DID YOU KNOW THAT TWO-THIRDS OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS ARE OVER WEIGHT OR OBESE?

    Since Michelle Obama decided to shine a light on the business of childhood obesity, a plethora of research and journal articles have exposed statistics on the exponential gaining of weight that U.S. citizens have experienced over the past decade. A summary of a few cogent points on the weight gaining in America over the past ten years indicates that presently two-thirds of the U.S. population is over-weight or obese, including 18% of adolescents. Childhood obesity has tripled in the past decade, and now researchers and pediatricians are concerned that this generation of children might be the first who do not outlive their parents due to health issues, obesity, and nutritional concerns.

The reasons for this incredible gaining of weight by children are many, including eating processed foods, snacking on high fat and low in nutrition foods, high sugar diets, high fats diets, eating more fast food, less time spent in physical activities, and larger food portions at restaurants. Even living near fast foods restaurants has been correlated with obesity in children. Since parents are the ones who choose and purchase the food their children eat for meals, school lunches, and snacks, it is the parents’ responsibility to provide healthy options for feeding their children.

Here are some healthy snack alternatives that are sure to please the children and/or the adults in your family. Remember to have the snacks already washed, prepared, and ready for the best approach to convenient snacking. You could package the snacks in pre-measured containers for portion control. These are also good snacks to take to work so you don’t spend money and waste calories at the soda and snack machines.

1. Hummus and baby carrots- Hummus is made from chickpeas that add fiber and vitamins, garlic that is great for the immune system, and olive oil which is a “good” source of fat that helps to reduce inflammation, increase immune functioning, and supply energy. Additionally, baby carrots contain vitamins and beta-carotenes which are cancer preventing and attack free radicals in the body, and are good for the teeth and eyes.
   

    

2. Bananas- Bananas are loaded with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. According to the USDA Children’s Nutritional Research Center, bananas also help to control weight and increase stamina through inulin, a prebiotic fiber that regulates appetite control hormones.
   

    

3. Whole wheat bread or whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter- The whole wheat provides vitamins, minerals, and good fiber. The peanut butter is high in vitamin E which has been proven to prevent cellular damage and it provides a source of “good” fats which is changed into energy in the body.
   

    

4. Almonds- These are also a great snack as they are high in vitamins and trace minerals, especially in vitamin E which is good for the skin and which serves as an anti-aging vitamin for cellular and skin repair. Almonds are also good for reducing the risk of heart disease.
   

    

5. Apples- Apples are great for building a healthy body and teeth. Apples are high in fiber that promotes colonic health, and high in vitamin C and other anti-oxidants that prevent heart and promote brain health. By eating one apple, 80% of the cavity causing bacteria in a mouth is destroyed.
   
6. Grapefruit- This fruit is loaded with fiber and high in vitamin C which serves as an anti-oxidant and immune booster. In addition, research showed that obese people who ate a half of a grapefruit or drank a glass of grapefruit juice before a meal lost an average of 3.5 pounds over 12 weeks when compared with those in a control group.
   

    

7. Blueberries- Blueberries have anthocyanins which attack free-radicals and even block the growth of cancer cells. The antioxidant flavonoids in blueberries soften skin, boost brain functioning, and are full of vitamins and compounds that prevent urinary tract infections. In addition, blueberries are a good source of vitamin K which helps to increase bone –mineral density and prevents bone fractures.
   

    

Watermelon- Watermelon is full of fluid which promotes good skin and helps to flush fat and bacteria from the body. The lycopene in watermelon serves to reduce the risk of heart disease, and ovarian and cervical cancers. In addition, watermelon has a good amount of vitamins A and C which are good for bones, skin, and internal organs.

DID YOU KNOW MEDICINAL HERBS HAVE BEEN USED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS?

        Long before there were pharmaceuticals and drug store remedies, herbs provided the medicines for the people in all continents. Many plants, trees, shrubs, grasses and lichen have been used for years as sources of food, medicines, housing, air, clothing, sleeping mats, spiritual insights, and rituals. Before our early human relatives learned about fire, their existence as gatherers depended solely on plant life, and so they fashioned a very close alliance with the green biomass of wherever they were on the earth.

        Although the practice of using herbs has been changed over time, and the fashion in which they were used was dependent on geography, the actual use of the same plant for medicinal purposes has proven to remain the same across cultures. The World Health Organization estimated that over 80% of the world’s population still uses herbal medicine as the principal system of healing practices.

