A monthly support group for women with recurrence of breast and ovarian cancer, with advanced stage cancer, and/or metastasis. Group is offered by Support Connection, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides free support services to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The group is led by a trained peer facilitator, and focuses on topics related to living with a recurrence of breast or ovarian cancer.

Hours: Tuesday 1:00pm – 2:00PM

Cost: FREE PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Organization:  Support Connection, Inc.

Location : Support connection office, 360 Underhill Ave, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598

Contact : 914-962-6402

info@supportconnection.org

Website: www.supportconnection.org

The first step is to get started right away with a clean kitchen. Food-related illnesses can affect anyone – about 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths are caused by food-borne diseases in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without properly preparing and storing food, microorganisms can have an opportunity to grow and multiply in your kitchen.

“Cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer on a frequent basis is crucial for maintaining the safety and quality of your foods,” says Dr. Marisa Bunning, Food Science Assistant Professor at Colorado State University. “You’re using these appliances to store and protect your food, and it’s the small things, like temperature control or even the date, that can make the difference between good food and food that makes your family sick.”

Here are a couple of tips from the Institute of Food Technologists and the Partnership for Food Safety Education to start your 2010 in a healthy way:

• Begin food labeling immediately. Mark the date on everything you put into your freezer or refrigerator so you know how long it’s been in there.
• Make sure your fridge is at 40 degrees or below.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags when storing food in the freezer.

Meat safety is also very important because meat can perish very quickly if not stored properly. Here are a few tips for meat storage:

• Consume uncooked beef stored in the freezer within three to four months, or one to two days for beef stored in the fridge.
• Soups and stews are safe for two to three months in the freezer and three to four days in the fridge.
• Keep cooked poultry up to four months in the freezer and three to four days in the fridge, but uncooked poultry should be eaten within nine months of freezing and one to two days of refrigeration.
• Freeze fresh seafood if you don’t plan to eat it within two days.

For other tips around the kitchen:

• Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw your frozen foods in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave. Food thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately and should not be refrozen.
• Wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item, and before you cut the next item.
• Use two cutting boards, one for raw meats that you plan to cook and one for ready-to-eat foods like bread, cooked meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep these boards labeled and separated so they never get mixed up – but they still need to be washed after using.
• Keep your hands clean, especially after handling raw produce. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap so you don’t contaminate any other food items in the kitchen, utensils or even family members.

Food safety is important for keeping your family healthy this year. For more tips, visit www.IFTFoodFacts.org or www.fightbac.org.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

The best way to safeguard schools against the threats and health risks posed by common, everyday pests is to use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM is defined by the federal government as a sustainable approach to pest management that combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

Following IPM means using a variety of control methods, not just one. When schools limit the tools available to keep pests at bay, they are limiting the overall effectiveness of pest control programs. Decisions to ban or limit products like pesticides can come at a significant cost to health and safety, as experts agree that the most effective programs are those that include the responsible use of chemical pest control products where necessary.

“There are many different kinds of pests that can show up in a classroom, cafeteria or a schoolyard, and there are usually several options available to deal with these pest problems,” says Allen James, president of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, also known as RISE, a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. “The responsible use of pesticides is one of the options needed to keep pests out of the classroom and schoolyards safe, and when applied as part of a broader IPM approach, pesticides are very effective.

“These products are thoroughly tested, regulated and registered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” James says. “They are specifically designed to target the bugs and poisonous plants that can spread disease and pose serious health threats, and they need to be available to school systems for situations where they’re the best option available.”

Sometimes, pesticides are simply the most practical solution to reduce the risk of injury or illness related to pest infestations, and the control of cockroaches is generally one such case. The presence of cockroaches has been shown to cause significant health problems, especially for young children, and cockroach populations are extremely difficult to manage without the right tools for the job.

In 2005, the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, a federal agency funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, published a report identifying cockroach allergens as the primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city homes. These allergens – which include roach saliva, fecal matter, secretions, cast skins and dead bodies – were found to foster the development and onset of childhood asthma.

