For more information about The Guardians of the Ribbon, here you go: http://www.pinkfiretrucks.org/
Archive for the ‘Awareness’ Category
Guardians of the Ribbon Driving for Cancer
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010Breast Cancer Prevention Through Healthy Living
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Photo: D Sharon Pruitt, Flickr
Thanks to Louise Baker for offering to write a guest post, and for doing such a good job of pulling together some of the best tips for preventing breast cancer through healthy living. Check out what she has to say, then get busy taking her advice!
Pay mind to your diet
More and more, oncologists are realizing that a healthy diet may be one of the best protective measures you can take to prevent cancer, including breast cancer.
Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
As a general rule, the more natural the food, the better it is to eat. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidant qualities, which fight cancer. Berries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods. Choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get an array of vitamins and minerals. Farmers markets sell fresh fruits and vegetables that are not laden with pesticides the way they are at grocery stores. Whole grains refer to foods with minimal processing and almost always have more fiber than refined carbohydrates.
Avoid refined carbohydrates!
Refined carbohydrates tend to cause much steeper surges of insulin than whole grains. Insulin has a drastic effect on the release of other hormones in the body, such as the insulin-like growth factor and possibly even estrogen. These two hormones have been strongly linked to cases of breast cancer.
Be conscious of the different types of fat
Not all fat is created equal. Omega-3 fatty acids may have a role in preventing breast cancer when eaten in a 1:2 ratio with omega-6 fatty acids. While getting the proper ratio may seem like a simple feat, it is not. Fast food and other commonly eaten American foods have a much higher amount of omega-6 (anything made with vegetable oil is packed with omega-6 fatty acids).
Exercise, exercise, exercise!
Exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer in several ways. A study done at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle gathered that women who exercise have a 22% reduced rate of breast cancer.
Lower stress levels
The mind-body connection concerning illnesses has long been researched. Findings consistently support that stress causes lowered immunity and is linked to a vast quantity of ailments, including cancer. Exercise is key to stress reduction and mental health.
Maintain a healthy weight
While changes in diet may be the best method for weight loss, exercise is the most important part of weight maintenance. According to a study performed by the National Cancer Institute, gaining weight (especially after menopause) increases the risk of breast cancer.
Avoid Certain Drugs
The following drugs have been extensively linked to breast cancer:
- Estrogen: This refers to pharmaceutical estrogen, such as the estrogen found in birth control pills.
- Alcohol: Numerous studies show that more than one drink per day can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with each additional drink.
- Tobacco: Carcinogens in cigarettes are well-noted for their cancer causing properties.
Louise Baker ranks online degrees for Zen College Life. She most recently wrote about the best colleges online.
Coping with Cancer Article Online
Monday, August 23rd, 2010It’s now online — my Coping with Cancer magazine article. It was only in print form for a while, but now, you can actually click on a link and read it right on your computer. OK, here’s the link:
http://copingmag.com/cwc/index.php/feature_article/blogging_cancer/
Click now.
Odds
Friday, August 20th, 2010This pretty much makes me want to cry.
Tina Takes On Cancer
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Happy family, fighting cancer
She has two little girls, a really great boyfriend, a job she loves, and a bunch of loving friends and family.
She also has breast cancer.
Tina is just 33 years old, and she is embarking on the fight of her life.
It all started just two weeks ago, and already, she’s navigating the maze of mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, meetings with surgeons, and more. She’s asking lots of questions, shopping for wigs, and figuring out the madness that, sadly, so many women must encounter. The good news: she’s doing it all with a spunky attitude, and a whole lot of support.
Ah, support — it’s what makes her most emotional, she told me.
I understand.
The love and concern that pours out of people is nothing short of overwhelming. In part, I think it’s what helps us survive such a dreaded disease. Writes Tina on her Facebook page:
Just wanted to thank all my friends and family for showing your support with all the pink ribbons and encouraging words. I have such an amazing support system.
The pink ribbons? Her friends are using them as their Facebook profile pictures, and so Tina’s page is like a quilt of pink, nuzzling her and keeping her secure on her journey.
My prediction: Tina is going to be just fine. Even better if we all send our well wishes her way!
Coping with Cancer Magazine
Thursday, July 29th, 2010If you find yourself in a cancer doc’s office anytime soon, see if you can find the latest copy of Coping with Cancer magazine (the July/August 2010 issue). Then turn to page 28, and you’ll find me staring back at you!
Thanks to this very blog, I was given the opportunity to write for Coping. My story is called, “Blogging Cancer: How and why to start blogging.” I wish I could lead you to an online version, but there isn’t one, so you’ll have to read it the old-fashioned way.
Update: 7/30/10
Wait, the webmaster of Coping magazine just left a comment that reads:
Actually, your article is scheduled to be posted on the website homepage on August 23 under our featured stories. The week of August 30 it will be the leading story on Wellness/Emotional Support landing page.
Stay tuned!!
Yay!
1 in 8 Project
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Image: 1in8 Project
1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.