The native people on all continents had to use the indigenous herbs found near where

they lived. Since plant medicine has been utilized so successfully for thousands of years, the knowledge in the use for the plants, how to plant and harvest the herbs, and the preparation of the herbal remedies was passed down through oral tradition. Herbal apprenticeships happened when a child was determined to have a special relationship with the plant world. Then they participated in a rigorous training for many years as an herbal apprentice to a shaman or the community herbal healer. Today there are schools and certification programs to train the modern herbalist, and many new ways to prepare herbal tinctures and capsules.

        Modern science has begun to validate through laboratory testing what our indigenous ancestors knew through intuition and trails. Since herbs were inexpensive, readily available, effective and natural, they have persisted throughout the ages and still offer good medical cures for many ailments and are used for the same treatments that were predicated by thousands of years of “on the job” testing. Depending upon the herb and the ailment, different treatment modalities are used. Herbs can be eaten, cooked, turned into tinctures, made into tea, used as a spice, put into a poultice, encapsulated, made into an ointment, used as a cosmetic, and so on.

        Here are some common herbs and their unusual uses for treating a multitude of ailments. There are formulae for the dosages and the treatment modalities that can be found in the compendium of herbal medicine literature, given to you from an herbalist, or obtained from reputable resources online. The herbs listed here are a mere sampling of the healthy living options that can be developed through the use of medicinal herbs, and they have been selected because their medicinal qualities have been proven effective through biomedical laboratory testing.

1. Hawthorn – The leaves, flowers, and haws are used as a cardiac and circulatory elixir; treats heart weakness caused by kidney disease, thickening tissue and irregular heartbeat; dilates the heart’s blood vessels; and controls both high and low blood pressure.
   

    

2. Turmeric- The root is used for a spice; stimulates blood circulation; treatment for cobra venom; strengthens the gall bladder; inhibits blood clotting; reduces liver toxins; helps to metabolize fat; and has an anti-inflammatory action.
   

1. Watercress – The aquatic herb uses the leaves as a diuretic; blood cleanser; anemia; prevents scurvy; expectorant for tuberculosis; skin cleanser; and the juice dissolve nicotine.
   

    

2. Catnip – The root and leaves are used for treating colds; relieving the pain for teething babies; reducing fevers; calming upset stomachs; soothing headaches; treating scalp irritations; and soothing babies with colic.
   

    

3. Garlic – The cloves are used to purify blood; reduce blood pressure; helps control acne; reduces cholesterol; reduces blood clotting; has an antibody effect against candida, cholera, staphylococcus, salmonella, dysentery and typhus; clears phlegm; treats colds and bronchitis; treats whooping cough; treats tuberculosis; treats lead poisoning; treats some types of carcinomas and diabetes.
   

    

4. Rosemary – The leaves are used as an antiseptic; antioxidant; aids digestion of fat; eye wash; hair conditioning and dandruff treatment; stimulates circulation and the central nervous system; eases joint pain; antibacterial; and antifungal.
   

    

5. Chamomile – The flowers are used for antioxidants; soothing nervous stress; treatment for insomnia; digestive aid; treatment for ulcerated or inflamed bowels; oils prevent allergic seizures; inhibit inflammation; antibacterial; treatment for ulcers; antifungal; and poultices treat herpes, eczema, and irradiated skin.
   

    

Tibbatu – The leaves, stems and fruit are used as an aphrodisiac; astringent; treatment for ringworm; skin irritations; the root treats colic, coughs, and asthma; the berries lower blood pressure and treat menstrual pain; anti-rheumatic; diuretic; liver tonic; and compress is used to reduce cellulite.

DID YOU KNOW YOU NEED RECEIPTS FOR TAX DONATIONS?

    The beginning of a new year means getting your files ready for a new tax season. It’s time to get your previous year’s files ready for the tax accountant, or for yourself if you do your own taxes. There are many ways to maximize your tax refund that should be discussed with your accountant, but one path everyone should use is to donate goods and money to non-profit organizations and funds. This is a winning approach for all because through giving to worthwhile causes, you will enjoy a tax break. Not all donations are tax deductible, however, and you must follow a few rules to make the deductions legitimate with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here are some helpful guidelines for making tax deductible charitable donations.