“Cockroaches are a difficult pest to fight without the proper use of pesticides,” James explains. “When there are several people in a relatively small space, any contact with roach allergens and bacteria is going to affect more people. That kind of situation arises frequently in homes and also in schools when you get 20 or more kids in the same room for several hours each day. In that type of environment, any kind of exposure to roaches and other causes is going to get magnified.”

According to data from the American Lung Association, asthma is the leading serious chronic illness among children under the age of 18 in the United States, affecting approximately 6.8 million children nationwide. Reducing exposure to known allergens is the best way to prevent asthma development and asthma attacks, and prevention starts with the elimination of unnecessary allergens in places where children are going to be for hours on end, like schools and classrooms.

While most of the national conversation might be centered on protecting children from the H1N1 flu virus, the new bug in town is not the only one worthy of attention. With the constant risks of asthma and other pest-related health threats, schools need to carefully consider what pest control tactics make the most sense for their specific situation. Having all of the tools available is the first step toward implementing a successful pest control program that provides the best possible protection each day for children at school – both inside and outside of the classroom.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Studies show that an important emotional connection exists between pets and their owners. During times of stress or illness, the bond between a pet and owner can be particularly strong. Missy Fish is undeniable proof of this.

Fish, a two-time breast cancer survivor, leaned on the companionship of her two cats, Phoebe and Jack, during her treatments.

“They were the perfect companions when I needed them most,” Fish says. “They were silent sources of strength and empowerment.”

Fish is far from the only breast cancer survivor to attest to the power of her cat. A recent Purina Cat Chow national survey of breast cancer survivors with cats underscores this important emotional connection and relationship.

The survey found that 84 percent of women battling breast cancer said their cat had a calming effect on them during their treatment. Cats also provided daily support to the patient, according to 76 percent of survivors surveyed.

Dr. Karen Sueda, a Diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, says that cats are perceptive to their owner’s needs during an illness.

“Whether pet owners are fighting a disease such as breast cancer or going through a rough period in life such as job loss or financial stress, their cats often display intuitive behaviors of knowing when they need extra love and support,” says Sueda.

Inspired by one cancer survivor’s touching story of the role her cat played during her battle with cancer, Purina Cat Chow is doing its part to help the fight against breast cancer. This year, in a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Purina Cat Chow will donate more than $200,000 to the cause and will raise awareness for breast cancer through the Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign.

“We have heard countless stories from breast cancer patients and survivors of how they have been emotionally supported by their cats,” says Katy Laciny, Purina Cat Chow’s assistant brand manager. “Purina Cat Chow’s Connected for the Cause campaign honors this exceptional relationship and invites consumers to help us raise awareness and increase support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure so that a cure can be found.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The organization has invested $1.3 billion toward ending breast cancer, becoming the world’s largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

Visit www.catchow.com/pink to hear survivor stories, read about the unique connection between survivors and their cats and share photos of support. For every picture uploaded, Purina Cat Chow will donate an additional $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure up to $10,000.

The Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign culminates this October with limited-edition pink bags at grocery, mass and pet retailers nationwide in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Products featuring pink bags include Purina Cat Chow Complete Formula and Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula, both available in 3.5 pound and 16 pound bags.

For more information on the Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign, go to www.catchow.com/pink.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

“People in Japan tend to eat smaller portions of healthier types of food,” says Dr. Mark Drucker, medical director of the Center for Advanced Medicine in Encinitas, Calif. “Eating plenty of low-mercury fatty fish, fresh vegetables and limiting red meat and refined sugars all contribute to this healthy lifestyle.

What can you do to reap the benefits of the Japanese diet at home? Here are some easy ideas from Dr. Drucker:

Try Cultural Cuisine

Sushi, a Japanese diet staple, is popular throughout the United States. Many grocery stores now carry pre-made sushi you can buy and snack on at home. Another fun way to enjoy sushi is to make it yourself. Try having a sushi-rolling party with your friends as a fun way to eat healthy and learn about another culture.

