Breast Cancer: Be Aware and Lower Your Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Statistics  – According to most recent statistics (2013) from the  Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

  • Breast cancer occurs in both men and women.
  • 230,815 women and 2,109 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • 40,860 women and 464 men in the United States died from breast cancer.

Early Detection Saves Lives – Research shows that early detection and treatment saves lives. Ask your doctor about prevention and routine screening for breast and other cancers.

“When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%.  Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.” (National Breast Cancer Foundation.)

Lowering Your Risks of Breast Cancer. There are preventative measure for breast (and other) cancers. Tips from the Mayo Clinic for prevention –

  • Limit alcohol. Less than 1 drink per day is recommended.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Engage in Physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Check with your doctor before exercising for guidelines and recommendations.
  • Breast-feeding might play a role in prevention.
  • Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Ask your doctor about recommendations and other non-pharmaceutical options.
  • Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. Limit exposure.

Ask Your Doctor. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for prevention and screening to see is best for you. Check with your insurance company to see what type of screening they cover. If you think you might be pregnant, let your doctor know before having a mammogram.

Information for Those Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer –  

 Supportive Care When Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer – 

Ask your Oncologist about Integrative Therapies for adjunctive (supportive) treatment. Talk to your healthcare providers about any integrative, complementary or alternative therapies you are using. Let your healthcare providers know about any over-the-counter, herbal or vitamin supplements you are taking. Note: some may be contraindicated for your care. Discuss with your doctor/oncologist before pursuing.

Wishing you the Best in Health,   Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC.  Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

Sources and More Information –

Highly Sensitive People…

Highly Sensitive People…

 

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All Home Care is NOT Created Equal

People age 65 and over now make up the majority of the population in the United States. We are living longer and the majority of seniors choose to do so in the comfort of home, also referred to as “Aging in Place”. It comes as no surprise that with the senior market growing, businesses geared to seniors are also on the rise, including tremendous growth in the home care industry. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the Senior-Care Business Booms for Franchisers (August 10, 2016).

Businesses competing for the same market share often benefits us as consumers by providing us with more options. Home care doesn’t necessarily follow that rule because it’s not truly an “apples to apples” comparison. Massachusetts and the Federal government DO NOT regulate private home care agencies UNLESS the agency has contract(s) with Elder Services. Agencies, including ABC Home Healthcare Professionals that have these contracts undergo extensive licensing inspections by the state to monitor quality and standards of care.  Working with an agency that is also contracted with Elder Services ensures the best quality care for you or your loved one. ABC has contracts with numerous Elder Service agencies throughout Cape Ann and the North Shore, Metro Boston and Merrimack Valley communities.

Another consideration for choosing a home care agency is the number of years they’ve been in business and who manages the organization. An established reputable agency can provide references for the care they’ve provided over the years. For more than a decade, ABC Home Healthcare has helped keep seniors safe at home. As a family owned business, we strive to treat each client as if they were our own family.

How about training and staff management? When you hire someone to provide care for you or your loved one, whether that is home making, assistance with activities of daily living or hospice, having a Registered Nurse supervise the caregiver and oversee the patient’s care plan helps ensure any changes are recognized early and addressed.  At ABC Home Healthcare EVERY new client meets with one of our nurses to develop a plan of care that is unique to the patient.  At that time we work with the client and family to determine the best caregiver for them. In addition, each client is assigned a care coordinator providing them a direct contact for any concerns, scheduling changes or caregiver feedback they wish to express. If a caregiver is unable to make a shift due to vacation or schedule conflict, the care coordinator will work to find a comparable caregiver from our qualified team. Each team member at ABC has access to extensive client focused training including Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s along with caregiver focused training. ABC Home Healthcare is proud of our team of compassionate caregivers, some who have been with the company since we opened in 2004.

As each situation is different, only you can decide what is right for you and your family.  It’s important to remember that as people continue to live longer our home care needs may change. Consider an agency that can adjust to your changing needs. For more information on choosing a home care agency visit 800ageinfo.com.

Jeannette Sheehan, MS, RN, CS, CCM, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner is founder and owner of ABC Home Healthcare Professionals.

Fall Cleanse

Fall Cleanse

Join us – if not now, when?

 

Is your diet correct?

Is your diet correct?

 

When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” — Ayurvedic proverb

 

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Where do you fit in this knowledge?
Contact Ayurveda Wellness Healing for a private consultation at info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 🙂

info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

http://www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com