Tag Archives: cancer

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TEN DISEASES THAT ACTUALLY HAVE WARNING SIGNS (GUEST POST)

Diseases that actually have warning signs.  Sent by Elisabeth Wright, of  http://www.vitaminsandminerals.net/blog/category/vitamins/ 

When broken down the term disease is quite self-explanatory.   Dis – ease.  A body that is healthy is one that is at ease; however when symptoms occur that disrupt this natural ease there is the probability that these are warning signs that something is wrong.  After all, we expect children to run and play until they fall asleep eating their supper!  If that is ever interrupted and they begin to play less, cry more, and will not fall asleep readily at the end of each day, then it may be time to take them to see a professional.

This isn’t only true for children, but adolescents and adults as well.  It is a sad fact, but a true one none the less, that disease has no regard for gender or age.  Familiarizing ourselves with some basic knowledge of the symptoms of diseases may be the best education we can ever obtain.

Unless we have been adopted and know little to nothing about our heritage, we should be able to judge the likelihood of contracting some diseases by looking at what our families have had to deal with in our family tree.

My mother was a diabetic who also had heart disease.  Not that I went looking for either, but I and my physician, armed with this knowledge, have taken extra notice with each symptom I have had that could point to either disease.  My father had by-pass surgery when he was 65.  A fact of life is we grew up on a farm where we slaughtered and processed our meat, and a greater percentage of everything we ate was fried.  Even though he died in March 2011, at the age of 102 with his mental faculties still intact, the fact that he had some heart irregularities has added extra precaution to my care as I get older. 

So what symptoms should you look for that could be indicative of a disease? 

1. Heart problems – These may vary among women and men, however any discomfort in the chest area that is not taken care of by Tums or an anti-acid should be taken seriously.  One factor is the same, however, in both men and women, and that is a history of leading a lifestyle that includes abuse of the heart, such as smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise, to name a few.  One who has had a blatant disregard for their lifestyle with an attitude of “I’ll live and enjoy life until I die” may end up not having much of a life to enjoy after a few years of living without regard to the future consequences of his lifestyle choices.  Whoever said, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself”, was not jesting but speaking the truth too late.

2. Alzheimer’s – This is another disease with warning signs.  What has been referred to as dementia for many years is now recognized as Alzheimer disease.  The difference between the two is the fact that Alzheimer’s is a disease, where dementia has symptoms that are similar, but are related to the aging process, like memory loss, and a decline in thinking and reasoning skills.  Dementia is not caused by Alzheimer’s disease; however the severity of the symptoms would merit a visit with a doctor who specializes in Gerontology, or the study of the aging process.

3. Parkinson’s disease – Parkinson’s is diagnosed in an average of 50,000 patients each year.  Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically begin appearing between 50 and 60 years of age.  They develop slowly and often go unnoticed by family members, and even the individual who has the symptoms.  Some individuals only have symptoms on one side of their body that never progress to the other side.

The most common symptoms include tremors or shaking of the hands, arms, or legs.  When awake, sitting, or standing, the tremors may subside when the person moves the affected part of the body. Stiff muscles (rigidity) and aching muscles are other common symptoms.  One of the most common early signs of Parkinson’s disease is a reduced arm swing on one side when the person is walking that is caused by rigid muscles. Rigidity can also affect the muscles of the legs, face, neck, or other parts of the body, and may cause muscles to feel tired and achy.

4. Cancer – Cancer is a group of diseases that can cause almost any signs or symptoms. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or tissues. If a cancer has spread (metastasized), signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.

5. Thyroid – Your thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck. It controls your metabolism, which is how your body turns food into energy, and it also affects your heart, muscles, bones, and cholesterol.

When the thyroid secretes too much thyroid hormone, it is referred to as Hyperthyroidism.  By producing too much your body may speed up on many of its functions, like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating a lot, or becoming moody and out of sorts.  On the other hand, there is also hypothyroidism, which shows the thyroid is not producing enough, or any, thyroid hormone.

6. Diabetes – Type 1 diabetes, which is insulin dependent, and type 2, which shows up in adulthood, are not diseases one can see in a mirror.  However there are certain symptoms that should cause enough alarm to have one checked by a physician.  Extreme thirst, excessive hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss (rapid or sudden) can all be indicative of a diabetes problem.  Hopefully you can catch the onslaught of diabetes in time to correct it with a lifestyle change of diet and exercise.

7. Gum disease – Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease.  One out of every two adults has gingivitis and may not even know it.  Report to your dentist such things as bleeding gums, gums that are red, tender, or swollen, or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth.

8. Kidney disease –  Kidneys are designed to filter waste products and excess salt and fluids from the body, in addition to producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production, control blood pressure, and strengthen our skeleton. Disorders that injure the kidneys result in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition in which the normal functions of the kidney are impaired, which can, in turn, have a significant negative impact on the health and well-being of the affected person.