Making sushi yourself doesn’t need to be difficult. Pick up a book with step-by-step instructions and a sushi starter kit with a rolling mat. “Good beginner items that pack a healthy punch are smoked salmon, eel and pre-cooked crab and lobster meat. If you’d prefer to skip the meat, there are many vegetarian options. Try adding carrots, cucumber, green onion and daikon radish for a tasty, and healthy, treat,” comments Drucker.

Eat Fresh Veggies Every Day

Eating more fresh vegetables, raw when possible, is a great way to get many of the health benefits enjoyed by the Japanese people. A general rule is to eat vegetables in a wide range of colors, including dark green produce such as broccoli, spinach, kale and Swiss chard. These all provide high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, and many are shown to have cancer-preventing properties.

Consider a Healthy Detoxifying Supplement

Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the greenest plants on Earth, is a central property of immune-boosting, anti-aging vegetables. “Plants require chlorophyll to obtain energy from light, so it’s no surprise an ancient alga called chlorella – which contains the most amount of chlorophyll of any digestible substance – can be called nature’s green secret weapon when it comes to its long-term energy effect on human health. Chlorophyll is also one of the few and most effective ways to help the body eliminate mercury,” says Drucker.

As many Americans struggle to reach the USDA-recommended five to seven vegetable servings per day, supplementing your diet with powerful green whole foods can provide a great alternative to fresh vegetables. Much like how Americans regularly take a vitamin C supplement, many Japanese take a supplement called Sun Chlorella to utilize the superfood benefits of chlorella, which contain the widest range of essential nutrients available in any single food source.

Chlorella’s popularity in Japan spans decades, and its health benefits are more than anecdotal. A 2008 human clinical study showed that a daily serving of Sun Chlorella had positive results on several key blood levels and health markers including body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol and maintaining blood glucose levels. This may be the result of Sun Chlorella’s unique pulverization process, which makes otherwise-inconsumable chlorella digestible by humans.

Enjoy Fatty Fish for Good Health

Most people have heard of omega-3, a good type of fatty acid. Research has shown that omega-3 supports cardiovascular health, immune function, brain health and could even have anti-cancer benefits.

Some healthy fish options that are packed with omega-3s include salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. Visit the Asian food section of your local grocery store to find some Japanese seasoning and sauces and try flavoring these types of fish with them for a truly authentic meal.

“Not only do these types of foods have many health benefits, but they are absolutely delicious and can be made to order,” comments Drucker. “Whether it’s steaming some salmon and veggies or incorporating Sun Chlorella tablets into your daily regimen, I truly believe that taking health cues from a traditional Japanese diet can benefit almost everyone.”

Source: ARAcontent

What’s the big deal? In addition to her age — the average female figure contestant is about 28 — she’s a mom of four: Max, 7, and triplets Hank, Sam, and Sophia, 6. She also employed a rather unusual workout regimen for a competitive figure contestant.

“I gained 25 pounds in college,” says Johnson, “mostly because I’ve always hated cardio. Weights I would do, but I just wouldn’t do anything aerobic.”

When Max arrived, Johnson knew it was going to be even harder to lose weight unless she faced her cardio phobia. That’s when she found a local women’s-only fitness center whose philosophy combined strength training and cardio.

“I belonged to a serious weight-lifting gym and I had doubts,” says Johnson, “But I knew I would never realize my dream unless I changed tactics, so I quit my gym and jumped right in.”

Johnson checked her progress against a friend who was training for the same event. “She lifted weights and did cardio two to three hours a day, six days a week. I did my 30-minute workout, three to five days a week, and nothing else. Our results were comparable.”