1. Observe the Deadline: All individuals and businesses must have made their charitable contributions by the deadline of December 31^st on the year for which they are claiming the deduction.

    

2. Obtain Receipts: Whether the donation is given to a church on a weekly basis or to canvassers for a local charity, the person claiming the deduction must be able to show a receipt for the amount given. Receipts can be obtained from the charitable organization, or be documented by a cancelled check, bank statement, deduction statement on a paycheck, or by a dated letter from the charity stating the amount given.

    

3. Use A Qualified Appraiser: Some donors give cars, houses, boats, household goods, or clothing to charities. You will need a receipt from the charity with the stated assessed value, or you can use a professional appraiser’s receipt for tax purposes. All tangible goods donated must be in “good used condition or better” per the IRS guidelines.

    

4. Donate to Known Charities: This may sound like an obvious statement, but many people assume their donations are going to non-profit organizations when they aren’t. Be sure to check the tax status of the organization online to see if the charity is actually non-profit before you make the donation, or contact the IRS online for a list of acceptable charities at IRS.gov.

    

5. Value Based on Resale: If you donate goods or clothing to a charitable organization, you will only receive the tax donation benefit for the amount at which the item sold. For example, you may donate your $3,000 satin Armani gown to a charity thrift store, but if the gown only sells for $50.00, then the sales price is your charitable deduction, not the purchase price.

    

6. Form 1098-C: If you are claiming a very large donation as a tax deduction, then you will be required to fill out and submit a Form 1098-C which is available online from the IRS. Be sure to check with your accountant or the IRS for the necessary documentation and guidelines prior to filling out this form.

TIPS ON HOW TO STAY POSITIVE IN THE NEW YEAR

    In these challenging times, it may feel like the edge of anxiety is winning over the pursuit of dreams with an uncertain economy, tough job markets, falling house prices, rising living costs, and a host of other maladies that bombast our sojourns through daily life. So much is currently changing in our living and social situations that it may seem like nothing is permanent or dependable anymore. Indeed, the very act of change is enough to send many people over the edge of their comfort zones. Change can be positive, and challenges may bring forth growth, but that is usually decided by the individual.

Take a few moments to focus on the issues, people, or events that are causing you the most angst. Whether you feel positive or apprehensive about your life, the economy, or current events, here are a few helpful approaches to living that may aid in developing a more optimistic attitude for a new year.

1. Focus on the Positive: Since people are surrounded daily with negative news about the economy, jobs, health care reform, terrorism, wars, etc., it is even more important than ever before to maintain a positive outlook and not be dragged into a negative state of being. Research has shown that thinking positive thoughts releases neuro-chemicals in the brain that cause a pleasure response. If you find that the majority of your thoughts are negative, take the time to write down three or four things a day that were positive, forward moving, and that made you feel good. Review these written thoughts throughout the month or year.

    

2. Let Go of the Issues/People Who Bring Negativity into Your Life. Much has been written about toxic relationships and the negative psychic and physical effects that are generated in a person’s body and mind from such relationships. Indeed, the stress, loss of self-esteem, anxiety, and depression that can culminate from negative and debilitating personal experiences may cause severe physical and mental illnesses. It is a much healthier alternative to let go of debilitating thoughts, such as ruminating over lost investments, and move on to positively developing a new path, for example in securing your financial future. While you may not be able to move away from all the people or situations that cause you stress, remember the friends and family members with whom you feel nurtured, and take more time to talk to or be with them.

    

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Many of us have stressful jobs, tight schedules, multiple duties, or we may be working a couple of jobs to make ends meet. No matter what is on your schedule, you can benefit from practicing several different approaches to relaxation. Some of the most researched and practiced relaxation approaches include meditation, deep breathing techniques, taking a “time out”, biofeedback, and napping. There is a point at which stress tips your biological scale to being unbeneficial and unproductive. Any or all of these relaxation techniques can help you to de-stress, feel more positive, and regain personal control of your emotions and health.

    

4. Prioritize Sleep. The neuro-chemical serotonin is released when you have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. In addition, your dream sequences give you the most mental stability and release from stress after 7 to 8 hours of sleeping time. Therefore, when you are short on sleep, you are losing valuable time and the opportunity to refresh and restore your mental capacities. Sleep deprivation can bring on mental instability, loss of memory, signs of depression from a lack of serotonin, and weight gain. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly to feel your positive best.

