YOUR LIVER...HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT?

Do you know the following facts about your liver...if you are like many the liver is not an organ we often think about but it is a very important one and we should be more aware of how to protect it. The following facts are from the American Liver Foundation site where you can learn more.

The liver is one of the body’s largest organs, performing hundreds of functions every day. It removes harmful substances from the blood, makes bile to help digest fat, and stores energy.

30 million Americans - one in every 10 - are or have been affected by a liver, biliary, or gallbladder disease.

Liver disease and cirrhosis are the 7th leading cause of death among adults between the ages of 25 and 64 in the U.S.

Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many more, if detected early, can be treated effectively.

About 15,000 children are hospitalized every year with pediatric liver diseases or disorders.

There are more than 100 types of liver disease, but hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common.

There are vaccines that can protect you against hepatitis A and B, but not hepatitis C.

Chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease are the leading causes of cirrhosis in the U.S.

About one-third of the U.S. population becomes infected with hepatitis A during their lifetime, though most recover in a few weeks.

More than four million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C; it is responsible for 8,000-10,000 deaths annually.

1.4 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis B; it is responsible for 5,000 deaths annually.

Hepatitis B and C significantly increase the risk of liver cancer, one of the only cancers currently on the rise in the U.S.

Hepatitis C is the number one reason for liver transplantation in this country.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), an obesity-related chronic liver disease, may affect as many as one in every four adults over the age of 18.

OPEN WIDE FOR ORAL HEALTH

Oral health is part of total health. Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease has been shown to be associated with premature births and lower birth weights in babies whose mother have periodontal disease, increase in heart disease and a complication associated with diabetes. Proper oral examinations also help detect early signs of oral cancer.
October is National Dental Hygeine Month so take out some time to learn more how you can improve yours and your family's oral health. Visit American Dental Hygienist Association website.

WALKING THROUGH TILL YOU CAN WALK OUT

This is not going to be the usual shout out about why you should leave, why the toxic relationship that you are in is no good for you...you have heard it before and I couldn't tell you anything new even if I tried to. What I hope to share is a way to help you walk through it until you are ready to walk out.
I have come to realize, as I reflect back on my life as a person who has been a partner in emotionally abusive relationships, leaving is a process. There are many considerations that an individual must look at and decide for themselves what will be the best way for it to end for them. NO ONE CAN WALK THE PATH YOU WALK. Am I saying you should stay...HELL NO...especially if you have children that are part of the chaos...but the steps are yours. I will say right here if you or your children are in imminent danger, there are firearms in the home, you have reached the point of being homicidal or the abuse has resulted in you or your children suffering serious physical harm..I SAY RUN... NOT WALK...NOW and work through the process somewhere other than where you are..somewhere safe. (more)

BREAST CANCER-YOU NEED TO KNOW

October has arrived and in the Northeast there has been a chill in the air and much anticipation of the beautiful fall foliage that I often refer to as God's Finger-painting...but there is a more serious side of October...it is the month for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Despite years of pins, ribbons, hat and other awareness items, according to the CDC breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women and second in African American, White, Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
An Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young (women under 40) has been established that will assist the CDC in developing approaches to advance the awareness of breast cancer among young women through prevention research, public and professional education and awareness activities.
Today, still the best way to first notice an abnormality of your breast is through self-examination and knowing what changes to look for. You can download the pamphlet Understanding Breast Changes: A Guide for Women. Recently there has been controversy over when women should begin to have mammograms, which is the best test to detect breast cancer. I recommend women speaking with their health care practitioner to determine their individual risk and what he/she advises. A recent frightening CDC statistic is that more than 7 million women have not had a recent screenings and that one of five women between the ages of 50-74 has never had a mammogram. For women in that age group they should at least have one every two years or whatever their history and practitioner deems appropriate.
There are lifestyle changes that lower your risk for developing breast cancer which are regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and minimize your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
It is important to note that men can also develop breast cancer and should also be aware of the need to also examine their chest, pectoral muscle area, nipples, and underarms. If there is any discharge from the nipple he should bring this to the attention of his practitioner for further examination. Also men want to observe for any visual changes like discoloration, puckers, or patches.
There is no reason for women not to have mammograms. If cost is a concern The National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs offers free or low-cost mammograms. To find a program local to your area visit NBCCEDP
So as God blesses you with His “finger painting” masterpiece of the season...hit the email button and be a blessing...share with a friend and use the Health Care E-Card to send mammogram reminders.

