Cleaning Out My Closet

I remember a Christmas being in a foster home 2 days, the daughter was mad because they asked her to give me a gift she didn't want.

She said I'm not giving that foster kid my shit. All she is going to do is runaway. 
The gift part didn't hurt but the fact that people make it a point to shame you for things you cannot change. I didn't run that day but about 2 weeks later I did, stayed gone for 3 months.

Courtney made such a big deal about something she had just cursed her mom out because she didn't want it.  What Courtney didn't realize is I just wanted to feel love and apart of a family.  I wasn't looking for money. I was 15 at the time and ALL I EVER WANTED was my MOM or a FAMILY to love me back. 

I  turned 19 and got out of their home...

Not to mention I turn 27 in about 10 days and I still have the same wish.

Looking back... I haven't stopped running.

Ronald Davis-Homeless Chicago Man, Tells Heartbreaking Story.

Mural Depicting Michael Brown Painted Over In Trenton « CBS Philly

Mural Depicting Michael Brown Painted Over In Trenton « CBS Philly

After-school programs still needed for 19.4 million children, report says

After-school programs still needed for 19.4 million children, report says

Japanese team develops cardiac tissue sheet from human iPS cells

Japanese team develops cardiac tissue sheet from human iPS cells | The Japan Times

Signs and Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms

Because the symptoms of AS are often hard to differentiate from other behavioral problems, it's best to let a doctor or other health professional evaluate your child's symptoms. It's not uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before a diagnosis of AS is made later.

A child with AS might have these signs and symptoms:

• inappropriate or minimal social interactions
• conversations almost always revolving around self rather than others
• "scripted," "robotic," or repetitive speech
• lack of "common sense"
• problems with reading, math, or writing skills
• obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music
• average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are usually average to above-average
• awkward movements
• odd behaviors or mannerisms

It's important to note that, unlike kids with autism, those with AS might show no delays in language development; they usually have good grammatical skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age. However, they typically do exhibit a language disorder — they might be very literal and have trouble using language in a social context.

Often there are no obvious delays in cognitive development. Although kids with AS can have problems with attention span and organization, and have skills that seem well developed in some areas and lacking in others, they usually have average and sometimes above-average intelligence.

Asperger's Syndrome

What Is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum. Affected children and adults have difficulty with social interactions and exhibit a restricted range of interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Motor development may be delayed, leading to clumsiness or uncoordinated motor movements. Compared with those affected by other forms of ASD, however, those with Asperger syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development. Some even demonstrate precocious vocabulary – often in a highly specialized field of interest.

The following behaviors are often associated with Asperger syndrome. However, they are seldom all present in any one individual and vary widely in degree:

• limited or inappropriate social interactions
• "robotic" or repetitive speech
• challenges with nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expression, etc.) coupled with average to above average verbal skills
• tendency to discuss self rather than others
• inability to understand social/emotional issues or nonliteral phrases
• lack of eye contact or reciprocal conversation
• obsession with specific, often unusual, topics
• one-sided conversations
• awkward movements and/or mannerisms

How is Asperger Syndrome diagnosed?

Asperger syndrome often remains undiagnosed until a child or adult begins to have serious difficulties in school, the workplace or their personal lives. Indeed, many adults with Asperger syndrome receive their diagnosis when seeking help for related issues such as anxiety or depression. Diagnosis tends to center primarily on difficulties with social interactions.

Children with Asperger syndrome tend to show typical or even exceptional language development. However, many tend to use their language skills inappropriately or awkwardly in conversations or social situations such as interacting with their peers. Often, the symptoms of Asperger syndrome are confused with those of other behavioral issues such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Indeed, many persons affected by Asperger syndrome are initially diagnosed with ADHD until it becomes clear that their difficulties stem more from an inability to socialize than an inability to focus their attention.

For instance, someone with Asperger syndrome might initiate conversations with others by extensively relating facts related to a particular topic of interest. He or she may resist discussing anything else and have difficulty allowing others to speak. Often, they don’t notice that others are no longer listening or are uncomfortable with the topic. They may lack the ability to “see things” from the other person’s perspective.

Another common symptom is an inability to understand the intent behind another person’s actions, words and behaviors. So children and adults affected by Asperger syndrome may miss humor and other implications. Similarly, they may not instinctually respond to such “universal” nonverbal cues such as a smile, frown or “come here” motion.

