Sunday, December 30, 2018
Monday, December 24, 2018
Monday, December 3, 2018
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Seasonal Depression
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Seasonal Depression: This this will be my 5th year of feeling depress during the month of November. The feelings using slips up around the end of October and c...
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Seasonal Depression
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Seasonal Depression: This this will be my 5th year of feeling depress during the month of November. The feelings using slips up around the end of October and c...
Seasonal Depression
This this will be my 5th year of feeling depress during the month of November. The feelings using slips up around the end of October and clearly last into the Thanksgiving festivity's.
Rightfully so I realize that because my husband died in the beginning of November and my Mother on Thanksgiving Day feeling their presence should not be usual. But these last years I realize it was so much more that. For me the feeling seem to consume me more than any other time of the year.
The tribulation to feeling thankful was true but foreign in comparison to the pain of sleepless nights, anger and mood swings and just plain deep sadness. For a while I felt like I was making it up. This is truly difficult for a person who is use to being in control, and finding out I can't control everything.
My hopes is this will help someone who in December while everyone is happy they feel crazy because they are not. I does not have to last for months even thought it might feel like it is. It does get better and until next year: I am good and grateful my feeling has a name. Do the winter months get you down more than you think they should? If so, you might have seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that happens every year at the same time. A rare form of seasonal depression, known as "summer depression," begins in late spring or early summer and ends in fall. In general, though, seasonal affective disorder starts in fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer.
Causes
While we don't know the exact causes of SAD, some scientists think that certain hormones made deep in the brain trigger attitude-related changes at certain times of year. Experts believe that SAD may be related to these hormonal changes. One theory is that less sunlight during fall and winter leads to the brain making less serotonin, a chemical linked to brain pathways that regulate mood. When nerve cell pathways in the brain that regulate mood don't function normally, the result can be feelings of depression, along with symptoms of fatigue and weight gain.
SAD usually starts in young adulthood and is more common in women than men. Some people with SAD have mild symptoms and feel out of sorts or irritable. Others have worse symptoms that interfere with relationships and work.
Because the lack of enough daylight during wintertime is related to SAD, it's less often found in countries where there's plenty of sunshine year-round.
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/seasonal-affective-disorder#1
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Monday, November 12, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
Marijuana and Cancer
Marijuana is the name given to the dried buds and leaves of varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, which can grow wild in warm and tropical climates throughout the world and be cultivated commercially. It goes by many names, including pot, grass, cannabis, weed, hemp, hash, marijuana, ganja, and dozens of others.
Marijuana has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified many biologically active components in marijuana. These are called cannabinoids. The two best studied components are the chemicals delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (often referred to as THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). Other cannabinoids are being studied.
At this time, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists marijuana and its cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances. This means that they cannot legally be prescribed, possessed, or sold under federal law. Whole or crude marijuana (including marijuana oil or hemp oil) is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use. But the use of marijuana to treat some medical conditions is legal under state laws in many states.
Dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC, and a man-made cannabinoid drug called nabilone are approved by the FDA to treat some conditions.
Marijuana
Different compounds in marijuana have different actions in the human body. For example, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) seems to cause the "high" reported by marijuana users, and also can help relieve pain and nausea, reduce inflammation, and can act as an antioxidant. Cannabidiol (CBD) can help treat seizures, can reduce anxiety and paranoia, and can counteract the "high" caused by THC.
Different cultivars (strains or types) and even different crops of marijuana plants can have varying amounts of these and other active compounds. This means that marijuana can have different effects based on the strain used.
The effects of marijuana also vary depending on how marijuana compounds enter the body:
- When taken by mouth, such as in baked goods, the THC is absorbed poorly and can take hours to be absorbed. Once it’s absorbed, it’s processed by the liver, which produces a second psychoactive compound (a substance that acts on the brain and changes mood or consciousness) that affects the brain differently than THC.
- When marijuana is smoked or vaporized (inhaled), THC enters the bloodstream and goes to the brain quickly. The second psychoactive compound is produced in small amounts, and so has less effect. The effects of inhaled marijuana fade faster than marijuana taken by mouth.
