PINK PARTIES and HELPING HANDS(c)

"Catch a passion for helping others and a richer life will come back to you"

Help donate a mammogram

The Breast Cancer Site

What Should I Do if My Workplace Feels Like a Dysfunctional Family?

Women who battle frustration and silently scream from failed weight loss 
attempts, poor health, and lack of will power are not alone. It's not all about
exercise and diet. If your spirit isn't with the program, even the best
discipline might just lead to injury or worse yet feeling you failed even when
you gave it your "all."

Statistics show "dieting has a 95% failure rate and just by switching from a bad
lifestyle to a healthier one, one can expect to add as much as 14 years to their
life." But what do you do when you think you have done everything and the
results don't last?

To read the complete article entitled "Fitness and Exercise: How to Stop
Battling Frustration to Lose Weight" - By Amy Lundberg, go to
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/fitness_and_exercise_how_to_stop_battling.htm
l

2008 Philadelphia Go Red For Women Luncheon

2008 Philadelphia Go Red For Women Luncheon
06/06/2008
10:00am -- 1:30pm
Fee: $250
Location:
Park Hyatt Philadelphia Hotel at the Bellevue
Broad and Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Philadelphia Goes Red

Fight cardiovascular disease and go red in your own fashion at the 2008 Philadelphia Go Red For Women Luncheon. Now in its fifth year, this year’s event will take place on Friday, June 6, at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia Hotel at the Bellevue. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit women’s cardiovascular research and education programs. Health screenings and educational seminars will be held starting at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The reception and luncheon will start at 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Go Red For Women Luncheon is an exciting social and educational event designed to encourage women in the Delaware Valley to become champions of health. This year’s luncheon will feature educational seminars as well as a heart-healthy luncheon and red-themed fashion show with designs courtesy of Macy’s.

Co-Chairwomen: Elaine Thompson, President of Lankenau Hospital and Jennifer Fox, Senior Vice President, Regional Director of Wachovia Wealth Management

2008 Woman of Heart Honoree: Karen Dougherty Buchholz, Vice President of Administration, Comcast Corporation 

Individual tickets are $250. Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Sherry Ashton at (610) 234-2405 or sherry.ashton@heart.org.

National Sponsors: Macy’s and Merck

Philadelphia Goes Red Sponsor: Main Line Health System

Platinum Sponsor: Hahnemann Hospital

Gold Sponsors: AstraZeneca, Bank of America, Comcast Corporation, University of Pennsylvania Health System

 

Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.



For more information contact:
Sherry Ashton
610-234-2405
sherry.ashton@heart.org

2008 Philadelphia Heart Ball

2008 Philadelphia Heart Ball
02/23/2008
5:30pm -- TBD
Fee: Call for details
Location:
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1201 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Dinner, Dancing, Live and Silent Auctions

party

The Party of the Year!!!

A superb black-tie event, fine food, fine wine, spirited dancing to the music of "Slippery" and not one but two amazing auctions . . . has your company reserved their table yet?        


Table at Ball

  

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to our 2008 Supporting Partners

Presenting Partner:  AstraZeneca  

AstraZeneca logo

 

 

 

Gold Partners:  Centocor/Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, LLC
McKinsey & Company

Silver Partner:  Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc.

Bronze Partner:  Day and Zimmerman, Inc.

Patron:  Prescient

For more information contact the Gala Team:
Rena' Cozart 610.234.2404 Rena.Cozart@heart.org
Susan Liberace 610.234.2422 Susan.Liberace@heart.org
Kristin Wasniewski 610.234.2413 Kristin.Wasniewski@heart.org

NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY 2008

National Wear Red Day 2008

GRFW logo

Love your heart! The American Heart Association's National Wear Red Day will take place on Friday, February 1, 2008.

Wear Red Day is part of the Go Red For Women campaign, a nationwide movement celebrating the energy, passion and power we have to band together and wipe out heart disease - the No. 1 killer of women.

Millions of Americans - women and men alike - will be wearing red to show their support. So - educate yourself, know your risk and get connected!

Contact your local American Heart Association office to see how you or your organization can become involved.

National Sponsors:
Macy's
Merck

 

Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.

