never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant whose business operates across 60 countries. She uses a world renowned, medically approved program that will give you results you'll love and all the support you need! Tons of recipes, articles, motivation, tips, reources and free health newsletter. http://www.weight-loss-health.com.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Denise Moved to ICU

Just a fast update (and some of you are newly added to
the list and may not have known what was going on).

Denise was moved to ICU at noon today.

Her breathing is becoming very inefficient (they are
considering putting in a breathing tube, which would
mean sedation and lack of ability to speak).

The meds for the Rocky Mountain spotted fever don't
seem to be working well. So a new antibiotic will be
started that is risky during pregnancy. Doxycycline
can cause bone problems. However, the doctor said that
Denise is far enough along (over 25 weeks) that this
may not be much of an issue. This is the first
antibiotic that would be used for this disease, but
they were holding off because of the pregnancy.

Her fevers are still a concern.

And they found an oddball fungal presence in one of
the blood cultures. Since it didn't show up in any of
the others, they think it was just contaminated
somehow (lab guy has athlete's foot? Who knows). At
any rate, the doctors would like to treat one thing
and not two. So we hope the fungal thing is a fluke.

On a lighter note, somebody postulated that since
Denise has Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and is
getting so many drugs for treatment, it could be said
that she'll get a Rocky Mountain High.
Good thing she's a John Denver fan.

Thanks for pulling for us! Keep it up, everybody!

:O) Phil

Read More

Woman Health - Exercise, Good Food and the Defeat of Cancer

POWER, STRENGTH AND WILL – How one women over came cancer with exercise and good eating habits!


To this day she is the strongest and most optimistic women I have ever known. However ten years ago, colon cancer ripped through my mother like a hurricane, only to leave behind stretched emotions and torn up internal parts. It was the first time I had ever seen her in with such uncertainty in her eyes.

Ten years later in what seemed as some weird dejavu moment, I revisited my mother in the same hospital, only this time cancer had entered her body by ways of her thyroid. As I sat there by her bed said, Mother could only try her best in explaining to me her version of why cancer? Why her? Why now?

In both cases almost two years to the month, after two of the most stressful times in her life she had been diagnosed with this ugly health problem. But, also in each instance she was absolutely not going to let it defeat her. She was convinced stress had weakened her body allowing such things to take place.

Last week I had a chance to sit down with my eighty year old mother on her farm up in Michigan. To this day my father and she are still going strong after sixty years of marriage.

I have been in the weight loss and exercise business for twenty years, but until those moments out on their porch, she had never expressed to me how her daily exercise and eating habits played such a role in her survival of cancer twice. She went on to explain to me that she was totally convinced in both cases if it were not for her exercise habits prior and eating good foods she would not be speaking with me today. She also believed that the active lifestyle had given her spiritual and mental strength as well.

But, what came as a bigger surprise was what she said following. With tears in her eyes, she went on to express to me how much of a role I had played in being a leader in the family as it pertained to promoting exercise and good eating behaviors. It was at that moment at the age of thirty nine that I realized what my purpose in life was suppose to be.

My purpose in life is to encourage you, support you and say to you, “Never underestimate the power, strength and will of getting daily exercise and good nutrition.” It is also my mission in life to help you understand that you can change from the INSIDE OUT through real behavior change, smart eating and effective exercise.

My motto: LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH all the way to heaven!




Greg Ryan is a high profile fitness expert, former employee of Kathy Smith and best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE book series. Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting. A proven formula the doctor’s DON’T want you to know about. For FREE MINI COURES click here www.resolutions.bz

Read More

Woman Health - Weight Loss: “It’s not about the NUMBERS, it’s your APPOACH!”

NEWS FLASH – USA TODAY June 27, 2005
Obesity up 23% since 1989
Healthcare cost for diabetes – DOUBLED
Projected numbers over next five years up to 60 %

Today obesity, diabetes and heart disease runs through
us at epidemic levels, Why? The answer lies not in the
thousands of different kinds of diet, weight loss and workout
programs offered, the answer lies in the approach.
But, no one wants to talk about that. Do you ever wonder why
that is?

