Filed under: Thought for the Day I recently read this article, which states that children undergoing leukemia treatment generally have lower than average marks in school , particularly those who underwent cranial radiation. This was not because they missed school from being in a hospital -- they were provided with education whether at home or in the hospital. Still, the results are a relief to researchers because the majority of children who had undergone treatment did complete their basic education, albeit with a bit more difficulty than their healthy peers. What do you think about this? I'm no education expert, but I think it's important that kids with leukemia should have some sort of extra educational help available to them -- maybe a tutoring program that can help them in the learning process. Afterall, they've gone through enough with their illness -- they shouldn't have to suffer through the humiliation of falling behind in class too. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Exercise Today, my oldest child begins first grade. I can't tell you how sad and happy this makes me. I'm sad because I realize my first baby boy is truly on his way to growing up. School has him now; I don't. I can't help but predict he will need me less and less as he takes on the world in his own independent way. This makes me happy too. I am eager to see how he fares on his own, how he develops, grows, and soars. And I must admit, I am pretty thrilled about having five mornings per week all to myself -- my youngest little boy begins school today too. On Friday, we went to six-year-old Joey's elementary school for a meet-the-teacher event. Joey was right at home. He sat at his assigned desk, did a little drawing, and snuggled up in a pile of pillows in the reading corner. I felt right at home too, after reading a parent memo about public school physical education. Fitness has become an everyday ritual for me. Along with eating right, it's my weapon for staying healthy and keeping cancer far away. I want this same ritual for my boys. It looks like Joey will get to embrace this way of life not only at home but while in the care of his teacher too. "On May 15, 2007 Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation that will ensure that public school elementary kids receive at least 150 minutes of physical education each week," read the memo. "Students will be participating in daily activity time in addition to their physical education class to meet this requirement." Joey's teacher said the class will be dancing in class and doing exercise videos too. No more 40 minutes per week of PE class. I love it. Not only will lifetime fitness be encouraged in the classroom, a little exercise during the school day will do Joey's body a lot of good. According to an article in the September 2007 issue of Woman's Day magazine, classroom fitness activities can prevent weight gain and can even improve grades. Researchers are East Carolina University found that children who did 10-minute bursts of activity -- such as jogging or jumping in place -- throughout the day were more likely to focus on schoolwork and follow classroom rules. The most improvement was detected among kids who were at first the least attentive. Researchers also found that teacher-led activities were easily incorporated into the classroom setting, without increasing the teacher's workload. I'm sad my boys are growing up and away from me. But they are headed for environments that foster health and wellness. And that makes me happy.

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Cancer events , Research , Events , Politics , Opinion I love the terminology used by those behind the scenes at Hurricane Voices . This is where I first read the words breast cancer dancer and where individuals have gathered to advance the rebellion against breast cancer. The content on this site is powerful, edgy, and truly inspiring -- it incites public action. And it makes me want to jump up and do something -- now. To break down the barriers to progress in pursuit of the causes and cures for breast cancer -- which is the whole purpose of Hurricane Voices. Hurricane Voices began because of one woman -- Lois Egasti, a wife and mother living with metastatic breast cancer. Lois, who passed away on April 15, 2003, knew she was not alone and felt the need to take a stand against the disease. So she put her urge into action and formed this not-for-profit organization. And in just four years, a great community of voices emerged -- voices that have helped raise support and participation in far-reaching programs and events. Hurricane Voices offers on its website a family reading list, a regular newsletter, an empowering overview of breast cancer and its statistics, and a sampling of various myths surrounding beast cancer. Hurricane Voices provides direction for involvement in unique conferences -- such as When a Parent Has Cancer: Strengthening the School's Response which helps school systems support families affected by parental cancer and Breast Cancer: Truth & Consequences , a conference that challenges the status quo concerning breast cancer. Hurricane Voices initiates thought-provoking public awareness campaigns and strives to inform the public that the disease we call breast cancer is a very serious illness. Every day, more people are being diagnosed. Every day, more people are dying. Yet we are not beating this disease -- in fact in the time it takes to brush our teeth or drink a cup of coffee, another person has died of breast cancer. And this is what Hurricane Voices wants us to know. This and the fact that well-meaning, misconstrued survival rates in the 90 percentiles only extend for five years. And five years is just not enough. Powerful -- that's what Hurricane Voices is -- powerful. And each of us can contribute our own power to this organization by becoming a Hurricane Voice. So speak up -- by simply clicking here . Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Esophageal Cancer , Daily news The University of Miami's first basketball All-American and member of the school's Athletic Hall of Fame died Friday of esophageal and colon cancer. Dick Hickox, a 5-6 guard who led the 1959-60 Hurricanes to a 23-3 record and a No. 8 ranking -- still the school's highest -- was 68 years old. Hickox never meant to play basketball at UM. He went to Coral Gables with a friend who was homesick and who threatened to leave unless coach Bruce Hale brought in Hickox and a another friend. Hale agreed -- and had no idea what he was getting. Hickox averaged 22.1 points that season and went on to make history. He was named second All-American, alongside Providence guard Lenny Wilkens. Hickox drew crowds of 5,000 and celebrities -- like actors Burt Reynolds, George Hamilton, and then-Cassius Clay -- often cheered him on from under the basket. Hickox spent his adult years working in the Dade County Public School system and was the business manager of the South Miami High athletic department. In March, he attended the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, N.C., and received a Legends Award. It was the best basketball weekend of his life, one friend said. Hickox is survived by his wife, his son, and his daughter. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Ovarian Cancer , Celebrity news When Patsy Ramsey passed away from a recurrence of ovarian cancer two months ago, many felt she died under the shadow of suspicion concerning her possible involvement in the murder of her six-year-old daughter JonBenet, whose beaten and strangled body was found by her father John Ramsey in the basement of her family's home in Boulder, Colorado. At the time of Patsy Ramsey's death, the family attorney Lin Wood said, "I think people will remember Patsy as being someone who was falsely accused in connection with the death of her daughter when she should be remembered for being an incredibly loving mother, wonderful wife, and person who showed great courage in fighting a vicious disease over the last many years." Today, breaking news reveals that a suspect has been arrested in the murder of JonBenet. Confessing to elements of the crime, the 42-year-old American second-grade school teacher John Karr was apprehended in Thailand. John Ramsey confirmed in a written statement that Patsy was aware of the authorities interest in the suspect and she died knowing that the case was about to be solved and the murderer of her child was about to be brought to justice. She did not leave this world not knowing. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Chemotherapy , Radiation , Cancer Survivors I don't take for granted that I am alive. I am fully aware of it, consciously grateful for it, continually amazed by it. Before I was confronted with breast cancer, I still knew I could die -- in a car accident maybe -- but I thought chances were pretty good that I would make it to a ripe old age. Death was never at the forefront of my mind. I had no reason to believe that life could be snatched from me. And because of this, I am sure some pretty important moments slipped by me, virtually unnoticed. But now -- after a breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and then more therapy, I realize life is not a guarantee for anyone. Me included. Even at age 36, I am not safe. I feel confident about my future -- and I believe cancer has left my body -- but my life has been threatened like never before. And that makes me wake up and take notice -- really notice -- the moments that are too important to take for granted. My first baby boy starts kindergarten today. Before cancer, this still would have been a monumental day for us both. But now, after cancer, it's even bigger. Because I know of several moms who did not survive cancer long enough to see their children walk through their first classroom doors -- moms who thought, like me, that they would surely beat cancer and would see their kids off for every first day of school. So I am lucky to have made it to this day -- to witness the wonder of my sweet, shy, sensitive, challenging, demanding, loving boy as he leaves the comfort of home for the real world. Two days ago, my littlest guy said, "Mommy, I love you and want to keep you forever." Joey -- the boy whose wisdom should guide him right through his first day of school -- said, "Danny, you can't have mommy forever. One day she will die, and you will never see her again." Fortunately, his harsh meaning was lost on three-year-old Danny who kept playing with whatever toy was occupying him at the time. But his meaning was not lost on me. He spoke the truth. And so I plan to soak up the kindergarten moment this morning -- and photograph it and write about it and cherish it for my days to come. And in two years, I hope to do it again with Danny as he starts off on the same path. With me by his side. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Diets , Nutrition , Cancer prevention foods , Recipe Healthy Living Where does the time go? Even though most of us have been experiencing the height of the summer season in the form of a nationwide scorcher of a heat wave, summer is almost over for school kids and teens leaving for college. Yes, in less than a month, it's back to school. There are advertisements everywhere you look for new school supplies and new school clothes. In preparation for the new school season, Duke Health has published Back to School Tips for Healthy Eating . The experts say it is not about counting fat grams and calories but portion control and choices. According to pediatrician Dr. Terrill Bravender, "You don't have to be obsessive about it. If you generally eat healthy, there is room for some foods that aren't as healthy." Dr. Bravender offers these basic common sense tips:

• Involve kids in lunchbox planning. If you let them make some choices about what goes into their lunchbox, they are more likely to eat it.
• Avoid the peanut butter and jelly rut. Nothing wrong with the traditional, but try new foods. Make it a food adventure.
• While everyone is still on summer break, encourage children to prepare their own lunch. Dr. Bravender suggests easy-to-make ideas like graham crackers with peanut butter and a glass of milk; fresh fruit with cheese cubes; a hard boiled egg with whole grain crackers; yogurt with a sliced banana; granola bars with milk; or tortilla chips and bean dip made without hydrogenated oils.

Ultimately, as the mother, what foods come in to the home are my choosing, so I try to make nutritious choices in food purchases. But I have found great success over the years by taking my kids to the grocery store with me, and allowing them to choose between several choices I offer. We also take a look at new foods, and talk about the food item. We read ingredients. Some we decide, by group vote, to bring home and try. During the growing seasons, they are with me when I stop at a roadside stand to buy local produce straight from the field, and each year we have an annual tradition of blueberry picking enough blueberries to last most of the year ahead. Food can be fun, and learning about good food a lifetime benefit in cancer prevention. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Brain Cancer , Childhood Cancers , Events Alyssa Bruno, who is five years old, has been diagnosed with diffuse pontine glioma, a brain stem cancer. With a birthday card and a penny for good luck, you can help little Alyssa of Henrietta celebrate her birthday. On August 2, when Alyssa turns six years old, the Federation of Social Workers will deliver all the birthday cards and lucky pennies to Alyssa. The request began as an email send out by one of Alyssa's teachers. She sent out the email requesting birthday cards and lucky pennies for Alyssa, with an additional request that the person receiving the email forward it on to others. As of now, the federation has received 35 birthday cards for Alyssa. If you would like to brighten the day of a little girl who is facing cancer on her very special day, send her a birthday card to: Alyssa Bruno Birthday Cards Federation of Social Workers 167 Flanders Street (D-12) Rochester, New York 14619 Don't forget the lucky penny! Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Thyroid Cancer , Politics , Environment , Teen Cancers , Daily news Each year 350 children are diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer. What are the random odds that three teenagers who live within a few miles of each other would be diagnosed with this particular cancer? Cincinnati News 5 is reporting that the parents of these teens are asking this question and speculating that it might have an environmental cause. The parents wonder -- could a pipeline that runs through town carrying jet fuel have leaked into the ground water -- or is the Edgewood Middle School all three teens attended built on a site that is contaminated? The parents have no proof, they have no answers and no one seems to want to help them find out what the problem might be that has led to the unusually high concentration of thyroid cancer cases to be diagnosed in one small group of teens living in such close proximity to one another. According to one of the parents, all they want is to have water samples tested and they feel their requests have been ignored for the last 18 months. Now city officials plan on meeting with the parents next week to discuss their concerns. It is frustrating to be ignored when you are asking for help to find the cause of circumstances that appear suspicious. It seems rather than let this matter drag out as long as it has, it would have been so much easier for officials to just look into it when it first came up. At least the parents would not have been left to draw their own conclusions. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Diets , Nutrition , Cancer prevention foods The best cancer prevention begins early. As a parent, you can make cancer prevention choices for your children with the food you bring to the table. When they reach school age, it becomes more of a challenge in assuring that what they are eating is also good for them. Frankly, you appreciate like-minded individuals who care as much as you do about the long-term health of your children. For the last two years, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, PCRM, has hosted the Golden Carrot Awards in recognition of creative school food service professionals who strive to serve school children healthy wholesome food. According to PCRM, they are looking for school food service professionals who serve vegetarian entrees, low-fat meals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nondairy beverage items and that promote nutrition education. Nominations for this year's award is open until September 18, 2006. Both public and private school food service professionals are eligible for nomination. Last year's recipients of the Golden Carrot Awards posted at PCRM's webpage are:  Susan Wolfe-Hill , chef and owner of The Balancing Act, won the grand prize for the creative food service program she runs for the Poughkeepsie Day School. At least half of the menu items available each day are vegan; all soups and stews are homemade and vegetarian. Recent choices include Louisiana-style Red Beans and Brown Rice, Penne with Broccoli, Vegan Corn Chowder, and Butternut Squash Soup. Rick Hungerford , food service director at U-32 High School in Montpelier. Hungerford's many innovations include bringing in outside chefs to teach food service personnel how to cook with tofu, seitan, and other meat alternatives. Laurel Lyle , executive chef of the Peabody Charter School in Santa Barbara. Her kitchen emphasizes simple, fresh-cooked meals prepared largely from local organic produce and grains. The school has also formed alliances with local farmers and teaches kids to garden and compost. Jan Alford , food service director at The Seven Hills School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alford recently overhauled her school's kitchen, tossing the deep-fat fryer, eliminating all foods with trans fat, and making organic soymilk and rice milk always available. If you think the person who serves your children food during lunch at school deserves an award, you can visit PCRM's Golden Carrot Awards page and download the nomination form. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments