November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

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By Nurse Diane

This month has been spent with a lot of focus on food with information about what to eat, and what problems can develop such as GERD and diabetes problems especially with the recent passage of Thanksgiving, the biggest eating day of the year, well for me anyway.

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One of the issues about the digestive system hasn't been talked about yet, and that is stomach cancer.  November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.  Stomach cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer in the country.  It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world!  The main reason that this has such a high death rate is because it is ever even detected, it has already been present in your body for some time.

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Studies have shown that this type of cancer is largely hereditary, but there are some other factors that can put you at risk too...such as:

• Smoking;
• Obesity;
• Diets low in fruits and vegetables; and
• Diets high in smoked, salted and pickled foods.

Some ways to help prevent getting this cancer include:

• Early detection is the key to surviving stomach cancer.
• Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can potentially reduce the risk of stomach cancer
• Treatment of H. pylori infection (a common bacterial infection of the stomach) can decrease the risk of stomach cancer development.
• Knowing your family history and discussing it with your healthcare provider can help determine if you are at risk for inherited cancer syndromes

Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer include:

• Loss of appetite;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Bloating;
• Sense of fullness after eating small amounts of food (also called early satiety);
• Abdominal pain or vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel;
• Heartburn, indigestion or ulcer-type symptoms;
• Nausea; and
• Vomiting, with or without blood.

Ways to increase your awareness of Stomach Cancer include:

1. Know the factors that put you at risk for stomach cancer.
2. Know the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer.
3. Know your family history.

To learn more about Stomach Cancer, and things you can do, visit this site, and make sure to see your doctor if you have a family history, or any of the above signs or symptoms. Early detection and active prevention is essential for a healthier life.  http://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about-us

National Pet Cancer

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By Terry Orr

For as far back as I can remember, our families have always had pets.  On the farm there we cats in the barn (tending to the mice); dogs that help with some of the chores and notified us when someone was visiting; and a wide variety of other creatures.  Those of us who lived in the city or suburbs had dogs and cats as primary pet – but also had hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, and other interesting pets.

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It wasn’t until Pat and I got our Siamese cats (Bambi and Thumper) in the late 70’s that we became aware of cancer in our pets.  We lost Thumper to a stroke and Bambi to cancer.  A few years later – we lost two other cats to cancer – Lady and Tramp.  Each of these cats for the most part had long and healthy lives and not forgotten.

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Cancer is a disease that all too commonly affects our pets.  While no animal is immune from this disease, there are some things that you can to do lessen your pet’s chances of developing cancer (Source: Plum Street Pet Clinic Blog).

• Provide good nutrition and weight management for your pet.  Overweight animals and people are at an increased risk of developing cancer.
• Know your pet’s risk factors.  If you have a purebred pet, be sure you know what types of cancer are most common in the breed and what signs to watch out for.
• Spay or neuter your pet.  It is never too late, and spaying/neutering has been shown to prevent or reduce the risk of certain types of cancer including breast cancer.
• Try to keep your pet “clean.”  Do not expose your animal to pesticides, herbicides, asbestos, or cigarette smoke.  For that matter, don’t expose yourself, either!
• Keep up on wellness visits.  Make sure your pet comes to see us at least once a year to help catch problems early in process.

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According to WebMD - Cancer and diabetes are two important diseases the veterinarians at The Animal Medical Center treat every day.

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According to VPI, a pet insurance company, their top ten insurance claims for pet cancer treatment include tumors we veterinary oncologists commonly treat.

• Lymphoma or lymph sarcoma
• Malignant skin cancer
• Splenic cancer
• Bone or joint cancer
• Liver caner
• Chest cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Brain of spinal cord cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Cancer of the cells lining the inside of the chest and abdomen

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10 Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals according to Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS):

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow.
2. Sores that do not heal.
3. Weight loss.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Bleeding or discharge from anybody opening.
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

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So fellow pet owners, please ensure your Pet gets their annual check-up!

References and Links:

• http://www.plumstreetpet.com/blog/2011/11/pet-cancer-awareness-month/
• http://blogs.webmd.com/pet-tales/2012/11/national-pet-cancer-awareness-month.html
• http://www.vetcancersociety.org/10-common-signs-of-cancer-in-small-animals/

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National Flossing Day

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By Diane Forrest

Every time I think about flossing, I can't help but think about the scene in the movie Pretty Woman where she is in the bathroom flossing her teeth, but Richard Gere thinks she is doing drugs.  Julia Roberts gets embarrassed that she was caught red handed flossing her teeth.  I remember a dentist telling me once "you don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!"

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Today is National Flossing Day.  It comes the day after Thanksgiving as a reminder to clean your teeth properly after all the tasty eating done yesterday.  flossing.org has issued a proclamation for today, :Whereas This Nation will once again have spent a full day focused on food, on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and since it is good for each of us to floss after meals, Therefore, It is befitting and proper that the following day, November 23, 2012 be celebrated as National Flossing Day.

