Dear Gather Members and Friends,
As some of you know through my previous writing, I am a breast cancer survivor. It is expected that my breast cancer will come back because I waited too long prior to diagnosis and treatment. I cannot control the past, but I can make every effort with my lifestyle change. I firmly believe that diet, excercise, yoga and a positive outlook go a long way in preventing re-occurrance. It is my hope that other women and men can learn from my mistakes and avoid those challenges.
Of course another thing that we all can do is spread the word. We can share our experiences of our mothers, or sisters, or friends who have survived breast cancer. One such group who is trying to make a difference for breast cancer awareness and the investigation and research for future progress into cures. I recently wrote a letter to the Sister Study Organization to share my story and ask about helping. For those interested, here is a little bit of information about the investigators.
MEET THE INVESTIGATORS
DR. DALE SANDLER
Dr. Sandler received her M.P.H. from Yale University School of Medicine in 1975, and her Ph.D. in Epidemiology from The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1979. Dr. Sandler is Chief of the Epidemiology Branch at NIEHS. She studies environmental causes
of chronic disease in adults. Dr. Sandler’s research has looked at risk factors for leukemia and kidney disease, health effects of residential and occupational exposure to radon, and the health consequences of exposure to cigarette smoke and agricultural chemicals.
Listen to the KFNX radio interview with Dr. Sandler. (click here)
DR. CLARICE WEINBERG
Dr. Weinberg received her M.A. in Mathematics in 1974 from Brandeis University, and her Ph.D. in Biomathematics from the University of Washington, Seattle in 1980. Dr. Weinberg is Chief of the Biostatistics branch at NIEHS. Dr. Weinberg is interested in assessing genetic effects and
developing better designs and methods of analysis to help understand the joint role of genetics and environmental exposures in causing disease.
See story "Clarice Weinberg Receives Nathan Mantel Award"
back to top
MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS)
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is one of 25 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The mission of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is to reduce the burden of human illness and disability from environmental causes. The NIEHS achieves its mission through multidisciplinary biomedical research programs, prevention and intervention efforts, and communication strategies such as training, education, technology transfer, and community outreach.
Visit the NIEHS web site
DR. PAULA SCARBOROUGH JURAS
Dr. Juras is a Specialist with NIEHS, and serves as the Project Officer for the Sister Study. She earned a BA in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Florida. Her dissertation research centered on an indicator of breast
cancer prognosis; and her graduate research, as a whole, contributed directly to the development of protease inhibitor therapeutics for persons living with HIV. Afterward, Dr. Juras was a research associate with Duke University Medical Center, and then went on to accept a research award fellowship with the NIEHS, where she studied lung disorders associated with some breast cancer treatments. Dr. Juras joined the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch in 1999.
DR. LISA DEROO
Dr. DeRoo is a Staff Scientist with NIEHS and serves as an epidemiologist for the Sister Study. She earned her M.P.H. in International Health from Emory University, and her Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine. Her doctoral research focused on
cigarette smoking during pregnancy and the risk of breast cancer. Before joining NIEHS in 2006, Dr. DeRoo was a visiting fellow at the Division of Epidemiology, University of Geneva, Switzerland, where she studied risk factors for breast cancer among Geneva women. Back to top
WHO IS COLLECTING THE DATA FOR NIEHS?
A professional services research firm, specializing in health studies and epidemiologic research, works closely with NIEHS investigators to recruit participants, collect data, and manage the day-to-day activities of the study. In July of 2005, the research firm (CODA) became part of Social and Scientific Systems, Inc. More information can be found at http://www.s-3.com/SES/ses.htm
For more information about the Sister Study, visit
http://www.sisterstudy.org/English/
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Saturday, January 6, 2007
20 Tips For Success
My father, who has built a successful real estate business in North Carolina often sends me inspirational clippings he gathers along the way. We recently had a discussion about success and the different ways to approach it. He pulled this out -- made me a copy of it and I would like to share it with you. This is from the creator of the Holiday Inn Hotels. There is a substantial amount of quality in the points he shares. He keeps his eye focused on the goal and the light.
