October 2015 - SWGA Health Beat

OCTOBER 2015 #1 Health Magazine in Southwest Georgia

Spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness The Flu: A Guide for Parents Alzheimer's Disease

Look Inside for Dr. Oz!

Early Warning Signs

Domestic Violence Warning Signs

Dr. Hans Chang Albany Diagnostics

Keisha Callins, M.D. Albany Area Primary Health Care

Dennis Robinson, M.D. Allergy and Asthma Clinics of Georgia

James Palazzolo, M.D. Sleep Apnea Centers of America

Kelly Miller, FNP-BC Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

Dr. Rex Ajayi South Georgia Urology

TIFTON ALBANY AMERICUS BAINBRIDGE SYLVESTER THOMASVILLE VALDOSTA CORDELE MOULTRIE AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Features 3

Improve Sleep, Improve Health

8

Breast Cancer Awareness

12

When Seniors Say No to Help

16

Five-Step Breast Self-Exam

18

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

20

Domestic Violence Warning Signs

23

Hearty Breakfast Muffins Recipe

EVENT CALENDAR Email upcoming events to: swgahealthbeat@gmail.com

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Eye Injury Prevention Month Health Literacy Month Home Eye Safety Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Down Syndrome Awareness Month National Medical Librarians Month National Physical Therapy Month Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month Saturday/10 What to Expect Before and After Delivery 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Archbold East Tower Classroom #2 Building, Suite 270 Thomasville (229) 228-2943 kodom@archbold.org Free class. Lunch is provided.

Wednesdays Free Lung Cancer Screenings 8:00 am - 11:00 am Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center, 919 S. Broad Street, Thomasville Our providers will offer free, low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer.

Screenings are available to individuals

OCTOBER 2015

ages 55–74 who are current smokers or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years. *Screenings by appointment only.

Please call (229) 584.5454 to schedule your appointment today.

Saturday/10 South West GA Buddy Walk Registration starts 9:30 am 10:00 am - 2:00 pm One-mile walk for Down Syndrome Awareness Walk is Free Legacy Park Old Pretoria Rd, Albany Sunday/11 Pink Cup Challenge 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm Tift County High School 1 Blue Devil Way, Tifton Cindy Spurlin: (229) 392-1597 $100 Contribution per team member The Pink Cup Challenge benefits the Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation’s Breast Cancer Fund, which allows qualified, economically-disadvantaged members of the community to have free breast screening procedures performed at TRMC if they are underinsured and cannot afford out-of-pocket costs for testing.

Teams will be asked to strategize the placement of their participants in events

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that will allow them to achieve the most points for each challenge. Events will include timed activities like relays, obstacle races, bra pong, a scavenger hunt, timed word-search and many other fun activities.

Saturday/24 2015 Cancer Stomp DoLee County 9:00 am: 1-mile Reflective Walk 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Fun & Activities The Grounds at Phoebe Meredyth Place (behind The Veranda), Albany www.CancerSTOMP.com

Recurring Events Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group Third Tuesday each month | 3 pm at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center cafeteria private dining room Chair Yoga Sowega Council On Aging Wednesdays | 11 - 11:45 am at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register • FREE • Age 60+ Line Dancing Sowega Council On Aging Mondays | 11 am Advanced, Wednesdays | 3 pm at Senior Life enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register • FREE • Age 60+

Improve your sleep, improve your health: 3 little things that make a big difference (BPT) - As the fall and winter months approach, you're probably planning to take preventative health measures recommended by your doctor: get the flu shot; wash your hands more often and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands. But one thing that makes you more susceptible to getting sick is being stressed and run down. Despite living in a world where everyone is constantly on-the-go, you can't avoid the fact that proper sleep is a key element when it comes to overall health.

Sleep is your body's time to recuperate, so the less quality sleep you get, the less time your body has to do what it needs to do to keep you healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get seven-to-eight hours of sleep each night, and that teens and children get nine hours or more. Unfortunately, a quarter of the American population reports that they get inadequate sleep, which the

CDC has deemed a public health epidemic. However, changing a few simple things about your daily routine or the room in which you sleep can greatly improve the quality of the sleep you get and, in turn, help improve your overall health.

Stick to a sleep schedule.

Make sure that you go to bed and get up at roughly the same time each day, even on weekends. Having a consistent sleep pattern helps regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle, helping you to sleep better at night. If you have trouble falling asleep within the first 20 minutes or so of going to bed, that's okay - simply go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. Agonizing over falling asleep will only make it tougher for you to get the rest you need.

Get cozy. This means making sure you have comfortable bedding. In a U.S.based survey conducted by the American Down and Feather

Council (ADFC), 70 percent of consumers surveyed, who use down and feather products, agreed that they get a better night's sleep with down and feather bedding. Furthermore, 55 percent agreed that there are health benefits to sleeping with down and feather products, because they: * Regulate your body temperature - Down and feather is a natural material that wicks away moisture and perspiration, allowing it to quickly evaporate rather than trapping it. This reduces wakefulness due to being too hot or too cool. * Provide proper support Down and feather pillows conform to the body more naturally than many synthetic fibers or foam pillows. * Help tame allergens Down and feather products are tightly woven and provide a clean, natural and moisturefree environment, so they aren't conducive to dust mites, which are a source of allergies for nearly 20 million Americans.

Assess your sleeping conditions. Your bedroom should be cool - between 60 and 67 degrees - and should be dark and quiet. Consider using room-darkening shades, and make sure to 'power down' before you go to sleep. This means turning off TVs, computers or other sources of blue light that may hurt your sleep. To help block-out extra noise, consider using a fan or 'white noise' machines to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

There are plenty of reasons to love the fall and winter months, and you'll certainly appreciate these cooler months even more if you're getting the adequate amount of sleep that you need to stay healthy. If you're having trouble sleeping, start by making changes right to your bedroom - see what a difference the quality of your bedding can make.

If you'd like to learn more about down and feather products, visit DownandFeatherCouncil.com.

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The Honey Pot: Reasons to Revive Your Romantic Relationship Enlightenment As primary caretakers in the family, women are often focused on balancing responsibilities such as employment, child-rearing, supporting family and friends, maintaining the home, involvement in religious and civic organizations, and school. These demands barely allow for personal time and even less time to spend on romantic relationships. However, it may be beneficial to your health to invest in your romantic relationship.

Education A satisfying relationship may: 1) Improve your mental health and decrease levels of depression and anxiety; 2) Enhance your ability to tolerate pain because a strong emotional connection can affect how the brain deals with painful events; 3) Reduce your stress because having a supportive partner can help people tolerate difficult situations; 4) Prolong your life because your partner can provide a consistent and reliable support system; and 5) Increase your happiness because it can activate your brain to produce the chemicals that help make you happy.

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Empowerment When you invest in your relationship, you are likely to receive a positive response from your partner. A consistent effort to focus on your partner with your time or thoughtful actions will probably encourage them to do something nice for you in return, and help support your interest in investing in the relationship. It almost always makes you feel better when you are able to make a difference in life of someone else. Your partner is no exception.

Encouragement Take a few moments to think about why you appreciate your special person, and then think of ways to show them how you feel about them. Try not to think of it as just another task but rather as an investment with the potential for great benefits for your physical and mental health. A satisfying relationship may be one of the keys to helping you balance all the daily demands in your life.

Quote Of The Month: “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.� ~ Maya Angelou ~

A Message of Hope One Woman’s FaithFilled Journey Through Breast Cancer

By Jennifer King

A diagnosis of breast cancer or any cancer is devastating and scary.

Most Americans hear about cancer in the news or through friends and family on a daily basis, but they never expect that they will one day be the victim of this life-changer. This was the case for local REALTOR and retired bank president Pasty Martin.

Patsy has been deeply involved with the community for decades and has found herself in many leadership roles. She was the first woman campaign chair and president of the Albany area United Way and the first woman to serve as president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce.