KEEP BABIES SAFE- SIDS AWARENESS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome claims the lives of about 2,500 infants annually and remains despite research unpredictable. It is the leading cause of death for infants between the ages of 1 month to 1 year with the most cases occurring in infants 1 – 6 months of age.
There is no specific warning sign but there does appear to be a combination of risk factors associated with SIDS. The incidence of SIDS is higher during the cold weather months. Most SIDS death occurs in infants between 2 months to 4 months of age and more in boys than girls. The incidence of SIDS is three times higher in babies of Native American decent and two times higher in babies of African American decent.
Other risk factors include
*The use of tobacco products, alcohol and/or drugs during pregnancy
*The lack of early and continued prenatal care which often leads to premature births
or babies born with low birth weights
*Females giving birth before the age of 20
*Second hand smoke
*Overheating
*Placing baby on their stomach to sleep

There are steps that can be taken to lower a baby’s chance of SIDS
*Always place the baby on a safety approved crib mattress that is covered with a fitted sheet
*The crib should contain no soft objects, pillow bumpers, loose bedding or toys
*Breast feed your baby if possible
*Place the baby’s crib in the parents room when possible, if there is not room, do not place baby in bed with
*Avoid having the baby around individuals with a respiratory infection
*Offer the baby a pacifier at night
*Be sure the same information is given to any person that will care for the baby in your absence

The lost and grief associated with SIDS affects not only the parents, siblings, grandparent but also many others individuals that cared for and loved the child. It is important that these individuals take advantage of grief counseling services when needed and not feel that they have to face their grief alone. Don’t try to put on a good face or feel you need to be strong for others but allow yourself time to grieve and reach out to others who have experienced the same lost. Visit SIDS Families for support.
Research continues to determine more facts to help the number of deaths to SIDS continue to decline…but everyone who cares for infants must do their part to keep babies safe during sleep.

Get the pamphlet for Safe Sleep For Babies

THE OTHER SIDE OF BREAST CANCER

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So much attention is focused on breast cancer in women but I want to remind the men and the women who love them that men do get breast cancer. Men have a small amount of non-functioning breast tissue which the growth is normally hated by the male hormone testosterone. There are certain conditions where men will have larger breast due to elevations in the female hormone estrogen. Also obesity has been associated with elevated levels of estrogen in men.
Breast cancer in men is rare, accounting for about 1% of all breast cancer, meaning there will be an estimated 1, 970 new case diagnosed in men and of those diagnosed 390 will die as a result. Just as with women, there are certain environmental and genetic factors that play a part in men developing breast cancer. A male that finds a firm, non-painful mass located below the nipple or any skins changes in the nipple are itself should see their practitioner. There are several ways a diagnosis can be made – a needle biopsy, removal of a portion of or the entire mass or if there is discharge of fluid from the nipple a smear can be made and examined. Just as with women, the treatment required will depend on the staging of the cancer and the condition of the patient. The need for awareness and treatment is the same as for cancer of the breast in women. To learn more about breast cancer in men visit Breast Cancer in Men Detailed Guide

OCT. 7TH -NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY

Not All Wounds Are Physical
National Depression Screening Day is October 7th
Not all wounds are physical. Depression, PTSD and related mood disorders can not be seen on an x-ray. Yet mental illness is just as painful. And the stigma associated with the disease often prevents many from seeking help and getting treated. National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) gives people access to an anonymous validated, screening questionnaire and provides referral information for treatment. Visit Help Yourself Help Others to find a local organization offering depression and anxiety screenings or take a screening online today.