For these reasons, social interactions can seem confusing and overwhelming to individuals with Asperger syndrome. Difficulties in seeing things from another person's perspective can make it extremely difficult to predict or understand the actions of others. They may not pick up on what is or isn’t appropriate in a particular situation. For instance, someone with Asperger syndrome might speak too loudly when entering a church service or a room with a sleeping baby – and not understand when “shushed.”

Some individuals with Asperger syndrome have a peculiar manner of speaking. This can involve speaking overly loud, in a monotone or with an unusual intonation. It is also common, but not universal, for people with Asperger syndrome to have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may cry or laugh easily or at inappropriate times.

Another common, but not universal, sign is an awkwardness or delay in motor skills. As children, in particular, they may have difficulties on the playground because they can’t catch a ball or understand how to swing on the monkey bars despite their peers’ repeated attempts to teach them.

Not all individuals with Asperger syndrome display all of these behaviors. In addition, each of these symptoms tends to vary widely among affected individuals.

It is very important to note that the challenges presented by Asperger Syndrome are very often accompanied by unique gifts. Indeed, a remarkable ability for intense focus is a common trait.

What kinds of services and supports are there for individuals affected by Asperger Syndrome?

There is no single or best treatment for Asperger syndrome. Many adults diagnosed with Asperger syndrome find cognitive behavioral therapy particularly helpful in learning social skills and self-control of emotions, obsessions and repetitive behaviors.

Educational and social support programs for children with Asperger syndrome generally teach social and adaptive skills step by step using highly structured activities. The instructor may repeat important ideas or instructions to help reinforce more adaptive behaviors. Many of these programs also involve parent training so that lessons can be continued in the home. Like adults, many children find cognitive behavioral therapy helpful.

Group programs can be particularly helpful for social skills training. Speech and language therapy – either in a group or one on one with a therapist can likewise help with conversation skills. Many children with Asperger syndrome also benefit from occupational and physical therapy.

Most experts feel that the earlier interventions are started, the better the outcome. However, many persons who receive their diagnosis as adults make great strides by coupling their new awareness with counseling.

In addition to behavioral interventions, some persons affected by Asperger syndrome are helped by medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics and stimulants to treat associated problems such as anxiety, depression and hyperactivity and ADHD.

With increased self-awareness and therapy, many children and adults learn to cope with the challenges of Asperger syndrome. Social interaction and personal relationships may remain difficult. However, many affected adults work successfully in mainstream jobs, and some make great contributions to society.

How has our understanding of Asperger Syndrome evolved?

In 1944, an Austrian pediatrician named Hans Asperger described four young patients with similar social difficulties. Although their intelligence appeared normal, the children lacked nonverbal communication skills and failed to demonstrate empathy with their peers. Their manner of speech was either disjointed or overly formal, and their all-absorbing interests in narrow topics dominated their conversations. The children also shared a tendency to be clumsy.

Dr. Asperger's observations, published in German, remained little known until 1981. In that year, the English physician Lorna Wing published a series of case studies of children with similar symptoms. Wing's writings on “Asperger syndrome” were widely published and popularized. In 1994, Asperger syndrome was added to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-4), the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic reference book.

There can be considerable overlap in the diagnostic symptoms of Asperger and that of other forms of ASD among children and adults who have normal intelligence and no significant language delay. So-called “high functioning autism” and Asperger syndrome share similar challenges and benefit from similar treatment approaches.

In recent years, such high profile authors and speakers as John Elder Robison and animal scientist Temple Grandin have shared their stories of life with Asperger syndrome. In doing so, they have helped raise awareness of its associated challenges and special abilities.

Asperger Syndrome and Self-Advocacy

Many persons affected with Asperger syndrome take pride in their special abilities. Some take offense at the suggestion that their autism needs to be “cured.”

Prominent self-advocates include Michael John Carley, executive director of the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP) and the Asperger Syndrome Training and Employment Program (ASTEP), and self-described “Aspergian” John Elder Robison.

Mr. Robison eloquently describes his take on the wider autism self-advocacy movement in the following excerpt from an article he wrote in Psychology Today.

“Autism is a communication disorder, with a broad range of affect. Some people's autism makes them eccentric and geeky. Other people can't speak at all, as a result of more severe autistic disability.