When the very process of filtering the toxins, excessive salt and fluids, and waste products from our body is hindered, our body gives off signals that something is not right.  Among the symptoms are blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry and itchy skin, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and poor school performance. As the kidney function worsens, one can experience weight gain from excess fluids, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, and high blood pressure. Anemia (low red blood cell count) often occurs and contributes to the feeling of fatigue, and nausea/vomiting may result in poor food intake and the development of malnutrition.

9. Gallbladder disease ­- After doing some research I learned the problem I once had with cramping that was so severe, a trip to the ER did no good was likely the result of gallstones. The following web site: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_gallstones, told me that about 90% of gallstones cause no symptoms. There is a very small (2%) chance of developing pain during the first 10 years after gallstones form.  It took several trips to the ER and one trip to my primary care physician, when I was in the middle of an episode, to see what my problem was.  There are symptoms to pay attention to and once diagnosed the problem can easily be taken care of.

10. Depression – Depression has received much more attention in the last 20 years than in decades prior.  It is not the mark of mental illness that it once was, largely because understanding the whys and wherefores of depression is better known.  In the mid-1900’s and earlier, people were placed in an insane asylum for being in a depressed state, especially women who were experiencing menopause.  I cringe at the thought of being placed somewhere where no help could be found, for I have had bouts of depression and often the help of medicine for a chemical imbalance made a world of difference in my outlook in only a few days.  Symptoms of depression may vary from men to women and even children, and the symptoms should not be ignored.  People have been known to have suicidal tendencies when the feeling of hopelessness lingers, and this feeling of hopelessness, like there is no way things can change tomorrow, and the feeling of worthlessness’ and like no one cares, are two of the most common symptoms.  Another common symptom is the feeling of uselessness and like you are no good for anyone, as well as wanting to sleep and being unable to do the little chores of a daily routine. Instead of ignoring these symptoms you should contact a doctor and get help. 

Take care of yourself, and if there is something out of the ordinary happening to your body, your skin, or in your mind, there is an answer. Getting to the right source for help may prolong your life. 

Elisabeth, these are wonderful explanations of signs that our bodies are giving us that things may not be just right!  Pay attention to these signs and seek medical attention.  pb

General Safety Issues

IT’S TIME FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT!

Smokers will think “NOT AGAIN!” when they hear about the Great American Smokeout planned for Thursday, November 17th.  This is the 36th annual smoke-free day sponsored by the American Cancer Society, who encourages tobacco smokers and chewers to quit for ONE day, and hopefully, forever.  The Smokeout draws attention to deaths and health damage caused by smoking.  It has also contributed to bans on smoking in workplaces and restaurants, increased taxes on cigarettes, limitations on cigarette promotions in the media, attempts to discourage teen smoking, and other countless actions to reduce tobacco use. 

There are approximately 46 million Americans that continue to smoke.  According to the CDC, 443,000 deaths result from smoking and second-hand smoke, $96 Billion in health care costs and $97 Billion in lost production occur annually.  Here are some facts from the U.S. Surgeon General and American Cancer Society that point out the benefits of quitting: 

  •        Your heart rate and blood pressure drop 20 minutes after quitting.
  •        Your circulation improves and your lung function increases within 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting.
  •        The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal 12 hours after quitting.
  •        One to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease; normal function in the lungs is regained, which reduces the risk of infection.
  •        One year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
  •        Five years after quitting, the stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
  •        Ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker’s. 
  •        The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
  •        Fifteen years after quitting, risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. 

It is a very hard habit to break, but consider the health benefits as listed above, not to mention creating a safer environment for those non-smokers who have to breathe secondhand smoke!  Approximately two out of three smokers want to quit, and 52.4% of current adult smokers tried to quit within the past year. Healthcare providers should routinely identify smokers and other tobacco users, advise them to quit, and assist those trying to quit .  Getting help (e.g., through counseling or medication) can double or triple the chances for quitting. 

Workplaces that make the choice to become smoke-free would see increased productivity, fewer sick days and lower insurance claims by employees.  Employers could reward their workers who stop smoking by paying a membership fee to a health club, treat them to an occasional free breakfast or lunch, or come up with other innovative ideas.  

People have the right to choose what to do with their body; however, when facts prove that smoking damages almost every organ in the human body and is linked to at least fifteen different cancers, that should be reason enough for tobacco users to consider stopping.  Besides that, think of all the money that could be saved!  So, Thursday, come on, we dare you!  You can do it for at least one day…then another….and another!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ASBESTOS EXPOSURE AND RESPIRATORY SAFETY: STAYING CLEAR OF MESOTHELIOMA CANCER

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Today’s article was sent to us by Guest Author, Rachel Jones of mesotheliomasymptoms.com.  She had expressed an interest in sharing ways of protection for contractors who work around asbestos . 