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It was a fateful trip from Memphis to Washington D.C.that formed one of the world's greatest hotel chains. Kemmons Wilson, a real estate dabbler from Memphis, took his family on the trip in the 1950's and found that hotels made the excursion next to intolerable. The prices were high, the rooms semlled, no special rates for kids and the service was reprehensible. On that trip, Kemmons vowed to his wife that when he retruned to Memphis, he would start a hotel chain that would revolutionalize the industry. Kemmons made good on his promise -- he founded the Holiday Inn Hotels.
Kemmons has taken time to write down his secrets for success to share with you. They are:
1. Work only half of a day; it makes no difference which half. It can be the first 12 hours or the last 12 hours.
2. Work is the master key that opens the doors to all opportunities.
3. Mental attitude plays a far more important role in a person's success or failure than mental capacity.
4. Remember that we all climb the ladder of success one step at a time.
5. There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree. One way is to sit on an acorn and wait; the other is to climb it.
6. Do not be afraid of taking a chance. Remember that a broken watch is exactly right at least twice every 24 hours.
7. The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.
8. Eliminate from your vocabulary the words "I doin't think I can" and substitute, "I know I can."
9. In evaluating a career, put opportunity ahead of security.
10. Have confidence in yourself.
11. A person has to take risks to achieve.
12. People who take pains never to do more than they get paid for, never get paid for anything more than they do.
13. The more steam you put into your work, the louder you can whistle when your work is done.
14. Opportunity comes often. It knocks as often as you have an ear trained to hear it, an eye trained to see it, a hand trained to grasp it, and a tead trained to use it.
15. You cannot procrastinate -- in two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.
16. Sell your wristwatch and buy an alarm clock.
17. A successful person realizes his peronal responsibility for self-motivation. He starts himself because he possesses the key to his own ignition switch.
18. Do not worry. You can't change the past, but you can sure ruin the present by worrying over the future. Remember that half the things we worry about never happen, and the other half are going to happen anyway. So why worry?
19. It is not how much you have but how much you can enjoy that makes happiness.
20. Believe in God and obey the Ten Commandments.
------------
It was a fateful trip from Memphis to Washington D.C.that formed one of the world's greatest hotel chains. Kemmons Wilson, a real estate dabbler from Memphis, took his family on the trip in the 1950's and found that hotels made the excursion next to intolerable. The prices were high, the rooms semlled, no special rates for kids and the service was reprehensible. On that trip, Kemmons vowed to his wife that when he retruned to Memphis, he would start a hotel chain that would revolutionalize the industry. Kemmons made good on his promise -- he founded the Holiday Inn Hotels.
Kemmons has taken time to write down his secrets for success to share with you. They are:
1. Work only half of a day; it makes no difference which half. It can be the first 12 hours or the last 12 hours.
2. Work is the master key that opens the doors to all opportunities.
3. Mental attitude plays a far more important role in a person's success or failure than mental capacity.
4. Remember that we all climb the ladder of success one step at a time.
5. There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree. One way is to sit on an acorn and wait; the other is to climb it.
6. Do not be afraid of taking a chance. Remember that a broken watch is exactly right at least twice every 24 hours.
7. The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.
8. Eliminate from your vocabulary the words "I doin't think I can" and substitute, "I know I can."
9. In evaluating a career, put opportunity ahead of security.
10. Have confidence in yourself.
11. A person has to take risks to achieve.
12. People who take pains never to do more than they get paid for, never get paid for anything more than they do.
13. The more steam you put into your work, the louder you can whistle when your work is done.
14. Opportunity comes often. It knocks as often as you have an ear trained to hear it, an eye trained to see it, a hand trained to grasp it, and a tead trained to use it.
15. You cannot procrastinate -- in two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.
16. Sell your wristwatch and buy an alarm clock.
17. A successful person realizes his peronal responsibility for self-motivation. He starts himself because he possesses the key to his own ignition switch.
18. Do not worry. You can't change the past, but you can sure ruin the present by worrying over the future. Remember that half the things we worry about never happen, and the other half are going to happen anyway. So why worry?