Therefore, in the world of autism, some of the population is capable of what some call self-advocacy while another part is not. It should come as no surprise that those groups would have very different wants and needs. That disunity of need and purpose is a fundamental issue we must address.

At its heart, self-advocacy is nothing more than speaking up to get what you want. Everyone who communicates does this, all the time. We self-advocate when we ask for different courses in college. We self-advocate when we ask for a chair with a lumbar support at work. …

You may believe your own communication problems will be reduced if the people around you are willing to change their style of engagement to accommodate you, or you may ask that they excuse some of your expressions, which might otherwise be offensive or unacceptable.

Those are all examples of what we call self-advocacy, because the speaker is asking for what he thinks he needs to be successful.”

For more information and resources, please see our Asperger Syndrome Tool Kit for families and this website's special sections on Diagnosis, Symptoms, Learn the Signs, Treatment, Your Child’s Rights and PDD-NOS. These resources are made possible through the generous support of our families, volunteers and other donors.

- See more at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/asperger-syndrome#sthash.3yPw8NMT.dpuf

Screw Obama Care

My doctor called at 7:30 pm. They call me about $95 I "owe" them now. My insurance has a deductible. So I end up getting a bill after I leave the office. I ended up getting a bill in the mail 3 weeks ago for the amount above. 

They told me the doctor couldn't see me if I didn't have the money,
I said, "Well cancel it then."
They said "We can offer you a payment plan." 
I told her, "I just don't have the money for tomorrow. Now we are at PAYMENT PLAN." 
She tells me that "the insurance companies don't want to pay the doctors. If the doctors don't get paid, then the office cant stay open.You do want to be healthy, right?" 
I told her, "I am not trying to be rude but I would rather die than pay this high premium for insurance on top of ridiculous co-pays and medicine costs that I cannot afford. I don't want to NOT pay you, I just wont have the money until next month. I really apologize for the inconvenience."  
Then she tells me, "It's ok, we'll figure it out tomorrow but just come."


It is just a shame that the Affordable Care Act is allowing these insurance companies to rip everyone off. I mean sure the doctor may be in a better financial place than myself but I'm pretty sure he has taken a hit.  

I have to pay $25 at the Gynecologist just to get my Depo shot every 3 months. How crazy is that? I pay for the prescription at the pharmacy, I take it to his office, he adds a syringe to the end and sticks me and I'm OUT in 15 minutes tops. Be a litttle faster if I would stop squirming.   Lol 

GMO OMG Film Newark, NJ

****MISSING PERSON**** NEW JERSEY

This is Imani Jones. She has been missing since August 16, 2014. She is 14 years-old. She's about 4 feet 9 inches and 85 pounds. 

She is missing from Trenton, New Jersey. If you have any information to her whereabouts I urge you to call Trenton Police Dept, her mother at the number listed below on the flyer, or email myself at mzqueneke@aol.com. 

Thanks in advance!

Colon Cancer

Any adult can have colorectal cancers (cancers of the colon and rectum), but most of these cancers are found in people age 50 or older. People with a personal or family history of this cancer, or who have polyps in their colon or rectum, or those with inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to have colon cancer. Also, eating a diet mostly of high fat foods (especially from animal sources), being overweight, smoking and being inactive can make a person more likely to have colon cancer.

SCREENING AND PREVENTION - What you can do

Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp. Testing can save lives by finding polyps before they become cancer. If pre-cancerous polyps are removed, colon cancer can be prevented. Eating a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables may also make you less likely to have this cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends one of the following testing options for all people beginning at age 50:

Tests that find polyps and cancer

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*, or
• Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
• Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years*, or
• CT colongraphy (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*

Tests that primarily find cancer

• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)**, or
• Yearly fecal immunochemical test (FIT)**, or
• Stool DNA test (sDNA), interval uncertain**

*If the test is positive, a colonoscopy should be done.

**The multiple stool take-home test should be used. One test done by the doctor is not adequate for testing. A colonoscopy should be done if the test is positive.

RISK FACTORS
A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lungs, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, colon, and several other organs.