Do we not want to know, or could it have something
to do with the doctor’s and those in the fitness
industry not wanting to explain the best approach
to us? Maybe they don’t even know the right way
themselves? Deep down we want and need
too know. Why do I say this? Twenty years of managing
health clubs and dealing with doctor’s tells me, that if
they told you this, then there may be a chance you would
not need them. Sounds crazy doesn’t it. But, true!

Quote:
“While exercise and eating guidelines are based on good
scientific principles, they do not go along with human nature
or common sense. Recent history is telling us this; we are better
off with encouraging the mediocre people who are willing to
include exercise in their daily lives, rather than cramming
guidelines down throats that are far beyond the reach of the
majority of people. In the end, keeping things simple combined
with support usually works better.”

Greg Ryan

From his e-book: “Just MOVE it,” www.resolutions.bz

Over the years most of us who are out of shape and
want to lose a few pounds and feel a little better
about ourselves, developed many different behaviors
toward exercise and food. Some are good ones, but
most are just barriers we have built in our minds. I guess
you could also chalk it up to pure laziness.

However, the bottom line is we are going to continue down
the path of destruction until someone comes up with a plan
to help people deal with the reasons behind such behaviors.

No pill will do it long term, no eight minute ab’s routine will
concur the patterns; the only thing it will take is introspection.
But, do we want to hear that? Maybe, that is just too painful
to even think about right now.

Do you mean I will have to take a good long look at myself?
Maybe so. At the end of the day, you are going to have to
ask yourself, “Do I deal with it now or do I deal with the
consequences later? Because that’s really want it comes down
to. Face the truth on your terms today, or face the reality on
life’s terms down the road in a hospital bed.

I chose to deal with it now.
So where is the magic? It’s not in the pills or programs being
fed to us today and it’s also not found so much in the numbers
on an exercise chart, the amount of weight you lift, or the miles
on a treadmill.

Our success lies in:
How willing we are to deal with the roots of the unwanted
behaviors?
Figuring out what truly motivates us?
Developing a great support system for us personally?
Figure out the emotions behind the food.
Simplifying the workout program to fit your lifestyle.

Do we really want to continue to put a bandage on bleeding artery?
Or do we get serious and do some mental surgery that takes care
of the weight problem once in for all.

I say go for it! What do you have to lose except a few pounds?



To your success,


Greg Ryan Author
----------------------------------------------------
Greg Ryan former Kathy Smith employee is a best selling
author of the weight loss and exercise e book; Changing from the
“INSIDE OUT.” The secret formula: “It’s not about the numbers,
it’s your approach.” How much is feeling better, more energy
looking great worth to you? => www.resolutions.bz


(c) Greg Ryan – All Rights reserved
www.resolutions.bz

Read More

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is the problem

Here's some information that we just learned tonight.

The good news: They figured out that Denise has Rocky
Mountain spotted fever, not contagious, and no spinal
tap will be necessary. Most likely from a trip we took
to Big Bear or Tennessee (less likely due to the time
frame). Antibiotics should take care of the problem.
AND Denise is one of only about 800 Americans per year
that get this... they could set up a pretty exclusive
club at that rate.

The bad news: She will need to stay in the hospital
for a while because the fever can persist. And the
fever is what they are concerned about with the baby.
Of course, we're hoping for a short stay with minimal
discomfort from fever & chills. She feels rotton most
of the time & is having trouble getting quality sleep.

Thanks for all the well-wishing and offers of practical
support! We're blessed to have you in our lives!

:O) Phil

Read More

Denise In Hospital

Hello!
We'd appreciate your prayers. Denise has been sick
since July 13. On Monday July 18, her ObGyn admitted
her to the Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. Denise has
had high fever, chills, weird rash, cough, all on top
of being gestationally diabetic. Our baby boy is due
November 4th. Fortunately, the baby (a boy, they say)
is doing great. But thus far, the doctors haven't been
able to figure out what's wrong with Denise. They've
already tested all the usual fluids, and all bacterial
& viral cultures have come back negative. They're
assigning an infectious disease specialist to her and
there's talk of a spinal tap being the next step. So
what we thought would probably clear up with a day or
two in the hospital is starting to get scary.

Thanks to those of you that got early word of this for
your offers of help. My folks have been a tremendous
help (my dad is currently on a chemo break, and has
indicated he'd rather not start up again when it's
time, for those of you that have been asking... not
enough time for all the details here), and Denise's
folks are here helping with Gracie & Jacob (who really
miss mommy) for a few days.