    

    

5. Exercise Regularly: Exercising releases endorphins into your brain and body, and these endorphins are the same brain chemicals you feel when you feel love. Regular exercise can make you feel better about yourself, have long reaching health benefits, and act as a de-stressor. Make sure that you choose forms of exercise that are fun for you, and that you exercise at least three times a week for the best results. Even 15 minutes of daily exercise has been shown to be beneficial to the human body and mind. If you can’t do your favorite sport, such as snowboarding in the summer, try a new sport or exercise regime to fill in the time between sports seasons.

    

6. Use Cognitive Restructuring: In psychology, cognitive restructuring means looking at the same thought from a different angle. All of us have “mental chatter” in our minds, and sometimes these thoughts ruminate and repeat numerous times throughout our daily life causing us stress and mental exhaustion if the thoughts are negative in nature. Only you can change the thoughts in your mind, and only you can change the focus to which you give mental time and attention. You are in control of how you view any given situation, and the people who take the worst of times and think they are opportunities are practicing positive cognitive restructuring and demonstrating resiliency. For example, your car may have died, and you think this is a disastrous situation that will cost you money, waste your time in finding a new car, and be a transportation pain. On the contrary, you can think that the death of the car provides you with the opportunity to get a new car that will be safer, you can get a car that better suits your current needs and one that will save money on gas. What seemed like a catastrophe can be viewed as a positive outcome by using cognitive restructuring.

    

7. Be Grateful: No matter what happened to you over the past year, things could be worse and things could be better. Although it is sometimes difficult to feel gratitude during difficult and challenging times, being thankful can give your life optimism, courage, and a positive outlook. Every day take an inventory of what is going well in your life, of all the people you love and those who love you, and of the things you have done or achieved, no matter how small, that have been forward moving and good. You will be amazed at how these changes in attitude can bring internal happiness and a fresh, positive perspective.

    

8. Volunteer With Others Less Fortunate Than You. Whether you are volunteering at a soup kitchen or working with stroke victims on crossword puzzles, there is always someone who is less fortunate than you. Helping others is a valuable way to see your unique areas of strengths, feel needed and useful, and give positive priorities to your life. The very act of helping others and doing altruistic service can make you feel useful and vibrant and those whom you help will have their lives and burdens lightened by your selfless acts of kindness.

    

Laugh More: The cliché that laughter is the best medicine has roots in science. Laughter has been shown to increase T-cell antibodies that boost the immune system and fight off infections. Humor has also been shown to increase pain tolerance and decrease stress levels. Seen another way, laughter and sadness cannot occupy the same mental space. The stress hormone cortisol drops substantially in response to laughter, and good physical health is also correlated with increases in laughter and humor. Using humor to deal with stressful situations relieves negative thoughts and feelings and gives the person a new, positive perspective on the troubling issue or situation.

ENJOYING THE TRUE MEANINGFULNESS OF THE HOLIDAYS

    The economic recession, global warming, unemployment, and world unrest are dominating the headlines now right at the same time people in the United States are busily preparing for the holidays. I have listened to many people saying they are buying less and cutting back on holiday decorations and parties this year to cut costs, save money, and because they are afraid of what the uncertain future may bring. Although none of us can really know what the New Year will bring, these are still times to be enjoyed with the ones we love. How can you enjoy the holidays, spend almost no money, and get the best spirit of the holidays ignited? Here are some timely suggestions.

1. Cook Together: The holidays are centered on family and friends sharing meals and spending time together. This is a wonderful time to share the kitchen with anyone who wants to help and participate. From making holiday cookies and pies to peeling and mashing potatoes, there is something for everyone to do. Home baked goods make wonderful, thoughtful presents, too.

    

2. Share the Decorating: Decorating the house for the holidays can be a joyful family event, not the chore and expense it is sometimes made to be. Making your own decorations can be creative and entertaining, such as making fancy snowflakes for room decorations. To do this activity, cut white or silver paper into octagonal and hexagonal shapes, fold them, and have even the youngest family members make snowflakes to hang on string from the ceilings or windows.

    

3. Make Gift Certificates for Fun Times Together: There are a plethora of free certificates available online or through most computer programs. Select the ones you like the best for your gifts and download the certificates. The gifts should be for things you enjoy to do together, such as a game of tennis or a movie night. The gifts could cost nothing, such as a foot massage, or be inexpensive, such as a batch of their favorite brownies. The thoughtfulness of this personalized gift will be greatly appreciated.