19. It is not how much you have but how much you can enjoy that makes happiness.
20. Believe in God and obey the Ten Commandments.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Fighting Cancer Through Diet
At some point in your life you will either know or meet someone who is going through or will go through cancer. I cannot say that I am surprised when I look at all the carcinogenic in the very air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. When I looked deeper into the chemicals we put on bodies with soaps, deodorants, perfumes and textiles I began to understand how important it is to take responsibility for our actions.
I have already gone through my 'viola' moment after surviving breast cancer while going through an incredibly painful and financially devastating divorce. When you get to the other side -- after facing adversity head on -- the truth begins to shine through the clouds. I realize there is so much I can do to fight / prevent my reoccurrence. Of course there is no guarantees in life, but the odds are in my favor that if I change my destructive behaviors (food, emotional weaknesses, co-dependence, fear, anger, self-pity, more attention to my health) that I would increase my odds of living a longer...more enjoyable life.
I try to read and <gather> as much data as I can regarding areas that interest me or I feel to have significant value for future application. Eating healthy is something I believe in and enjoy sharing with others. There is nothing you can do better for yourself than take care of your body. The complete body: physical, mental, spiritual. This particular installment is about taking care of the physical through diet, but please remember there are as many useful tools available to help the individual in finding a path to peace and contentment; however, if you are not convinced that taking care of your body is important - I suggest frequenting a nursing home and volunteering with people who are unable to get around.
I do not wish to scare anyone into working out or eating healthy, but I do want you aware that you have a choice whether to take care of yourself or not. When I was a child my father told me many times, "you must pay yourself first." I did not fully understand it at that age, nor did I realize that at some point I too would be saying the same thing! Take care of yourself first...pay yourself....so that the life you do have (and the years you have) can be lived fully and completely. This is an expert from a newsletter produced through Saint Thomas Health Services for a cancer fighting menu. Enjoy!!
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Cancer is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Proper meal planning can go a long way toward lowering your risk of developing several different types of cancer.
Numerous observational studies have demonstrated that eating foods rich in antioxidants, or taking a multivitamin daily, can decrease the risk of cancer by up to 37%, says Dr. Brian Lee, an oncologist at the Middle Tennessee Medical Center. These lifestyle choices also can reduce the risk of dying form other diseases. Take steps to fight cancer today. Check out this sample meal plan:
At Breakfast:
Start your cancer fight with a breakfast that includes who grains, which are rich in nutrients that may prevent colorectal cancer. Good choices include whole-grain cereal, toast, or waffles.
Then, add some fruit and vegetables which are rich in many nutrients that can help ward off oral, stomach, esophageal, colorectal, and lunch cancer. In fact, some experts believe that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables could prevent at least 20% of all cancers.
So, toss some fruit on your cereal, add vegetables to scrambled eggs, or drink 100% juice. Aim for five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. To fit all these in, you will need to start early--with breakfast.
For Lunch:
Preventing cancer is about what you don't eat, as well as what you do eat. So, limit the following foods, which have been linked to stomach and possibly other cancers:
*Fatty cuts of beef or other meat
*Lunchmeats and hot dogs that contain nitrates
*Grilled, salted, pickled, or smoked foods
Instead, think low fat and nutrient rich. For example, try a lean turkey sandwich on whole-grain break, some fruit, and a bowl of minestrone soup.
Snack Time:
Use snack time to add to your fruits and vegetable tally. Munch on an apple or carrot stick.
For Dinner:
Serve up some spaghetti with tomato sauce. Cooked tomato products may reduce the risk for prostrate cancer. On the side, have cruciferous vegetables--such as broccoli or cauliflower--which may lower the odds of colorectal cancer. Cooking vegetables? Steam, bake, or microwave them to help retain their cancer-fighting nutrients.
Still having trouble fitting in five or more daily servings of fruits or vegetables? For some more ideas, log on to theis website from the National Cancer Institute: http://5aday.gov/
Poem - Daily Inspiration
The darkness turns to light
then once again, the day will turn to night.
The sun continues to provide life,
while the moon prefers control of tide.