:O) Phil

Read More

Antiperspirants And Breast Cancer

Most underarm antiperspirants contain as the active ingredient, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, as you will probably remember there has been controversy about Aluminium, since the 1950's when it was a popular metal used for making cooking pots, Saucepans and Fry Pans and that it could be one of the contributing factors to Alzheimer's, now we have another problem that could also be related to Aluminium, Breast Cancer.

Research shows that one of the leading causes of Breast Cancer could be the use of antiperspirants. The human body has a number of areas, that it uses to purge Toxins from the body, these are, behind the knees, behind the ears, the groin area, and the armpits. The toxins are purged from the body in the form of perspiration and antiperspirant as the name clearly suggests prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging Toxins from the armpit area.

These Toxin do not just disappear, Instead, the body deposits them in the Lymph Nodes below the arms, since it is unable to sweat them out. A concentration of Toxins then builds up in the areas such as the armpits, which can then lead to cell mutations, which is cancer.

It cannot be ignored, that nearly all Breast Cancer Tumors occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast area, this is where the Lymph Nodes are located. Men are less likely (but not totally exempt) to develop breast cancer prompted by the use of antiperspirants, because the antiperspirant is more likely to be caught in the armpit hair, rather than directly applied to the skin, but ladies, who shave their armpits, increase the risk by causing imperceptable nicks in the skin, which allow the chemicals to enter easily into the body through the armpits.

This article is aimed mainly at ladies, but please be aware that there are a few antiperspirants on the market that are made from natural products, but basically they would still trap the Toxins in the same areas. The best solution is to use deodorants, rather than antiperspirants, also please remember that the Eight Essential Sugars in Glyconutrients can also help to fight off Toxins.

There is a lot of controversy about this article, the medical profession scoff at the idea, and so do big business, but then again there are huge numbers of people that scoff at the problems associated with Fluoride in drinking water. You can make up your own mind on whether there is someting in this article or not, I know that if I was a lady, I would keep clear of Antiperspirants. I realise that Doctors everywhere, do a marvelous job, and they are appreciated, but they are reluctant to look at the bigger picture, also please remember that the fourth largest killer of people in the western world is prescription drugs.

"Article by Alfred Jones of http://www.SugarsR4U.com and http://www.RUsweetEnuf.com Learn about Glyconutrients, The Essential Sugars for Life or Himalayan Goji Juice a Boost Immune System Vitamin".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer women face second only to lung cancer, however it is the most feared cancer or disease for most women. It occurs in about 12% of women who will live to the age of 90. Several well established factors increase the risk of breast cancer and they include family history, nulliparity (not having had children), early menarche (starting menstrual cycles early), advanced age and a personal history of breast cancer. Other risks include exposure to environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke that increase the chance for cancer growth. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society has many activities this month to bring this to the public attention.

Early education on self-breast exam and early screening is extremely important in achieving good outcomes. Self-exam and physician examination will detect cancer at a rate between 70 – 80%. Adding screening mammography (mammograms) will increase detection to 96 – 98%. It has been shown that early detection through clinical exam and mammography can reduce breast carcinoma mortality by 20 to 30%. Today’s gold standard for screening (mammograms) will still miss between 10 and 15% of neoplasm.

Therefore, if a clinically noted mass is followed by a negative mammogram the work up should then include a breast ultrasound and/or a fine needle aspiration cytology and close interval examinations. The modality of Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) is a method of examining the breasts that is far more sensitive in picking up smaller tumor than Mammogram. MRI is widely used in Europe but has not taken on in the US yet. It is more expensive as a screening tool in the USA, but since it is so widely used in Europe it is actually less expensive there. Even with open biopsies of suspicious masses the diagnosis of a malignancy is one in about five biopsies performed. This may seem costly but the morbidity and mortality of missing a malignancy is even more so.

Screening should start with a baseline mammogram at age 35, or younger if there is a strong family history. Annual examinations should be performed once a woman reached 40 years of age, and self examination should be encouraged monthly starting at the age of twenty. Disease prevention & early screenings is the mainstay of a preventive medical practice despite the somewhat conservative recommendations made by medical specialty societies and the managed care industry. Oftentimes the risk-benefit ratio for cancer screening has the dollar as it’s bottom line, but if you are the unfortunate patient to have a cancer that was not detected early, then all the statistics in the world will not matter to you. My philosophy is to pay a little more in time and money upfront to assure a disease free state.

