February 2013

There is some exciting news in the fight against breast cancer!

A seventeen-member team of researchers at the University of Minnesota and its Masonic Cancer Center have identified a human enzyme they believe is responsible for the cell mutations found in a majority of breast cancers. Lead researcher Dr. Reuben Harris, Ph. D. and his team found that APOBE3CB was present in high levels in breast cancer cells. According to Dr. Harris, APOBEC3B is a biological “double-edged sword” because it protects some cells from viruses but produces mutations that cause cancers. The next step is to figure out how this enzyme and the other 10 in its family mutate cancers and which ones they affect.  If future studies confirm that high APOBEC3B levels indicate the presence of breast cancer this discovery could lead to better therapeutic outcomes for patients. It is possible that one day an enzyme blood test could detect breast cancer well before a mammogram and a drug(s) could be developed that block APOBEC3B from causing nasty mutations that lead to tumor formation -- totally changing the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. 

I'm sure that most of you are familiar with the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate and oysters but what about basil?  Sweet Basil is a stimulant and is used in aromatherapy to fight depression and anxiety and to cure headaches.  For centuries basil’s “alluring” aroma has been said to drive men wild -- so much so that women would dust their breast with dried and powdered basil. When consumed basil has a warming effect on the body that helps increase circulation, stimulate sex drive, increase fertility and produce a general sense of well being.  It’s powerful stuff so please make sure you use basil responsibly.

This Valentine’s Day make the time to be good to you and sprinkle some basil on it!

Happy Valentine’s Day and Good Health!

Terry

“When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.”

~Regina Brett, Number 10 of 45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On

Please let me know what you think about this month's post by leaving a comment.  THANKS!
NOTE:  It may take up to 24 hours for comments to appear.  

January 2013

In December 2012, Dancing with the Stars co-host, Brooke Burke-Charvet posted on her “Modern Mom” blog that she was going to have surgery to remove a cancerous lump from her thyroid.  Today the beautiful, 41-year old mother of four is cancer-free and feeling lucky that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes.  On January 8, 2013, just one month following a thyroidectomy, Burke-Charvet appeared on Good Morning America to share her story, which began during a routine physical exam when her physician suggested a biopsy of suspicious lump in her neck.  When results of the biopsy came back as inconclusive Burke-Charvet decided not to wait and took action.  She had genetic testing that gave her doctors more information about the lump.   This information helped her make the decision to have surgery in spite of the fact that she would likely have to take medication for the rest of her life and have a large horizontal scar in a very visible place on her neck.  Burke-Charvet has a new found respect for life and she’s not hiding behind scarves and turtlenecks.  Instead she is spreading awareness about thyroid cancer.  Here’s what you need to know:  Thyroid cancer is caused when abnormal cells begin to grow in the thyroid gland. The medical community believes that exposure to a lot of radiation can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer.  Some people with thyroid cancer don’t have any symptoms and like Burke-Charvet find a lump accidently or during a routine physical.  Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump or swelling of the neck, pain in the neck or ears, trouble swallowing and/or breathing or constant wheezing, a hoarse voice and a frequent cough not related to a cold.

What are you supposed to bring to an Ultrasound Party?  I have no idea but evidently we all need to find out because they are becoming increasingly popular.  Expectant parents invite family and friends to view their baby in utero while a licensed ultrasound technician performs an ultrasound on the expectant mother.  During the procedure party guests huddle around a monitor, sip champagne and nosh on chicken wings. Gender revealing and multiple birth announcements are a popular part of these co-ed events.  If you are thinking about hosting an ultrasound party it won’t be cheap.  The cost to have a licensed ultrasound technician come to your home can be as much as $500. Personally I’m thinking it’s just that next level of oversharing – TMI.  On the other hand, maybe I’m just getting old and I no longer have any idea what is cool. 

Make the time to be good to you.  Don’t buy diet or fat-free food.  Just eat less of the real thing.  It usually tasted better and you’ll feel more satisfied.

Good Health!

Terry

“Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect.”

~Margaret Mitchell

Please let me know what you think about this month’s post by leaving a comment.   

December 2012

It’s December and time for the 2012 Edition of Good Health! Gifts . . .

Zipbuds Tangle-Free Earbuds -- Starting at $19.95.  Fashion meets function in these fun earbuds that combine military technology and great sound quality.   They’d be a great gift for just about anyone that uses earbuds when they workout.  http://www.zipbuds.com

The Meat Free Monday Cookbook by Paul, Stella & Mary McCartney -- $19.  This celebrity cookbook is not about becoming vegetarian but rather it highlights practical ways to reduce the consumption of meat.   It contains simple recipes using fresh produce, good fats and alternative protein sources that can make a huge difference to the health of our planet, to your personal health and to the health of your pocketbook. http://www.amazon.com/Meat-Free-Monday-Cookbook-Every/dp/1906868697

Royal Rivera Pears from Harry & David -- Starting at $29.95.  Pears taste great and they’re high in fiber.  They are also a good source of the mineral boron.   That’s important because the latest research suggests that boron plays an important role in the retention of calcium making the humble pear an osteoporosis preventer.  http://www.harryanddavid.com/h/fruit-gift/1

Zapi UV Brush Sanitizer -- Starting at $30.  The germaphobe on your holiday gift list is sure to appreciate this sanitizer that eliminates 99.9% percent of germs and bacteria living on a toothbrush.  http://www.violight.com

Nike+ FuelBand -- $149.  The Nike+ FuelBand is a plastic bracelet you wear on your wrist to track your daily fitness. FuelBand uses a sports-tested accelerometer to measure arm movements so it’s all about overall activity. Pedometers are so 2011.  With a Nike+ FuelBand you decide how active you want to be and then you use the iPhone app to monitor your progress.

http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/lp/nikeplusfuelband

Intimina by Lelo Laselle Kegel Exercisers – Starting $12.95.  Like something out of the pages of Fifty Shades of Grey, these silicone spheres are inserted into a woman’s vagina and help “discreetly target and strengthen” the pelvic floor.   They come in three different resistance levels and “emit a subtle vibration during movement to give you the instant confirmation” that they are in the correct position.  It’s like having a personal trainer for your intimate health.  http://www.intimina.com

The Gift of Friendship – Priceless.   According to Yvonne L. Michael, lead researcher of the Nurses’ Health Study, close friendships provide a buffer for stressful living that is likely to affect your immune and endocrine systems allowing you to age healthier.”  Friends increase your sense of belonging, boost your happiness, reduce stress, improve your self-worth and truly are a special gift. 

Make the time to be good to you this holiday season and hang out with friends -- you’ll be happier and healthier in 2013 if you do.

Merry Christmas, Happy 2013 & Good Health!

Terry

“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make everyday a holiday and celebrate just living.”

~Amanda Bradley