Patsy was one of the founders of both Leadership Albany and the WIN (Women in Network) organization.

She has an amazing number of accolades and awards credited to her for all of her service.

As strong of a leader as Patsy always has been, the diagnosis of breast cancer in mid-2012 brought an unexplainable amount of anxiety upon her. She was shaken, but her faith kept her strong. “As a person of faith, I knew that whatever followed was in God’s hands. As I said to my surgeon who was to do the surgery, ‘I am 73 years old, and God has not left me yet. I have no doubt He will see me through this, as well.’�

Patsy was right. From that point on

she was so showered with love and support that she was able to stay positive about what her outcome would be. “I was so bathed in the love of friends and family, all encouraging me and assuring me that I could handle the journey ahead of me.�

She went on to have a lumpectomy, which had to be followed by a double mastectomy. “The good news came two weeks following the surgery, when my Oncologist, Dr. Chirag Jani, told me that I would be able to forgo chemo and radiation.�

Patsy’s faith and the support of her friends and family carried her through this difficult journey. She was back to work just six weeks post-surgery and was completely cancer free! “I am grateful for the wisdom of Dr. John Bennett, Dr. Chirag Jani, Dr. Shailaja Sappati, and the tumor board at Phoebe. I will be eternally grateful for their support and guidance through this entire ordeal.

Early on, Dr. Jani said to me, ‘You are going to get more from breast cancer than breast cancer ever took from you.’ He was absolutely right, and today, it is a privilege for me to be able to share hope and encouragement to women who are facing such a life changing decision.�

Established in Albany since 1985, Dr. Rex Ajayi, board certified in both adult and pediatric urology, offers diagnostic services and a broad spectrum of surgical and non-surgical treatments for male and female patients of all ages who suffer from urinary tract problems.

SOME OF THESE CONDITIONS ARE: ~ Benign and Malignant Disorders of the Prostate, Bladder and Kidney ~ Erectile Dysfunction ~ Impotence ~ Vasectomy ~ Female Stress Urinary Incontinence ~ Hematuria (Blood in the urine) ~ Male Incontinence ~ Male Infertility ~ Kidney Stones ~ Overactive Bladder ~ Pelvic Pain (Interstitial Cystitis) ~ Prostatitis ~ Scrotal Masses ~ Testicular Cancer ~ Urinary Tract Infections

In our new surgery center, we also perform minimally invasive surgeries for a variety of urological problems. These surgeries provide excellent results, cost less money and require a much shorter recovery time.

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FLU SEASON SMARTS; NEW GASTRIC BALLOON Q: I hear that last year's flu vaccine was only 18 percent effective. Should I even bother with one this year? -- Carissa F., Blakely, Pennsylvania A: It's true, last year's influenza vaccine was able to stop folks from getting the flu only 18 percent of the time, but it reduced the severity of symptoms for millions of people who were infected. Plus, for those 18 percent for whom it provided complete protection -and even for those additional millions for whom it reduced symptoms -- it may have been life-saving. Flu can be lethal, especially among people with chronic illnesses (45 percent of the U.S. population), the elderly and the very young. Serious complications from the vaccine rarely occur: They affect fewer than 1 in 1.5 million people who are vaccinated, so it's smart for everyone in the family, from 6month-old infants to grandparents, to get it as early in the season as possible (it's usually available in September).

This year the vaccines include different and additional strains: --The trivalent (or three-strain) vaccine has A and B strains that were not in last year's.

--The intradermal trivalent version uses a needle that is 90 percent smaller than the intramuscular version, but it's only for folks 18-64.

--Older than 65, you need the intramuscular trivalent shot. Ask about the high-dose version.

--There's a quadrivalent vaccine for folks 18-65. It contains both B strains, so it should be more effective no matter which B makes an appearance this year.

--The live nasal spray vaccine (previously recommended for kids 2 to 8) is no longer recommended over the inactive vaccine, but it's approved for anyone 2 to 49.

If you're worried about the tiny amount of thimerosal (ethylmercury) in flu vaccines, you can request one without it.

In 2014, about two-thirds of all flu vaccine manufactured for the U.S. was thimerosal-free. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more details.

Q: The Food and Drug Administration has approved a nonsurgical weight-loss procedure that uses balloons inserted into the stomach so you can't eat as much.

Sounds simple. Does it work?

-- Kevin A., Milwaukee A: Right at the top, we want to 6 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | October 2015

say there are no shortcuts to becoming a healthy weight. With any of the gastric procedures -from this new balloon technique to gastric bypass surgery -- you have to stick with a healthy diet and physical exercise to lose weight and keep it off. Even folks with gastric bypass can put unhealthy pounds back on; 20 percent of obese and 34 percent of morbidly obese folks do.

However, this new balloon technique is viable for people who need a bit of a weight-loss jump-start. Here's how it works: Your doctor slides an endoscope, about the thickness of a pencil, through your mouth into your stomach. Two balloons are inserted and then filled with a sterile solution, and the endoscope is removed. After six months, the balloons are removed.

What can you expect? A clinical trial of the procedure enlisted obese and severely obese folks who had at least one of the following: high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes. After six months, those with the balloons lost an average 14.3 pounds, while the control group lost 7.2.

Those who had the balloons also regained around five pounds over the next six months.

If you're severely obese, losing 14 pounds (and then regaining some) may not be enough benefit to make this worthwhile. Gastric bypass surgery may help you lose more weight and reverse or improve your cardio problems and diabetes. One long-term study of 400 people with Type 2 diabetes found that six years after bariatric surgery, 62 percent had no signs of diabetes.

So talk to your doctor about all the alternatives, and get help improving your diet and adopting an exercise routine. It took a lifetime to become obese; now you can dedicate a little part of the rest of your lifetime to becoming and staying a healthy weight.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic.

Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily(at sign)sharecare.com. (c) 2015 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

ASK DOCTOR K TAI CHI HELPS TREAT NUMEROUS MEDICAL PROBLEMS

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229-496-1193 260610-1

Located corner of Nottingham & Ledo Rd

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have fibromyalgia, and my doctor recommends that I start tai chi exercises. Like any exercise, it will take time. So I want to be sure it really might help me.

Can it?

DEAR READER: One of the many practices from Asia that have spread to the West in the past 40 years is tai chi. It is often described as "meditation in motion." I think it could just as well be called MEDICATION in motion. This mind-body practice appears to help treat or prevent many health problems.

Tai chi is a low-impact, slowmotion exercise. As you practice it, you move fluidly through a series of motions.

The motions are named for animal actions, such as "white crane spreads its wings," or for martial arts moves.

As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention on your bodily sensations.

A tai chi session usually starts with a warm-up to help you loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breath and body. Then you proceed to tai chi "forms," which are sets of movements.

A tai chi session also usually includes "qigong." Qigong consists of gentle breathing sometimes combined with movement. The idea is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body's energy.

Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, whether you are fit, confined to a wheelchair or recovering from surgery. It addresses the key components of fitness: muscle strength, flexibility, balance and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

Combined with standard treatment, tai chi may also be helpful for several medical conditions, including fibromyalgia. In fact, a large study published in a prestigious journal, the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated its value in people like you who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Tai chi also has been found to increase flexibility and mobility, and to decrease pain, in a number of other medical conditions: -- Parkinson's disease; -- Low back pain;

-- Severe knee osteoarthritis; -- Ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and debilitating inflammatory form of arthritis; -- Breast cancer, and the side effects of its treatment; -- Stroke, to improve balance and strength.

In addition to helping treat various medical conditions, tai chi also helps protect against getting various medical conditions: -- Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women; -- High blood pressure; -- Sleep disorders.

I don't see a lot of people practicing tai chi in public places. I'll bet that will change in the next couple of decades. I have mentioned in this column before a trip I took to Asia years ago. I took a brisk morning walk around a pond near the hotel. There were a few other walkers and joggers - but there were hundreds of people doing tai chi. The hotel staff told me that they all practiced tai chi. So did their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. We have to take seriously any practice that has persisted for centuries among millions of people.