Research supports Johnson’s experience. Addressing the American College of Sports Medicine recently, Dr. Richard Kreider presented the results of the 2008 Curves/Avon Fitness Study, which tracked 43,000 women through the 30-day challenge. Participants worked out at Curves three times a week and were encouraged to walk an additional 120 minutes a week. The women saw considerable decreases in weight, body fat, inches, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. “It’s possible to make significant improvements with this type of program,” says Kreider.

Johnson took multivitamins and followed her gym’s eating plan. She loved the flexibility, meal plans and recipes. “I make the chili all the time,” she says.

“People think you have to work out for hours a day to get really fit,” says Johnson, “but I’ve proven to myself that’s not true. As a mom of four, I don’t have time even if I wanted to. And the good news is, if I give it my all during those 30 minutes, I don’t have to.”

Megan’s Favorite Cozy Comfort Chili

“I make this in batches of 25 servings and freeze in one-cup portions,” says Johnson. “Take one out, reheat, top with cheese and enjoy.”

Ingredients:

Garlic, to taste
Onion, to taste
Celery, to taste
Bell Pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon oil
3 ounces 95 percent lean ground beef
1/2 can diced tomatoes, with juice
1/4 cup black beans, cooked
1/4 cup pinto beans, cooked
1/4 cup kidney beans, cooked
1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheese

Directions:

Sauté your favorite vegetables and spices (you can use unlimited amounts of them) in oil. Add lean ground beef and cook through. Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, black, pinto and kidney beans. Stir and cook until bubbly. Top with 1 ounce (1/4 cup) shredded low fat cheese.

Recipe from the “Curves Fitness & Weight Management Plan.”

Courtesy: ARAcontent

But despite the many successes observed by the Special Olympics each day, there still remains a glaring need — many people with intellectual and physical disabilities do not receive adequate eye care. According to research, 68 percent of Special Olympics athletes have not had an eye exam in three years. Thirty-seven percent need, but do not have, eyeglasses, while 18 percent wear eyeglasses with the wrong prescription.

To combat this problem, The Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program, an initiative funded by Lions Clubs International Foundation, holds vision screenings at Special Olympic sporting events worldwide. Opening Eyes volunteers diagnose vision problems and distribute protective and prescription eyewear, all for free. Special Olympics athletes who get a vision screening receive a certificate detailing any problems that hometown providers might have to address, as well as lessons in eye care and safety.

Today, Opening Eyes has screened over 150,800 athletes and provided prescription eyewear to over 44,000.

The Opening Eyes program also provides another needed service — teaching its volunteer vision specialists, including students and professors, to take better care of patients with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Funded by $10 million from Lions Clubs International Foundation, this partnership program has been guided into its eighth year with the help of Lions Clubs members, Special Olympics staff and many other volunteers and staff.

For more information, visit www.lionsclubs.org and www.specialolympics.org.

Source: NewsUSA

A 2005 British Airways and Research International survey concluded that business travelers aren’t getting enough sleep. Out of 1,000 business travelers surveyed, 25 percent admitted to falling asleep in a meeting, and 70 percent said they felt less productive after travel.

Below are five common reasons travelers suffer from sleepless nights, followed by advice from Dr. Chris Drake, a bioscientific investigator at the Henry Ford Sleep Research Center in Detroit and the sleep expert for AmericInn Hotels’ Sleep Better America campaign.

Work/Deadline Stress

Work deadlines must still be met even when traveling. So many Americans tend to do extra work in their hotel rooms after-hours, which can damage natural sleep patterns.

Dr. Drake’s Advice: Business travelers need to set strict boundaries. It’s healthier and more productive to take mental and physical breaks. Schedule a massage, enjoy the whirlpool or take a walk. Relaxing before bed is important for good sleep quality. The body and mind often have a difficult time quickly switching modes. Relaxing helps stabilize sleep patterns and keep important biological rhythms on track.

Stiffness & Drowsiness from Long Drives

Our bodies get out of sorts from long car rides, which can leave us feeling stiff, sore and groggy. Falling asleep while riding as a passenger in a car can also cause travelers to have trouble sleeping at night.