    

4. Do Activities Together: Spending quality time together has become a bit of a cliché, but the meaning is still welcomed. Make time together to go for a walk, go ice skating, play football, or cuddle and watch old movies. When I lived in Hawaii, we had a beloved tradition of going to the beach every year on Christmas Day. Make your own holiday traditions, and keep them going throughout the years.

    

5. Read Holiday Books. If you have children, or young members of the family, take the time to read holiday books to them so they understand the meaning of the holiday and how the traditions historically developed. You can store the books and read them again over the years at the holidays bringing you together again through this tradition. You can also have some holiday books for you to enjoy each year, such as holiday cookbooks, holiday crafts, etc.

    

Be Positive and Grateful: If you seem harried and overwhelmed at the holidays, take the time to remember all the things for which you are grateful, and all the people you love. You might want to ask everyone with whom you are sharing the holidays to give one or two things for which they are grateful, too. Enjoy the beauty of the time spent together with loved ones in the present holiday, as you are developing treasured times today that will last in a lifetime montage of beautiful personal memories.

    I am the President of the not-for-profit HCCUA. We are changing the acronym for the association’s name to better reflect the services and benefits we offer to our Members. The new name will be Healthcare Cost Containment United Association.

    The name change for the association will not change any of the benefits afforded to Members, and the association’s contact numbers and address will remain the same as before. For the Members with health insurance policies, their policies will also remain the same as previously.

    The new name and the change have been mitigated by the confusion some consumers had with considering the association to be a credit union. As all the HCCUA Members know, HCCUA has never been a credit union, but rather, we offer educational materials and articles regarding finances, savings, and taxes. The mission of HCCUA is to provide our Members with numerous pathways to contain costs and save money on health insurance, shopping, entertainment, pet services, roadside assistance, and a host of other lifestyle benefits.

    I hope the name change is not confusing to any consumers or HCCUA members. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our Member Services Department at (866) 227- 5400.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN FEAST AT THANKSGIVING WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT?

    We all love the holidays and the feasts that accompany the giving of thanks, but many people worry about gaining weight that will be on them for the rest of the winter. Here are a few suggestions that will help to keep you lean for the holidays without sacrificing the feast. In addition, there is a recipe attached to help you cook delicious side dishes while maintaining a low caloric count. Enjoy!

1. Portion Control: Take just a spoonful of each dish, and a 3 ounce serving of turkey or other meat. Most people eat 3,000 or more calories at the Thanksgiving dinner, but portion control can cut this number at least in half.

    

2. Freeze Leftovers: Instead of having the complete turkey dinner for five days in a row, freeze the leftovers. The leftovers will make great soup or casseroles later during the hectic times of the following holidays, and you will get back to normal eating quickly.

    

3. Practice Giveaway: The Native Americans saw the turkey as the symbol of the giveaway because the turkey gave all of the parts of its body to others for their use and survival. In the spirit of the original Thanksgiving, give your guests large plates of leftovers to take home. You will be making your family and friends grateful and happy, and the temptation to eat more will be alleviated.

    

4. Exercise: The sooner you get back to your regular exercise routine, the easier it will be to not gain weight. Exercising will maintain your regular weight, and you will feel better about your body.

Here is a no guilt, low calorie Thanksgiving recipe that is sure to please you and all of your guests. Look for more seasonal and healthy recipes on the HCCUA Web site under recipes.

HONEY BAKED PEARS

Ingredients:

5 Bosc pears, firm and ripe

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 Cup honey

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

½ Teaspoon nutmeg

¼ Teaspoon ground cloves

¼ Teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:

