Thursday, April 30, 2009

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, otherwise known as CLL or cancer of the blood cells, is the most common type of adult leukemia. CLL accounts for nearly one-third of all leukemia cases. The average age of diagnosis is 72.

The May 2009 issue of NARFE magazine has a terrific article on CLL by Dr. Marilyn S. Radke. She says:

"Leukemia starts in the bone marrow -- the soft material in the center of bones where blood cells are formed (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). CLL starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the bone marrow. CLL invades the blood and can spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and other parts of the body.

"One type of CLL grows slowly, rarely needs treatment and has an average survival of 15 years.

"Another type of CLL grows faster and has an average survival of eight years.

"Risk factors for CLL include:
- Certain chemical exposures;
- Family history (parent, sibling or child had CLL);
- Male gender;
- North American and European race/ethnicity.

"Smoking, diet, radiation and infections are not proven risk factors for CLL, and there are no known risk factors for CLL that a person can change to prevent this cancer.

"Symptoms of CLL can include the following:
- Weakness;
- Fatigue;
- Weight loss;
- Fever;
- Night sweats;
- Swollen lymph nodes (felt as lumps under the skin);
- Pain or 'fullness' ion the belly after eating (due to an enlarged spleen)."

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Gentle Pilates at the WCRC



A "Gentle Pilates" class, with Erica Wright Belle, is being offered by the Women's Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) at their place in Oakland.

Gentle Pilates
Saturday, May 2, 10 - 11 am
RSVP: margo@wcrc.org or 510-601-4040x111
Where: 5741 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Walnuts Reduce Cancer in Lab Mice

todaysthv.com reports that researchers have found that walnuts reduce cancer in lab mice.

You can read the story at this link.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Breast Cancer Rate Tumbles to a Record Low


British online newspaper, The Independent, reports that "Britain's cancer community was celebrating yesterday after the charity Cancer Research UK reported that deaths from the disease have fallen to a record low."

The report also says that, even though the death rate has plummeted, the incidence of cancer has soared, doubling since 1971 to over 45,000 cases per year. "Breast cancer is now Britain's most common cancer, even though it principally affects only one sex (there are a few hundred male cases per year)."

The article points to early screening, improvements in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and longer-term hormone treatments as the cause for the drop.

See this link for The Independent's Health & WellBeing page.

What Are Friends For?

from the NY Times:

Excerpts from What Are Friends For? A Longer Life By TARA PARKER-POPE

Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health.

A 10-year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.

A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight.

And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age. “In general, the role of friendship in our lives isn’t terribly well appreciated,” said Rebecca G. Adams, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. “There is just scads of stuff on families and marriage, but very little on friendship. It baffles me. Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships.”

In a new book, “The Girls From Ames: A Story of Women and a 40-Year Friendship” (Gotham), Jeffrey Zaslow tells the story of 11 childhood friends who scattered from Iowa to eight different states. Despite the distance, their friendships endured through college and marriage, divorce and other crises, including the death of one of the women in her 20s. Using scrapbooks, photo albums and the women’s own memories, Mr. Zaslow chronicles how their close friendships have shaped their lives and continue to sustain them. The role of friendship in their health and well-being is evident in almost every chapter. Two of the friends have recently learned they have breast cancer. Kelly Zwagerman, now a high school teacher who lives in Northfield, Minn., said that when she got her diagnosis in September 2007, her doctor told her to surround herself with loved ones. Instead, she reached out to her childhood friends, even though they lived far away. “The first people I told were the women from Ames,” she said in an interview. “I e-mailed them. I immediately had e-mails and phone calls and messages of support. It was instant that the love poured in from all of them.” When she complained that her treatment led to painful sores in her throat, an Ames girl sent a smoothie maker and recipes. Another, who had lost a daughter to leukemia, sent Ms. Zwagerman a hand-knitted hat, knowing her head would be cold without hair; still another sent pajamas made of special fabric to help cope with night sweats. Ms. Zwagerman said she was often more comfortable discussing her illness with her girlfriends than with her doctor. “We go so far back that these women will talk about anything,” she said. Ms. Zwagerman says her friends from Ames have been an essential factor in her treatment and recovery, and research bears her out.

In 2006, a study of nearly 3,000 nurses with breast cancer found that women without close friends were four times as likely to die from the disease as women with 10 or more friends. And notably, proximity and the amount of contact with a friend wasn’t associated with survival.

Just having friends was protective. Bella DePaulo, a visiting psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, whose work focuses on single people and friendships, notes that in many studies, friendship has an even greater effect on health than a spouse or family member. In the study of nurses with breast cancer, having a spouse wasn’t associated with survival.

“People with stronger friendship networks feel like there is someone they can turn to,” said Karen A. Roberto, director of the center for gerontology at Virginia Tech. “Friendship is an undervalued resource. The consistent message of these studies is that friends make your life better.”

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Women's Health Fair at San Leandro Library May 16th

The 2nd Annual Women's Health Fair will be held at the San Leandro Public Library:

When: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: San Leandro Public Library, in the Karp/Estudillo Room and Lecture Hall
Address: 300 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro, CA
What: Free health screenings, hear about nutrition facts every woman needs to know, talk to health professionals, obtain the latest women's health information.