(This column is an updated version of one that ran originally in February 2012.)

(Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. Go to his website to send questions and get additional information: www.AskDoctorK.com.)

(EDITORS: For editorial questions, please contact Alan McDermott at amcdermott@amuniversal.com .)

COPYRIGHT 2015 THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK FOR UFS 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500

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Lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

ublic perception that breast cancer is only identified by lumps detected through self-examination or routine mammography may prevent thousands of women from receiving an early diagnosis and the care they need. Although lumps are the most common symptom associated with the disease, women should recognize that breast cancer can produce additional symptoms.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, one of the premier organizations for breast cancer research, advocacy and treatment, advises that the warning signs for breast cancer are not the same for all women (or men). Various changes in the breast and body can occur, including the following conditions.

Breast-size changes: Many left and right breasts are not completely symmetrical, and women familiar with their bodies know that one breast is often slightly larger than Lumps in the breast are not the other. However, breast-size changes that occur out of the blue may the only potential indicators of breast cancer. be indicative of a medical problem.

Skin rash or redness: Women who are breastfeeding can experience a rash on the breasts from an infection of breast tissue. But those who are not breastfeeding should be evaluated by a doctor if redness, irritation or rash appears.

Nipple changes: Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and is not associated with breastfeeding can be indicative of cancer. Other changes to the nipples, such as pulling in of the nipple (inversion) or itchy, scaling skin on the nipple, should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

Changes to the skin: Dimpling of the skin, peeling, flaking, or scaling skin can be a cause for concern as well.

Lumps elsewhere: Cancerous tumors may not only be felt in the breasts. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes around the breasts, and lumps may be felt under the arms.

Unexplained pain: The Mayo Clinic advises that less than 10 percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer report pain as a symptom.

But unexplained pain in an area of the breast should not be ignored. Breast pain that does not go away and seems to involve one area of the breast should be checked.

Fatigue: General cancer symptoms can include unusual fatigue and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms should not be left unchecked.

One of the best things women and men can do is to familiarize themselves with their bodies so they will be more capable of pinpointing any irregularities that may develop. Individuals can routinely look at their breasts and inspect for subtle changes. But remember that hormonal breast changes occur during the menstrual cycle, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to be familiar with how breasts look and feel both during and after menstruation.

P

DID YOU KNOW? COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Breast cancer can affect both men and women and is one of the most common forms of cancer. Thanks to increased awareness and screenings, many cases of breast cancer are diagnosed early and treated successfully. BreastCancer.org says that invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC, is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all breast cancers. The American Cancer Society says that, although IDC can affect women of any age, it is most common among women age 55 or older. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly curable, provided it has not spread outside of the ducts to other breast tissue.

Survival rates for any breast cancers diagnosed in the early stages are excellent.

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Raising awareness of metastatic breast cancer one tutu at a time

(BPT) - Hearing a doctor utter the words "breast cancer" often leaves women with dozens of initial questions: "How will I manage all of the demands of daily life while in treatment? How will it affect me physically? How do I tell my family?" But a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease after it has spread to other parts of the body, can be particularly difficult.

"There's a real dark side to cancer. Like many women with this disease, I experience fear, sadness and physically feel the impact of my diagnosis," says Linda Carey, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and metastatic breast cancer in 2006.

Shortly before Carey's first diagnosis with breast cancer, her husband Bob started a personal photography project The Tutu Project - to express his feelings about some significant life changes, including the Careys' move from Arizona to Brooklyn, New York. When Carey was diagnosed, the project evolved into a way to help make her laugh and allowed her to shift her focus away from her cancer journey. Over the years, the project has further evolved into a way for the Careys to provide support to others. Through the Tutu Project, Bob photographs himself wearing only a pink tutu in a variety of poses and settings around the world walking through fields, standing atop the Grand Canyon and even jumping across the Brooklyn Bridge - all in the hope of offering inspiration, laughter and perhaps a smile while in chemotherapy, while raising funds to cover incidental costs not covered by health insurance for those living with breast cancer.

Bob notes, "This can be a very scary road to travel. But Linda's cancer has taught us that life is good, dealing with it can be hard, and sometimes the very best thing-no, the only thing-we can do to face another day is to laugh at ourselves, and share a laugh with others."

Carey says she relies on finding the humor in the little things and the support of friends and family to get her through the toughest times. The approximately 175,000 American women living with this advanced form of breast cancer often face challenges distinct from those diagnosed with an earlier stage. For many

like Carey and her husband Bob, the desire to share their stories and connect with other members of the metastatic breast cancer community is an essential part of the journey.

"In those moments when I feel alone or afraid, I use journaling or drawing to help express my emotions, negative or positive. These are my forms of selftherapy and I can't begin to describe the value that they have added to my life."

To help create awareness of metastatic breast cancer and find strength and solidarity in these experiences, Carey is encouraging women to participate in the nationwide #MBCStrength photo and story-sharing campaign. Women with metastatic breast cancer can share their own photos and stories that capture the essence of their journey living with MBC on Twitter using the hashtag #MBCStrength or on Facebook. Photos posted on the Facebook page will be considered for a display in Times Square on Oct. 13, 2015, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Carey's personal account is also featured at www.MyMBCStory.com, an educational website tailored for women with metastatic breast cancer developed

by AstraZeneca with input from breast cancer advocacy organizations LBBC and Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. Those who share their stories on Facebook also have an opportunity to be featured on the site, which in addition to first-person stories also provides tools and information tailored to women with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones.

Educational resources are important for many women facing a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, because despite the wealth of information available about breast cancer, there are very few resources specific to metastatic disease.

"As the fight continues for more metastatic breast cancer resources, research and financial support, my hope is that we and the broader community do not lose sight of one key truth: our disease may not be curable but it's up to us how we choose to live our lives."

To read stories from women living with metastatic breast cancer visit www.MyMBCStory.com.

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women except for skin cancer. It is estimated that more than 7,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Georgia. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, but it doesn’t have to be.

Don’t let common myths get in the way of taking care of your breast health.

Myth: I’m under 40, so I don’t need to worry about breast cancer tests.

Regular breast exams may find cancer early when it is most treatable. Women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exams (CBE) done at least once every 3 years. A CBE is a physical examination of the breasts by a healthcare professional.

Myth: There is nothing I can do to lower my chances of cancer.

There are some breast cancer risks such as genetics and age that cannot be changed. However chances of breast cancer may be reduced by: • Maintaining a healthy weight • Exercising regularly • Limiting alcoholic beverages • Avoiding or limiting menopausal hormone replacement therapy Lowering cancer risks does not completely eliminate chances of breast cancer.

Myth: No one in my family has ever had breast cancer, so I do not need to be checked.

Family history is a risk factor for breast cancer; however the majority of people diagnosed do not have a prior family history. Therefore, you should still be screened for breast cancer as recommended by your doctor.

Myth: I don’t feel sick. Therefore I don’t need to get checked for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is generally diagnosed during routine tests such as mammograms often in women who do not have any symptoms. Therefore it is extremely important to get checked for breast cancer as recommended by your doctor.

Myth: Mammograms are painful.

During a mammogram, it is necessary for the mammography machine to compress the breast to get a clear picture of all the tissue within the breast. While some women find the compression uncomfortable, the compression lasts for only a few seconds. Women 40 and older should have a mammogram yearly paired with a clinical breast exam. Before you schedule your mammogram, ask your doctor whether there is anything you can do to reduce any discomfort.

For more information about breast cancer, contact the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia at 229.312.1700.

Sources: National Institute of Health, Cancer Care, Centers for Disease Control

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Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Being Overweight COURTESY OF BREASTCANCER.ORG

DID YOU KNOW?

Overweight and obese women -- defined as having a BMI (body mass index) over 25 -have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause. Being overweight also can increase the risk of the breast cancer coming back (recurrence) in women who have had the disease.