CANCER SCHMANCER MOVEMENT

Cancer Schmancer Movement - http://www.cancerschmancer.org
Cheat Sheet for Women's Cancers
http://www.cancerschmancer.org/articles/21/1/Cheat-Sheet-for-Women039s-Cancers/Page1.html
By Fran Drescher
Published on 10/17/2007
 
Print out this cheat sheet and stick it in your purse or handbag. It outlines the major risk factors and warning signs of gynecologic cancers.

Cheat Sheet for Women's Cancers

 

In the United States there are more than 75,000 newly diagnosed cases of uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer annually, the three most common gynecologic cancers. Each cancer may have a variety of symptoms and associated risk factors.

Risk Factors for Gynecological Cancers

  • I am not getting screened regularly with a Pap test
  • I am at high-risk for human papillomaviruses (HPV)
  • I smoke 
  • I am very overweight
  • I eat a diet high in fat.
  • I am a woman older than age 60
  • I started menstruating at an early age—before age 12
  • I take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs

Warning Symptoms for Gynecologic Cancers

  • Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or gas
  • Abdominal swelling or discomfort
  • Pelvic pain or cramping
  • Bloating or a sense of fullness, even after small meals
  • Backache
  • Painful, frequent, or burning urination with no infection
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss or gain
  • Vaginal bleeding or irregular periods
  • Pain during intercourse

If symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks, schedule a gynecologic exam right away. Request a Pap test, CA 125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound. Remember: Early detection equals survival!

Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662.
 

Lowering Breast Cancer Risk Through Healthy Living

Lowering Breast Cancer Risk Through Healthy Living

Women can play an active role in reducing their risk by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

- Weight Management: Breast cancer is often related to prolonged exposure to estrogen, and excess fat tissue promotes excess estrogen. So, it's a good idea to control estrogen levels by maintaining a healthy weight or shedding extra pounds.

- Alcohol Consumption: While moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial to a person's health, studies have shown that women who drink two or more alcoholic beverages a day are more than 20% more likely to develop breast cancer than women who drink less. ACOG recommends that women limit consumption to less than two alcoholic beverages a day.

- Hormone Therapy: Although hormone therapy (HT) is often the most effective treatment for alleviating symptoms of menopause, use of HT that has both estrogen and progestin has been linked to a slightly increased incidence of breast cancer. Therefore, ACOG recommends that women use the lowest dose necessary to relieve symptoms for the shortest amount of time possible.

- Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, high-fiber foods, and foods low in fat is beneficial for maintaining overall health and well-being. The USDA's food pyramid (www.mypyramid.gov) is a helpful guide for building a healthy diet based on the government's recommended daily allowance of essential nutrients.




http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84345.php

Genetics


Do you have a personal or family history of breast cancer? If so, that puts you at higher than average risk for ovarian cancer. All cancers are genetic, in the sense that cancers result from genes that go awry. However, only a minority of cancers are hereditary, that is, due to an inherited genetic mutation.

Please visit the website below.  You all know Fran Drescher....the TV Nanny....this is her site...join the movement...its a good cause and could effect you!





www.cancerschmancer.org

LAUGHTER FOR HEALTH

Laughter is good medicine for the physical body.  It has been found to reduce levels of certain stress hormones and boost the immune system.  According to a study reported at the American Psychosomatic Society meeting, “A large study shows that happy adults with heart disease are 20% more likely than equally ill, dour patients to stay alive for 11 years.” Also, “Happy people might be less likely to churn out a torrent of stress hormones, such as cortisol,” says cardiologist Jerome Fleg of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
 
Humor and laughter are cornerstones of a healthy emotional life.  They help you to boost your energy level, feel more relaxed, reduce anxiety and diffuse anger.  According to Bernie Siegel, “Laughter sustains a more positive mood and reduces the amount of time you spend in a state of irritation, anxiety, and depression.”   Paul E. McGhee, author of “Humor and Health,” agrees and states, “The sense of humor is one of the powerful tools to make certain that the daily mood and emotional state supports good health.  It maintains a healthy lifestyle in general.”  “People could actually extend their life spans with positive emotions,” says Beverly Brummett of Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.  When all is said and done, humor and laughter create emotional and physical relief while representing optimism and hope.  Now that’s a great wellness prescription for a happy and healthy life!
 
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND RELIEVE STRESS!!