How can marijuana affect symptoms of cancer?
A number of small studies of smoked marijuana found that it can be helpful in treating nausea
and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy.
A few studies have found that inhaled (smoked or vaporized) marijuana can be helpful treatment of neuropathic pain (pain caused by damaged nerves).
Smoked marijuana has also helped improve food intake in HIV patients in studies.
There are no studies in people of the effects of marijuana oil or hemp oil.
Studies have long shown that people who took marijuana extracts in clinical trials tended to need less pain medicine.
More recently, scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in lab dishes. Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer.
There have been some early clinical trials of cannabinoids in treating cancer in humans and more studies are planned. While the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer, they do not show that they help control or cure the disease.
Relying on marijuana alone as treatment while avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Possible harms of marijuana
Marijuana can also pose some harms to users. While the most common effect of marijuana is a feeling of euphoria ("high"), it also can lower the user’s control over movement, cause disorientation, and sometimes cause unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Smoked marijuana delivers THC and other cannabinoids to the body, but it also delivers harmful substances to users and those close by, including many of the same substances found in tobacco smoke.
Because marijuana plants come in different strains with different levels of active compounds, it can make each user’s experience very hard to predict. The effects can also differ based on how deeply and for how long the user inhales. Likewise, the effects of ingesting marijuana orally can vary between people. Also, some chronic users can develop an unhealthy dependence on marijuana.
Cannabinoid drugs
There are 2 chemically pure drugs based on marijuana compounds that have been approved in the US for medical use.
- Dronabinol (Marinol®) is a gelatin capsule containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that’s approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy as well as weight loss and poor appetite in patients with AIDS.
- Nabilone (Cesamet®) is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts much like THC. It can be taken by mouth to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy when other drugs have not worked.
Nabiximols is a cannabinoid drug still under study in the US. It’s a mouth spray made up of a whole-plant extract with THC and cannabidiol (CBD) in an almost one to one mix. It’s available in Canada and parts of Europe to treat pain linked to cancer, as well as muscle spasms and pain from multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s not approved in the US at this time, but it’s being tested in clinical trials to see if it can help a number of conditions.
How can cannabinoid drugs affect symptoms of cancer?
Based on a number of studies, dronabinol can be helpful for reducing nausea and vomiting linked to chemotherapy.
Dronabinol has also been found to help improve food intake and prevent weight loss in patients with HIV. In studies of cancer patients, though, it wasn’t better than placebo or another drug (megestrol acetate).
Nabiximols has shown promise for helping people with cancer pain that’s unrelieved by strong pain medicines, but it hasn’t been found to be helpful in every study done. Research is still being done on this drug.
Side effects of cannabinoid drugs
Like many other drugs, the prescription cannabinoids, dronabinol and nabilone, can cause side effects and complications.
Some people have trouble with increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure (especially when standing up), dizziness or lightheadedness, and fainting. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as mood changes or a feeling of being “high” that some people find uncomfortable. They can also worsen depression, mania, or other mental illness. Some patients taking nabilone in studies reported hallucinations. The drugs may increase some effects of sedatives, sleeping pills, or alcohol, such as sleepiness and poor coordination. Patients have also reported problems with dry mouth and trouble with recent memory.
Older patients may have more problems with side effects and are usually started on lower doses.
People who have had emotional illnesses, paranoia, or hallucinations may find their symptoms are worse when taking cannabinoid drugs.
Talk to your doctor about what you should expect when taking one of these drugs. It’s a good idea to have someone with you when you first start taking one of these drugs and after any dose changes.
What does the American Cancer Society say about the use of marijuana in people with cancer?
The American Cancer Society supports the need for more scientific research on cannabinoids for cancer patients, and recognizes the need for better and more effective therapies that can overcome the often debilitating side effects of cancer and its treatment. The Society also believes that the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration imposes numerous conditions on researchers and deters scientific study of cannabinoids. Federal officials should examine options consistent with federal law for enabling more scientific study on marijuana.