But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. The following are the risk factors for colon cancer:

• Age
  Younger adults can develop colorectal cancer, but the chances increase markedly after age 50; More than 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
• Personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
  If you have a history of adenomatous polyps (adenomas), you are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. This is especially true if the polyps are large or if there are many of them.
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is a condition in which the colon is inflamed over a long period of time.
• Family history of colorectal cancer
  Most colorectal cancers occur in people without a family history of colorectal cancer. Still, as many as 1 in 5 people who develop colorectal cancer have other family members who have been affected by this disease.
• Inherited syndromes
  About 5% to 10% of people who develop colorectal cancer have inherited gene defects (mutations) that cause the disease.
• Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
  HNPCC, also known as Lynch syndrome, accounts for about 3% to 5% of all colorectal cancers.
• Racial and ethnic background
  African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the United States. The reasons for this are not yet understood. Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world. Several gene mutations leading to an increased risk of colorectal cancer have been found in this group. The most common of these DNA changes, called the I1307K APC mutation, is present in about 6% of American Jews.
• Lifestyle-related factors
  Several lifestyle-related factors have been linked to colorectal cancer. In fact, the links between diet, weight, and exercise and colorectal cancer risk are some of the strongest for any type of cancer.

Swastika

The Swastika is a Global symbol of Peace. The word Swastika comes from the Sankrit is a symbol that generally takes the form of an equilateral cross, with its four legs bent at 90 degrees. It is a symbol among the ancient Celts, Indians, and Greeks, as well as in later, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Nazism, among other cultures and religions.
The word swastika derives from the Hindu roots su ("Good"), asti ("to be") and ka ("making").

It has been around over 3000 years. In the 20th Century it was used as for hatred in Nazi attacks.  

Skin Cancer

Anyone who spends time in the sun can have skin cancer. People with fair skin, especially those with blond or red hair, are more likely to get skin cancer than people with darker coloring. People who have had a close family member with melanoma and those who had severe sunburns before the age of 18 are more likely to get skin cancer.

SCREENING AND PREVENTION - What you can do

Most skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding the midday sun. Be aware of all moles and spots on your skin, and report any changes to your doctor right away. Have a skin exam during your regular health check-ups.

Source: American Cancer Society - Cancer Facts: Men

RISK FACTORS

A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lungs, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, colon, and several other organs.

But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. The following are the risk factors for skin cancer:

• Ultraviolet(UV) UV light exposure
  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major risk factor for most skin cancers. Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation, which can damage the genes in your skin cells. Tanning lamps and booths are also sources of UV radiation. People with high levels of exposure to light from these sources are at greater risk for skin cancer, including melanoma.
• Moles
  A nevus (the medical name for a mole) is a benign (non-cancerous) melanocytic tumor. Moles are not usually present at birth but begin to appear in children and teenagers. Most moles will never cause any problems, but a person who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma.
• Fair skin, freckling and light hair
  The risk of skin cancer is much higher for whites than for African Americans or Hispanics. The risk of melanoma is more than 10 times higher for whites than for African Americans. This is because skin pigment has a protective effect. Whites with red or blond hair or fair skin that freckles or burns easily are at increased risk. Red-haired people have the highest risk.
• Family history of melanoma
  Your risk of melanoma is greater if 1 or more of your first-degree relatives (mother, father, brother, sister, child) has been diagnosed with melanoma. Around 10% of all people with melanoma have a family history of the disease.
• Personal history
  A person who has already had melanoma has an increased risk of getting melanoma again. About 5% to 10% of people with melanoma will develop a second one at some point. Anyone who has had a keratinocyte cancer has a much higher chance of developing another one.
• Immune suppression
  People who have been treated with medicines that severely suppress the immune system, such as organ transplant patients; have an increased risk of developing melanoma. The immune system helps the body fight cancers of the skin and other organs. People with weakened immune systems (due to certain diseases or medical treatments) are more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly squamous cell cancer.
• Long-term or severe skin inflammation or injury
  Scars from severe burns, areas of skin over severe bone infections, and skin damaged by some severe inflammatory skin diseases are more likely to develop keratinocyte skin cancers, although this risk is generally small.
• Age
  Although melanoma is less related to aging than most other cancers, it is still more likely to occur in older people. But this is a cancer that is also found in younger people. In fact, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30. Melanoma that runs in families may occur at a younger age. The risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancers goes up as people get older.
• Gender
  In the United States, men have a higher rate of melanoma than women. Men are about 2 times as likely as women to have basal cell cancers and about 3 times as likely to have squamous cell cancers of the skin. This is thought to be due mainly to higher levels of sun exposure.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum
  Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare, inherited condition resulting from a defect in an enzyme that normally repairs damage to DNA. People with XP have a high risk for developing both melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers at a young age.
• Exposure to certain chemicals
  Exposure to large amounts of arsenic increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Radiation exposure
  People who have had radiation treatment have a higher risk of developing skin cancer in the area that received the treatment.
• Psoriasis treatment
  Psoralen and ultraviolet light treatments (PUVA) given to some patients with psoriasis (a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease) can increase the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer and probably other skin cancers also.
• Basal cell nevus syndrome
  This rare congenital (present at birth) condition causes multiple basal cell cancers. Most, but not all, cases are inherited.
• Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
  Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 100 viruses that can cause papillomas, or warts. The warts that people commonly get on their hands and feet appear to be unrelated to any form of cancer. But some of the HPV types, especially those that people get in their genital and anal area, appear to be related to skin cancers in these areas.
• Smoking
  People who smoke are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer, especially on the lips. Smoking is not a known risk factor for basal cell cancer.

