We all know that smoking is bad for us. So why is it so hard to quit?If you find yourself lacking in motivation to even try, or are struggling to give up, here is a timely article that can help motivate you to quit once and for all.Reasons to Quit Smoking
Oct 20
2009
2009
More reasons to quit smoking
Oct 30
2008
2008
Breast Cancer Awareness
In October, you often see a lot of orange and black as people begin to decorate for Halloween, but more and more, you’re starting to see pink. That’s because October has taken on a whole new and more important meaning. October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women, and affects thousands of women every year. The good news is that it is only the 8th killer of women #1 is heart attack) and it is treatable.
In fact, there are millions of breast cancer survivors out there. The key is early detection and treatment. That’s why October is dedicated to educating people about breast cancer and how to prevent and treat it.
Like many cancers, the earlier it is detected and treated, the more likely it is to go into remission. There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of detecting a problem early.
* Get yearly or bi-yearly mammograms. You may need to get a mammogram more often if your doctor thinks there might be a problem, or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family.
* Do a monthly breast self-exam. This is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your own breast health, and it’s also how most breast lumps are discovered. Learn to look at and feel your breast for any changes in color, shape, size, texture, and any lumps.
* Get a yearly exam. See a doctor for a yearly breast and reproductive exam. They can help detect early problems and address any questions of concerns you might have.
* Don’t ignore problems. Many women are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about their breast or reproductive health, but what might be a small issue now could turn into a big problem later. No question is silly and no problem is too small; never be afraid to talk to your doctor.
Protecting yourself is just the first step in fighting breast cancer. The second step is informing others of the dangers and precautions as well. Every woman, including your mother, sisters, daughters, friends, co-workers, and any other women you know, should be aware of the dangers of breast cancer and how to protect herself.
That’s why it’s important to talk to the women in your life. You can even start a group with your friends and family to remind each other to do monthly breast exams and to get your yearly mammograms.
In addition to prevention and education, another key part of getting rid of breast cancer is treatment. While you may not be cut out to be a cancer researcher, you can donate your time and money to organizations fighting to eliminate breast cancer.
Not only can you donate money directly to them, you can also buy products that support the cause as well. Just look for the pink ribbon on labels at your local grocery store.
While breast cancer can be devastating for many women and their families, this October you can start helping to prevent and treat breast cancer in your neighborhood and around the world, as we all work together to find a cure. An then think about wearing a red ribbon in February for women’s heart health month!!
Oct 28
2008
2008
Healthy Halloween Treats 2
* Some of the best Halloween treats don’t have to be treats at all. There are tons of non-food items that you can give out that will put a smile on kids’ faces. Just take a trip to your local party store or look in a party favor catalogue and you can find tons of fun ideas that will provide way more joy than a simple piece of candy.
You can use everything from small toys and games to little books and crossword puzzles.
Stickers are very popular with kids of all ages.
Most towns have a place where you can buy these in bulk if you are going to a large party or live in a high-traffic area. Just be sure to provide age-appropriate toys for smaller children that may stop by.
* If you believe that it’s just not Halloween without the candy, there are still ways to be healthier. In addition to the sugar-free candy you find at your local grocery store, there are also plenty of great finds at your local health food store or organic bakery.
While it may still contain sugar, it’s generally natural, less processed, and better for you. If you go to one of the larger chains, they have plenty of great options including organic chocolate.
Just be careful of the protein bars, as they can be high in fat, and pricey too. A trip to Costco can get you large family size boxes of granola and other kinds of snack bars at big savings.
With a little extra thought and effort, you can keep Halloween healthier for your kids and everyone else in the neighborhood and save money too.
Oct 27
2008
2008
Dealing with Breast Cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed right about now. You’ve been given all kinds of tests, information and treatment options.
But don’t let what you’ve learned bog you down. There is hope and you do have options. Here are some things to consider that will help you cope with breast cancer.
One of the most important factors in dealing with breast cancer, or any disease, is education. When you first get your diagnosis, you’ll likely get caught up in all the statistics and treatment options you doctor will present you with.
If you take the time to read the literature provided and do research on your own, you’ll be better able to make decisions and feel more confident and in control of your fate.
It is also important to remember that the sooner you’re treated, the better your chances of recovery. So make sure you’re not researching so much that you delay treatment. You need to strike a balance.
While following your doctor’s treatment orders are vitally important, there are other options you can try on your own, like dietary changes and alternative therapies.
Along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, there are many supplements that are said to help with breast cancer. Just remember to fully research the type and brand of any supplement to ensure the quality and effectiveness of ingredients before you take them. They are not regulated by the FDA and there is little evidence to support their claims, so buyer beware.
Other alternative treatments include yoga, relaxation therapy, and other alternative options like reiki, acpuncture, and tai chi. While it is still debatable whether these treatments actually help fight cancer, they can definitely decrease the physical symptoms and reduce stress and emotional symptoms.
This will leave you feeling better and will make your body better able to fight the cancer. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you are taking control and doing something to help your body fight back.
As with any serious illness, having strong social and emotional support can drastically increase your chances of a full recovery. It is important to focus on your family, friends, activities, and other things you have to live for rather than the bad things that can happen to you.
These people will also be there to help support you through your treatment and recovery and help you through the hard times. Online and community forums and groups can be great sources of information and ideas on how to cope.
It is a good idea to not only surround yourself with family and friends, but also to find people like you who are going through the same thing as you.
Ask your doctor about cancer support groups in your area. These people will not only be a friend and shoulder to lean on, they can also provide insight that your friends and family can’t, because they’ve been through, or are going through, the same thing you are.
Plus, these groups are often led by a trained professional who knows how to help as well.
Through it all, one of the most important things to remember is to keep a positive attitude. While breast cancer is a serious disease, there are millions of women out there who have beaten it, and so can you, if you get the best information and work with your doctor to make the best choices for you.
Oct 26
2008
2008
Healthy Halloween Treats 1
It used to be that the healthy houses were the ones all the kids avoided at Halloween. You knew which houses had the Snickers bars so you would hit them twice, and the ones that were handing out apples you could definitely skip. Well nowadays, there are all kinds of healthy treats you can hand out while still enticing the kids to change costumes and make a second stop. Here are just a few great ideas that will keep the moms and the kids happy on Halloween.* Try handing out snack foods like mini bags of pretzels, cracker packs, trail mix, chex mix, or even lowfat, low sugar hot cocoa. Even if it’s not the healthiest option, it’s going to offset all the sugar they will be getting.
Many companies now make ’snack size’ bags and 100-calorie packs of all kinds of goodies that are easy and convenient. Plus they make parents feel safe, since the bags are sealed, so there is no chance of the bags being tampered with.
If you’re going to a party where everyone knows each other, or having a get-together yourself, you can save money by making your own snack-size baggies. You can get some snack sacks with holiday motif very cheaply too, or use baggies and colored ribbons.
* Why not hand out coupons for snacks instead of actual candy? This way parents can decide when the kids gets their Halloween treat and it controls portions a bit better.
Many restaurants and other stores are starting to catch on and sell coupon booklets for small treats. Just pick up a few booklets and you’ll be set for the night. Some companies even donate the proceeds to charity.