December 2009

I was shocked when I read the new guidelines issued by the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding self breast exams and mammograms. First of all I wanted to know -- What is the U. S. Preventative Services Task Force? According to their website they are “an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for preventive services." Currently the task force is composed of 16 health care experts, none of whom are oncologists. The task force recommended that women no longer perform a monthly self breast exam and only those women considered at “high risk” for breast cancer should have yearly mammograms before age 50. According to vice chair of the task force Dr. Diana Petitti, “We aren't against screening women in their 40s, we just don't think it should be routine." I find it very unsettling that risk models predict that by age 40 -- 1 out of 68 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The dust from this explosive USPSTF press release had not settled when the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists announced they were changing their recommendation on frequency of PAP testing. Without a doubt we all fear the speculum. But, since the introduction of the Pap test, deaths caused by cervical cancer have been significantly reduced in populations where women are screened regularly. One thing is for sure -- if you are diagnosed with any type of cancer sooner rather than later your survival rate increases. You have more options for treatment and in most cases you can take advantage of less painful and less aggressive therapies. It has never been more important for a woman to consult with her doctor on the best way to safeguard her health.

Good Health Gift Ideas 2009:
• Peace Lilies – B.C. Wolverton, author of “How to Grow Fresh Air” says that live plants are nature’s purifier. They eliminate the need for chemical based air fresheners and they add life to your home.
• A New Bed Pillow -- The average bed pillow contains microscopic bugs that eat dead skin cells and up to 47 different types of fungi. For optional health replace bed pillows every two or three years.
• Reebok EastTone Shoes – These new shoes have Balance Pod Technology to give you a better workout just by walking. Reebok marketing says it all – “Better legs and a better butt in every step.”

And finally, why not give a subscription to Good Health! Subscribing to my Good Health blog is FREE and will remind you and all the special women in your life to make the time to be good you.

Happy Holidays and Good Health!

Terry
“I like to spread Christmas cheer, by singing loud for all to hear.”
~Buddy The Elf