"A Smoothie A Day" Day 4

Kale, Pineapple, and Almond-Milk Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (preferably homemade)
• 1 cup packed chopped kale
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1 banana

Directions

1. Puree ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Lung Cancer

Smoking is the cause for more than 80% of all lung cancers, but people who do not smoke can also have lung cancer.

SCREENING AND PREVENTION - What you can do
Lung cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or nurse to help you quit. If you don't smoke, don't start, and avoid breathing in other peoples smoke. If your friends and loved ones are smokers, help them quit.

RISK FACTORS
A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lungs, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, colon, and several other organs.

But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. The following are the risk factors for lung cancer:

• Tobacco Smoke:
  Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. In the early 20th century, lung cancer was much less common than some other types of cancer. But this changed once manufactured cigarettes became readily available and more people began smoking.
  
  About 87% of lung cancer deaths are thought to result from smoking. The risk for lung cancer among smokers is many times higher than among non-smokers. The longer you smoke and the more packs a day you smoke, the greater your risk.
• Radon:
  Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and is the leading cause among non-smokers.
• Asbestos:
  Workplace exposure to asbestos fibers is an important risk factor for lung cancer.
• Radiation therapy to the lungs
  People who have had radiation therapy to the chest for other cancers are at higher risk for lung cancer, particularly if they smoke. Typical patients are those treated for Hodgkin disease or women who get radiation after a mastectomy for breast cancer. Women who receive radiation therapy to the breast after a lumpectomy do not appear to have a higher than expected risk of lung cancer.
• Arsenic
  High levels of arsenic in drinking water may increase the risk of lung cancer. This is even more pronounced in smokers.
• Personal or family history of lung cancer
  If you have had lung cancer, you have a higher risk of developing another lung cancer. Brothers, sisters, and children of those who have had lung cancer may have a slightly higher risk of lung cancer themselves, especially if the relative was diagnosed at a younger age. It is not clear how much of this risk might be due to genetics and how much might be from shared household exposures (such as tobacco smoke or radon).
• Certain dietary supplements
  Studies looking at the possible role of antioxidant supplements in reducing lung cancer risk have not been promising so far. In fact, 2 large studies found that smokers who took beta carotene supplements actually had an increased risk of lung cancer. The results of these studies suggest that smokers should avoid taking beta carotene supplements.
• Air Pollution
  In cities, air pollution (especially from heavily trafficked roads) appears to raise the risk of lung cancer slightly. This risk is far less than the risk caused by smoking, but some researchers estimate that worldwide about 5% of all deaths from lung cancer may be due to outdoor air pollution.

"A Smoothie A Day" Day 3

Slim-Down Smoothie

Wonderfully thick and tasty, this drink easily substitutes for milkshakes and ice cream.

SERVINGS: 1

1 c frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
½ c low-fat yogurt (any flavor)
½ c orange juice or other juice

PLACE the berries, yogurt, and orange juice in a blender and pulse for 30 seconds. Blend for 30 seconds, or until smooth.

June Happenings

This month as you know is Men's Health Month and Father's Day. 

This month I will be starting "A Smoothie A Day". 

I am trying to think of something else but I am not sure off hand what will come. 

So please bare with me with the happenings on my blog.


Thanks!  