On September 26, the eighth annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day will take place in the United States. Congress has set aside this time to help raise both awareness and funding related to this deadly cancer that still affects up to 3,000 new patients a year. With direct linking to asbestos exposure, the tie between this cancer and safety gear is crucial, especially with those involved in the asbestos abatement process.

There is an extensive amount of protective gear that is required to keep workers and abatement professionals safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Some of the common examples of protective gear aren’t nearly as capable of preventing these dangerous levels of exposure from occurring. For example, a common safety mask made out of paper is unable to protect from the inhalation of these fibers.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the lining (mesothelium) of the lungs, abdomen and heart can become compromised by asbestos. Because the lungs are highly susceptible to being affected by asbestos fibers, a respirator is probably the single most important type of protective gear to abatement contractors.  Dual cartridge respirators which serve to cover half of the face are the most common type used. It’s also greatly imperative that they include HEPA filters with a NIOSH rating of N100, P100, or R100. This means that the filters are small enough to prevent asbestos fibers from being inhaled. Just as is the case with any necessary respirator use, the fit of the gear is crucial, as an ill-fitting mask would be unable to prevent from all leaks.

Along with the importance of respirators, there is a great need to protect both the skin and eyes when contact with asbestos is taking place. Just as is the case with most construction projects, safety goggles or other protective eyewear is highly recommended. Protecting the skin is a much more complicated process, however.

Some states vary on the advised protective and safety gear from a clothing standpoint, while most recommend that disposable coveralls and gloves are the best option. A few states even suggest wearing multiple sets of coveralls. In any case, the protective clothing worn during the process of asbestos abatement must always be disposed in a sealed asbestos waste bag.

This great amount of safety and protection is a major necessity. While many remain uninformed and unaware of the dangers of this cancer, it has posed a threat to industrial workers and others for decades. Even though the use of asbestos as a common material has largely decreased in the last few decades, the long latency period of mesothelioma will ensure its affect on people for years to come.

This latency period involves a large gap (often decades long) between an original exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms. With extremely long gaps between exposure and the arrival of symptoms, mesothelioma life expectancy is on average, very low (between four and 18 months after a diagnosis).

With the dangers of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma set to have a major affect into the future, the importance of proper safety gear and awareness of this disease go hand in hand. Just as staying informed on the dangers of asbestos exposure can help future patients, proper safety gear will allow contractors to keep safe in the process of having asbestos removed.

Thank you, Rachel, for this very informative article.  Hopefully, those who are working around buildings containing asbestos will take all the necessary precautions to stay protected and healthy.  You can find more interesting articles about mesothelioma at the website: www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

COMING UP: GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT!

By now, Americans are familiar with this important event that takes place every year on the third Thursday in November:  the Great American Smokeout!    This is the 35th year that the American Cancer Society has sponsored this campaign.  On November 18th, smokers and tobacco users are asked to put down those cigarettes, cigars, snuff, and chewing tobacco for that whole day, and hopefully, many days to follow. 

There’s no doubt that the use of tobacco causes some types of cancer.  Here are some disturbing facts from the American Cancer Society:

  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010)
  • Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society. (Source: Cancer Facts and Figures 2010)
  • Lung cancer estimates for 2010 (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010):
  • New cases of lung cancer:  222,520 Males: 116,750
    Females: 105,770

             Deaths from lung cancer: 157,300

             Males: 86,220
             Females: 71,080

  • Besides lung cancer, tobacco use also causes increased risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nasal cavity (nose) and sinuses, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterine cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010)
  • In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths; this equaled about 443,00 early deaths each year from 2000 to 2004. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010)

Not only the cost to ones’ health may be involved, but the financial expense as well, should be considered.  If you multiplied how much you spend each day on this habit, times how much is spent a year, think about what you could do with that much money in five or ten years?  Put the actual amount of money somewhere in a safe place.  You will reap the benefits later, as well as improving your health.

It has been reported that in 2012 the packaging on cigarettes will depict cancer patients and warnings of the dangers of smoking.  Some smokers interviewed said they’d probably keep on smoking despite the graphic warnings.  Let’s encourage everyone we care about who has this habit to get serious about their health.

We hope this information will help at least one person consider taking the necessary steps to make their life tobacco-free.  As with any habit, it will be hard to stop, but there are ways to make it easier.  There are many websites with all kinds of helpful advice.  Non-smokers should do all they can to encourage their friends and family members to make the commitment to stop. 

Please, don’t be a statistic!