The primary role of breathing is gas exchange: our cells need oxygen and their waste product, carbon dioxide, needs to be expelled. Breathing is an automatic body function, controlled by the respiratory centre of the brain. However, we can also deliberately change our rate of breathing.

Different healing systems, from different cultures, have long realised the healing benefits of the breath, including yoga, Tai Chi and some forms of meditation. Many holistic practitioners believe that the breath is the link between the physical body and the ethereal mind, and that spiritual insight is possible through conscious breathing.

Regardless of the philosophy, scientific studies have shown that correct breathing can help manage stress and stress-related conditions by soothing the autonomic nervous system.  Studies prove that simply learning how to breathe correctly can have these remarkable effects throughout your body.  Famous health guru, Dr. Andrew Weil, says that if he could only give one tip for better health, it would be to breathe properly. Proper breathing technique is central to the ancient practices of Yoga, Qi Gong, Ayurveda and other meditation disciplines  Breathing correctly is critical in maintaining the level of oxygen for energy, keeping the correct pH levels in the body, and enough carbon dioxide for bodily functions. Healthy people make 93 per cent of their energy aerobically ("in the presence of oxygen,") but poor breathing habits can reduce the amount of energy made aerobically to 84 per cent. Seventy percent of the elimination of wastes from the body is through breathing.

When your cells are bathed in abundant oxygen, you're free to relax and experience an abundant life. Chances are, your cells are starving. Almost 80% of the population restricts their breathing, especially when they need oxygen most! This unnatural, learned reaction to stress leads to more stress as it depletes your energy and limits health and vitality. It can be reversed.

Please also note that there are the right and wrong ways to breath.  There are so many sites about this.  Please let me know if you would like to learn more and I will certainly send you in the right direction.

Until then....take a deep slow breath...through your nose...and slowly...let it out through your mouth.....give yourself that bit of oxygen you need and relax!!!!

Managing Stress

  • Eliminate as many sources of stress as you can. For example, if crowds bother you, go to the supermarket when you know the lines won't be too long. Try renting videotapes rather than going to crowded movie theaters. Clear up the clutter in your life by giving away or throwing away the things that get in your way. A garage sale is one effective way to do this.

  • If you are always running late, sit down with a pencil and paper and see how you are actually allotting your time. Say it takes you 40 minutes to get to work. Are you leaving your house on time? You may be able to solve your problem (and de-stress your life a bit) just by being realistic. If you can't find the time for all the activities that are important to you, maybe you are trying to do too much. Again, make a list of what you do during the day and how much each activity takes. Then cut back.

  • Avoid predictably stressful situations. If a certain sport or game makes you tense (whether it's tennis or bridge), decline the invitation to play. After all, the point of these activities is to have a good time. If you know you won't, there's no reason to play.

  • If you can't remove the stress, remove yourself. Slip away once in a while for some private time. These quiet moments may give you a fresh perspective on your problems. Avoid stressful people. For example, if you don't get along with your father-in-law but you don't want to make an issue of it, invite other in-laws at the same time you invite him. Having other people around will absorb some of the pressure you would normally feel.

  • Competing with others, whether in accomplishments, appearance, or possessions, is an avoidable source of stress. You might know people who do all they can to provoke envy in others. While it may seem easy to say you should be satisfied with what you have, it's the truth. Stress from this kind of jealousy is self-inflicted.

  • Laborsaving devices, such as cellular phones or computer hookups, often encourage us to cram too many activities into each day. Before you buy new equipment, be sure that it will really improve your life. Be aware that taking care of equipment and getting it repaired can be stressful.

  • Try doing only one thing at a time. For example, when you're riding your exercise bike, you don't have to listen to the radio or watch television.

  • Remember, sometimes it's okay to do nothing.

  • If you suffer from insomnia, headaches, recurring colds, or stomach upsets, consider whether stress is part of the problem. Being chronically angry, frustrated, or apprehensive can deplete your physical resources.

  • If you feel stress (or anything else) is getting the better of you, seek professional help -- a doctor or therapist. Early signs of excess stress are loss of a sense of well-being and reluctance to get up in the morning to face another day.