Have a great day!

Prostate Cancer

The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older. Most prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65. For reasons that are still unknown, African American men are more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer. Having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer also increases a man's risk of having prostate cancer.

SCREENING AND PREVENTION - What you can do

The American Cancer Society recommends that men make an informed decision with their doctor about whether to be tested for prostate cancer. Starting at age 50 talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of testing so you can decide if getting tested is the right choice for you. If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should have this talk with your doctor starting at age 45. If you decide to be tested, you should have the PSA blood test with or without a rectal exam. How often you are tested will depend on your PSA level. 

RISK FACTORS

A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lungs, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, colon, and several other organs.

But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors.

The following are the risk factors for prostate cancer:

• Age
  Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer.
• Race/Ethnicity
  Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in men of other races.
• Nationality
  Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. The reasons for this are not clear.
• Family History
  Prostate cancer seems to run in some families, which suggests that in some cases there may be an inherited or genetic factor. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease.
• Genes
  Scientists have found several inherited genes that seem to raise prostate cancer risk, but they probably account for only a small number of cases overall. Genetic testing for most of these genes is not yet available.
• Diet
  The exact role of diet in prostate cancer is not clear, but several different factors have been studied. Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher chance of getting prostate cancer. These men also tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. Doctors are not sure which of these factors is responsible for raising the risk.
• Obesity
  Most studies have not found that being obese (having a high amount of extra body fat) is linked with a higher risk of getting prostate cancer.
• Exercise
  Exercise has not been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk in most studies. But some studies have found that high levels of physical activity, particularly in older men, may lower the risk of advanced prostate cancer. More research in this area is needed.
• Smoking
  A recent study linked smoking to a small increase in the risk of death from prostate cancer. This is a new finding, and will need to be confirmed by other studies.
• Inflammation of the prostate
  Some studies have suggested that prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, but other studies have not found such a link. Inflammation is often seen in samples of prostate tissue that also contain cancer. The link between the two is not yet clear, but this is an active area of research.
• Infection
  Researchers have also looked to see if sexually transmitted infections (like gonorrhea or chlamydia) might increase the risk of prostate cancer, possibly by leading to inflammation of the prostate. So far, studies have not agreed, and no firm conclusions have been reached.
• Vasectomy
  Some earlier studies had suggested that men who had a vasectomy (minor surgery to make men infertile) -- especially those younger than 35 at the time of the procedure -- may have a slightly increased risk for prostate cancer. But most recent studies have not found any increased risk among men who have had this operation. Fear of an increased risk of prostate cancer should not be a reason to avoid a vasectomy.

"A Smoothie A Day" Day 2

*Healthy*

Banana Ginger Smoothie

Benefits:  Soothe digestion, heartburn, nausea, and other stomach trouble with the fresh ginger in this natural remedy drink.

SERVINGS: 2

1 banana, sliced
¾ c (6 oz) vanilla yogurt
1 Tbsp honey
½ tsp freshly grated ginger

COMBINE the banana, yogurt, honey, and ginger. Blend until smooth.

Men's Cancers

The cancers that most frequently affect men are:

• Prostate
• Colon
• Lung
• Skin cancers

Knowing about these cancers and how they can be prevented or found early can save your life.

"A Smoothie A Day" Day 1

Banana Blend 

Blend Until Smooth:

• 2 bananas 
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons honey 
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 cup ice

MEN'S HEALTH MONTH

June is Men Health Month. Let's raise as much awareness as possible. 

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

PSE&G are Allowing Commerce Energy to take Advantage

On Tuesday, PSE&G came and decided to interrupt my electric and gas service. I called them to find out where's my money going that I keep sending them. They told me they are posting it to my account. Then I asked why do they keep adding Commerce Energy back to my bill. She says they are supposed to come off. Commerce Energy is a third party utility company that wants you to pay them through PSE&G in addition to paying PSE&G. They raised my ridiculous rates to $.89 a therm in December. My bill was $40 for Service fee, $269.88 therm balancing fee, and $450+ for what Commerce Energy feels is appropriate.

I keep asking PSE&G to take them off. They were off in January and February but then returned in April of this year.  I called the Board of Public Utilities and they do nothing each and every time just like the rest of NJ State Offices.

So now, I have no power or cooking gas. All my food has went bad. I just paid them $300 on the 6th of May.

