September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

Hi everyone!!! September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

Every 4 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Every 10 minutes someone dies of a blood cancer, more than 6 people an hour.

Leukemia and Lymphoma are blood cancers that originate in the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. These are a result of an acquired genetic injury to the genetic material of a single cell, becomes abnormal (malignant) and continuously multiplies. The accumulation of malignant cells become abundant and interfere with the body's production of healthy cells.

Let's support those fighting the battle against this disease.

Check out www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

What is being called the Multi-Talented Nutrient? Let's find out!

Hi everyone!

What is being called the "Multi-Talented Nutrient" and one of the most useful nutritional tools we have for improving overall health?

You guessed it Vitamin D3!!!

It is reported that many people are Vit D3 deficient and the awareness of the effects of this deficiency has startling effects. Vit D3, once it is processed, has hormone like activity which is essential to many functions of the body.

Deficiencies in Vit D3 have been linked to the following problems:
-low mood
-decreased cognition
-increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancer
-high blood pressure
-fibromyalgia
-diabetes
-multiple sclerosis
-rheumatoid arthritis
-increased risk of pre-eclampsia and insulin resistance during pregnancy

Vit D3 can help build a strong immune system! Vit D3 helps prevent excessive inflammation in the body and helps the cells that are needed to fight disease and unwanted invaders to our body.

Interesting research is showing that Vit D3 may also increase the sensitivity of tumor cells making them more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, thus improving efficiency of treatment.

It is recommended that 2,000 to 4,000 IUs (international units) of Vit D3 be taken daily, although this is dependant on your doctor's recommendation. There are blood tests that can be performed to show your Vit D3 levels, depending on your results, your doctor will be able to guide you and recommend the most beneficial dose for you.

So, do some research on Vit D3 and talk with your doctor to see if adding Vit D3 to your daily supplements would be beneficial for you and your overall health.

Thank you and start being an advocate for your health!

National Cancer Survivors Day!!!

Happy Sunday Everyone...And Happy National Cancer Survivors Day!!!

Yes, it is National Cancer Survivors Day and it is a day to celebrate life!

I encourage everyone to reach out to any cancer survivor you know and show your support for them. In my mind, if you are a cancer survivor, everyday is celebrated as cancer survivors day!

For more information on National Cancer Survivors Day, click the link below

www.ncsdf.org

Tell us what you think!

How has your life changed now that you are a cancer survivor or know someone close to you that has survived cancer?

What is SPF?

Hi Everyone,

It is the middle of the week and we are fast approaching the Memorial Day Holiday, the "beginning of summer". This is the time of year that brings the excitement of getting outside and hitting the beach. This is also the time of year that skin protection is a must. I have to admit I am not very "sunsmart", so I did some research to help us better protect our skin.

SPF means Sun Protection Factor. It is recommended using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF with both UVA and UVB protection. One of the biggest mistakes made with applying sunscreen is that we do not put enough on. Sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed skin and should be reapplied every 2 hours or more frequently if you are sweating, in and out of the water or are in windy conditions. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.

I have included a website link below that will help you be "sunsmart"!
http://www.gosunsmart.org/yourskin/yourskin_protection.shtml

Check this link out and learn all you can about protecting your skin!

Thanks Everyone!

Check Your Skin!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month; timing is everything as we are fast approaching the summer and its abundance of sunshine. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there has been an estimated 350% increase in the number of skin cancers over the past decade and a half. I was amazed when I saw that increase.

Get skin smart, log on to The Academy of Dermatology's website at http://www.aad.org for more information on "Understanding the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection and "How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam".

Also on The Academy of Dermatology's website, under the Public tab, scroll down to see other great educational information on your largest organ...your skin!!!

Remember, wear your sunscreen, not only when you are going to the beach but also when you are working in the yard or just running errands! Stay protected!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

This is skin cancer awareness month, don't forget to get your screens.

National Women's Health Week

I saw this on the Susan G. Komen website and wanted to share it with everyone.

"In the U.S., breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women ages 40-59. It's National Women's Health Week, so we encourage women to think about their breast self awareness! "

Check out more on this:
http://bit.ly//komenBSA

Happy Monday from Women of Hope!

I am Becky McGhee and I recently joined Women of Hope to volunteer my time and services to promote education for all women whose lives have been touched by cancer. I will be posting weekly blogs with helpful information and updates. I may post blogs more frequently if I have time sensitive updates or educational information I am excited to share with everyone. I am a cancer survivor myself and know from personal experience the need for stronger education efforts for women suffering from all types of cancer. I had breast cancer and realize the wealth of information out there for those with breast cancer. Women of Hope recongnizes the need for education for women with all types of cancer, we want to let you know you are not alone.

For this week, I want to let everyone know it is the 8th Annual National Women's Health Week and today, Monday, May 10, 2010, is National Women's Check Up Day. This is a great time to call your doctor to get your annual physical, mammogram and gynecological check up appointments...and don't forget your dental check up.

Check out the following website for more information on National Women's Health Week.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/check-up-day

We're young, but we're growing!

It's hard to believe what we have done in such a short time. Since the debut event on March 9th, so many people have contacted us to help or be helped. We've had the opportunity to talk to several groups of people with a heart for cancer patients and survivors. Plus, just today, Joy was interviewed by the Star News for an article they are featuring on Women of Hope. It should be in this Sunday's paper.

With our growth, it has become obvious that we need some key volunteer positions filled as soon as possible. There are three positions that will be critical for our start-up: a Communications Manager, a Volunteer coordinator, and a fundraising event assistant. Go to our website and the Volunteer tab to see the responsibilities for each of these key positions.

The Art of Women's Cancers art exhibit is our first big fundraiser. If you or someone you know would like to submit an art piece for the exhibit, please let Joy know. You can find out more information about what you need to do at our website. Click on the Art Exhibition tab. We want lots of entries.

Remember, this weekend in Bark For Life at 10 a.m. at Veteran's Park. If you are registering your dog, registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Women of Hope will be there. Stop by and say hello.

Then, next weekend, is Relay For Life.

Women of Hope has a blog page!!!!!

Women of Hope now has a blog page!!! Hurrah!!! Now I won't have to limit my words.

After our debut event on Tuesday evening, things have not slowed down. I am amazed at the number of cancer survivors and community friends who want to be a part of Women of Hope and who want to offer hope to women with cancer and their families. Please share our mission with everyone you know. Check out our website(that is still underconstruction and changing daily) and also our facebook page. We've posted photos of the debut event on Tuesday, March 9th.
www.womenofhopefightcancer.com