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Category: Health

Skin Cancer Awareness Month, RePin To Stop Skin Cancer

[ 2 ] May 19, 2012 | Shelley Zurek

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

melanoma-cancer-ribbon

Summer is right around the corner so it’s no surprise that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The focus of the campaign is to highlight prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer. In the US, each year, two million people are diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancers (mostly basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas). These cancers, while highly treatable, can lead to disfigurement when left untreated. The most deadly form of skin cancer is Malignant melanoma with 57,000 diagnosed and 9000 deaths from the disease in 2008. This figure continues to rise.

RePin to Stop Skin Cancer

Each year, a blogger I try to post about the Skin Cancer Awareness cause in May. As Blog readers and Bloggers, I am asking you to do your part to Stop Skin Cancer. You can protect yourself by avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and staying out of tanning beds. When you must be in the sun, cover up, wear and reapply sunscreen, and don’t forget your hat. You can help protect others by Repinning (to Pinterest) any or ALL of the following Skin Cancer Quotes to increase awareness as we roll into the summer months.

If you need a Pinterest invite just leave your email in the comments below. We’ll get you one right away. If you are a blogger and would like me to design a Skin Cancer Awareness Pin/Quote for your blog, just send me the quote and I will gladly put you one together so you can increase awareness from your blog!!

Pale is the New Tan Melanoma Awareness

States Melanoma Awareness

Ban Tanning beds Minors

UV Exposure Melanoma Awareness Month

Now give this post a Thumbs up on Stumble Upon, so that people all over the internet can get this important message!

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Infant meningitis, Death 48 hours? Protect Infants Now Meningococcal disease

[ 6 ] January 31, 2012 | Shelley Zurek

THINK ITS JUST THE FLU? Are you SURE?

Infant Meningitis can Look like the FLU

Meningitis in Infants (also called Meningococcal disease) can come on suddenly and a healthy child who catches meningitis can be dead in 24-48 hours. Many mistake meningitis for the flu because it mimics flu symptoms. The risk of meningitis death is much higher (three to seven times) in infants younger than one year of age because their immune systems are less sophisticated. It is possible to prevent Infant Meningitis via vaccines but the vaccine is not universally recommended as of yet.

INFANT MENINGITIS: DID YOU KNOW?

Meningitis in infants is highly preventable with a vaccine.
1/16 children who contract Meningitis will die from it
Children are currently immunized for mumps, measles, rubella and rotovirus–but more children die from meningitis than any of these diseases.
Of the infants who survive meningitis, many will have paralysis, limb amputations, strokes, seizures, severe scarring, hearing loss, brain and organ damage, and more.

WHAT CAN BE DONE to prevent Infant Menigitis?

Sign the Petition to Protect Infants Now (PIN) to encourage the CDC to include the Meningitis Vaccine in their recommended list of vaccines for infants.

Watch this meaningful video so you are clear on the message to Protect Infants now. A mother who lost her child to Meningococcal Disease shares her story:

Blog Note: WE participated in this Meningitis campaign on behalf of Mom Central & Meningitis Angels. This Meningitis campaign is made possible, partially through the support provided by Novartis Vaccines. As well, a small donation to the charity of my choosing was made via my name by Mom Central to thank me for my participation. As usual, all the opinions for this posting are one hundred percent my own.

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New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas $50 Menu Planning

[ 8 ] December 26, 2011 | Shelley Zurek

New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas– $50 Menu Planning

The Chief Blonde’s Wedding Anniversary is New Year’s Eve

Walt and my wedding anniversary is New Year’s eve. We had a big party and then were married at the stroke of midnight. We were married in a historic hotel in a town near us. George Bush Sr, his wife Barbara and some of his staff actually had dinner in the same room where we were married! It was a beautiful evening.