The air we breath we cannot see,
yet it is there so that we may be.
When I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
So that when awake I won't miss
a single detail my heavenly father sent.
For with each breath lies endless possibilities
and the hope for future opportunities.
then once again, the day will turn to night.
The sun continues to provide life,
while the moon prefers control of tide.
The air we breath we cannot see,
yet it is there so that we may be.
When I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
So that when awake I won't miss
a single detail my heavenly father sent.
For with each breath lies endless possibilities
and the hope for future opportunities.
Yoga - A Tool for Empowerment
This is part of a series I am publishing on self discovery and empowerment. If you think this topic or article is something that your readers would show interest to -- please feel free to use it. I believe my dilemmas are not that different from everyone else and that there is no shame in being human, nor any human who goes through "the human experience" perfect. I believe in the eyes of the "Creator" we are all but children in our evolutionary development. While Ego attempted to keep me from sharing out of fear, the stirring in my soul could not be ignored. I feel I have a responsibility to each of you.
This is my story... --blessings and peace--
In the midst of what felt like the horrific (destruction) fallout from war, I found myself trying to manage the emotional devastation from the loss of love and betrayal as well as the comprehend and respond to the diagnosis of advanced stage breast cancer. Just one year prior to my cancer diagnosis I began evaluating the immediate need for changes to my current lifestyle. At that time I was not aware that the small changes—adding exercise, yoga, changing my diet—might in part, actually contribute to my rescue in the near future. The specifics of my neglect of "self" will be discussed in depth at a later time, for now, I will just say that looking to people, events, objects, money, career, food, etc...as the source of my happiness, I contributed to my own personal destruction. In truth, when I look back, I believe the small changes were part of a grand design to supply the necessary intervention needed to save my very life. The pendulum was starting to swing back as I was making better choices for my life. It started out with simple efforts—incorporating exercise back into my life. I had a tendency to put my husband and children's' needs before my own, so years went by and my body began displaying the repercussions of that neglect. After I began slowly reclaiming the relationship with "self" (body & mind), as well as incorporating the necessary changes to specific aspects of my life, I was then given a gift of empowerment –Yoga.
In the beginning I viewed Yoga as I would any athletic activity. It was after I continued practicing Yoga that I realized it also had the potential use as a tool for repairing years of self inflicted physical and mental abuse. The effects of the Yoga were long lasting, profound, and quiet often subliminal. There was more going on than the obvious physical rewards -- I began looking deeper into myself. Not just during Yoga, but all throughout the day I found myself searching for answers, truths, wisdom in decisions, and discernment in understanding others. The dots quickly connected. Then, right before my eyes I felt and saw changes taking place in my own life. Yoga's empowering effects assisted me in my efforts to heal my broken body, wounded heart and lost spirit. At the lowest point in life, battling in a divorce—then battling for my life, I was introduced to Yoga and began practicing. I did not know the incredible, almost amazing side effects of the practice in the beginning.
It is only by grace that my story did not turn out to be a tragedy, rather than an informative / human interest. The confrontation with mortality, has a way of teaching how precious "life" is. This realization of a simple truth was the first day of the rest of my life. In essence it was a rebirth. My friend, mentor and yoga instructor, Masso, told me many times, "You must unlearn, to have the ability to relearn correctly." At the moment, I began understanding how the application of various tools could assist in my journey. Yoga, for me, was a very important tool and could be used to help / teach / change / manage the destructive forces and by products of: loss of love, fear of change, facing mortality, self destructive tendencies—basically Yoga could be used in all areas of my life. At that point, I felt compelled, almost driven to share my story. Not because I believe my story is unique or that I alone have found a magical way to deal with problems, adversity or pain. Rather as a way to give back what has been given to me. The principles of Yoga exceeded my expectations, and I have an obligation to distribute this gift so that others may use it for their own successful endeavors and while dealing with different forms of adversity. My story is dedicated to all men and women looking for positive alternative methods to deal with physical, mental or spiritual adversity and pain. In effect, Yoga has ultimately opened the doors to my mind, while providing a complete body workout (muscles, bones, organs, mind & spirit).
It was almost one year prior to my diagnosis of cancer that I began practicing Yoga. That is where my story begins. For now I deliberately choose not to focus on my specific pains /adversities /confusions; because the human experience provides amble opportunities for sunshine and stormy nights. My adversities are no better or worse than yours. They may, in part, be different or we may share in some of the same experiences, emotions, choices, confusion, pleasures etc... We have all lived, loved, laughed, cried, feared something, someone, some event -- at some point in our life. I spent much of my life wanting to be different. I had my own emotional need to feel special – different. I am embarrassed to admit that at one point I was sure no one else had ever loved and hurt the way I was hurting. I could not live, did not want to live – blatantly refused any sign of life. I blamed myself for the failure of my marriage and was so fearful of being alone stayed in a situation that was emotional poison.
My point is, upon the suggestion of a respected friend, I began connecting with other women. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to express my respect for those from whom I have learned so much. Women, men, and children all have valuable lessons, if only I listen. On the other hand, once a truth is felt or a lesson learned, a responsibility comes with it. In my realization of my complete ordinariness, I understand the very same tools I used can be challenged and proven true over the course of time. As we all go through "the human experience" and the full gambit of emotions we are alike. We are the same. How wonderful! We share something just because we are human. So, it is my hope that some of the techniques I found helpful in dealing with adversity and/or pain may also assist you.
This is my story... --blessings and peace--
In the midst of what felt like the horrific (destruction) fallout from war, I found myself trying to manage the emotional devastation from the loss of love and betrayal as well as the comprehend and respond to the diagnosis of advanced stage breast cancer. Just one year prior to my cancer diagnosis I began evaluating the immediate need for changes to my current lifestyle. At that time I was not aware that the small changes—adding exercise, yoga, changing my diet—might in part, actually contribute to my rescue in the near future. The specifics of my neglect of "self" will be discussed in depth at a later time, for now, I will just say that looking to people, events, objects, money, career, food, etc...as the source of my happiness, I contributed to my own personal destruction. In truth, when I look back, I believe the small changes were part of a grand design to supply the necessary intervention needed to save my very life. The pendulum was starting to swing back as I was making better choices for my life. It started out with simple efforts—incorporating exercise back into my life. I had a tendency to put my husband and children's' needs before my own, so years went by and my body began displaying the repercussions of that neglect. After I began slowly reclaiming the relationship with "self" (body & mind), as well as incorporating the necessary changes to specific aspects of my life, I was then given a gift of empowerment –Yoga.
In the beginning I viewed Yoga as I would any athletic activity. It was after I continued practicing Yoga that I realized it also had the potential use as a tool for repairing years of self inflicted physical and mental abuse. The effects of the Yoga were long lasting, profound, and quiet often subliminal. There was more going on than the obvious physical rewards -- I began looking deeper into myself. Not just during Yoga, but all throughout the day I found myself searching for answers, truths, wisdom in decisions, and discernment in understanding others. The dots quickly connected. Then, right before my eyes I felt and saw changes taking place in my own life. Yoga's empowering effects assisted me in my efforts to heal my broken body, wounded heart and lost spirit. At the lowest point in life, battling in a divorce—then battling for my life, I was introduced to Yoga and began practicing. I did not know the incredible, almost amazing side effects of the practice in the beginning.
It is only by grace that my story did not turn out to be a tragedy, rather than an informative / human interest. The confrontation with mortality, has a way of teaching how precious "life" is. This realization of a simple truth was the first day of the rest of my life. In essence it was a rebirth. My friend, mentor and yoga instructor, Masso, told me many times, "You must unlearn, to have the ability to relearn correctly." At the moment, I began understanding how the application of various tools could assist in my journey. Yoga, for me, was a very important tool and could be used to help / teach / change / manage the destructive forces and by products of: loss of love, fear of change, facing mortality, self destructive tendencies—basically Yoga could be used in all areas of my life. At that point, I felt compelled, almost driven to share my story. Not because I believe my story is unique or that I alone have found a magical way to deal with problems, adversity or pain. Rather as a way to give back what has been given to me. The principles of Yoga exceeded my expectations, and I have an obligation to distribute this gift so that others may use it for their own successful endeavors and while dealing with different forms of adversity. My story is dedicated to all men and women looking for positive alternative methods to deal with physical, mental or spiritual adversity and pain. In effect, Yoga has ultimately opened the doors to my mind, while providing a complete body workout (muscles, bones, organs, mind & spirit).