Medical decisions about pain and symptom management should be made between the patient and his or her doctor, balancing evidence of benefit and harm to the patient, the patient’s preferences and values, and any laws and regulations that may apply.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the Society’s advocacy affiliate, has not taken a position on legalization of marijuana for medical purposes because of the need for more scientific research on marijuana’s potential benefits and harms. However, ACS CAN opposes the smoking or vaping of marijuana and other cannabinoids in public places because the carcinogens in marijuana smoke pose numerous health hazards the patient and others in the patient’s presence.
References
New York Cancer Society
Last Medical Review: March 4, 2015 Last Revised: March 16, 2017 Obtained July 2, 2018 CW
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Lung Force Walk
I want to thank everyone who participated in helping raised funds for the Lung Force walk. Lung cancer in recent years is the #1 killer of women. Like some of the other volunteers and people who also walked I too have lost a love one to this disease. Lung disease includes such diseases such as asthma and COPD which I know is a continues problem for many people in our community. Change comes with education, research and the combined efforts of others. Rain or Shine
That’s why I decided to participate in the LUNG FORCE Walk. When you join the American Lung Association and LUNG FORCE in the fight against lung cancer and for lung health, you join us in our mission to improve lives—and save lives.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Lung Force Walk Join usMAY 19, 2018 9:30 AM (ET)So...
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Lung Force Walk Join us MAY 19, 2018 9:30 AM (ET)So...: Lung Force Walk Join us MAY 19, 2018 9:30 AM (ET) South Street Seaport, Pier 16 | New York, NY Together, with you and you...
Lung Force Walk
Join us
MAY 19, 2018 9:30 AM (ET)
South Street Seaport, Pier 16 | New York, NY
Together, with you and your team, we will walk to raise awareness and funds to defeat lung cancer and raise our voices for lung health.
That’s why I have decided to participate in the LUNG FORCE Walk. When you join the American Lung Association and LUNG FORCE in the fight against lung cancer and for lung health, you join us in our mission to improve lives—and save lives.
Your participation and donation will help make a difference in the lives that desperately need it. To support our efforts, and to help save lives today, register now.
Together, we are a FORCE to be reckoned with!
To donote:
http://action.lung.org/site/TR/LUNGFORCE/ALANE_Northeast?pg=team&fr_id=16448&team_id=141131#.WntL4nDDRhk.facebook
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: National Skin Cancer Awareness Month: NEW YORK — Each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Melanoma is considered the most deadly ...
National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
NEW YORK — Each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
Melanoma is considered the most deadly form. Dermatologists Dr. Amy Brodsky is making it her mission to bring awareness to this epidemic.
While skin cancer affects people of all colors and races – some are more susceptible than others.
“It’s often the people who have light skin, light eyes – they should be getting checked once a year and also look at anything that might be changing,” Dr. Brodsky said. “The ABCD’s we call it - asymmetry, borders, color, diameter.”
During May, recognized as National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Brodsky is launching a social media campaign urging americans to “be a sun hero” and stick it to cancer – literally.
"All you have to do is slap on an orange sticker, snap your picture, share it on orangesticker.org and stick it to skin cancer,” she said.
Once the campaign reaches 100,000 picture uploads, $100,000 will be donated to four deserving sun-protection charities.
One lucky participant will also win a family vacation to Disneyland.
Head over to orangesticker.org for more info.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Celebrate National Minority Health Month!
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Celebrate National Minority Health Month!: April is National Minority Health Month. The theme for 2018 is “Partnering for Health Equity.” Learn more and help raise awareness of the ...
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Celebrate National Minority Health Month!
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Celebrate National Minority Health Month!: April is National Minority Health Month. The theme for 2018 is “Partnering for Health Equity.” Learn more and help raise awareness of the ...
Friday, April 13, 2018
Celebrate National Minority Health Month!
April is National Minority Health Month. The theme for 2018 is “Partnering for Health Equity.” Learn more and help raise awareness of the health disparities that affect minorities.
“Without health and long life, all else fails.”
– Dr. Booker T. Washington
– Dr. Booker T. Washington
Recognizing that health is the key to progress and equity in all other things, Dr. Booker T. Washington proposed the observance of “National Negro Health Week” in April 1915. He called on local health departments, schools, churches, businesses, professional associations, and the most influential organizations in the African-American community to “pull together” and “unite… in one great National Health Movement.” That observance grew into what is today a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. – National Minority Health Month.