I asked how much was it to get the lights back on, they told me $182.18 plus service re-connection fee of $75 per service and security deposit up to $250.

I just think it is so crazy that they leave people service on that owe them thousands. I have a heart monitor in the house and PSE&G medical board denied my machine as being medically necessary.

Forbes Thought Of The Day

“ Discover what you want most of all in this world, and set yourself to work on it. ”

— John Homer Miller

Can Celiacs' Eat Oats

It is still a matter of controversy whether or not oats are safe for people with celiac disease. The general consensus at this point seems to be that pure oats are safe for most, but not all, people with celiac. Since oats can easily be contaminated with wheat during harvest, storage, or other stages of processing, it has been stressed that the oats be certified as pure. Although the classic 33-amino acid long oligopeptide that acts as the immunogenic stimulus in gliadin had not yet been found in oats, other peptides isolated from oats do activate T-cells isolated from celiac patients. A new study performed in Spain by Isabel Comino et al. suggests that it is not that some celiac patients can’t tolerate all oats, but rather that all celiac patients can’t tolerate some oats. Their results are reported in the January 2011 issue of GUT: An International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Dr. Comina and her colleagues examined nine different cultivars of oats. They exposed each of them to a sensitive monoclonal antibody generated to recognize the toxic 33-mer from gliadin, and also measured if each of the oat varieties could elicit an immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from celiac patients. They wanted to see if they could correlate recognition by the monoclonal antibody to induction of a T-cell response, and found that they certainly could.

The nine varieties of oats segregated neatly into three groups of three varieties each: those for which the antibody had high affinity, low affinity, and no affinity. This affinity was validated by two different experimental methods, so was not an artifact of the technique chosen. When T cells from patients with celiac were exposed to extracts of the oat variety the antibody bound to strongest, they proliferated the most and released interferon-gamma, an immunostimulatory cytokine whose aberrant expression is associated with auto-inflammatory disease. In contrast, the oats that didn’t react with the antibody did not elicit these immune responses. The authors note that the avenin – the storage protein in oats – from even the most immunogenic oats they saw bound to this antibody with 40-400 fold less affinity than gliadin (from gluten – the storage protein in wheat).

This study thus leaves us with two valuable conclusions. One is that some oats are more toxic than others, regardless of their purity. And the other is that reactivity with this antibody can be correlated to toxicity, making it a potential tool for evaluating the toxic gluten content of other food.

Source:

• Gut doi:10.1136/gut.2010.225268

Forbes Thought Of The Day

“ The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious. ”

— Martin Luther

My First Raccoon Encounter

I had to get video of this raccoon because Trenton Animal Control ALWAYS thinks I am smoking too many blunts when I call but that's never the case. They are so used to certain things, they say anything. Every time I call them something crazy is going on in the neighborhood.  I was just amused at seeing the raccoon be everything you hear about. 

National Celiac Month

   

Celiac Disease and Thyroid Disease

A significant number of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also have celiac disease. The link between celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease is well established. Celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders share a common genetic predisposition. This genetic predisposition may explain the higher incidence of thyroid autoimmune disorders among celiacs than in the general population.

It has been shown in studies that the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease is 4-15 times greater than that in the general population. Various findings for the prevalence of celiac disease in Hashimoto's thyroiditis have been reported, between 3.3% and 4.8% in adults. According to a 2007 study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be screened for celiac disease and patients with known celiac disease should be screened for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

In a large study published earlier by a group in the UK, confirmed celiac disease was found in 4.5% of adults with Graves disease.

According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program, introducing a gluten-free diet in patients with celiac disease, with subclinical thyroiditis (only increased autoantibodies but no disease yet) is effective in most cases in bringing autoantibodies down to normal within two years. According to the study, if a patient with celiac disease already has diagnosed thyroiditis, then the gluten-free diet might not be effective.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
The following are symptoms for hypothyroidism:  Fatigue, abnormal menstruation, forgetfulness, weight gain, dry and coarse skin and hair, hoarse voice, depression, intolerance to cold and the development of a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

The following are symptoms for hyperthyroidism: Irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, tremors, lighter menstrual periods, weight loss, sleep problems, vision problems or eye irritation and heat sensitivity.

For more information, please visit the Thyroid Foundation of America
http://www.tsh.org/