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER IS CHILDREN’S CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

We are all familiar with the pink ribbons that promote breast cancer awareness.  The National Children’s Cancer Society asks schools and communities to recognize the month of September by wearing a gold ribbon on their lapel, to bring awareness of the battle with cancer that thousands of America’s children are fighting. 

Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15.  It causes more deaths in children than asthma, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and AIDS combined.  According to Kristie McNealy, M.D., one in 330 children will develop cancer before they are twenty years old.  Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with some type of cancer.   There are between 30,000 and 40,000 child cancer patients undergoing treatment in the U.S.  On average, 12,500 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  

Cancer is an ugly word for anyone; cancer in a child is unthinkable.  But it happens.  I know of a very brave young man,  who, at age 14 has battled this disease off  and on since he was three years old.  He has had 2 other relapses, and continues to fight, following a double cord transplant this past year.  This determined youngster has gone through more than most of us will experience in a lifetime.  It is his hope that people will realize what this disease is doing to our children by donating money, volunteering for cancer fund-raisers, or getting involved in other ways. 

We have veered away today from our usual format of safety – at home, at work, or play, but many times we do focus on health issues.  This important message needs to be spread.  Money is spent on research for breast cancer, and other types of cancer; however, research funds are scarce for pediatric cancer.  In the past two decades, one new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric treatment. 

Professional athletes visit kids in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, and their presence can make all the difference in the world.  You can help, too, by giving of your time and/or money.  If you know of a family that is going through treatment for their child, consider giving them gift certificates to restaurants, to be able to pick up food when there’s no time to prepare meals between work and hospital visits.  You can do many thoughtful things just by giving your time.  Be thankful if this disease hasn’t affected your family; wear that gold ribbon and remind folks what it is all about.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WARNING ABOUT TOO MUCH SUN

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The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, so we want to take this opportunity to warn you about the consequences of skin cancer.  If you work outdoors, there are steps you can take to protect your skin.  If you are deliberately working on a tan, please consider that this can be risky.

Too many Americans don’t protect themselves from the sun’s damaging rays, according to the Center for Disease Control, even though they are aware that the burns from the sun increase their risk of skin cancer.  Many people who have been diagnosed with basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer or melanoma, have been told by their dermatologists that sunburn during their childhood is likely a major factor that may have caused their problem as adults, so it is of the utmost importance that children’s skin is protected from the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow – SEEK SHADE.  If your shade is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

For those who must work or play outdoors, wear wide brim hats, hardhats w/sunshields, ultra-violet absorbing eyewear, (safety glasses), long sleeves, and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 15 SPF.  Apply sunscreen hourly.  Reflective surfaces such as water and sand can add to the burning effects of the sun.  So play it safe, stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Most Americans believe they can start their summer tan a little faster by going to tanning beds, however, they don’t realize that without proper protection, those tanning beds can cause serious burns not only to the skin, but to the eyes.  On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons.  First exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 per cent. Research shows that UV radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires tanning facilities to furnish clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers.  Without these protective eye goggles, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”

The number of melanomas is rising faster than any of the seven most common cancers.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, with almost 8,650 resulting in death.  We hope this helps you understand the significance of the damage UV rays cause.  We have mentioned the many ways you can protect yourself; if you suspect you may have some type of skin cancer, be sure to see your physician as soon as possible.  Do not ignore places that change color or don’t heal.  Many times treatment by a dermatologist can take care of the problem before it gets serious.

Source: Prevent Blindness America
Skin Cancer Foundation

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MEN DO LOOK GOOD IN PINK!

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you will probably see a lot more people wearing pink.  For the past twenty-five years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has promoted awareness and education regarding breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancers.  The estimate for 2009 is that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women, and 1,920 cases in men will be diagnosed.  Men have breast tissue, and can get breast cancer, even though it is not as common as in women.

National public service associations such as the America Cancer Society, medical associations, and government agencies have all joined together in promoting breast cancer issues.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also observed internationally during October, with many charities raising funds for research.  According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the single most important risk factor.  Other things to consider are:

  • Family history;
  • Body weight;
  • Lack of physical activity;
  • Alcohol consumption;
  • Smoking;
  • Consuming unhealthy foods;
  • Alteration of certain genes.

Women over 40 are urged to get an annual mammogram, and follow up every year.  Physicians or mammography centers can show women how to do self-exams, as well.

Surprisingly, one-half of breast cancer cases show up in women over age 65; therefore, they should continue getting mammograms through their 70’s.

You will see all types of benefits and activities in October, promoting this very important issue that affects thousands.  If you see a man wearing pink, tell him “thanks”.  Chances are he has a mom, grandmother, wife, or daughter that he hopes won’t have to face breast cancer, or that he knows someone who is fighting the battle.  There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in our country, thanks to the hard work that cancer research and medical technology have provided.  These survivors are to be commended for their courage.