It was almost one year prior to my diagnosis of cancer that I began practicing Yoga. That is where my story begins. For now I deliberately choose not to focus on my specific pains /adversities /confusions; because the human experience provides amble opportunities for sunshine and stormy nights. My adversities are no better or worse than yours. They may, in part, be different or we may share in some of the same experiences, emotions, choices, confusion, pleasures etc... We have all lived, loved, laughed, cried, feared something, someone, some event -- at some point in our life. I spent much of my life wanting to be different. I had my own emotional need to feel special – different. I am embarrassed to admit that at one point I was sure no one else had ever loved and hurt the way I was hurting. I could not live, did not want to live – blatantly refused any sign of life. I blamed myself for the failure of my marriage and was so fearful of being alone stayed in a situation that was emotional poison.
My point is, upon the suggestion of a respected friend, I began connecting with other women. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to express my respect for those from whom I have learned so much. Women, men, and children all have valuable lessons, if only I listen. On the other hand, once a truth is felt or a lesson learned, a responsibility comes with it. In my realization of my complete ordinariness, I understand the very same tools I used can be challenged and proven true over the course of time. As we all go through "the human experience" and the full gambit of emotions we are alike. We are the same. How wonderful! We share something just because we are human. So, it is my hope that some of the techniques I found helpful in dealing with adversity and/or pain may also assist you.
A Healthier 2007 - Nativa Yerba Mate
I just stumbled across this at a health food store (Earth Fare) and thought I'd share it. I cannot attest to the benefits as of today, but I do know that supplements such as Kombucha, Goji, etc... have been around for thousands of years offering healing benefits to those who include them into their lifestyle. I prayerfully submit this for those interested in ways of helping your body fight the battle over disease and aging -- and win!
Discover the herb millions of South Americans ritualize into their daily lives...Steeped with tradition, history and culture... Studied for decades, enjoyed for centuries... http://www.nativayerbamate.com/ Yerba Mate... known as a whole body tonic, a stimulating herbal beverage with the unique ability to wake up the mind… possessing a multitude of other daily benefits.The lower caffeine levels make it a great substitute for coffee. Other reported effects include sustained energy, appetite control, mental clarity, and allergy and asthma relief. Theobromine, the mood-lifting xanthine also present in chocolate, acts as a mood-lifter.Nativa Yerba Mate specializes in 100% pure yerba mate leaves. Wild Harvest Organic Certification is underway.We are also pleased to introduce our line of wellness herbs in bulk. Brew these as a wellness tea or simply add them to your yerba mate infusion!
My son and I made our first batch tonight. The first batch as stated, was strong, but it lessons with each batch. I am a cancer survivor and always appreciate ways to take control over my health situation.
Discover the herb millions of South Americans ritualize into their daily lives...Steeped with tradition, history and culture... Studied for decades, enjoyed for centuries... http://www.nativayerbamate.com/ Yerba Mate... known as a whole body tonic, a stimulating herbal beverage with the unique ability to wake up the mind… possessing a multitude of other daily benefits.The lower caffeine levels make it a great substitute for coffee. Other reported effects include sustained energy, appetite control, mental clarity, and allergy and asthma relief. Theobromine, the mood-lifting xanthine also present in chocolate, acts as a mood-lifter.Nativa Yerba Mate specializes in 100% pure yerba mate leaves. Wild Harvest Organic Certification is underway.We are also pleased to introduce our line of wellness herbs in bulk. Brew these as a wellness tea or simply add them to your yerba mate infusion!
My son and I made our first batch tonight. The first batch as stated, was strong, but it lessons with each batch. I am a cancer survivor and always appreciate ways to take control over my health situation.
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