This higher risk is because fat cells make estrogen; extra fat cells mean more estrogen in the body, and estrogen can make hormonereceptor-positive breast cancers develop and grow.

Still, the link between extra weight and breast cancer is complicated and affected by other factors. For example, the location of the extra weight matters. Extra fat around your belly may increase risk more than the same amount of extra fat around your thighs or hips.

Steps you can take Losing weight can be harder as you get older, but it can be done with careful changes to your diet and regular exercise. The first thing to do is to talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for you based on your age, height, body type, and activity level.

Next, talk to your doctor about a safe and

sensible plan to lose weight designed specifically for you and your needs.

Do you need to count calories?

Many people believe that if you eat fewer calories than you burn each day, you’ll lose weight, and if you eat the same number of calories that you’ll burn, you’ll maintain a healthy weight. This plan works for many people, but not all.

If you’re counting calories, it’s important to think about what you’re eating. Say Jane eats 1,200 calories a day of cake, cookies and white bread. She’s probably not going to lose any weight. Betty eats 1,200 calories a day of fresh vegetables and fruit and lean protein. She’s probably going to lose some weight and get a lot more nutrients from her food. Counting calories is only part of the weight loss equation.

And counting calories is only one way to lose weight. Because the hormone insulin plays a major role in how your body uses and stores fat, some research suggests that eating foods that keep insulin levels steady throughout the day – lean meat and fish, poultry, vegetables, and fruit -- rather than foods like sugar, candy, white bread and crackers – can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Breastcancer.org Founder and President Marisa Weiss, M.D. says, "It can be hard to get enthusiastic about losing weight if you've had limited success in the past. Sometimes success can depend on how you think about losing weight: learn the steps that give you the biggest bang for your buck and reframe your feelings and attitudes about hurdles in your path. Here are just a few examples. You can turn progress into failure with a common misconception: eating and exercise are equally important for weight loss. In fact, 80% of weight loss is what you eat and drink. Only 20% relates to exercise.

Don't get caught thinking they're 50/50 partners: a 400 calorie slice of cheesecake that takes 5 minutes (or less) to eat would take hours on the treadmill to burn off. You also have to be prepared to give up cooking methods that may be part of your family traditions (like deep-fried chicken or adding cheese to all your vegetables) and change old 'harmless' habits (like tasting while you cook or eating raw dough when you bake). It's important to be open to new foods, including those that you're sure you hate (like the tomatoes and fish you hated as a kid). Give them another chance as an adult. There are so

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• Some of the most widely used weed killers can “turn on” the production of estrogen or disrupt normal hormonal balance.

• Washing or peeling fruits and vegetables removes some, but not all, pesticides. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program found as many as 13 different pesticides on one pint of well-washed nonorganic blueberries.

• Many beef and dairy cattle farms inject extra hormones into their animals to increase meat and milk production and save money, yet the safety of these hormones for consumers is still controversial. While lower prices make these products more accessible, we don’t yet know how our health may be affected by consuming milk produced this way.

• Preventive antibiotics are given to food animals to help them avoid infection. These antibiotics can lead to more antibioticresistant infections in people. Dealing with difficult-to-treat infections weakens your immune system’s ability to heal cell damage.

• Active ingredients in healthy foods like soy are sometimes manufactured into concentrated supplements. These products can contain high levels of ingredients with estrogen-like activity, which might contribute to the development or growth of breast cancer. It is important to know that the content and quality of these products is often unregulated.

• Many unused medicines are thrown out or flushed down the toilet and can get into surface and ground waters. Prescription hormones, which are eliminated by the body, can also get into the water. While effects of these chemicals have been found on fish and other wildlife, the levels do not appear high enough to affect humans. Still, there are serious concerns about safety.

• Chemicals used to disinfect water often become common water pollutants themselves.

• Oil spills pollute the water supply and eventually the land. Spills contain chemicals that can directly damage genes in breast cells.

• Pollutants concentrate in plants and animals as they move up the food chain.

many healthy options out there that will help you accomplish your goals.

Once you get your game on, you'll feel so much better."

Create a healthy eating plan and an exercise plan. Once you have the OK from your doctor and a weight goal, you can create a healthy eating plan that meets your nutritional needs.

You may want to talk to a registered dietitian about how to create a healthy eating plan that's tailored to your specific needs and likes.

Exercise is such an important part of daily life that the United States Department of Agriculture added it to ChooseMyPlate.gov, the U.S. government's guide to healthy eating.

Regular exercise helps reduce breast cancer risk. And the American Cancer Society recommends that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer exercise regularly (about 5 hours per week) to improve their quality of life and physical fitness, See CANCER, page 16

October 2015 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 11

WHEN SENIORS SAY “NO” TO HELP The early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease

By Jack Hartley health suffering. That’s according to family caregiving consultant Dr. Amy D’Aprix and author of From Surviving to Thriving: Transforming Your Caregiving Experience.

The following are some strategies to help family caregivers turn resistance into assistance: 1. Understand where the resistance is coming from. Ask a senior parent or loved one why he or she is resisting.

Jack Hartley is the owner of JWH Service Partners, Inc. d.b.a.

Home Instead Senior Care #585.

Home Instead Senior Care provides seniors with Companionship, Light Housekeeping, Medication Reminders, Meal Preparation, Errands, Doctor Visits and more.

For information go to www.homeinstead.com/585.

A family caregiver’s job, by definition, is already a difficult one. Time away from work and family, and the worry of caring for a senior adult all can take a toll. But when you consider that many seniors often resist help, that job becomes overwhelming for so many caregivers in our own area.

A recent study of family caregivers conducted revealed that more than half of the respondents (51 percent) said that their aging relative was very resistant to care. These seniors often object to help whether it’s from a family caregiver or a professional who tries to come into their homes to assist.

This is a real problem for family caregivers worried about the safety of a senior loved one who might be forgetting food on the stove or neglecting to take their medications.

Some seniors are so resistant I’ve heard stories of them calling the police when their family members have arranged for a caregiver to visit their home. But experts say that keeping fiercely independent seniors safe at home isn’t a lost cause. There are solutions for them and their family caregivers.

Resistance is at the root of many senior-care issues. Why? If seniors admit they need help, they feel their independence is in question. Seniors believe that once they acknowledge they need help, they’ll lose control of their affairs. They are trying to maintain dignity. Unless they feel they can trust someone, they resist change. I also believe it’s the fear that life as they’ve known it will be taken away from them.”

Sometimes seniors only want help from a son or daughter, which can put undue pressure on that family caregiver.

Most caregivers can go into “crisis mode” to rally around a loved one in the short-term, but you can't be totally immersed in a crisis mode long-term without your own family, work and

2. Explain your goals. Remind an older adult that you both want the same thing. Explain that a little extra help can keep her at home longer and will help put your mind at ease as well. Have a candid conversation with him about the impact this care is having on your life.

Oftentimes seniors don’t understand the time commitment of a caregiver.

3. Bring in outside help. If a relationship with a senior is deteriorating, ask a professional, such as a geriatric care manager, for an assessment. A third-party professional can provide valuable input.

4. Research options to find the best resources for a senior in the community. The local Area Agency on Aging or geriatric care managers are great community resources.

5. Respect a senior’s decisions.

Sometimes you won’t agree with an older adult’s decisions and that’s O.K. As long as that senior is of sound mind, he or she should have the final say.

Please remember that if a senior has dementia, a doctor or geriatric care manager should be consulted. Logic often will not work and other strategies must be used.

Once again, unless a senior has dementia, he or she has a right to make the final decision about care, even if a family caregiver or professional doesn’t agree. The flip side is that family caregivers have the right to suggest limits on behaviours that they think are risky.

Without additional resources and education, the desire to be a perfect family caregiver leads to burn-out.

Perspective can come from friends, support groups and professional and informal support networks.

The battle to turn resistance into assistance can be fierce, like seniors who call police when a professional caregiver shows up. Education can help arm family caregivers with the tools they need to create a win-win for everyone.

12 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | October 2015

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks neurons and essentially robs people of their memory and language skills. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, there are therapies that can slow its neurological impact. Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer's can encourage people to begin treatments that can stave off some of the more debilitating symptoms of this disease.

Though it's most common among the elderly, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. The Mayo Clinic says that the reasons behind the inception and progression of Alzheimer's disease are largely unknown. It is believed damage starts a decade or more before problems become evident. Abnormal deposits of proteins begin to form the amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and these formations are the hallmarks of the disease.

Once-healthy neurons gradually begin to lose their efficiency and ability to function and communicate with one another. As more neurons die, entire areas of the brain shrink. The hippocampus, which is the area of the brain essential in forming memories, may soon become compromised.

Millions of people in North America are estimated to have Alzheimer's disease and many others will be diagnosed. The following are the most common early signs and symptoms of the disease. * Memory loss: According to the Alzheimer's Organization, early memory loss can include forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking for the same information. Forgetting recently learned information and having to rely increasingly on memory aids is another potential indicator of Alzheimer's. * Declining cognition: Impaired reasoning or judgment, trouble finding the right words and visual and spatial issues also may be early indicators of Alzheimer's. * Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Those with Alzheimer's sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules to a favorite game. People who were once good with numbers may now have difficulty balancing their checkbooks, while those who love to cook may have trouble following recipes. * Time confusion: Another indicator of Alzheimer's disease is losing track of time. One may have trouble understanding something that isn't happening in the present. Alzheimer's sufferers often forget where they are and how they got there. * Misplacing items: Everyone loses something at a point in time, but those with Alzheimer's may put items in unusual places. They may sometimes accuse others of stealing when they cannot retrace their steps and find items. * Decreased judgment: Decision-making abilities may be compromised. A person with Alzheimer's may take unnecessary risks or give away sums of money. * Mood changes: People with Alzheimer's may suffer from confusion, suspicious feelings, depression and anxiety. A person may upset easily or become anxious outside of his or her comfort zones.

Age and family history of Alzheimer's disease are the biggest risk factors. The liklihood of developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years after age 65, says the Alzheimer's Organization. In addition, those with a parent, child or sibling who have developed Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease than people with no such family history.

A physical and neurological exam, which may include blood tests and brain imaging, will be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Individuals can learn more by making appointments with their doctors.

October 2015 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 13

Nine in ten cardiovascular doctors support vascular screening for people with risk factors COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

(BPT) - Nine out of ten cardiovascular doctors support preventive health screenings for cardiovascular disease (plaque in the arteries) among patients with key risk factors. Examples of key risk factors may include being age 55 or over, family history, tobacco use, and high blood pressure. This research was done by an independent research firm called Ebiquity, conducted on behalf of Life Line Screening. Preventive screenings by Life Line Screening may be the essential preventive health care tool you're missing.

What is a vascular screening?

Vascular screenings check the body's arteries for a buildup of fatty deposits. Build-up in the arteries (called atherosclerosis) can make it difficult for blood to flow as intended and cause further health complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Vascular screening can help patients and their doctors identify these issues before they become a serious problem.

During a screening, a trained technologist uses ultrasound to capture pictures of the patient's arteries in several places in the body, including the neck, abdomen and lower legs. Identifying plaque build-up and patterns of blood flow provides the patient with important information that lets him or her know if there is an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Knowing this early lets the patient and his or her doctor put preventive strategies, like medication and lifestyle changes, in place.

What would your screening say about you?

Preventive health screenings are easy, convenient and affordable Preventive health screenings are not only an important step to maintain good overall health, they're also easy and affordable. Most screening appointments, which look at the

14 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | October 2015

arteries in your neck (the carotid arteries), stomach (for an abdominal aortic aneurysm), and legs (for peripheral arterial disease) are completed in about one hour to ninety minutes.

Screenings take place in nearby community buildings such as churches, health centers and libraries, and costs are low.

In an effort to promote the value of these screenings and other preventive health efforts,

health care professionals surveyed in the research almost unanimously supported hospital participation in community events where the message could reach the public and health conscious people - just like you.

To learn more about the benefits of health screening tests and how you can set up your own screening, visit Lifelinescreening.com.

DID YOU KNOW? COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

A lack of regular exercise can be more harmful than previously thought. According to a study published in The Lancet in 2012, across the globe sedentary lifestyles are now causing as many deaths as smoking. Data indicates that a lack of physical activity is causing 5.3 million deaths per year and that the problem is so bad some believe it should be treated as a pandemic. Exercise can reduce rates of obesity, strengthen bones, help a person manage stress, and reduce a person's risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

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Need help paying for your medicines?

PatientAssistanceNow.com can help (BPT) - If you are interested in learning more about programs that may be able to help you pay for your medicines- or about Health Insurance Marketplaces and how to enroll in one in your state-there's a website that's ready to help.

PatientAssistanceNow.com, created by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, can help you find programs that may help pay for your medicines, understand healthcare reform, learn about your disease, and get the information you need to take an active part in managing your health.

Find help in 3 easy steps The 3-step Program Finder is a valuable feature of the site. Whether you're insured but need help with your copay, or you're uninsured and don't have prescription drug coverage, you can answer a few simple questions, and the website will provide you with a list of assistance programs for which you may be able to apply. You may even be able to get your medicines for free if you qualify.

Learn how the healthcare system works There's a lot to learn about the recent changes to the US healthcare system. PatientAssistanceNow.com offers a short video, downloadable brochure, and answers to common questions to help explain the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts you. It also provides information on how the Health Insurance Marketplaces work and recent changes to Medicaid coverage. If you need a health plan, the Interactive Map helps you find the available plans in your state.

A better way to manage your health The more you know about your health, the better prepared you are to manage it.

PatientAssistanceNow.com provides access to information on a range of diseases and conditions, with useful links to patient-support communities, advocacy groups, and more.

The website also provides useful links for caregivers, as well as information on Novartis medicines and ongoing clinical trials.

Helping you when it matters most

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PatientAssistanceNow.com was created to help connect patients in need with access programs that may help them pay for their medicines. Last year alone, the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. gave or provided more than $547 million worth of free medicines to over 61,000 patients.

Available in both English and Spanish, PatientAssistanceNow.com is ready to help. Visit anytime, or call 1-800-245-5356 Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Central Time), 9 am to 6 pm (Eastern Time), or 6 am to 3 pm (Pacific Time).

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936 Š 2015 Novartis Printed in USA 7/15 PBA-1313506

October 2015 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 15

The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam COURTESY OF BREASTCANCER.ORG

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for: • Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color • Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention: • Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin • A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out) • Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.

CANCER Continued from page 10

as well as to reduce the risk of developing new cancers.

Research shows that women who exercise the equivalent of walking 3 to 5 hours per week at an average pace after being diagnosed with breast cancer may improve their chances of surviving the disease.

There's no magic bullet or single food that will make you lose weight quickly. In fact, the safest way to lose weight is to do it slowly -- about a pound a week.

Here are some tips to make your diet nutritious and help you lose weight: • Limit sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

• Eat small portions (no more than 6 to 7 ounces a day) of lean meat or poultry.

• Remove the skin and fat from meat, poultry, and fish.

• Cover your plate with fresh, nutrient-dense foods. Fill twothirds of your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and one-third or less with meat and dairy products.

• Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Eat at least 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables each day and 3 ounces or more of whole grains.

You will feel full longer and may be less tempted by junk food.

• Choose non-fat milk and dairy products.

• Go for variety. Buy a new fruit, vegetable, or whole-grain product each time you shop for groceries to keep from getting bored with your diet.

• Drink water or drinks with no sugar added if you're hungry between meals. Avoid soda, lemonade, sweetened iced tea, and juices.

• Keep healthy snacks on hand, such as: -salad with fat-free or low-fat dressing -carrot and celery sticks (organic is best) -bite-sized pieces of broccoli, cauliflower, or other vegetables -salsa with vegetables (not chips) for scooping -gazpacho -non-fat Greek or plain yogurt -low-fat cottage cheese -apple slices (organic is best) -orange sections -rice cakes -frozen berries -air-popped popcorn -unsweetened fruit tea or herbal tea -water with a slice of lemon or lime -broth or bouillon -low-fat gelatin

16 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | October 2015

• Limit heavily salted, smoked, or pickled foods. They tend to have a lot of salt and nitrates.

How to eat healthy when you eat out at restaurants: •Enjoy a salad with fat-free or low fat dressing before going out. It can curb your appetite and keep you from over-ordering.

•Go in with a plan. Look at menus online before you go, and decide where and what to eat.

Many chain restaurants offer healthy menu options that follow Weight Watchers or other eating plans.

•Choose steamed, baked, or boiled vegetables, rather than those in sauces or with cheese.

•Order meat/seafood that is steamed, broiled, roasted, or baked rather than pan-fried or deep-fried.

•Ask for sauces, dressings, butter, and sour cream on the side so you can control how much you use. Or ask for your dish to be made without sauce or cheese.

•Avoid casseroles. They often have sugary or salty sauces and lots of high-fat cheese.

•Avoid or limit alcohol.

Alcoholic beverages have no nutrients. And after you have one or two alcoholic drinks you may be more tempted to dive into the bread basket, order a plate of nachos, or sample something from the dessert cart.

•Choose beverages without added sugar. A 12-ounce glass of regular soda pop has about 10 teaspoons of sugar per serving.

Water has zero.

•Order each item separately (a la carte), so you can get everything prepared how you want it, rather than ordering a combination plate with less flexibility.

•Don't eat mindlessly. Ask the waitperson to remove the bowl of chips/bread/peanuts after you've had a small portion.

•Don't order jumbo or super sizes.

•Order an appetizer portion instead of a meal-size portion.

Many restaurants offer the same dishes in both sections of the menu.

•Wrap it up. Ask for half of your entree to be wrapped up to go when you order. Eat it for lunch the next day.

•Share an entree with a friend and order an extra side salad with the dressing on the side.

For more information on healthy eating, dietary supplements, and nutrition resources, visit the Breastcancer.org Nutrition section.

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October 2015 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 17

BREAST CANCER RISK FACTORS: Personal History of Breast Cancer COURTESY OF BREASTCANCER.ORG

If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you're 3 to 4 times more likely to develop a new cancer in the other breast or a different part of the same breast. This risk is different from the risk of the original cancer coming back (called risk of recurrence).

Steps you can take If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you might already be taking medicine to reduce your risk of developing a new breast cancer. Beyond that important step, there are a number of lifestyle choices you can make to help keep your risk as low as it can be:

• maintaining a healthy weight • exercising regularly • limiting alcohol • eating nutritious food • never smoking (or quitting if you do smoke)

These are just a few steps you can take.

Review the links on the left side of this page for more options.

Along with these lifestyle choices, there other options that may be able to reduce both your risk of recurrence and your risk of developing a new cancer.

of estrogen on breast cancer cells

Hormonal therapy medicines, such as an aromatase inhibitor or a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulators) can help reduce the risk of:

Avoid products that contain estrogen or progesterone. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you shouldn't use HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to treat menopausal symptoms or birth control methods that contain the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone.

These hormones can cause hormonereceptor-positive breast cancers to develop and grow.

While only a few small studies have looked at HRT use in women with a personal history of breast cancer, very large

• hormone-receptorpositive breast cancer coming back • a new hormonereceptor-positive breast cancer developing Hormonal therapy medicines work in two ways: • by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body • by blocking the action

Hormonal therapy medicines do not reduce the risk of hormonereceptor-negative breast cancer.

For more information, visit the Breastcancer.org Hormonal Therapy section.

18 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | October 2015

research studies have shown that using HRT increases breast cancer risk among women in general. So doctors recommend that women with a personal history of breast cancer avoid HRT. Not being able to use HRT can present a challenge, because menopausal side effects can dramatically reduce quality of life for some women. If you're having severe hot flashes or other menopausal side effects and have a personal history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about nonhormonal options for treating these side effects, such as acupuncture or meditation.

Similarly, it's generally thought that birth control pills are considered unsafe for premenopausal women with a personal history of breast cancer. They cause higher levels of hormones than your body makes (that's how they overpower your

menstrual cycle).

Because of this issue, most doctors recommend using barrier methods of birth control: condoms or a diaphragm, or a nonhormonal I.U.D. such as ParaGard.

More frequent screening: If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you and your doctor will develop a screening plan tailored to your unique situation.

In addition to the recommended screening guidelines for women at average risk, a screening plan for a woman with a history of breast cancer may include: • a monthly breast selfexam • a yearly breast exam by your doctor • a digital mammogram every year starting at age 40 • an MRI scan every year See RISK, page 22

Top 4 year-round sensitive skin issues (BPT) - Skin sensitivity has affected more than 70 percent of Americans at some point, according to a new survey by Nexcare Brand from 3M. While the problem affects people of every age, more than 65 percent of parents surveyed say they're particularly worried about the sensitivity of their child's skin.

However, managing sensitive skin doesn't have to be difficult.

Here are some simple tips and tricks to address four problem areas that can seriously irritate sensitive skin: 1. Sunburn Sunburn isn't good for anyone, which is why health care professionals recommend everyone wear sunscreen year-round whenever they spend time outdoors. From beaches to ski slopes, sun can be particularly damaging, but if you or your child has sensitive skin you may worry that some creams and sprays could lead to irritation that will be as uncomfortable as a sunburn. Still, foregoing sunscreen shouldn't be an option; the risk of developing the most serious form of skin cancer doubles with five or more sunburns, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Talk to your dermatologist about which sunscreen is best for sensitive skin. Remember to look for options that provide broad UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of 30 or greater.

2. Bandage irritations Scrapes, bumps, scratches and bruises are often a by-product of outdoor fun year-round. Most people can probably slap on a bandage and go about their business, but if you have sensitive skin, the adhesives in many over-the-counter first aid products can cause skin irritation. Look for first aid products that are designed for sensitive skin, such as the Sensitive Skin collection

by Nexcare Brand. These products are formulated to reliably stick to skin and are easy to remove. The product line includes first aid tape, adhesive pads and eye patches with hypoallergenic adhesive, adhere firmly yet remove cleanly and easily with minimal hair pulling. Visit www.nexcare.com/sensitiveskin to learn more.

3. Environmental irritants Time outdoors means elevated exposure to a host of irritants, including chlorine and other pool chemicals, cleansers and even preservatives found on new clothing. Reduce the risk of having a reaction to chlorine by having children shower immediately after leaving the pool. The longer the chlorine remains on their skin, the greater the risk of a reaction. If irritation does occur, consult your dermatologist. He or she may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or an antihistamine to help manage redness, itching and irritation.

And while you may be eager to show off new attire before you've had a chance to wash it, always wash new clothing in an allergy-friendly laundry detergent before wearing. New clothing may be treated with preservative chemicals that can cause irritation.

4. Dryness Dry skin can happen at any time of the year. Winter's dry air can strip moisture from the skin, and heat in warm-weather months can cause dehydration that leads to dry skin.

To fight dry skin at any time of year, stay well-hydrated. Drink water, avoid long, hot showers or baths that can strip oil from the skin. Choose beauty and healthcare products that are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Nearly half of the respondents in the Nexcare Brand survey said that a skin problem had prompted them to avoid certain activities, such as using a specific beauty product, eating or drinking certain things, wearing their favorite clothes, using particular blankets and linens or using first aid supplies. Having sensitive skin is irritating enough; a few precautions can help ensure sensitive skin doesn't have to derail outdoor fun at any time of year.

The Nexcare Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research between May 1 and May 7, 2015.

October 2015 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 19

Courtesy of The National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org It’s not always easy to tell at the beginning of a relationship if it will become abusive.