Dr. Drake’s Advice: Travelers who put lots of miles on their odometers should take regular breaks to get fresh air and stretch their legs. The worst thing to do is to sleep for long periods on a car ride. This can take away from the body’s ability to have quality sleep at night. And remember, never drive while sleepy. Start a business trip well rested, so you’ve banked extra hours of sleep. Also, do simple neck rolls, arm stretches and abdominal flexes while riding in the car, and be aware of good posture. Once settled in the hotel, hit the workout room or consider seated Pilates to reenergize and stay healthy.

Unfamiliar Sleep Environment, Room Temperature and Lighting

Staying in a hotel is never the same as sleeping at home. A tiny sound in a strange setting can keep you wide awake. Room temperature and lighting can also make a big impact on sleep quality.

Dr. Drake’s Advice: To make hotel rooms more like home, travelers should bring their own pillow, sheets, blanket and photos of loved ones to create more comfortable sleep zones. Most hotels have thermostats in every room, and customers shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help with setting the temperature. To ensure good shut-eye, light-sensitive travelers should invest in a high-quality eye mask.

Noise Distractions

You never know who your neighbors will be when you stay at a hotel, so upon check-in ask about your room location and if any youth groups or honeymooners are staying nearby. After driving and working hard all day, you don’t want to be awakened in the middle of the night by noisy neighbors or an ice machine.

Dr. Drake’s Remedy: Professionals who regularly travel for work should book their stays at hotels known for providing a quiet and peaceful experience. One chain is AmericInn, which uses a trademarked AmericInn SoundGuard construction process to create quiet room environments. Other ideas to reduce noise distractions are white noise machines or a soothing CD.

Loneliness

Numerous hours in the car or plane, client meetings and working in a secluded hotel room makes many travelers miss family and friends. Being alone in bed without a spouse or significant other can also make someone toss and turn all night.

Dr. Drake’s Advice: Before going to bed when on the road for work, call a spouse, family member or best friend. If you’re a spiritual person, take time for prayer or meditation before bedtime. Lastly, a technique known as progressive muscle relaxation is a treatment for chronic insomnia, but anyone can learn this technique, and it can be helpful when falling asleep, especially when lonely.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says levels of indoor air pollution can be between two and five times higher — and occasionally as much as 100 times higher — than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution can be such a problem that the EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. These statistics are particularly eye-opening, given that we spend upwards of 90 percent of our day indoors.

There are a number of common misconceptions about indoor air quality. For instance, many consumers believe that because their homes are clean, their indoor air is clean, too. The truth is that airborne particulates such as dust, smoke, mold spores and pet dander can be widespread in even the cleanest homes. And as many consumers are sealing their homes more tightly to conserve energy, they’re reducing natural circulation and sealing in those airborne pollutants.

Another common misconception is that healthy adults aren’t susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. While poor indoor air poses particular risks for children, the elderly and those affected by asthma and allergies, everyone’s health can suffer by breathing polluted air. Effects from exposure to poor indoor air may include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Think about it: Many people drink purified water and use hand sanitizers, but they aren’t doing anything to help purify the air that they are breathing because they don’t believe anything can be done to help improve indoor air quality problems.

The truth is that effective, affordable portable air purifiers, such as Honeywell air purifiers, eliminate up to 95 to 99.97 percent of microscopic airborne pollutants (0.3 microns or larger) that pass through their filters. Some air purifiers are even effective at fighting certain viruses and other germs. Portable air purifiers also help circulate the air in a room, usually several times per hour, to reduce airborne allergens and stale air. Consumers should use an air purifier in the rooms where they spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living areas.

Honeywell air purifier products, manufactured by Kaz, Inc., are available at major retailers including Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Amazon.com and The Home Depot. To find out which type of air purifier is best for your needs, visit www.honeywellcleanair.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA