provided by Microsoft

Ladies, June is Men’s Health Month, and more pointedly, June 13 – 19, 2011 is Men’s Health Week.  What does that have to do with us?  Well, if you have a significant other, a son, a brother, an uncle or father – it has a lot to do with you.  We want these very important men to be around for a very long time, don’t we?

So what can we do?  Remind them to get their yearly checkups and go with them if necessary.  Hey, they try to act like big boys but when it comes to checkups we really know they’re really big wimps!  So keep encouraging the men in your life to take care of themselves.  The following information was taken from Disabled World website.  It highlights what exams are key for men’s health and what checkups are needed at what age.

Important Tests for General Health

Blood pressure check
Cholesterol level test
Prostate check
Colon and rectum exam
Overweight and obesity
Eye exam
Dental exam

Recommended Male Health Checkups by Age:

Checkup for Males 20 and Younger:

• Full dental checkup every 6 months.
• Eye examination every 2 years. Yearly if you currently have eyesight problems.
• Blood pressure should be checked every 2 1⁄2 years (once a year 20 and older).
• Complete physical examination including; quantitative blood check, urine test, cholesterol and stool test.

20 to 50 Years of Age:

• Dental examination every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist.
• Eye checkup every 2 years – Yearly if you currently have eyesight problems.
• Do a regular complete physical examination every 3 years or as recommended by your doctor.
• Blood pressure check every 2 1⁄2 years or once a year if you are at a risk of high blood pressure problems.
• Have a cholesterol check and repeat the test every 3 years or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Have a colon and rectal exam once a year after you reach the age of 40, (Those at risk of colon conditions should have an occult blood test yearly or go for sigmoidoscopy every 3 to 5 years. If at risk of prostate cancer you should have the screening every year after 45 years).

Health Check for Males Aged 50 and Older:

• Blood pressure should be checked yearly.
• Dental check every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist.
• Have a cholesterol blood test every 3 to 5 years if it is normal or as recommended by your doctor.
• A checkup of the colon should be performed every 3 to 5 years as well as a check for prostate specific antigen once a year.
• Have a regular physical examination every 1 to 2 years up to the age of 65. If you have diabetes or hypertension or are at risk of either, you should have the regular eye check at least every year.

Best in Health!

provided by Microsoft

Years ago, say the word cancer and it was an automatic death sentence.  Not so today.  So much so that June 5, 2011 is declared National Cancer Survivors Day.

We could talk about the millions of dollars that goes toward cancer research, or the new procedures implemented, or even the new, innovative medicines making treatment options simpler and better.  But really, I’d rather just let my family friend, Mrs. B,. express her feelings, especially since she is a cancer survivor herself.

Mrs. B., tell us briefly what your view of life and goals were like before the cancer diagnosis.

My view in life is very simple, God is always first then family and friends.  I work with children every day from the ages of 3-5 and I enjoy it when a child has left the program and achieve their goal[s]; it makes me feel great that I am doing something right.  Before I was diagnosed with cancer [I] was looking forward to retiring, volunteering, traveling, spending more time with my grandchildren and enjoying more time with my spouse.

Did you have any previous experience with anyone who had cancer before?  How did it affect you?   

Yes, my grandfather, mother, and sister all had cancer.  It made me always wonder if I would have cancer.  Since cancer seems to run in the family, I had genetic testing done to see if anyone else will be predisposed of having cancer just because of genetics.  The test came out negative so I don’t believe I will be passing any cancerous genes on.  But, yes, it did really affect me because I always felt that it was possible that I would have cancer.

When the doctor told you that you had breast cancer, how did it make you feel?  How do you feel today?

First, I was speechless; [but] it was not a shock because of the family history.  I felt okay because my sister had just finished and she did great so I thought I would do just as fine.  My biggest fear was telling my husband, daughters and son.  Our family became even closer – even the extended family.  That togetherness helped me to keep everything together and I am so thankful to everyone for being there in the time of need.

What is your view of life and goals after your diagnosis? 

Quit procrastinating and do the things that you value and do not take friends and family for granted.  My goals are the same except that I would like to go back to college and take more than one vacation a year.

Do you feel like you are a survivor? Explain. 

Yes, I am a breast cancer survivor and feel good about what the future holds for me.  During my treatments, it was amazing how people from different backgrounds were going through the same thing.  Everyone has a story about how they felt, what they were going through, and how positive their attitudes and outlook [are] for the future.

What would you tell others in regard to what they need to do in order to survive their struggle?

First, I tell women to make sure they do a self-examination on themselves.  Get their yearly mammogram or however often the doctor recommends for them.  I tell them there are different stages of cancer and the earlier you can detect it the greater your chances of survival no matter what type of cancer you have.  During my journey through this time there was a circle of love that surrounded me.  I had family, friends, church members [and] co-workers who always kept me smiling and informed.  They kept my spirits high; they truly were a blessing.  So let your friends and family be a part of your journey as you travel back to good health.

Words of wisdom, don’t you agree?  Best in health to all.

For more information on National Cancer Survivors Day, please click here.

provided by Microsoft

Yep, ladies, it can really happen.  It’s a condition called vagina prolapse.  Simply put, the muscle is this area relaxes way too much.  This causes the top section of the vagina to drop, even extending outside of the vagina itself.

If you’ve had a hysterectomy, then you are at a higher risk than most to be affected.   What can be done?  Well, some choose corrective surgery.  The success rate for this type of procedure is very high, but ask your doctor about the risks and complications.  Everybody will not have the same results and neither is this option good for everyone.  No matter if surgery is your decision or not, if you suffer from vagina prolapse it’s always a good idea to:

Avoid smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Try to avoid constipation
Try to avoid heavy lifting
Try to avoid standing for a long time

Good to Health to You!

By my last count, approximately 600 people were killed by the tornadoes altogether.  I don’t ever remember such numbers in my lifetime.  Homes and towns were flattened – starting in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and now Missouri and Oklahoma.  This leads me to the point of this article, before these poor people can recover from that, the Mississippi started to rise and spill over in the surrounding areas.

It’s so odd the way natural catastrophes do – one area is untouched while other areas are devastated.  For instance, East Memphis is perfectly intact, but in parts of Northaven and South Memphis, people were walking around in ankle-deep water.  There are some small towns in Mississippi that are completely submerged still.  They are too poor and too small to rebuild.  For others, enter FEMA (Federal Emergency ManagementAgency).

Those who need FEMA assistance are supposed to file applications now so papers will be ready for processing in July, 2011.  Customers will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis so filling out these papers and sending them in is very important.  Scientists have assured us that the flood waters will recede – although very slowly.  It’s raining now and more is in the forecast so I wonder about that.  And pray…

Below are pictures from the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Shelby Farms in Memphis

Baseball field in Memphis

provided by Microsoft

Breastfeeding your baby can actually be good for your baby and you.  Evidence shows that babies who are breastfed suffer less from:

Diarrhea
Ear infections
Pneumonia
Asthma
Obesity

Mothers who breastfeed their babies lessen the chances for developing the following:

Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer

For more information on breastfeeding, please go to Breastfeeding.com.

Best in Health!

You know how some productions leave you hanging or get in its own way by trying to be too artsy?  Well, not South Riding.   It folds out with a conclusion that satisfies the audience while at the same time, gives room for additional installments.  How? 

Well, Lydia Holly, the poor student who lost her mother, not only goes back to school but excels and (what seemed to me) to go on to higher success as a professor.  Her father initially seemed to be busy trying to recapture his lost life instead of helping his daughter find hers.  Careful prodding by Sarah Burton took care of that.  Would Lydia come back to thank her teacher?  What would her experience be for a poor country girl at the university?

Midge Carne, Robert Carne’s daughter, grows up to be a stable and lovely young lady under the tutelage of her grandfather.  What’s the in-between story?  You see her grandfather motion for her to hold her head up in one scene.  Is that a loving reminder or overbearing meddling?  Midge was originally left in the care of Mrs. Beddows – a pillar of the community who has a heart (of which she admits) that’s smitten with Robert Carne.  How did this fact make her act or react in other situations?  Did her husband know?  She hinted that it did indeed affect her marriage.

Alfred Huggins, a member of the city council, got what he deserved – nothing.  No money, no profit and no prominence.  One thing that drove this into being was Robert Carne.  He exposed Huggins and Anthony Staith’s (another member of city council) sneaky and corrupt ways.  Staith is probably the only character that didn’t completely get what he deserved but here again allows for another opportunity to continue the story.

Lastly, Robert Crane, Sarah Burton’s main love interest and member of the city council, did tragically die, and not by his own hand either.  I so hate that he died!  Just when happiness entered his life too!  This, of course, devastated Sarah.  So much so that when she overheard her neighbors low-rating Robert, she came to his defense vehemently.  She lets it slip in a moment of rage that she knew him ‘very well.’  Embarrassed, she hops on a train to London.  But before departing, quick-thinking Mrs. Beddows convinces her to stay. Why was she going to London of all places?  Was it because Joe Astell – her second love interest – was there and had practically proposed to her?  Although Sarah stays in South Riding and seemed very happy with this decision, you wonder whether she will ever find true love and keep true love.  Astell had pointed out how both of the men she loved previously had died tragically and that she needed to do herself and favor and move passed the pain to start living.  Will she learn to start living or was her life complete as it was?

This story has so much potential for a follow-up.  We’ll have to stay tuned on a future Masterpiece Theatre Classic season and see.

provided by Veer Images

Okay, another year has gone by and we’re halfway through 2011.  Unfortunately, a lot of people are still in a financial rut – this may include you.  It’s time to put on our game face and play hardball.  No whiners allowed – we can do this.

Be In the Know

Know about your bills and credit cards through and through.  Get acquainted with their policies, rates and fees.  A simple call to the customer service department is all you need to get this information.

 Make it Count

Investopedia of Yahoo! Finance states that since the credit card legislation (CARD Act), we have privy to more information on how paying the least or most on a credit card will affect the total interest paid.  Let that be the motivation to pay over the minimum – five dollars over the minimum balance can make a world of difference.

Be For Real

You’ve made these bills over time so it’s going to take time to get rid of them.  While some may use that big tax refund or receive that big windfall of money to pay off debt, the rest of us will have to whittle it down little by little.

Team Effort

Trying to stick to that budget and stop overspending is not easy.  That’s why Investopedia recommends having a buddy system.  When you – or the other person – start to steer off track, you check each other’s hand.  Simple, but it works.

provided by Microsoft

I’ve got to share this story that my brother, Dan, told me the other day.  It was around the time his clothes dryer went out, which caused him to have to go to a laundry mat. As he tells it, he had scads of clothes washed so he puts almost $30 into the coin machine.  He puts his clothes into several machines, inserting coins as he went along.

Around this time, a small child walked up.  He had on tattered clothing, and, of course, had a snotty nose and big brown eyes to boot.  His mother is on the other side of the room with several other similar-looking kids.  She looked like a hard case herself.  Anyway, the little boy stood nearby, staring at Dan.  After a while, Dan said he looked up and thought if he just smiled at him, the little boy would soon walk off.

Nope.  He continued to stare and quietly inched up closer.  Each machine Dan moved to, this little boy followed.  After a while, maybe his mother started to miss him or something because she yells, “Boy!  C’mon down here and stop bothering that man!”  This Lil’ G yells back as clear as day, “Aw, Momma!  I’m tryin’ to get me some money!”

I ask you, is three years old too young to be a hustler?

provided by Microsoft

During the National Women’s Health Week (May 8-14, 2011), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging women to take stock and take charge of their health.  Below are a few of the tips that are encouraged:

•Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, each week

•Eating a nutritious diet

•Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings

•Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt

•Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

For more practical tips, please visit Womenshealth.gov.