JUlY 25 - 31, 2013
HEALTH MATTERS
INSIDE:
i Be Clear On Lung Cancer p22 i Protect Your Lungs In p27 The Heat Wave i Health Super Food p28
Be Clear On Lung Cancer
This month’s Health Matters is a sponsored feature.
22 | THE VOICE JULY 25 - 31, 2013
HEALTHMATTERS
Be clear on lung cancer
Knowing the signs of lung cancer could save your life
By Hazelann Williams
W
e have all been guilty of neglecting our health at one time or another. More often than not, we don’t pay attention to our body and what it is trying to tell us, we spend our very busy days maneuvering through work, family and personal challenges. However, ignoring something as simple as a cough can have serious consequences, especially if the coughing lasts for three weeks or more, which can be a sign of lung cancer. Lung cancer is currently England’s biggest cancer killer, causing around 28,000 deaths each year. Those diagnosed at the earliest stage are five times more likely to survive the disease for at least five years, than those who are diagnosed at a later stage. With early diagnosis, many people who have fought and won their battle with lung cancer go on to live a good quality life. SURVIVING LUNG CANCER: YVONNE TELLS HER STORY Yvonne West is such a person; at the age of 53-years-old the mother-of-two has courageously, beaten lung cancer twice and is about to see her youngest daughter go to University, she spoke to The Voice about her inspiring journey. Yvonne was first diagnosed with the illness in 2001 and although lung cancer is most commonly associated with those over the age of 50, Yvonne was
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING AT PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND: Professor Kevin Fenton
size of the cancer the best course of treatment was to remove the whole lung. After the operation to remove her lung, Yvonne also underwent a course of chemotherapy, which resulted in her becoming clear of cancer. However the devoted mother had to muster her strength again in 2009 to fight the second bout of cancer, which had come back, this time in her right lung. “When I was told the cancer came back, I was angry at first because I wasn’t sure if I could cope. However with the support of my girls and sister I have managed to come through this and still smile. I’d recommend anyone who thinks they may have symptoms of lung cancer or have any concerns to go to their doctor straight away and
“The Be Clear on Cancer
campaign is about making people aware of what the symptoms of lung cancer are and encouraging them to consult their doctors if they think they may have one.
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in her 40s. The receptionist recalled that the only symptoms she had at the time was a dry cough that would come in the evening and losing her voice in the morning, which she put down to being tired. After being encouraged by her boss to go to the doctors Yvonne underwent a few simple tests and was given the news. “At first I couldn’t believe it, the only symptoms I had were losing my voice and a dry cough. It took a little time for it to sink in.� Yvonne was told that she had a 16cm tumour in her left lung; the doctors explained that due to the
get it checked out. Don’t waste time worrying, just go. Maybe if I’d have gone sooner the doctors may have been able to save some of my lung instead of me having it completely removed.� Following six months of chemotherapy and a recovery period of two years, Yvonne was told she was in remission and since then has been determined to live life to the fullest. “One side effect of my surviving lung cancer is that I now only have one lung, so I need to take things a little bit slower and I tend to get a bit breathless occasionally. Other than that I’m fighting fit and making the most
It is possible to have a happy healthy life after lung cancer
of my life. My youngest is about to go to university and I am so proud of her. � Helping people like Yvonne and leading the fight against lung cancer in England with the NHS Be Clear on Cancer campaign is Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England. Professor Fenton is responsible for delivering national health programmes through the NHS, such as cancer screening, combating the effects of drugs and alcohol and coordinating early intervention programmes for major killers such as smoking, obesity, mental health and HIV.