In fact, many abusive partners may seem absolutely perfect in the early stages of a relationship. Possessive and controlling behaviors don’t always appear overnight, but rather emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.

Domestic violence doesn’t look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. But one thing most abusive relationships have in common is that the abusive partner does many different kinds of things to have more power and control over their partners.

If you’re beginning to feel as if your partner or a loved one’s partner is becoming abusive, there are a few behaviors that you can look out for. Watch out for these red flags and if you’re experiencing one or more of them in your relationship, call or chat online with an advocate to talk about what’s going on.

• Telling you that you can never do anything right • Showing jealousy of your friends and time spent away • Keeping you or discouraging you from seeing friends or family members • Embarrassing or shaming you with putdowns • Controlling every penny spent in the household

• Taking your money or refusing to give you money for expenses • Looking at you or acting in ways that scare you • Controlling who you see, where you go, or what you do • Preventing you from making your own decisions • Telling you that you are a bad parent or threatening to harm or take away your children • Preventing you from working or attending school • Destroying your property or threatening to hurt or kill your pets • Intimidating you with guns, knives or other weapons • Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want to or do things sexually you’re not comfortable with • Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol Physical Abuse You may be experiencing physical abuse if your partner has done or repeatedly does any of the following tactics of abuse: • Pulling your hair, punching, slapping, kicking, biting or choking you • Forbidding you from eating or sleeping • Damaging your property when they’re

20 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | October 2015

angry (throwing objects, punching walls, kicking doors, etc.)

• Using weapons to threaten to hurt you, or actually hurting you with weapons • Trapping you in your home or keeps you from leaving • Preventing you from calling the police or seeking medical attention • Harming your children • Abandoning you in unfamiliar places • Driving recklessly or dangerously when you are in the car with them • Forcing you to use drugs or alcohol (especially if you’ve had a substance abuse problem in the past) Emotional Abuse

You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if you partner exerts control through: • Calling you names, insulting you or continually criticizing you • Refusing to trust you and acting jealous or possessive • Trying to isolate you from family or friends • Monitoring where you go, who you call and who you spend time with • Demanding to know where you are every minute • Punishing you by withholding affection • Threatening to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets • Humiliating you in any way • Blaming you for the abuse • Gaslighting • Accusing you of cheating and being often jealous of your outside relationships • Serially cheating on you and then blaming you for his or her behavior • Cheating on you intentionally to hurt you and then threatening to cheat again • Cheating to prove that they are more desired, worthy, etc. than you are • Attempting to control your appearance: what you wear, how much/little makeup you wear, etc.

• Telling you that you will never find anyone better, or that you are lucky to be with a person like them

and emotional, in the form of statements that make you feel pressure, guilt, or shame. You can also be made to feel forced through more subtle actions.

For example, an abusive partner: • Making you feel like you owe them — ex. Because you’re in a relationship, because you’ve had sex before, because they spent money on you or bought you a gift • Giving you drugs and alcohol to “loosen up” your inhibitions • Playing on the fact that you’re in a relationship, saying things such as: “Sex is the way to prove your love for me,” “If I don’t get sex from you I’ll get it somewhere else” • Reacting negatively with sadness, anger or resentment if you say no or don’t immediately agree to something • Continuing to pressure you after you say no • Making you feel threatened or afraid of what might happen if you say no • Trying to normalize their sexual expectations: ex. “I need it, I’m a man” Even if your partner isn’t forcing you to do sexual acts against your will, being made to feel obligated is coercion in itself. Dating someone, being in a relationship, or being married never means that you owe your partner intimacy of any kind.

Sexual Abuse and Coercion Sexually abusive methods of retaining power and control include an abusive partner: • Forcing you to dress in a sexual way • Insulting you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names • Forcing or manipulating you into to having sex or performing sexual acts • Holding you down during sex • Demanding sex when you’re sick, tired or after hurting you • Hurting you with weapons or objects during sex • Involving other people in sexual activities with you against your will • Ignoring your feelings regarding sex • Forcing you to watch pornography • Purposefully trying to pass on a sexually transmitted disease to you

Reproductive Coercion Reproductive coercion can be exerted in many ways: • Refusing to use a condom or other type of birth control • Breaking or removing a condom during intercourse • Lying about their methods of birth control (ex. lying about having a vasectomy, lying about being on the pill) • Refusing to “pull out” if that is the agreed upon method of birth control • Forcing you to not use any birth control (ex. the pill, condom, shot, ring, etc.)

• Removing birth control methods (ex. rings, IUDs, contraceptive patches) • Sabotaging birth control methods (ex. poking holes in condoms, tampering with pills or flushing them down the toilet) • Withholding finances needed to purchase birth control • Monitoring your menstrual cycles • Forcing pregnancy and not supporting your decision about when or if you want to have a child • Forcing you to get an

Sexual coercion Sexual coercion lies on the ‘continuum’ of sexually aggressive behavior. It can vary from being egged on and persuaded, to being forced to have contact. It can be verbal

abortion, or preventing you from getting one • Threatening you or acting violent if you don’t comply with their wishes to either end or continue a pregnancy • Continually keeping you pregnant (getting you pregnant again shortly after you give birth) Reproductive coercion can also come in the form of pressure, guilt and shame from an abusive partner. Some examples are if your abusive partner is constantly talking about having children or making you feel guilty for not having or wanting children with them — especially if you already have kids with someone else.

Financial Abuse Economic or financial abuse is when an abusive partner extends their power and control into the area of finances. This abuse can take different forms, including an abusive partner: • Giving an allowance and closely watching how you spend it or demanding receipts for purchases • Placing your paycheck in their bank account and denying you access to it • Preventing you from viewing or having access to bank accounts • Forbidding you to work or limiting the hours that you can work • Maxing out credit cards in your name without permission or not paying the bills on credit cards, which could ruin your credit score • Stealing money from you or your family and friends • Using funds from children’s savings accounts without your permission • Living in your home but refusing to work or contribute to the household • Making you give them your tax returns or confiscating joint tax returns • Refusing to give you money to pay for necessities/shared expenses like food, clothing, transportation, or medical care and medicine Digital Abuse Digital abuse is the use of technologies such as texting and social networking to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate a partner. Often this behavior is a form of verbal or emotional abuse perpetrated online. You may be experiencing digital abuse if your partner: • Tells you who you can or can’t be friends with on Facebook and other sites.

• Sends you negative, insulting or even threatening emails, Facebook messages, tweets, DMs or other messages online.

• Uses sites like Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and others to keep constant tabs on you.

• Puts you down in their status updates.

• Sends you unwanted, explicit pictures and demands you send some in return.

• Pressures you to send explicit video.

• Steals or insists to be given your passwords.

• Constantly texts you and makes you feel like you can’t be separated from your phone for fear that you will be punished.

• Looks through your phone frequently, checks up on your pictures, texts and outgoing calls.

• Tags you unkindly in pictures on Instagram, Tumblr, etc.

You never deserve to be mistreated, online or off.

Remember: • Your partner should respect your relationship boundaries.

• It is ok to turn off your phone. You have the right to be alone and spend time with friends and family without your partner getting angry.

• You do not have to text any pictures or statements that you are uncomfortable sending, especially nude or partially nude photos, known as “sexting.”

• You lose control of any electronic message once your partner receives it. They may forward it, so don’t send anything you fear could be seen by others.

• You do not have to share your passwords with anyone.

• Know your privacy settings.

Social networks such as Facebook allow the user to control how their information is shared and who has access to it. These are often customizable and are found in the privacy section of the site.

Remember, registering for some applications (apps) require you to change your privacy settings.

• Be mindful when using check-ins like Facebook Places and foursquare. Letting an abusive partner know where you are could be dangerous.

Also, always ask your friends if it’s ok for you to check them in.

You never know if they are trying to keep their location secret.

• You have the right to feel comfortable and safe in your relationship, even online.