Breast Health

Nipple Discharge Return to Previous

Nipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint for which women seek medical attention, after lumps and breast pain. A woman's breasts have some degree of fluid secretion activity throughout most of the adult life. The difference between lactating (milk producing) and non-lactating breasts is mainly in the degree or amount of secretion and to a smaller degree in the chemical composition of the fluid. In non-lactating women, small plugs of tissue block the nipple ducts and keep the nipple from discharging fluid. During breast self-exam, fluid may be expressed from the breasts of 50% to 60% of Caucasian and African-American women and 40% of Asian-American women.

The majority of nipple discharges are associated with non-malignant changes in the breast such as hormonal imbalances. However, any woman with a suspicious or worrisome nipple discharge (see below) should consult her physician.

Nipple Discharge is of Concern if it is:

  1. bloody or watery (serous) with a red, pink, or brown color
  2. sticky and clear in color or brown to black in color (opalescent)
  3. appears spontaneously without squeezing the nipple
  4. persistent
  5. on one side only (unilateral)
  6. a fluid other than breast milk

Causes of Nipple Discharge

Milky discharge (cloudy, whitish or almost clear in color, thin, non-sticky) is the most common type of discharge. Most milky discharge is caused by lactation or increased mechanical stimulation of the nipple due to fondling, suckling or irritation from clothing during exercise or activity. Drugs or hormones that stimulate prolactin secretion can cause spontaneous, persistent production of milk (galactorrhea). Prolactin is the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that starts the growth of the mammary glands and triggers production of milk. Some pituitary tumors cause excess prolactin secretion that can lead to milky nipple discharge, usually from both breasts (bilateral).  Opalescent discharge that is yellow or green in color is normal.

Most bloody or watery (serous) nipple discharge (approximately 90%) is due to a benign condition such as papilloma or infection. A papilloma is a non-cancerous, wart-like tumor with a branching or stalk that has grown inside the breast duct. Papillomas frequently involve the large milk ducts near the nipple. Multiple papillomas may also be found in the small breast ducts further from the nipple.

Of the benign conditions that cause suspicious nipple discharge, approximately half is due to papilloma and the other half is a mixture of benign conditions such as fibrocystic conditions or duct ectasia (widening and hardening of the duct due to age or damage). Most opalescent discharge is due to duct ectasia or cyst.

Suspicious nipple discharge is due to a malignant (cancerous) lesion just ten percent (10%) of the time.  Discharge caused by a malignant condition is almost always on one side only (unilateral). Discharge that is coming from both breasts (bilateral) is usually benign. Papilloma usually causes discharge from a single breast duct.

Nipple Discharge in Men

Both male and female adolescents may experience a milky discharge during puberty. Nipple discharge in the adult male is more often associated with a malignant condition than in the female. Mammography should be performed and biopsy should be performed if a mass or mammographic abnormality is found.

Bloody Discharge During Pregnancy

Bloody discharge during pregnancy/lactation is fairly common and usually not related to papilloma. During pregnancy and lactation, breast tissue grows rapidly and this can lead to duct irritation that causes bloody nipple discharge. This discharge should not interfere with nursing. If the discharge persists after lactation has stopped, it should be evaluated further.

Examination for Nipple Discharge

A blood test of prolactin levels is often made to determine hormonal causes of excessive milky discharge (galactorrhea). A hormone imbalance, pituitary tumor, and certain drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, hormone replacement or birth control pills may cause excessive prolactin levels.

If there is a suspicious nipple discharge (see above criteria), an examination by a physician should be performed. Clinical breast exam (CBE) is first performed. If a discharge can be produced during the examination, some of the fluid may be collected and examined under a microscope to see if any blood cells or cancer cells are present. This test is called a nipple smear. The discharge may also be examined for signs of infection such as pus. Papillomas may be seen with microscopic examination of a nipple discharge, but this test may be inconclusive.

If the discharge is bloody or serous, a mammogram is often the first test to be performed. Even when no cancer cells are found in a nipple discharge, it is not possible to rule out breast cancer or other condition such as papilloma.

If a patient has a suspicious mass together with nipple discharge, evaluation of the mass should be performed using mammography, adjunctive imaging and biopsy as necessary. If these tests are negative and show no malignancy, nipple smear should be evaluated.

Some papillomas are near the nipple and are large enough to be felt. In these cases, a needle biopsy can be done to test for malignancy or diagnose papilloma.