With over 20 years experience heading public health services around the world, the 46-yearold said that the Be Clear on Cancer campaign will help to change the perceptions of the disease, by allowing people to see that lung cancer is not a death sentence, if caught early it can be beaten and like Yvonne, survivors can live normal, happy lives. “The Be Clear on Cancer campaign is about making people aware of what the symptoms of lung cancer are and encouraging them to consult their doctors if they think they may have one,� he explained. “If you have been coughing for more than three weeks see a doctor straight away, especially if you have other symptoms, such as weight loss, breathlessness or
are coughing up blood. The doctor will be able to examine you and make a decision about what further investigations are needed, for example a chest x-ray, which is quick and simple.� Almost 24,000 people a year in England, around 70 percent of cases of lung cancer, are diagnosed when the disease is at a late stage, but if the cancer is caught at an early stage, treatment is more likely to be successful. Which is why Professor Fenton says that it is imperative people take the time to learn about the symptoms and to also look out for themselves or their loved ones. “If you are 50 years or older, which is when most lung cancers occur and especially if you have been a smoker it’s best to get checked out because the vast majority of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or are exsmokers.� According to the Glasgowborn, Jamaican raised doctor of medicine, currently most people with lung cancer are diagnosed too late for curative treatment to be possible. However, Professor Fenton believes that this situation can be greatly improved simply by understanding the
(actors and models)
symptoms of cancer. “A symptom of lung cancer a cough that lasts for more than three weeks - can be seen as something that is caused by other factors. Coughs can be put down to a change of weather, pollution rather than thinking it is something that should get checked.� “General health checks are less likely within the community because we don’t want to bother our doctors or we don’t feel as if we need to see them. It may be nothing to worry about; the reality is it may just be a cough, but whatever the case is we need to make sure that people are educated about lung cancer.� A way to greatly reduce your chances of getting lung cancer at all, says Professor Fenton, is not to smoke. There are eight million smokers in England and more than eight in ten cases of lung cancer are associated with the habit. “The message is clear, if you want to reduce your risk of lung cancer or any other cancer associated with smoking, for example throat cancer, the best thing you can do is to stop smoking today. It will lower your risk of developing cancer and chronic lung illnesses.�
HOW TO SPOT THE EARLY SIGNS OF LUNG CANCER In order to improve your chance of surviving lung cancer you need to be able to spot the signs of the disease. Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other cancer; with black Caribbean, Bangladeshi and white men over the age of 50 at a higher risk. Catching lung cancer early can dramatically improve survival chances, if you notice any of these symptoms consult your doctor right away: t " DPVHI UIBU IBT MBTUFE GPS UISFF XFFLT PS NPSF t 3FQFBUFE DIFTU JOGFDUJPOT t $PVHIJOH VQ CMPPE t #SFBUIMFTTOFTT t 'FFMJOH NPSF UJSFE UIBO VTVBM GPS OP PCWJPVT SFBTPO t -PTJOH XFJHIU GPS OP PCWJPVT SFBTPO t "O BDIF PS QBJO JO ZPVS DIFTU PS TIPVMEFS UIBU IBT MBTUFE TPNF UJNF For more information go to www.nhs.uk/lung-cancer
HEALTHMATTERS
JULY 25 - 31, 2013 THE VOICE | 27
Protect your lungs in the heat wave
W
ith high temperatures expected to continue across much of the UK over the next few days the British Lung Foundation is warning people living with a lung disease to take extra precautions to protect their health. The UK is experiencing its first prolonged heat wave since 2006 after temperatures have been above 30C for six consecutive days. In many parts of the country such as the South East and London, the Met Office has released level 3 warning alerts. Hot weather can affect people living with a lung condition in different ways and it is important that people take the necessary steps to help protect their lung health. Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, explains how hot weather can affect someone with a lung condition. She also shares a few tips on what we can do to protect our lung health. “We’ve been waiting a long time for some sunshine, but hot weather can be a real problem for people with lung diseases. In a heat wave like this the air we breathe is much less moist and it therefore has a drying effect on the airways. People with lung diseases like COPD or severe asthma may find it harder to breathe, become
more tired and their lungs may feel heavy or tight. “There are simple ways to help ensure you stay safe in hot weather - avoid going outside in the middle of the day, keep physical activity for the cooler ends of the day, wear loose, cool clothing and a hat when you go out and drink plenty of water. And don’t forget to take your medication with you.” Very cold weather, or very hot weather, can affect your lungs in different ways.