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RISK Continued from page 18

You may have these tests more often than a woman at average risk. So you might have one screening test -- a mammogram, say -- and then have a different test -- an MRI -- 6 months later.

Before or after each screening test, your doctor may perform a breast exam.

A breast ultrasound is another powerful tool that can help detect breast cancer in women with a history of breast cancer gene. This test does not take the place of digital mammography and MRI scanning.

Talk to your doctor about developing a specialized program for early detection that addresses your breast cancer risk, meets your individual needs, and gives you peace of mind.

Protective surgery: Removing the other healthy breast and ovaries -- called prophylactic surgery ("prophylactic" means "protective") -- are very aggressive, irreversible risk-reduction options that some women choose. The benefits of prophylactic surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer depend on your age, your overall health, and the stage and type of breast cancer you had.

If you don't have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (Most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with one of two abnormal breast cancer genes: BRCA1 -- BReast CAncer gene one -- and BRCA2 -- BReast CAncer gene two) or a strong family history of breast cancer, and you were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, you have a low risk of the original cancer coming back. Prophylactic surgery may or may not benefit you.

If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and do have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or strong family history of breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing a new, unrelated cancer. In this case, prophylactic surgery may be of value to you.

If you've been diagnosed with advancedstage breast cancer, the risk of the cancer coming back in the same breast may be greater than the risk of developing a new, unrelated breast cancer. In this case, prophylactic surgery may offer limited benefits.

It's important to remember that no procedure -- even surgery -- totally eliminates the risk of cancer. Even when a breast or ovary has been removed, cancer can still develop in the area where it used to be. Close follow-up is necessary, even after prophylactic surgery.

Prophylactic surgery decisions require a great deal of thought, patience, and discussion with your doctors, genetic counselors, and family -- plus a tremendous amount of courage. Take the time you need to consider these options and make decisions that feel comfortable to you.

For more information, visit the Breastcancer.org Prophylactic Mastectomy and Prophylactic Ovary Removal pages.

How to snack better: Combat hunger between meals (BPT) - Americans are changing the way they eat. Snacking is part of our daily lifestyles, making up half of all eating occasions, according to a 2014 report from The Hartman Group. With snacking on the rise, healthy eating is often a challenge. However, when done in moderation with nutritious options, grazing can help you maintain energy throughout the day and ensure your body gets the calories and nutrients it needs. To nosh the sensible way, follow these simple tips. *Plan ahead. When it comes to eating a well-rounded diet, preparation is the first step toward success. Prior planning ensures decent choices are at your fingertips and helps you avoid the temptation of purchasing junk food.

Before taking a trip to the local market, create a list packed with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Once finalized, stick to it! *Mix it up. Now more than ever, Americans are incorporating smoothies into their diets. The latest Vitamix research shows Americans consumed a whopping 7.4 billion smoothies last year alone-and that trend is growing.

Perfect for taking on the go, smoothies are easy to make and packed with nutrients. These satiating snacks allow us to consume healthy selections, such as citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, almonds, chia seeds and flaxseed-all in one delicious drink.

Blend your way to better snacking by mixing your favorite smoothie ingredients in a Vitamix 7500, which can process even the toughest whole foods. When the 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. craving hits, indulge in your healthful smoothie. *Go nuts. How you fuel your body can make a difference in how you feel.

Foods such as nuts and seeds are high in protein, so opt for a handful of raw almonds, pumpkin seeds or a seed and nut mix to keep you full between meals.

Nut butters provide a sweet and salty fix and are another great way to add a dose of protein and healthy fat. Use a Vitamix to blend fresh peanut, almond or cashew butters and store in your refrigerator for easy access. Spread a serving on a banana, celery or cracker, and voila you've got a balanced snack!

You can also blend a dab of nut butter in your smoothie for a quick flavor boost. *Snacks to stash. Whether you are hauling your children from practice to practice, juggling multiple projects at work or studying for exams, stress may bring mindless munching. Luckily, there are plenty of favorites you can make yourself that can satisfy your cravings in a more healthy manner.

If you're a fan of chips, consider baking your own, which will enable control over fat and sodium content,

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Going Green Smoothie Ingredients: 1/2 cup water 1 cup green grapes 1/2 cup pineapple chunks 1/2 ripe banana peeled 2 cups fresh spinach packed 1/2 cup ice cubes Directions: Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.Select Variable 1.Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then High.Blend for 45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Serve immediately.Almond Butter Ingredients: 4 cups unsalted roasted almonds 1/4 cup canola oil Directions: Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.Select Variable 1.Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.Use the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.In 1 minute you will hear a high-pitched chugging sound. Once the butter begins to flow freely through the blades, the motor sound will change and become low and laboring. Stop machine.Store in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

and allow you to consume all-natural ingredients. Pita chips hold up to dips and sauces such as Spicy Hummus, guacamole or Mango Salsa, which are loaded with nutrients and provide an alternative to calorie-laden selections.

Other chip varieties to consider are sweet potato and kale.

For those who crave sweets, wholesome, make-ahead options include homemade granola bars with dates, raisins, grains and seeds or DIY dried fruit. *Satisfy your hunger. Eating well doesn't have to be a time-consuming chore. Choose items that are packed with fiber, protein or slow-digesting carbs to help you stay satisfied longer.

Hardboiled eggs, air-popped popcorn and oatmeal are great options.

Thoughtful snacking allows you to maintain a balanced eating regime, which helps with energy, mood and weight control. Nosh like a nutritionist and use quick bites to strategically maximize your nutrient intake. Create versatile and simple snacks to enjoy at home or on the go with the tasty recipes listed below.

The important role played by physical therapists COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Hearty Breakfast Muffins Courtesy of allrecipes.com

2 carrots, shredded 2 bananas, mashed 1 zucchini, shredded 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup yogurt 2 eggs 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup dried cherries 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper liners.

Mix carrots, banana, zucchini, vegetable oil, yogurt, and eggs together until fully incorporated.

Whisk flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. Mix brown sugar, oats, coconut, pecans, cherries, cinnamon, salt, and ginger into flour mixture until all ingredients are coated in flour. Stir wet ingredients into flour mixture until just combined. Scoop batter into the prepared muffin cups.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean and edges are slightly brown, 17 to 22 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

An injury or illness can impact a person’s mobility and ability to perform everyday activities. While medicine and other treatments can help the situation, physical therapists are often sought to help individuals get back on track.

The American Physical Therapy Association says physical therapists examine each individual patient and develop plans using treatment techniques to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent further disability. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitnessand wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists frequently work with patients’ larger medical teams to provide customized care depending on patients’ needs.

Physical therapists may begin their treatment plans by gathering patients’ histories and reviewing any tests and imaging the patients may have had. This information, combined with physical examinations and studies of the injuries or illnesses, will help physical therapists to establish treatment plans for the patients.

Men and women who have been told they need physical therapy can heed to the following tips as they look for therapists to work with.

• Get a referral from your primary doctor or orthopedist. With some insurance plans, a referral will be needed for treatment.

Otherwise, use your insurance plan’s provider directory to find a physical therapist who accepts your insurance.

• Check your insurance benefits to determine how much coverage you have for physical therapy. You may be limited to a certain number of sessions or have no restrictions at all.

• Many physical therapists are board certified in one speciality.

They have passed tests and have documented hours treating certain conditions. This can be helpful if you require a pediatric specialists or one who has expertise with the back or neck. Any physical therapist or therapist’s assistant should be qualified and licensed.

• Ask if you will be the physical therapist’s only patient at an appointment. Some treat one individual at a time while others may see two or three patients at a time.

• Find out who will be treating you. You may be assigned the same therapist each time. If you are getting services at a therapy group, you may have a different therapist for each visit.

• Always ask questions before and after a treatment so you can continue to work on the healing process on your own and so you know which activities are safe, which should change as your treatment progresses.

Physical therapists play an integral role in helping restore patients’ mobility and helping them avoid further injury so that patients can maximize their quality of life.

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