An important thing for women to remember is a positive family history alone increased lifetime risk of cancer to about 25%, that is double the incidence of no such history. Recently the interest has focused on cancers associated with germ line (inherited) genetic mutations. While approximately 5 – 10% of all breast cancer sufferers have a mutation in BRCA1 gene (located on chromosome 17) and BRCA2 gene (located on chromosome 13), this type of screening should only be done when a first degree relative with know cancer and a positive mutation is detected or whether a women falls into a certain ethnic group. Women who have inherited a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a relatively high lifetime risk of breast cancer (about 50-85%). Risk for cancer in the opposite breast of a woman with a BRCA1 mutation is about 25%. In such cases genetic screening may be advocated. Once a tumor is detected important prognostic determiners as stage of the disease, histology and nuclear grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status and HER2/neu gene amplification tests are advisable.

For more information on Breast Cancer the following websites are helpful: http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cancernet/ and www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo. Also a call to the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 can be of help. To conclude, it is extremely important for women to maintain annual physical exams and aggressive cancer screening regiments. There are means to help prevent cancer in those women who seem predisposed. Screening is one thing, but taking measures to help prevent cancer growth is yet another. There are things women do on a daily basis that can increase their chances for breast cancer (and other cancers) that they are not aware. The programs advocated at my center are based on lifestyle modification, prevention, early detection, natural hormone replacement and nutritional medicine. Women should take a proactive approach to the breast cancer issue, for it may save their lives. This topic is one that is close to my heart, as my ex-wife is a breast cancer survivor.

Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention
By JP Saleeby, MD

JP Saleeby, MD is Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Room at LRMC, Hinesville, GA. He hold adjunct professorship in the School of Nursing at Georgia Southern University. He performs online telemedicine consultation via http://www.saleeby.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Cancer in Women

Before I get too deep into this subject, let me first identify myself. I was a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Minnesota ever since the licensing came out, and before that a Certified Counselor in over 40-states and 13-countries). I worked in the field for twenty years, in group counseling, individual counseling; with women at the prisons, in clinics for dual disorders, having a degree in psychology as well, and in child development it helped me as I worked on the children’s ward. I’ve written three books on the subject of alcohol and its effects; on the prevention of it; one on the aftercare of it, and on its origin. I do realize we all have our own beliefs where this disease comes from, and just how it relates to women’s cancer; which might even be a secret from the public, but if it is, it is because no one has looked very deep into this issue or problem. Sometimes we are too busy with the situation, you know what I mean: too many hands in the pudding, can sour the pie. In any case, this is the first article I’m doing since my retirement in 2001. I should let it be know, I’ve done a few articles for the ICDP (Drug and alcohol magazine for Minnesota) years ago. Therefore I am going to take a backdoor into the premise of this article, “Cancer in Women.”

When I used to give lectures to groups, be it women, men or children at schools, clinics, hospitals (Ramsey Hospital, River hills Hospital, Hawthorn Institute, etc; schools in St. Paul, Minnesota) and adolescents, I’d always modify my lecture to fit the group, which is what everyone does I assume (or should do): why? Because we are all different, and our body reacts differently to substances; we have what you call different triggers; resistance capabilities; as groups that is; as individuals we have what I call, hang ups, or self-esteem problems. Also, such things as: depression, anxiety, resentment, fears, inferiority. We are all dealing with a mess of issues at any given time; they are mixed with: faith, egotism, and shame. We relapse, drink more, and take more drugs according to our environment, our social status, or availability of money. And now the group comes into play, and the individual, and her background.

Life is never easy is it, especially in recovering, or working with those with dual disorders—or with those drinking in general that can not stop. When I say dual disorders, I mean those crippled with alcoholism and perhaps depression, or anxiety, etc.

Alcohol or drugs, in particular alcohol for this article, is a poison. That is why your system rejects it, vomits up. It belongs under the hazard category. We don’t need to look at hashish, opium, cocaine, or morphine, let me add heroin in it, alcohol does the job quite well. And like poisons do, they paralyze the body like hemlock (prussic acid).