T
Scientists discover black people respond differently to TB
B is an infection caused by bacterium that largely affects the lungs. In the UK, due to improved living standards and the development of a vaccine it had become a rare disease but in the last 30 years it has been on the increase. TB still remains a common health problem across the world – there were nine million new cases in 2011. Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London lead the study, which included 128 patients who had recently contracted TB. The patients - of which 55 were Asian, 45 were African, 27 were European and 1 was mixed European/Asian - were divided into their respective ethnicities and had their blood samples taken before treatment. Analysis of these blood samples showed that while immune responses among Asians and Europeans were similar to each other, they differed from those of Africans. The scientists concluded that this difference was not related to the strain of TB the patients were infected with, but was caused by ethnic variation in the genetic make-up of the patients. When the blood samples were once again analysed after eight weeks of treatment, these
STAYING COOL If you have a lung condition, then hot weather can make it worse. Here are some tips to help you keep cool: s Avoid going outside during the hottest times of day 122pm s Avoid excessive physical activity, or do it in the cooler ends of the day. s Keep the windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. If safe, open windows at night when the air is cooler. s Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water. s Drink a lot of water. Or drink fruit juice regularly (avoid alcohol, tea or coffee). s Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors and remember to take any medication that you might
need with you. s Avoid areas of high pollution – sunlight can react with pollutants to form especially harmful substances such as ozone and oxides of nitrogen s You can check pollution levels in your area by ringing 0800 556677 (for free) or visit www.airquality.co.uk s If you suffer from hay fever during the summer months you can check the pollen count.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES If you are thinking about alternative health remedies you need to remember that ‘natural’ does not always mean safe or harmless. Most known poisons are natural products. Herbal preparations, includ-
ing those applied to the skin, can contain strong ingredients that can reduce the effectiveness of some conventional medicines, or increase the risk of side effects. Always show your GP or health care professional any herbal preparations you are taking or plan to take. If you are considering a very expensive complementary treatment, always check if the person recommending it has a particular financial interest in that treatment. This is particularly important if your lung condition is a very serious or even lifethreatening one. Sadly, there are instances of individuals taking advantage of seriously ill people. Always discuss any plans with your GP or health care professional before making a financial commitment.
A recent British Lung Foundation (BLF) and Medical Research Council co-funded study has discovered that the immune response to tuberculosis (TB) varies between patients of different ethnic origin. differences between Africans and Europeans and Asians immune responses were even more prominent. These findings are important both for the development of new diagnostic tests as well as to measure response to antiTB treatment. However, further
studies will be needed to validate the ethnic difference identified. Dr John Moore-Gillon, Honorary Medical Adviser at the British Lung Foundation said: “Targeted therapies have long been talked about as the future of medicine. However,
in order to develop such treatments, you first need to understand the ways in which the genetic makeup of different people can affect how a disease develops in, and affects, the body. “This new research makes great strides forward in doing
this for TB, highlighting for the first time how using different approaches for people of differing ethnic backgrounds can help improve our ability to diagnose the disease and monitor the effectiveness of any subsequent treatment. “TB is a growing problem
in the UK. With TB bacteria being notoriously difficult to identify and eradicate from the body, research such as this, that helps improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease, will be vital if we are to keep on top of the battle against its spread.”
28 | THE VOICE JULY 25 - 31, 2013
HEALTHMATTERS
African Caribbean Super food By Jacqueline Asafu-Adjaye
Y
am. This delicious root vegetable gives any type of stew or soup an instant African Caribbean signature. Often described as the milk of trees, yam’s white creamy woody texture with its unique nutty, sweet distinctive flavour, is a treat to savour. Surprisingly, despite its popularity with lovers of African Caribbean cuisine, it tends to makes a rare appearance on African Caribbean restaurant or take- way menus. Unlike sweet potatoes, yam is an undiscovered star, with many mainstream supermarkets yet to stock the vegetable in any great numbers. Yam is GV MEDIA’s chosen African Caribbean super food. Yam is packed with a good supply of vitamin B6, a vitamin, which helps to reduce heart disease. Potassium rich, yam contains the vital mineral that assists with the controlling blood pressure. The big secret lies in its blood sugar and weight controlling properties.
Due to yam being a complex carbohydrate and fibre rich, it delivers a slow release of sugar. It’s high concentration of fibre lends to weight control, as yams fills you up without putting on the additional pounds around the waist and hips. In addition, the other edible gem they contain is manganese, which is important for maintaining energy production and building antioxidant defences. One other little known fact is yam’s vanity, there are 200 varieties of yam and its flesh ranges from purple, pink, yellow to white. A truly beautiful African Caribbean super food inside and out. Yam offers health benefits that far outstrip your ordinary potatoe. Yams with Egusi: 3/ 4 cup pumpkin seeds 1 and a 1/ 2 pounds cubed beef stew ½ cup peanut oil 2 large tomatoes, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 2 red chilli peppers, scotch bonnet, seeded and minced 18 ounces of tomato sauce 1 ½ cups of water
2 pounds of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound of fresh spinach, washed and chopped 1 medium yellow yam Method: s 0LACE PUMPKIN SEEDS INTO A BLENDER and blend until mixture is a powdery paste. Wash beef and cube. Season, in a large pot and heat over a medium to high heat for 4 to 5 min. Add beef and sauté for 3 to 5 min until brown but not cooked through. s 0LACE TOMATOES ONIONS AND PEPPER into a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth. Add tomato mixture to meat, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for, 40 to 50 min or until meat is tender. s !DD TOMATO SAUCE WATER AND SHRIMP and simmer for 10 minutes. s !DD SPINACH AND GROUND PUMPKIN seeds and continue to simmer 10 minutes more. ADVERTORIAL
Experience ‘amazing health results with the raw food diet,’ say leading experts By Jacqueline Asafu-Adjaye
H
ealthRestore practioners Derin and Sophia are inviting Voice readers to take a deeper look inside their bodies, through their optimum health consultancy, which uses a number of bespoke health assessments that harness the latest technology, such as the evolutionary ElectroScanGram (ESG). More importantly, they are going right back to basics teaching the importance and value of eating foods in their natural state, the raw and living foods eating programme. They will be holding a monthly series of raw food workshops in London. It promises to be a fun filled day of learning demonstrations. Attendees will participate in creating tasty new recipes, as well as finding out how to implement new eating strategies, also known as ‘eating without heating’. Raw food is the leading channel for ultimate health, rejuvenation and anti-ageing. With over 20 years experience in the alternative health sector, Derin founder of HealthRestore believes that
preventative and proactive actions on individual health matters have never been so important, in an age where the stresses of modern living, is taking its toll. He says, we are taking for granted that the food we buy and the way we prepare our meals are giving us the
Many of us are “ falling short and
paying a high price in damaged health
”
essential nutrients our body needs. In actual fact, many of us are falling short and paying a high price in damaged health and low energy. Henry, from North London said: “I was introduced to Derin and after a consultation, and the advice given on some of the dangers around cooked foods and how simple it is to prepare natural raw foods has been a life changing journey. I have been liv-
ing a natural raw lifestyle for nearly 3 years now and have never looked back since.” Samantha said: “After the first week of being on the HealthRestore programme the keloids had reduced itching by 50 per cent and my stomach stopped bloating after every meal. This confirmed to me that I had definitely made a good investment in my health. Judy said: After six weeks I had lost 1 stone in weight, which was not something I had anticipated but this was nice and everyone was commenting on how well I looked. After doing the programme I had my fibroids measured and the largest one which was 9cm had now reduced in size to 6cm.” Workshops cost just £49.00 and are limited to 15 people per session. Pre-booking is essential. To find out more and make a booking please call: HealthRestore on: 0207 733 7077 or email: info@healthrestore.net