If you are 1, and you’d like to share your story through words and images, visit the 1 in 8 Project website.
Just click on Get Involved to proceed.
You can also “like” Timothi Jane Graham Photography on Facebook for a peek into Timothi’s fascinating world. Timothi, a cervical cancer survivor, is the woman behind this empowering venture.
Pray for Emily
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
She is only 16.
And she’s fighting leukemia.
If prayer is a part of your life, please say one for Emily.
This morning I had the realization that I am pumping poison into my own body.
Poison that can cause hair loss, sickness, joint pain, kidney problems, blood clots, bruising, chest pain, mouth sores, eye problems and much more.All of this is in order to save my life.
My precious little life.I’m just a kid who has not even begun to experience all that there is.
I’m waiting.
Waiting to explore, experience and live. LIFE. My life.Sounds melodramatic, doesn’t it. It’s not. It’s my reality. Mine and thousands of people like me. Which is the saddest thing.
That’s why this blog is so amazing to me.
Knowing that I have hundreds of people fighting with me, every step of the way is just incredible.So lets keep on fighting!
Emily has a Cancer Blog
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
emilyscancerblog.blogspot.com
This blog is about me, but it’s about so many others, too, and that’s why I write to ask you to take a moment to visit Emily over at Emily’s Cancer Blog.
Emily has only been blogging since this past Monday, and this would be a really good time to start following her. You see, Emily has just been diagnosed with leukemia, and she will begin chemotherapy on Tuesday. She will also turn 16 on Tuesday.
I’m thinking Emily could use some well wishes, some prayers, some words of wisdom, so if you could help hold her hand just a little bit, I’m sure she’d really, really appreciate it.
On Emily’s behalf, I thank you.
Cancer Blogs Galore
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010Healing with Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey — Book Giveaway
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010Diana M. Raab has written a book that you might want to get your hands on. I’ll tell you about it, but first, here’s a bit about her:
Photo: www.dianaraab.com
Diana is the type of person who does everything in a big way. She earned three degrees: an undergraduate degree in Health Administration and Journalism, an RN, and a MFA. She has three wonderful children, despite high risk pregnancies, and she wrote eight books and has won as many writing awards. Also, she is currently launching two babies at once: her most recent book, “Healing with Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey“ and her daughter’s wedding in the same month. And although Diana spent 25 years focusing on medical and self-help writing, she has also penned memoirs and poetry.
Photo: www.dianaraab.com
And now, about the book:
Diana’s latest book reflects her experiences battling breast cancer at age 47 and then multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, when she was 52. The book is part practical advice (she is a nurse, after all) and part inspiration, which takes the form of poems, journal entries, and friendly thoughts. To show readers the effect of healing writing, Diana also includes blank sections and writing prompts so readers can contribute their own thoughts and writings. Diana describes her daily journal writing as “a daily vitamin-healing, detoxifying and essential for optimal health.”
Great news: Diana will be stopping by to read this post today, so if you have any questions for her, please leave them in the comments, and she will respond. And she is offering you a chance to score her newest book. Yep, another giveaway, and here’s all you need to do to enter:
- Leave a comment and share why this book is on your wish list!
- Leave your comment no later than 5PM ET on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.
- You may enter only once.
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing. using random.org.
- One winner will receive one book, valued at $19.95.
- Winners will be notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you’ve won!
Cancer’s Dirty Little Secret
Thursday, June 24th, 2010Cancer Survivor Rebecca Needs Your Vote!
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Vote right now! And thank you!
My new two-time-cancer-surviving friend Rebecca needs your vote. You see, she is trying to get a charity called Hair 4 You off the ground. It’s a great one, and the goal is that it will provide free wigs for kids and teens with medical hair loss. In order to make it all happen, though, Hair 4 You needs to become an official non-profit 501(3)c, which means Rebecca needs some funds.
No, she doesn’t want your money, just your vote (voting is absolutely free and requires only an email address and password).
So, can you pretty please stop by the Pepsi Refresh Challenge website and cast your vote for this 24-year-old, who would really love to win a $25,000 prize. Imagine what she could do to brighten the worlds of young people who just want to feel normal. And hey, you can vote once every day, so start now, then keep voting through June 30.
Rebecca thanks you.
I do, too.
Also, you should consider becoming a Facebook fan of Hair 4 You. This way, you’ll get updates on how Rebecca’s cause is coming along.
Perspective
Monday, June 7th, 2010What do more women suffer from than breast cancer?
Eating disorders.
How’s that for perspective?
For more information and inspiration, visit Operation Beautiful, and change your life on post-it note at a time.
Submit Your Message of Strength & Win!
Monday, June 7th, 2010
deviantjeans.com
Here it is, as promised: the “Message of Strength” contest, sponsored by Deviant Jeans.
It’s really quite simple to participate — just submit your personal Message of Strength or mantra on Deviant Jeans’ Facebook page, and the crew over there will chose a winner based on originality, strength and how well it could translate into art.