It is clear, people that drink a lot do not live long, and drug addicts do not grow old. And now for the Cancer: and women who drink a lot for some reason get cancer much quicker than their counterpart, males; or women who do not drink a lot. This is not a cleaver put down for women, it is a fact, go check it out. I have seen it in the AA meetings, and clinics and hospitals. For women as they progress in their drinking stages working their way to the chronic stage will acquire cancer quicker than males, or those women who do not rely on it. Women and men are equal in many things, but in this you women are ahead of us, I dare say.

Another point is women and men who go into a clinic for treatment, women will heal quicker than men, and leave in the 28-to-30 day program; whereas men will stay much longer, not dealing with the depression, or other issues they may have. Again I say, it is a fact, I’ve seen it. Thus, we get more suicides from men than women on this issue.

But back to the premise, my therapeutic view is: stop drinking, simply as that. You don’t need the stuff, or do you? And if you do the only reason I ever gave my clients to use was for suicide. Let me reframe that. If you feel you are going to commit suicide, then use, and get help, because you are committing suicide anyhow—slowly, by drinking, but at least you have a moment longer to think about it, or get help.

Note: what I have not brought to light I will in this brief note, for I do not have time to put everything into one article. I have not talked about smoking cigarettes and drinking, or eating disorders while in chemical usage, or anorexia Nervosa, or drugs and alcohol mixed; the causes for relapse, stress factors, a persons workload, shift work, nature of the job, rules, etc. Schizophrenia, as a dual-disorder in usage, and the potential in is affects, such as cancer. Nor weight loss, gain, insomnia, fatigue. Violating our values, and its psychological affects, and the stress-cancer link; I could put most of the above in the category of choices, but all play a roll in our lives, and again I say, alcohol normally is the number one culprit in the rest of this maze. Did you know; out of the two-million convicts we now have in prisons, 90% were chemically related. I worked in the prison, area for seven years; I think the counselors end up needing more help than the inmates should one pass that seven year mark. [Dedicated to the editor.]

Dennis Siluk, web site http://dennissiluk.tripod.com. His books can be viewed at http://www.bn.com or http://www.amazon.com. He has three books out on the subject of alcoholism, "A Path to Sobriety: the Inside Passage," has been a best seller, of the three, and many of its counterparts on the subject.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Categories

1. Pregnancy
- Breast Cancer and Pregnancy
- Women Health - Pregnant Women Don't Just Stay At Home; Go Shopping !
- Exercise for Women Pregnant
- Women's Health - 7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

2. Cancer
- Breast Cancer and Pregnancy
- Breast Cancer is Cureable!
- HPV - A Virus That Puts Women At Increased Risk For Cervical Cancer
- Cancer - Cervical Smears - Women's Health
- Cancer in Women
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Antiperspirants And Breast Cancer
- Woman Health - Exercise, Good Food and the Defeat of Cancer
- Your Risk of Cancer Can Increase With Weight Gain!
- Breast Cancer for Beginners
- Women Health - Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?
- Woman Health - Cancer and Your Pet
- Passive Smokers Can Get Breast Cancer
- Myths About Skin Cancer - Are You Really Safe?
- How One Woman Beat Cancer With Food
- Skin Cancer - A Reminder
- 5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer
- Women Health - Fourteen Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer
3. Beauty
- Acne Skin Care Tips That Work
- Woman Health - Acne, What Causes It?
- Women Health - Control Your Acne With Effective Acne Treatments
- Woman Health - Everything You Wanted To Know About Laser Hair Removal
- Woman Health - A Better Understanding Of Laser Hair Removal In 5 Minutes
- Women Health - Laser Hair Removal
- Laser Hair Removal New York
- Three minute beauty

4. Nutrition
- Woman Health - Food Health Values
- If You're A Woman Over 25, You Should Eat These Foods To Prevent Diseases That Claims Most Women's Lives

5. Health Care
- Is Lasik Eye Surgery For You? Or Are You Too Sqeemish!
- Eye Care is More Than a Visit to The Doctor
- Woman Health - Weight Loss: “It’s not about the NUMBERS, it’s your APPOACH!”
- Woman Health - Lance Armstrong and Exercise - From Denial to Desire!
- Woman Health - For Women: Ice Is Nice!
- Woman Health - The Benefits of Green Tea
- Women Health - Top 10 Trends in Healthcare

6. Menopause
- Woman Health - Eye-Opening Information for Menopausal Women
- Woman Health - Early Signs of Menopause – Is There an Online Menopause Test?
- Women Health - Menopause Symptoms

Read More

5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.

Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when he was a child.

--------------------

Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system."

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days

Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.

So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

Skin Cancer - A Reminder

We need to get alerted: skin cancer is the most popular cancer. Every year, more than 1,000,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed and tens of thousands of skin cancer patients die in the U.S. alone. The number of skin cancer exceeds that of all other cancers combined. Among more than 1 million of skin cancer cases, 100,000 are melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer and there is no cure for it.

The skin cancer risk is more serious to the children because they are young and more susceptible, and they expose to more sunlight than adults due to their extensive outdoor activities. Half of the total life time exposure for an individual is received during his childhood. So special care is needed for the children.

Usually, skin cancers come years later after the subjects get exposed to too much sunlight. So just because you do not see a skin cancer right away does not mean you are free of skin cancer risk. So careful protection is the key.

The government health officials are working hard to alert people of the skin cancer risk. They try to have schools to take measures to protect students against excessive exposure to the ultraviolet light.

Both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B can cause skin cancer, which means some ultraviolet light once thought safe can be dangerous. In the summer, it's advised that people avoid sunlight from 10 a.m through 4 p.m. when the sunlight is strongest and you are likely to get sunburn. Sunburn can be defined as a condition that your skin receives so much sunlight radiation that a skin color change is noticeable. Rules of thumb to avoid sunburn is, if your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sunlight is too strong and you can get sunburn. If you have to go outdoor, wear something protective such as clothes and big wide-trimmed hat to shield as much sunlight as possible. In the hottest day, the sunlight can burn your skin in a couple of minutes or less.

Statistics indicated that people get one or more blister caused by sunlight will have 2 or 3 times higher risk of getting skin cancer than the general population. Both occasional heavy exposure and mild chronic exposure can cause skin cancer.

Also keep in mind that ultraviolet rays exist not just in the summer, or hot days only. In the spring or even winter, you do not feel the heat when exposed to the sunlight, but the ultraviolet rays are there. You can still get sunburn in such cool days. So do not take the sunlight lightly. Other than the sunlight, sun lumps and tanning facility that emit ultraviolet rays can also pose a serious risk of skin cancer.

About The Author

John Roberts is a freelancer for foodconsumer.com - an online magazine that promotes healthy diets. kontact@foodconsumer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More

How One Woman Beat Cancer With Food

More than 20 years ago, when I was 47-year-old doctoral student in psychology, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course, I was devastated. At the time, I had been running for 15 years, and I was the most physically fit person I knew. It was incomprehensible to me that I had cancer.

After surgery, further testing determined that the cancer had already spread. Nevertheless, instead of the recommended radiation and chemotherapy, I put my faith in Dr. John McDougall, a physician who was then researching the relationship between a vegan diet (no animal products) and breast cancer. Though I had previously stopped eating red meat, when diagnosed, I was still eating other animal products and my blood tests showed elevated cholesterol levels. So, with the assistance of Dr. McDougall, I eliminated all animal products, including fish and dairy. Today, as I approach my 70th cancer-free birthday, I relish my vegan diet and daily run. I am a six-time Ironman Triathlon finisher, holder of more than 900 gold medals from every distance from 100 meter to 5K road races to ultramarathons and triathlons. I have completed more than 60 marathons all over the world and I have made three world fitness records in my age group at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. In 1999, I was named one of the “Top Ten Fittest Women in North America.”

I also redirected my academic course of study. I was so impressed with what my new diet did for me that I changed from psychology to health education, with majors in nutrition and exercise physiology. I am firmly convinced that a key element in my sustained health is my vegan diet. Moreover, since most plant foods are low in calories (exceptions are nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and coconuts), I also eat a lot more than most people while keeping a healthy weight. So, I am never hungry. From 1982 until 2000, I ate a vegan diet that included grains and some processed foods.

I began most mornings with oatmeal, bananas, and raisins moistened with water or apple juice and a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. To boost the nutritional value, I added greens such as kale, edible hibiscus, seaweed or cabbage. Occasionally, I had pancakes or waffles covered with applesauce or fruit purée (instead of butter or margarine).