As a result, all of our friends expect us to have a New Year’s eve party every year! While we are happy to oblige it does get very expensive. Even if you ask them bring a dish to pass and some of their own alcohol…as the hosts we still try to have some main dishes, appetizers, beer, wine, pop, coffee, and champagne on hand. With party hats, decorations, ice and other party extras..you can quickly get yourself up to a $200-300 party! Whew…that’s just not possible this year with 4 kids in college! So…

When Aldi’s challenged us to take a look at their new line-up of award winning international exclusive wines and their other party food to pair with it…I was excited but never imagined we could get enough food and drink to easily entertain all of our friends for New Year’s eve for a mere $50. Take a look at all we were able to obtain for $50 and get some New Years eve budget Party ideas of your own:

New Years Eve Budget Party Ideas $50 Aldi’s Menu Planning:

1. Walker Napa Valley Red Wine-California– 2011 World Value Wine Competition Score: 88 points, Silver medal. Tastes of blackberry, black pepper, raspberry, dark cherry and vanilla lend itself to a blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. $7.99

2. Burlwood Merlot $4.99

3. Vina Decana Tempranillo–Spain– 2011 World Value Wine Competition Score: 88 Points, Silver Medal. Wine has a pleasingly dry taste composed of notes of red cherries, vanilla and finishing with subtle hints of oak. $4.99

4. Gonafalone Chianti (Italy) — Italy –2011 World Value Wine Competiton Score: 85 Points Pronounced ruby color, brilliant bouquet and dry! Well rounded flavor. $5.99

5. Hand rolled Blueberry and Goat Cheese Log– $2.99 (oh my goodness, I would have paid $10 for this…just scrumptious)

6. Brie Cheese Round — $2.99

7. X-Sharp White Cheddar–$2.69 (Once again, a product far that would sell for at least double in a gourmet store!)

8. Saltines — $.89

9. Black Pepper — $1.99

10. Thin Spaghetti — $.99

11. Holiday Tortilla Chips–$1.49

12. Wernsesgruner Beer — $5.99

13. Barbecue Kettle Chips — $1.99 (These chips were every bit as good as competitive chips and were half the price..really really yummy!)

14. Skim Milk — $2.29

15. Ground Black Pepper — $1.99

16. 6 in 1 Holiday Sprinkles–$2.99

Grand Total $53.65!!!!

Can you say Wow!

The Chief Blonde choosing among wines from Aldi’s Line up of Award Winning International Wines

The Chief Blonde Remarks: I was simply shocked at the line up of Award Winning International Wines that Aldi has available for this holiday season. I normally shop at Costco for Value wines where I consider a value wine a bottle priced under $10! Most of the Aldi Wines were priced at $4.99 with a few priced slightly above at $7.99! I really enjoyed all the wines I tried, you will note I chose all reds! My hands down favorites were Burlwood Merlot at $4.99 and the the Gonafalone Chianti (Italy). I would have never of guessed the Chianti was such an affordable wine at a mere $5.99…my guess for this wine would have been $12.99 or above. It was rich, full bodied and enjoyable! I will be back for more. Just as shocking was the value that I obtained for my $50 when shopping at Aldi. As you can see, I found everything I needed to make a lovely cheese pasta, appetizers of chips and cheese, and wine and beer to go with it! Now, I know I can have my friends and family over to celebrate New Year’s eve and our Anniversary and not break the bank! What Fun! Find out more about the fine award winning wines by visiting Aldi’s!

The Chief Blonde chooses Gonafalone Chianti (Italy) $5.99

Are you on a tight Budget this New Year’s Eve? Would you try Aldi’s Value award winning wines?

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI and received a gift certificate to facilitate my review.”

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Women Over 45, Combating Heat-related Illnesses

[ 3 ] July 18, 2011 | Shelley Zurek

NIH tips for older adults to combat heat-related illnesses

Risk of heat-related problems increases with age

Older people can face risks related to hot weather. As people age, their bodies lose some ability to adapt to heat. They may have medical conditions that are worsened by heat. And their medications could reduce their ability to respond to heat.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some advice for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known collectively as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body overheats. Conditions involving hyperthermia have different names, including heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat syncope (lightheadedness or fainting in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

Health-related factors that may increase the risk of hyperthermia include:

Pre-existing diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Decreased ability to move around
Dementia or cognitive impairment
Certain medications that may cause dehydration or that may affect the responses to heat by the heart, blood vessels or sweat glands.
Being substantially overweight
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Being dehydrated
Age-related changes in the skin, such as decreased functioning of small blood vessels and sweat glands

Lifestyle factors that can also increase the risk of hyperthermia include hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places, and not understanding how to respond to weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at special risk, should pay attention to any air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air conditioners should go to shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries or other places with air conditioning. In addition, they can visit cooling centers which are often provided by government agencies, religious groups and social service organizations in many communities.

Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. In heat stroke, the body temperature is at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Someone with heat stroke may have a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering and mental status changes such as confusion, combativeness, disorientation or even coma. Seek immediate medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

Move them into an air conditioned or other cool place
Urge them to lie down and rest
Remove or loosen tight-fitting or heavy clothing
Encourage them to drink water or juices if they are able to drink without choking, but avoid alcohol and caffeine
Apply cold water, ice packs or cold wet cloths to the skin.
Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

For a free copy of the NIA’s AgePage on hyperthermia in English or in Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or go to http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther.asp or www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther-sp.asp for the Spanish-language version.

The NIA leads the federal government effort conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute’s broad scientific program seeks to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. For more information on research, aging, and health, go to www.nia.nih.gov.

How are you Dealing with the HEAT? Are you watching others, who need help?

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Natural Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar for GERD, How I stopped taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)

[ 7 ] June 9, 2011 | Shelley Zurek

I take Apple Cider Vinegar each morning for my GERD instead of Proton Pump Inhibitors.

BLOG NOTE: The Chief Blonde is not a doctor. Nor does she play one on TV or this blog. This account relates her personal experience and that of her husband. You should always consult a doctor before altering or discontinuing your medical treatment.

According to Ehow.com, up to 33% of people in the US have heartburn syptoms (GERD), and ten percent have those symptoms daily. When you experience GERD, it can occasionally lead to inflammation in the esophagus which can then sometimes lead to cancer of the esophagus. Without getting to graphic, but just to let you know uncorrected (GERD) can also lead to the need for blood transfusions, ulcers, extended bleeding, and sometimes death. However, as reported by Consumer Reports Health.org, the drugs you take for treating GERD , Proton Pump Inhibitors (also referred to as PPI) such as Prilosec and Nexium, can lead to an increased incident of pneumonia and infection from the bacteria C. difficile. Hip fractures are another concern of long-term use of PPIs . Also a recent study the combination of PPIs and the blood thinner Plavix could increase the risk of a second heart attack.

I have had GERD (as diagnosed by a gastroenterologis) for 10+ years. When it first was diagnosed, I was at the point that I would have let the doctor remove my esophagus (kinda hard to live that way) because I was in so much pain with GERD. He prescribed a PPI (which one is unimportant as I took several) and I had relatively good results for years. The reason I stopped taking PPIs was twofold. One, I was concerned about the side effects and two, my husband had went off of them a year earlier after using Apple Cider vinegar with great results.

I took a lot of courage for me to try the Apple Cider Vinegar. To be honest, I tried it once, just taking 3-4 Tablespoons of the vinegar straight up and it soured my stomach and I was convinced it wasn’t for me. Then I retried the remedy, this time I had done a little more research. My approach the second time was to add 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to 6 oz of water and 1/2 teaspoon of natural honey. Heat in the microwave for 26 seconds (or until Lukewarm). Stir the mixture once warm, and slam back all at once. I drank this every morning and evening, a half-hour before meals. I did this religiously for about 6 months. The results were immediate (relatively) and I stopped taking my PPI within the first month of treatment (PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR–do not rely on my advice). After 6 months of this remedy, I scaled back to just the morning dose and that is what I have been doing for two years–no PPI in sight.

Yes, I still have the occasional GERD flare-up but NOTHING like before. Even on the PPI medicine, I had a hard time with stressful situations, bending over for extended periods (acid would splash up into my esophagus) and eating certain foods. Now, the flare-ups are minor in comparison and usually stress induced.

The Vinegar must be apple cider. I personally use Heinz. You will find various ways to take the Apple Cider Vinegar if you research this remedy. My approach may work for you or another that recommends more Vinegar, less water, etc. Like any natural remedy, you have to be willing to play with this. My gastroenterologist, when questioned about this theory, advised me to stay on PPIs but said taking the Apple Cide Vinegar could not hurt me. I would not take the Apple Cider Vingar undiluted. I always make sure to rinse my mouth thoroughly afterwards to prevent canker sores and then I drink another glass of cold water to rinse out my throat and esophagus. Remember, Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic!

As a Woman over 45, I am thrilled to be off of PPIs. I do not like to take medicine unless I have to. This approach worked for me. I relate it to you as an anecdote. I do not know your own medical history. Only you and your doctor can determine what works for you. As advised by WebMD.com– YOU MUST CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING apple cider vinegar to make sure it won’t interfere with other medicines or other conditions you have.

WHAT APPROACH DO YOU TAKE FOR YOUR GERD?