They will also have speakers on the following topics:
Feeling Fabulous After 50 from Head to Toe
Weight Loss at Any Cost vs. Health at Any Size
Fitness at Home: Exercises You Can Do in Your Living Room
Breast Cancer: Learn the Statistics, Risks and Latest Treatments


Free admission, but reservations are required by calling (510) 583-8818, or by visiting their government district website.

Thanks to California State Assemblywoman, the Honorable Mary Hayashi, for sponsoring this.

Diabetes Study: Doctors Too Strict in Treatment

USA Today (April 21, 2009) reports that "doctors may be urging their Type 2 diabetes patients to maintain blood-sugar goals that are too strict, suggests an article in this week's Annals of Internal Medicine."

The authors of the journal study reviewed several trials of people with Type 2 diabetes and noted that, in their opinion, the patients are "burdened with complex treatments, hypoglycemia, weight gain and costs."

The authors go on to say that treatment concerning A1C level should be on a case-by-case basis, and not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. They suggest that physicians focus more on supporting healthy habits, preventive care and reducing cardiovascular risks as well as individualizing patients' A1C targets.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Exercise Will Reduce Risk of Cancer & Dementia

Exercise is a wonderful thing. It's absolutely a motivator to read about the benefits of walking, my preferred way of getting exercise.

Exercise reduces the risk of colon cancer and probably breast cancer. New research confirms this, according to the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter (May 2009). The British Journal of Cancer combined the results of 52 studies and found that physical activity reduces the risk by 24%, on average. And a recent German study of nearly 10,000 women concluded that physical activity could indeed help protect against breast cancer, especially for women over 50.

Research has consistently found that staying physically active is a key to preserving brain function. Studies have shown that older people who get regular exercise are less likely to decline mentally or develop dementia. Aerobic exercise such as running or cycling seems especially beneficial, but any activity can help, including strength training and ballroom dancing (these two were the focus of recent studies). Exercise probably benefits the brain by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, controlling weight, and improving cholesterol levels and blood sugars. In addition, brain scans show that aerobic exercise can actually improve brain activity and produce new brain cells and connections between them.

I'm posting this as I get ready to go out and walk my 3 miles. As I said, this kind of news is a great motivator.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Oats Are a Good Source of Fiber

Oats, along with barley, are the best source of a kind of soluble fiber called beta glucan. Beta glucan helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL). So, when you see a healthy claim on oat products, believe it.

Oat fiber helps control blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.

Oats contain phytochemicals such as saponins and other antioxidants that may also help reduce the risk of heart disease. They may also help relax blood vessels and maintain blood flow.

All forms of oatmeal (such as old-fashioned, instant, steel-cut) are whole grains and are similarly nutritious. But "oatmeal breads" barely have enough oatmeal to allow them to maintain that healthy image, but not enough for actual health.

Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, May 2009

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Take Classes

I went to my first Diabetic Group meeting today. Actually, it's not my first, but I barely remember the other group meeting I attended; it was about 3 years ago or so.

I don't understand enough about diabetes, and I feel stupid even admitting that. So I admitted it today among the other 5 members and 3 staff. Fortunately, they're starting a Diabetics 101 at my clinic, and will notify me when it starts in a month or two.

My biggest problem with handling my diabetes is nutrition. I don't really understand what is a good meal, how to make a nutritious meal (that I will eat). What could be tasty but nutritious. And they apparently have one of THOSE classes going right now, once a month, so I'll attend that, too.

I made a goal of eating in a healthy way a few months ago, but I'm having problems following through. Hopefully, these classes, this information, will help.

Rage Workshop May 21st

The WCRC is holding a free Rage Workshop at their offices on May 21st:

Healing Rage Workshop
Transform your rage~
A Rage Workshop is being given by the Women's Cancer Resource Center on May 21, 2009.

Host: Ruth King
Type: Education - Workshop
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Women’s Cancer Resource Center
Street: 5741 Telegraph Avenue
City/Town: Oakland, CA
Phone: 5106014040

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Skin Cancer Deadliest for Women in Their 20's

According to a new United Kingdom study, as reported by News-Medical.Net: "The deadliest form of skin cancer has now become the most common kind of cancer for women in their 20s - according to the latest figures from Cancer Research UK which launches its 2009 SunSmart campaign today.

"Almost every day of the year in the UK a woman between 20 and 29 is diagnosed with malignant melanoma - the potentially fatal form of skin cancer. In this age range there are twice as many cases of melanoma as there are of breast cancer.

"Latest figures show around 340 women in their 20s were diagnosed with melanoma in a single year.

"And for women in their thirties melanoma has risen to be the third most common cancer after breast and cervix."

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Omega-3 Vitamins Can Fight Cancer

The Senior Journal (seniorjournal.com) reported that, "Researchers who found that docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils, reduced the size of tumors in lab animals and enhanced the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, while limiting its harmful side effects, are calling for wider use of omega-3 in the fight against cancer."

For the entire article, see this link.