Minority Health
CDC’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity’s mission is to advance health equity and women’s health issues across the nation through CDC’s science and programs, and increase CDC’s capacity to leverage its diverse workforce and engage stakeholders toward this end.
What is Health Equity?
Health equity is when everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
What Are Health Disparities?
Health disparities are differences in health outcomes and their causes among groups of people. For example, African American children are more likely to die from asthma compared to non-Hispanic White children. Reducing health disparities creates better health for all Americans.
Why is Health Equity Important?
Health is central to human happiness and well-being and is affected by where people live, learn, work, and play. According to the World Health Organization, health also makes an important contribution to economic progress.
Mission Possible: Healthy Lives for Everyone
In 2018 CDC’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity celebrates 30 years of service. Since 1988, CDC has focused on reducing health disparities and ensuring a culturally competent public health workforce. The theme for the 30th anniversary commemoration is Mission: Possible. We believe “healthy lives for everyone” is possible and a goal that resonates in public health. Throughout 2018, CDC will highlight success stories from the national centers, institutes, and offices at CDC that capture how they have improved minority health and reduced health disparities. Read these Mission: Possible stories.
For more Information :
- Page last reviewed: April 5, 2018
- Page last updated: April 5, 2018
- Content source:
- Office of Minority Health & Health Equity (OMHHE)
- Page maintained by: Office of the Associate Director for Communication, Digital Media Branch, Division of Public Affairs
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs: Managing Nutriti...
Muriel Lights' Candle Designs:
Managing Nutriti...: Managing Nutritional Concerns: Nausea and Vomiting ...
Managing Nutriti...: Managing Nutritional Concerns: Nausea and Vomiting ...
Managing Nutritional Concerns: Nausea and Vomiting
Cancer treatment may result in nausea and vomiting. There are different causes for nausea and vomiting, such as irritation of the GI tract, changes in the chemical receptors in the brain, and feelings of anxiety or nervousness related to treatment. Nausea is sometimes described as an unsettling or queasy feeling in the stomach and can be experienced with or without vomiting. Your physician may prescribe several medications called antiemetics to help prevent and manage nausea and vomiting.1
Tips For People Experiencing Nausea and Vomiting2,3:
- Prevention and early management of nausea and vomiting are most effective. Do not wait until you are very uncomfortable to take your nausea medications
- Take your medications for nausea as instructed by your physician, nurse, or pharmacist
- Take antiemetics (medication to decrease vomiting) half an hour to an hour before meals
- Call your doctor or nurse if your medications are not reducing symptoms or you are continuing to throw up
- Try to keep track of the times you experience nausea. This may help your doctor or nurse better suggest how to manage your side effects
- Having an empty stomach may make nausea and vomiting worse so be sure to eat regular meals and snacks
- Eat small frequent meals (5-6 times a day) instead of 3 large meals
- Avoid greasy, spicy foods and food with strong odors
- Eat foods such as crackers, toast, and/or broth that may be easier on your stomach
- Drink fluids half an hour before or after meals as some people find consuming beverages with meals can make nausea worse
- Try ginger teas, ginger candies, ginger snaps/cookies, or ginger root in soups
Always communicate with your doctor or nurse about what you are experiencing. Contact your MD if you are still having nausea and vomiting even after taking your antiemetics, are unable to eat or drink or are losing weight.
References:
1. Nausea and Vomiting. Cancer.net. http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting. Accessed December 6, 2016.
2. Elliot, L. Symptom Management of Cancer Therapies in Lesser M, Ledesma N, Bergerson S, Trujillo E, eds. Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: 2013. pg 119.
3. American Institute for Cancer Research, Savor Health and LIVESTRONG. Heal Well: A Cancer Nutrition Guide. 2013. http://savor.static.assets.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs/Heal_Well_Cancer%20Guide_2015-web.pdf. Accessed December 6, 2016.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. All decisions regarding patient care should be made with a health care provider.
PP-ONC-USA-0415
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