In some cases, a galactogram (also called a ductogram) is performed to aid in diagnosing the cause of an abnormal nipple discharge such as intraductal papilloma. However, a ductogram that does not show an abnormality does not exclude the fact that a significant lesion may be present.

Treatment for Persistent Nipple Discharge

The standard treatment for nipple discharge that has no hormonal involvement is duct excision. Duct excision is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. The procedure is usually done through a small circular incision near the areolar border around the nipple. It is not uncommon for the pathology found to be so microscopic that it is invisible without the assistance of a microscope. Typically, nursing ability and nipple sensation are preserved after duct excision. Breast-feeding in the other breast should have no affect from the duct excision in the opposite breast.

There is usually not a significant change in breast size/shape after duct excision since only a small amount of tissue is removed. There is no evidence of increased future risk of breast cancer from the procedure. Some suggest that there may be a slight increase in risk of breast cancer for patients with a papilloma, but this possibly higher risk has nothing to do with the treatment chosen.

Conclusion:

The above information and statistics are general guidelines. If you have nipple discharge that is worrisome, please do not hesitate to contact your physician or healthcare provider about it. However, keep in mind that most nipple discharge is not caused by breast cancer.

References:

Lois F. O'Grady, MD, et al., A Practical Approach to Breast Disease, Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1995, pp. 131-139.

Updated: April 2007

Return to Breast Health Main Menu

This Article Can Be Found At:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/nipple.asp

What is an abnormal Pap test?

What is an abnormal Pap test?

As part of your routine gynecologic exam, you will have a Pap test (also called a Pap smear). A Pap test is used to identify abnormal cell changes on your cervix and to screen for cervical cancer.

An abnormal Pap test indicates that cells on your cervix have changed. An abnormal Pap test result is not uncommon because the cells of the cervix normally undergo constant change. About 5% to 10% of women who have a yearly Pap test will have an abnormal result, but only a small percentage of these abnormal results indicate changes that may progress to cervical cancer.

What causes an abnormal Pap test?

Many abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Other types of infection-such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas)-may cause minor changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. Usually cell changes return to normal on their own or after an infection has been treated or has resolved on its own.

In some cases, untreated cervical cell changes that cause abnormal Pap tests may progress to precancerous or cancerous stages. Certain high-risk types of HPV, especially types 16 and 18, have been linked to the development of cervical cancer. However, changes in cervical cells usually progress slowly and take many years to become cancer cells.

What increases my risk for an abnormal Pap test?

Most cervical cell changes are the result of sexual transmission of HPV infection. High-risk sexual behaviors by you or your partner, such as having multiple sex partners and not using condoms, increase your risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are in a single-partner (monogamous) relationship, an abnormal Pap result caused by HPV may not indicate current high-risk behavior. Since HPV sometimes remains in body cells for many years, abnormal cervical cell changes can be the result of an HPV infection years earlier.

Smoking or having an impaired immune system also may increase your risk for cervical cell changes.

Having regular Pap test screening and follow-up evaluation of any abnormal results can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Will I have symptoms that indicate abnormal cervical cell changes?

Abnormal cervical cell changes themselves do not cause symptoms. An HPV infection-the most common cause of abnormal cervical cell changes-usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular Pap test screening is so important.

If an STD or another infection is the cause of your abnormal Pap test, you may have symptoms. STDs can have a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as a change in the amount, color, odor, or texture.
  • Pain, burning, or itching in the pelvic or genital area during urination or during sexual intercourse.
  • Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals.

What will I need to do if I have an abnormal Pap test?

Even though most abnormal Pap tests are caused by an HPV infection that will go away or inflammation that can be treated, you will need a follow-up evaluation to make sure your abnormal cell changes have gone away. The need for treatment will vary depending on whether your abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate, or severe.

  • If you have minor cervical cell changes, you may choose monitoring by your doctor (watchful waiting), an HPV test, or in some cases colposcopy and possibly cervical biopsy.
  • If you have moderate to severe cervical cell changes, you will need further evaluation by colposcopy and possibly a cervical biopsy. Then treatment that specifically destroys or removes the abnormal cells may be recommended depending on the biopsy results.

http://women.webmd.com/tc/Abnormal-Pap-Test-Topic-Overview

Facts from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

This year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. If detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram. Support The National Breast Cancer Foundation today and give the gift of hope to those in need.

once a month take your life in your own hands!

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