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During that day each and every person is encouraged to consider the role flossing has played in his or her life during the previous year, and to celebrate flossing so they can Help Spread "Peace of Mouth" in their own lives and the lives of others around them, in ways with and without floss.

All citizens of the universe are encouraged to search for ways to experience the JOY OF FLOSSING and thereby move beyond negative reasons to floss.

On this special day, our children should also be made aware of the richness and health that flossing can bring to life. Be this day so proclaimed in the name of all the Volunteers who have devoted time to the work of the National Flossing Council and to Help Spread "Peace of Mouth!"

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So today, on National Flossing Day, don't forget to floss in between each tooth, in fact, you can do this every day to keep your smile clean and healthy.

Celebrating National Espresso Day

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By Diane Forrest

Here in the south it has been unusually cold.  I am normally not a coffee drinker, but I have found myself fixing coffee more and more in the mornings.  Not only does it heat me up, but gives me a little extra boost in the mornings to keep me busy instead of hibernating as I want.

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In 1901 Luigi Bezzera in Italy must have had the same idea.  His workers wanted to drink coffee, to warm up and give them a little boost, but he calculated they were taking too much time on their coffee breaks.  He invented this machine that would force the water through the finely ground coffee giving them more of a kick, in less amount of coffee, so they could go back to work faster.  His invention also allowed the coffee to be prepared faster, and at a cup at a time.  According to punchbowl.com, Bezzera’s patent was sold in 1903 to Desidero Pavoni who began commercially producing and distributing the espresso machine throughout Europe.  These machines are now so affordable that people can have one at home, as well as their favorite coffee shop.

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Today is National Espresso Day.  I have an Italian friend who loves to drink one with a piece of biscotti.  So if you want to warm up quick, have a steaming hot cup of espresso  a cookie or piece of pie or cake, and relax and think about Italy and Luigi Bezzera who made this day possible.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving Day 2012

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By Diane Forrest

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  You get to visit with family, eat delicious food, and there is no stress about buying presents (that comes tomorrow!)  Today it’s just food, fun and football.

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One of the things I like to do at our Thanksgiving dinner is to go around the table, and ask people what they are thankful for.  Some years it is harder than others. Two years ago, it was very hard to be thankful when my husband had just passed away.  This year, it will be hard for my son's wife who lost her father, and her grandmother was diagnoses with cancer.  Even in the midst of tragedy, there is always something to be thankful for.  My son just started a new job on the 19th of this month, and even though he will be moving farther away, I am thankful that in this economy, that he has a good paying job.

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This has been a stressful year, with the presidential elections and debates, and television ads, and polls.  I am thankful that it is all over, and the country can get back to normal again.  I am thankful for my family, and my friends.  I have the best friends in the world, who are always there for me, listen to my problems, and keep me company during all the lonely times.   I am thankful for my dog, Snoopy.  He is always protecting me, letting me know if there is someone nearby, and never makes a mess.  I am thankful for all of you.  Writing on this blog not only keeps me busy and comforts me, but it also teaches me things about what is going on in the world today.

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So this year, go around your table and see what others are thankful for, even if it just being thankful for waking up this morning and smelling that fresh cooked turkey!

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Remember Our Troops

Encouraging others to remember our deployed troops is one of the most wide-reaching ways to support the active military during the holidays.

By reminding neighbors that our men and women overseas may need a boost of holiday cheer, you could touch hundreds of service members' lives this season. Talk to people, post on Facebook, send out Tweets or include a reminder in your holiday cards.

Although the holidays can be a difficult time for deployed service members and their families, there are countless ways you can show your gratitude and appreciation this season. Whether it’s a personalized message or a visit to a veteran, you can give back to those who give so much to our country.

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National Cashew Day

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By Chef Diane

A few weeks ago, as I was looking through the sale papers, I noticed there was a store that had nuts on sale.  I got a few bags of pistachio nuts for a friend, a few jars of roasted peanuts for my father, and a few cans of cashews for my trash mix that I make at Christmas.   Every year I make trash mix, or Chex mix.  I always put a can of mixed nuts, and 2 cans of cashews, because anyone who has ever made trash can tell you that people pick through and eat the cashews first.

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I also had an uncle who loved them, and he always got a huge can full at each gift giving occasion.   Cashews are very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese.  They make a great snack, and a healthy treat.

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Today is National Cashew Day; why not celebrate the day by eating some or using them in your favorite recipe.  Below is my recipe for Trash...it’s simple to make, and a delicious treat!

CHEX TRASH MIX

Ingredients

6 cups Corn Chex

6 cups Rice Chex

1/2 bag pretzels, the knot type

1 large can mixed nuts

1 large can cashew nuts

6 TBS butter

2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 tsp season salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 250. 

In a large roaster combine all the ingredients and mix.

Melt butter and mix with Worcestershire sauce and season salt. 

Pour over cereal slowly, stirring as you pour. 

Place in oven and stir every 15 minutes. 

Careful not to crush the cereal. 

Remove in 1 hour and spread over paper towel. 

Let cool and then bag up.

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