Alive With Breast Cancer!

Can Aspirin Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence?

Christine — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:42:29 +0000

A new study suggests the aspirin daily may lower the risks of breast cancer returning.

However, it is just one study and doctors are still working to understand the results. Other studies were not conclusive. There are benefits to taking aspirin daily, but there are also risks. As this article states, ask your doctor about what is best for you.

I remember when I was pregnant, everyone thought they knew more about prenatal health than my doctor and I. In the same way, people send me well intended, but incorrect information about cancer. The best defense against misinformation is ignoring popular magazines and newspapers; instead going to an established, reputable, specialized Internet site for accurate information. Educate yourself, so you can be proactive in your health care.

Safety of Nail Care Products

Christine — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:54:58 +0000

Polishing my nails was one way I pampered myself while in treatment. Several people commented that it may not be healthy. A manicure is not dangerous, but there are risks, like allergic reactions and infections.

There are several ingredients that may be worth avoiding, notably Phtalates Retail products must list their ingredients under the Fair Packing and Labeling Act (FPLA), but this does not apply to products used by professionals or free samples.

Some of the products are dangerous to children, many of whom can open child proof containers.

The information was last updated March 2010.

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Home page for FDA Cosmetic Updates

Lipstick and Lead: Questions and Answers

Christine — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:44:46 +0000

Lead in lipstick? Turns out there isn’t much to worry about, but understanding the FDA’s role in the cosmetics industry is interesting.

Products are safe when used as intended; lipstick is not meant to be eaten. Children, who often find creative uses for anything they find, are sensitive to lead.

Don’t laugh! I know of a one year old who tried to eat blue eye shadow.

The FDA updated this information in November 2009.

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FDA Cosmetics Home page

Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know

Christine — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:10:40 +0000

Triclosan is in many consumer products. It is the key ingredient in Colgate Total toothpaste and has been proven to be helpful in preventing gingivitis. There is no evidence that it improves the effectiveness of hand soaps. However, it may effect hormone regulation – for those of us on hormone medication, it might be worth avoiding or at the least asking your doctor about.

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Shoes – A Bacterial Wonderland

Christine — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:36:16 +0000

I’ll be honest; I started to ask people to take their shoes off when entering my home because less dirt was tracked in, which meant less cleaning. According to University of Arizona professor, Charles P. Gerba, what we can see isn’t the problem. The soles of shoes don’t just carry germs – they are prime breeding grounds!

Think of what you walk through in a day, spilled food on the floor in the grocery store, movie theater, or restaurant, residue from dog waste left in grass after the owner cleans up, puddles of standing water with animal waste mixed in, a bit of mud and of course whatever is on the floor in the public bathroom. All of which lives in harmony on the bottom of your shoe. Studies found E. Coli and coliform are commonly found on our shoes, as well as the bacteria that causes meningitis, pneumonia and intestinal and bloodstream infections.

Over 90% of the bacteria are transferred to your floors, a higher percentage to carpets and upholstered furniture. Floors have been found to have more germs than toilet seats! Leaving your shoes at the door, or in a designated spot, then washing your hands is one way to lower the spread of bacteria in your home.

An etiquette expert said that a Southern lady would never ask her guests to take their shoes off when entering her house. I guess we are a little more practical in Boston; I know many people who live in “shoe-less” homes and aren’t afraid to politely ask you remove your shoes before entering.

Why Pink

Christine — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:02:19 +0000

Pink is not my favorite color; I prefer blue or yellow, but I was amazed to discover how many pink items I own. Even though pink is not a flattering color for me, my favorite pink item is my hot pink jean jacket. So what is the history of this color and why is it associated with women’s issues?

Red was the first color recognized by human kind. Over the years it has been associated with love and fidelity, even today many cultures wear red wedding gowns. It was thought to protect people from evil since the Biblical era and currently it is used in warning signs to indicate the need for immediate action. Some feel that pink is a less violent version than red.

The color pink was first described over 500 years ago and is usually associated with grace, goodness and beauty. Some feel that pink has been used to create political controversy over the years; which is rather surprising for such a seemingly innocent color.

Some quick pink facts:

Founded in 1727, Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajastham was called “The Pink City. When the Prince of Whales visited in 1853, the whole city was decorated in pink.
During the 1880’s pink light therapy was thought to heal a variety of ailments.
In 1926, those with suspected communist beliefs were called “pinkos.”
In the 1930’s, the Nazi’s used pink triangles as a badge to identify homosexual gay prisoners. The symbol was inverted in the 1970’s and became a symbol of gay pride.
Until 1940, pink was associated with boys not girls.
The first pink crayon was created in 1949.
Pink carnations symbolize that you will never forget the recipient.
Contrary to some other ideas about pink, some feel it associated with feelings of kindness, relaxation, satisfaction and can lessen hostile behavior.
In 2002, ‘CodePink: Women for Peace’ was founded. They are easily recognizable by their bright pink shirts which represent their strength as women. Congress tried to ban pink shirts from their buildings to lessen the group’s visual impact on television. The group wore different shirts and changed into their pink shirts once in the building. The ban was lifted.

Lastly, the History of Ribbons

In 1979, yellow ribbons were tied to trees to welcome soldiers home. The red ribbon was first worn in 1991 by Jeremy Irons to the Tony Awards to represent aids awareness. In 1992, The New York Times wrote it “The Year of the Ribbon.” The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation gave pink ribbons to participants in their events starting in 1991.