1. Halve the pears lengthwise and core.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
3. Pour the melted butter into a 13 by 9 inch baking pan. Tilt the pan to cover the bottom with butter.
4. Arrange the pears in one layer, cut sides down.
5. Roast at 400 degrees for 20- 25 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
6. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mix together well.
7. In a small bowl, combine the honey, lemon juice, and vanilla.
8. Remove the pears from the oven and spoon the honey mixture over the pears. Sprinkle the spice mixture over each of the pears.
9. Bake for another 5 minutes.
10. Arrange on a serving platter. Spoon the pan juices over the tops of the pears.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month in the United States, and the date of November 14 was chosen by the United Nations as World Diabetes Day. The United Nations passed a resolution in 2006 urging world governments to raise diabetes awareness, implement national policies for the care and treatment of diabetes, and to encourage education for those with diabetes. Presently, 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, and at least 57 million have pre-diabetes. It is estimated that there are at least 246 million people worldwide with diabetes, making diabetes as large a worldwide medical threat as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Diabetes mellitus, simplified to diabetes, is a medical condition which occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin, or when the body does not respond properly to insulin found in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that enables cells to turn glucose into energy. When the body does not make enough insulin, or responds poorly to the produced insulin in the body, glucose accumulates in the blood causing several physical complications including diabetes.

There are three types of diabetes. These types are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce insulin. Estimates show that 5-10 % of diabetics have Type 1 diabetes, and these people must take insulin injections to regulate insulin levels n the body. The majorities of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes resulting from insulin resistance and this is often combined with insulin deficiency in the body. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes, but who have elevated levels of glucose or blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes affects around 4% of pregnant women, usually resulting in high birth weights for their children, and may be a precursor to Type 2 diabetes following birthing.

All forms of diabetes are treatable with insulin and healthy lifestyle habits, but there is no cure. Gestational diabetes often resolves after pregnancy, but this form is sometimes a warning for the mother that she may need to be aware of having pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes occurs in individuals who have blood glucose levels that are elevated higher than normal, but not high enough levels for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, significant weight loss with normal or even increased eating, mental fatigue, vision changes, ketoacidosis, and physical inertia. The conclusive diagnosis of diabetes is done through testing of the blood glucose concentration. There is research data showing a genetic predisposition to diabetes, and some genetic diseases have diabetes as a secondary characteristic, such as cystic fibrosis and myotonic dystrophy. In addition, diabetes is correlated with other medical syndromes, such as hyperglycemia, heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing, loss of vision, fungal infections, and renal failure. There is an increased risk of diabetes in some ethnic minorities, such as Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics.

The medical management of all types of diabetes includes patient education, dietetic control and support, exercise, self monitoring of blood glucose levels, weight loss, and pro-active health maintenance. In addition to all of these strategies, people with Type 1 diabetes need to have insulin injections and learn how to monitor and administer insulin for themselves. Diets low in carbohydrates and saturated fats, avoidance of alcohol intake, maintaining an average body weight for size and age, eating sufficient fiber from whole grains, and exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetics from all walks of life can experience a healthy lifestyle with patient education, physician and nutritionist support, and proper medical maintenance. Some of the most well known diabetics who can serve as healthy role models are Olympian Bob Beamon, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, tennis champion Billie Jean King, Los Angeles Angels pitcher David Wells, singers Patti LaBelle, Bret Michaels, and Nick Jonas, and actors Mary Tyler Moore and Halle Berry, to name just a few.

For more information, go to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org.

DID YOU KNOW YOUR OLD CELL PHONE CAN HELP OTHERS?

Since most people are on cell phone plans that include telephonic upgrades at the end of their contracts, hundreds of thousands of cell phones are disposed of on an annual basis. These cell phones are polluting to the environment and wasteful as they are still usable. What can you do with your no longer viable wireless phone that could make a difference in someone’s life?

There are several national non-profit causes that will accept your wireless phone, refurbish it, and give it to others who can’t afford to buy their own cell phone. The one donation channel for cell phones that I have been using for several years is right at the wireless phone company where I go for the upgrade which makes the transfer extremely easy and convenient.

Please look at the HopeLine recycling program that has been developed by the Verizon Wireless services to support domestic violence prevention and awareness programs across the United States. Some of the wireless phones are given directly to the domestic violence victims to provide a safety net when they can’t afford their own phones. Other wireless phones are collected and redistributed to fund grants that are given to domestic violence agencies and programs in every state.

You do not have to purchase a wireless phone or account from Verizon Wireless to be able to donate your old cell phone. There are donation boxes in the Verizon Wireless stores where you can put your cell phone without any obligations.

For more information on how to participate in the HopeLine donation program, please visit the online site at www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline, or visit your closest Verizon Wireless store for the details. You can also do an online search for other charities and organizations that will accept your used cell phones if you prefer to give yours to a different cause.