If your words win, you’ll receive one free EMPOWERWRAP (valued at $75.00) with your message inscribed, and the artwork created from your submission will be added to the Deviant Jeans Gallery, titled with your first name.
OK, ready to play?
- Visit the Deviant Jeans Facebook Fan page and click on ‘Discussions.’
- Find the topic “Message of Strength Contest!”
- Add your Message of Strength! Examples (but don’t use these, please): “Fight Like a Girl” / “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”
- After you type your message, add ‘#mybcblog’ to indicate you learned about the contest here.
- You’ve got until Friday, June 18 at 5:00 PM to participate.
Deviant Jeans Stitches Together Support
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
deviantjeans.com
I’d love to take this great story about Deviant Jeans and put it into my own creative words, but I’m afraid I just wouldn’t do it justice.
So, I’m going to do what no writer really ever wants to do — copy and paste.
It’s the only way, though, for you to feel the emotion that powers this company.
Yes, I’m cheating a little. But right after I cheat, you’ll find something I did work on myself — an interview with Deviant Jean’s Kristin Dudley.
OK, here goes:
Deviant Jeans began in a hospital room at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute when a genetic counselor broke the news that Kristin Kantner’s mother, Doris, tested positive for a gene no one else had. After a moment of silence, all her family in the room began laughing at the notion that within their perfect mother was a little deviance — a “deviant gene.”
Kristin’s mom, a positive, independent, and fashion conscious woman, recognized during her cancer treatments that she had to compromise her style in order to be comfortable and compliant to doctor’s orders. As side effects of her treatments persisted, she found buttons, zippers and the basics of adorning regular clothing a challenge. Kristin watched her mother struggle to match practicality, comfort and fashion and decided to take action…
Kristin collaborated with her entrepreneurial neighbor and friend, Jane Hoffer, and by a twist of fate, the two met Kristin Dudley, a Philadelphia based fashion designer focused specifically on designing for women’s wellness. After a year of planning, designing, and caring, Deviant Jeans™ apparel is now “MADE WITH LOVE IN PHILADELPHIA,” and available to women nationwide.
And now for the fancy interview:
Tell us exactly how some of your products make life easier for cancer patients.
A major consideration in all of our designs is for our apparel to transition from every day to treatment days, without the need to disrobe when receiving chemotherapy or undergoing testing. The Deviant Heart Camisole is especially helpful for women undergoing breast cancer treatments. It is designed with a comfortable shelf bra, and features a contoured neckline to allow for easy port access. The straps are wide, which alleviates the shoulder of the digging and indentations that typically occur from bra and spaghetti straps.
How do you determine what women need?
I have been designing products and apparel for women’s wellness for the past 4 years. Throughout this time, women have approached me with requests for apparel designed to suit their changing bodies and lifestyles. I began receiving faxes with hand drawings of what they were seeking! I have met with many medical professionals as well, who also influenced my design. I address the construction issues, and then I add style!
You’re not just about selling stuff — you’re charitable, too. Tell us more.
When initiating Deviant Jeans, there was one thing that was clear between my partners and myself: we are here to make a difference, not a fortune. We decided to give the customers the unique opportunity to choose their preferred charity they wanted a portion of their purchase to benefit. We offer a list of different charities to choose from at our online checkout, and accept requests from those who wish to support their local support group or other charity.
Name one great clothing tip for women making their way through treatment.
Light layers are essential! Hospitals tend to be very cold inside, yet at the same time, you never know when a hot flash may pop up. Begin with your favorite camisole and layer with a loose fitting button down shirt or tunic. Bring an open front sweater or wrap to wear on top of that. Have fun with your middle layer — seek brilliant colors and wild prints! Think of your clothing as your armor, and fight your battle boldly!
Pretty cool, stuff, isn’t it? Well, it’s going to get even cooler, because very soon, Kristin and I are going to be sponsoring a fun contest. Called “Message of Strength,” it involves calling up your artistic talents, and it could win you a free EMPOWERWRAP. More to come, so, keep checking back.
Jack Black Gives Himself a Mammogram
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010Get a mammogram. Jack Black did. Well, sort of.
For more information, scoot on over to Men for Women Now.
Breast Cancer Vaccine in 10 Years?
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Photo: pasotraspaso, Flickr
WebMD says: “Polio, an infectious disease caused by a virus that lives in the throat and intestinal tract, was once the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Since the introduction of the polio vaccine in 1955, the disease has been eradicated in the U.S.” I can see online nursing programs teaching this definition because it’s not too bad.
Wouldn’t it be such happy news if an important website could spout out something similar about breast cancer?
If may not be too far off, says Cleveland Clinic immunologist Dr. Vincent Tuohy, who has hopes of introducing a breast cancer vaccine within 10 years. He’s got the science on his side, he just needs funding.
Ah, hope.
What Helped Me Move Forward
Thursday, May 20th, 2010My friend Lexi over at Jeans Cream asked me to write a guest post for her blog and I did. It published today. Here it is: http://bit.ly/9BOMdJ