Lunch consisted of a number of possibilities such as baked or microwaved potatoes with carrot and broccoli sticks, whole wheat pita bread stuffed with sliced mixed vegetables, a whole wheat bagel with an orange and apple, or brown rice mixed with succotash. When eating lunch in a restaurant, I often asked for a bread sandwich -- a whole grain bun or two slices of bread. I then stuffed the bread with greens, tomato, bell pepper, and onions.

Dinner was often similar to lunch. Or, it included such options as spaghetti made with whole-wheat pasta and sauce prepared with tomato paste, onions, garlic, bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and seasonings, or chili made with kidney beans, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, bell pepper, chili power and lots of brown rice. I made pizza with whole-wheat crust covered with a tomato-based sauce with chopped green onions, round onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and alfalfa sprouts.

Between meals, I never allowed myself to become hungry. I nibbled on fruit, carrots, whole grain breads, air-popped popcorn, and sweet potatoes. To avoid any temptation, I did not keep any high fat foods in my home. For dessert, I ate fruit or air-popped popcorn.

In 2000, I eliminated grains and processed foods from my diet. I now eat only raw foods. Since I begin most days with a three to four hour workout, usually including an hour on the bike, a weight session or a swim, followed by an hour’s run, I don’t eat breakfast until later in the morning. Then, I have a big bowl filled with greens, one carrot, half a mango, a large banana, and six large grapes. The mixture is topped with one round tablespoon of B12 fortified nutritional yeast and one to two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses.

Since breakfast is so late, I do not eat a full meal again until dinner. Dinner includes lots of greens such as broccoli, stalks of kale, celery, unpeeled English cucumber, cabbage, a carrot, one half bell pepper, one half large tomato, six cloves of garlic, and half of a yam or sweet potato, raw. The mixture is topped with one to two cups of salsa, one tablespoon regular mustard, and one tablespoon freshly ground flaxseed.

Dessert consists of blueberries and a second fruit, a small handful of walnuts, and one tablespoon blackstrap molasses. Throughout the day, I snack on carrots, celery sticks, grapes, dates, and, in the evening, I eat air-popped popcorn.

As long as you eat a sufficient amount of calories, you cannot be deficient in protein. Since all vegetables contain adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids, you will obtain all the essential amino acids you require from a plant-based diet. Moreover, because you are obtaining calcium from the same source as cows – that is plant foods, primarily greens-- you will have enough calcium.

While you should make a point of drinking lots of water, I also recommend two other beverages. To replace your morning coffee, try drinking a mug of hot water with one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. And, since I live in Hawaii, where it is always warm outside, I enjoy keeping a jug of homemade lemonade in the refrigerator. I make it by squeezing half a lemon into a half-gallon jug of water and then add a little sweetener.

My raw vegan diet gives me an unbelievable amount of energy. Of course, without such energy, I could never compete in all the events that I do, especially the Ironman Triathlon. I almost never miss a day of training. As a bonus, I sleep like the proverbial rock.

In addition to changing your diet, this is a good time to modify your behavior. One of the most important things that you can do is to incorporate regular exercise into your life. To help keep you motivated, you should consider joining a group. Although I ran for about 15 years by myself, after I joined a group of runners, I increased my distance and began to really challenge myself. And, while I find swimming by myself somewhat boring, swimming as a group is fun. In case of an accident or mechanical failure, longer bike rides should always include at least one other biker. Plus, rides are more enjoyable with other people. Where I live in Hawaii, there is never a shortage of people who want to go for a ride. Over time I have come to realize that triathletes are among the most sociable people I have ever met. So, whatever your age, give it a try. When exercise is fun, you won’t have trouble making yourself do it!

Copyright © 2005, by Weight Loss Buddy Press

Ruth E. Heidrich, Ph.D.
Author, A Race for Life, The Race for Life Cookbook
www.RuthHeidrich.com
www.vegsource.com

Joey Dweck is the founder of http://www.WeightLossBuddy.com committed to helping you find a 24/7 buddy who will not only help you lose weight but who also will get you to change to a healthy lifestyle. You choose your own diet and your own exercise regime, and we find you a buddy who literally will stick with you through thick and thin. Signing up for a buddy is free. Simply go to http://www.WeightLossBuddy.com or call 1-877-BUDDY-UP.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Read More