Just remember that you can use your discarded wireless phone for a number of worthy causes. You will enjoy knowing that your throw away cell phone can truly help others in need, and you will have the added benefit of having participated in making for a greener environment.

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT MEN’S BREAST CANCER?

October is the national month for Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns, and you will see the color pink on clothing, products, and commercials in honor of breast cancer survivors. The majority of breast cancer victims are women, but there is a growing rate of men who are stricken with breast cancer, too. In the United States in 2009, it is predicted that 2,000 new cases of men’s breast cancer will be diagnosed, and because of the lack of early detection of most male breast cancers, many of these cases will be in the advanced stages for the disease. Since early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for survival rates, it is just as important for men to be aware of changes in their breasts as it is for women. Here is some helpful information for men on male breast cancer.

The breasts of both men and women are composed of nodules, ducts, and stroma, or the fatty and connective tissues surrounding the breasts. Until puberty, men and women’s breasts look the same, but after the initiation of menses, women develop larger breasts for multiple purposes. The reasons men have lower incidences of breast cancer are due to having less breast fatty tissue that is more prone to cancer cells, having less developed male breast duct cells, and they have lower levels of female hormones, especially estrogen.

The possible signs men can look for in early detection for breast cancer are:

• A lump or unusual swelling
• A nipple that has retracted or turned inward
• A dimpling or puckering in the breast skin
• Redness, scaling, or irritation of the nipple or breast skin
• Discharge from the nipple

Not all of these symptoms are due to breast cancer, but if you have any of the symptoms, you should immediately consult your physician. If your physician thinks you may have breast cancer, he or she will want to perform a complete physical, get personal and family medical histories, and probably schedule a mammogram or sonogram of the breast to help with the diagnosis. Approximately 1 in 5 men who have breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer. This correlation may lead to finding a genetic predisposition for breast cancer in men as well as women.

There are several risk factors for men that are correlated with breast cancer. However, even if a man has one or more of these risk factors, this does not mean he will automatically develop breast cancer. Here are the main risk factors for men in developing breast cancer:

• Aging- most men are 67 years old at the time of diagnosis
• Family History of breast cancer
  
• Inherited Gene Mutations- 1 out of 10 men diagnosed with breast cancer have a mutation in the BRCA2 gene
• Radiation Exposure
  
• Alcohol- heavy alcohol intake over time
• Liver Disease- men with severe liver dysfunction have lower rates of androgens and higher rates of estrogen
• Estrogen Levels- higher levels of estrogen in men has been linked with increased incidences of breast cancer
• Obesity- fat cells convert androgens into estrogens
• Testicular Issues- undescended testicles, having mumps as an adult, or testicular dysfunctions
• Environmental factors- certain jobs, chemicals, and environmental exposures can be linked with male breast cancer

After the breast cancer is diagnosed, the same protocols for medical interventions are given to men as those performed with women. There are several choices for treatment, each with pros and cons, so all the choices for treatment should be thoroughly discussed and explored with your physician and/or oncologist. The treatments are often different for the type, location, and stage of the breast cancer, however here are some of the most common medical protocol interventions:

• Surgery
• Lumpectomy
• Mastectomy
• Radiation Therapy
• Adjuvant Hormone Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Combination of any of the above treatments

Since receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be shocking and anxiety provoking, it is crucial for your own efficacy to ask appropriate questions of the physician and/or oncologist. It is recommended to write down and bring with you all of your questions prior to the medical appointment so you remember to cover the pertinent issues. Here are a few sample questions you might want to ask:

• What type of breast cancer do I have?
• What is the stage of my cancer?
• What treatments are appropriate for my type and stage of breast cancer?
• Which treatment(s) do you recommend for me and why?
• How can I prepare for these treatments?
• What are the risks of these treatments?
• What are the side effects, if any, for the treatments?
• What is my prognosis?
• What are the plans for me if the breast cancer recurs?

There are other interventions you can do to help your prognosis if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. These healthy living habits will boost your immune system and keep it performing at top functioning. These strategies include taking vitamins, eating healthy organic foods, getting 7- 8 hours of sleep a night, losing weight, and regularly exercising.

If you would like more information and resources for men’s breast cancer, please contact the national resources listed below:

• American Cancer Society- (800) ACS- 2345; www.cancer.org
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure- (877) 465- 6636; www.komen.org
• Breast Cancer Network of Strength- (800) 221- 2141; www.networkofstrength.org