Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Change in the size or shape of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• Inverted nipple
• Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

Anorexia is the loss of appetite and is one of the common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

According to Dr. Gerald Miletello, cancer patients must maintain their nutrition in order to maintain their health and strength which enables them to fight the cancer. Cancer patients taste and cravings may change from day to day and hour to hour. They may develop sore mouth and tongue or may have trouble swallowing. These side-effects only last 3-8 days following chemotherapy. Diarrhea and/or constipation may occur at any time during their treatments. Neutropenia, low white blood cell count, follows most chemotherapy treatments at some time. Neutropenia normally lasts for 3-7 days.

Day of Chemotherapy and Following Treatment Tips:

• eat smaller portions more frequently; drink fluids between meals instead of with food.
• eat by the clock at regular scheduled times; appetite signal may not be in tack.
• eat between meals with high-protein supplements, milkshakes, puddings, or nutritional energy drinks.
• add things to enhance smell, appearance, and texture of food.
• sucking on a think slice of dill pickle, prior to meals, will sometimes stimulate taste buds.
• exercise approximately 30 minutes before meals to try to stimulate appetite.
• use plastic utensils if there is a bitter or metallic taste.

The liver removes insulin from the bloodstream, but insulin causes fat to be deposited in the liver which prevents the liver from removing insulin from the bloodstream. People with fat bellies store too much fat in their livers, which prevents the livers from removing insulin, so insulin levels rise higher and higher to cause heart attacks, more abdominal obesity and eventually diabetes. If you store fat primarily in your belly, you should restrict refined carbohydrates: foods made with flour, white rice, milled corn or added sugars.

Fat cells in your belly are different from those on your hips. The blood that flows from belly fat goes directly to your liver, whereas the blood that flows from your hips goes into your general circulation. The livers of those who store fat in their bellies are blocked from removing insulin by the extra fat and therefore do not remove insulin from the bloodstream as effectively as the livers of people who store fat primarily in their hips. People who store fat primarily in their bellies have higher blood insulin and sugar levels, which raise levels of the bad LDL cholesterol that causes heart attacks, and lower levels of the good HDL cholesterol that prevents heart attacks.

It is claimed that Americans have eaten GM foods for years with no ill effects. But these foods are unlabeled in the US and no one has monitored the consequences. With other novel foods like trans fats, it has taken decades to realize that they have caused millions of premature deaths.

“We are confronted with the most powerful technology the world has ever known, and it is being rapidly deployed with almost no thought whatsoever to its consequences.” — Dr Suzanne Wuerthele, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxicologist.

Click below to get your copy of the Non-GMO Shopping Guide:

http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/SG/DownloadtheGuide/index.cfm

US government data shows that in the US, GM crops have produced an overall increase, not decrease, in pesticide use compared to conventional crops.

“The promise was that you could use less chemicals and produce a greater yield. But let me tell you none of this is true.” – Bill Christison, President of the US National Family Farm Coalition.

Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.

Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required. Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harbors antiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes.

If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wonder it was used traditionally as a digestive aid.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue.  The reason most obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising.  An obese adolescent must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight.  Parents of an obese child can improve their child’s self esteem by emphasizing the child’s strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.

• Are you aware that obese girls are more likely to have low self-esteem?
• Are you aware that obesity in children lead to loneliness, sadness, and nervousness?
• Are you aware that depression can result in obese children?
• Are you aware that the suicide rate is high with obese children?
• Are you aware that teens with weight problems have much lower self-esteem and are less popular with their peers?
• Are you aware that child and adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems?

According to the AMA, 6/23/09, an obese child at age 7 is at future risk of heart disease and stroke, without the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Young adults who are obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and being obese at an older age is associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Among children 10-17, about 30% are overweight or obese in 30 states.  Adult obesity rates now exceed 25% in 31 states, up from 28 states last year and 19 the year before that.

Ways to manage obesity in children and adolescents include:

* start a weight-management program

* change eating habits (eat slowly, develop a routine)

* plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and        fast foods)

* control portions and consume less calories

* increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle

* know what your child eats at school

* eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer

* do not use food as a reward

* limit snacking

* attend a support group

Children and teen obesity is an epidemic that is growing at an alarming rate with no stopping in sight. We cannot continue the status quo; we must take action to stop the epidemic of obesity in children and teens.

Lately, I find my body and outlook changing. Perhaps this is due to entering my fourth decade on this planet. I put it out to the Universe that I was thinking about raw foods. Raw foods appears to be the last option to maintain healthy eating habits with such a busy life schedule, other than vegetarian or vegan. However, as blood type O, I don’t think either of the latter are options. And, I love my fish. I am confident however, that as these developments occur, my new perspectives will be evidenced in my writings.

The Universe gave me my answer; Caroyln Akens, Raw Food Chef (and Diva, as far as I am concerned). Her own personal story found her standing at the cross road between a life of illness or wellness after the passing of her brother due to obesity. Although I am tinkering with raw foods and have picked up a book or two, I am no where near the knowledge level of Carolyn. Chef Carolyn possesses Alissa Cohen’s Living on Live Foods Chef Certification and was trained at Raw Gourmet International Culinary Art Institute by Chef Mehmet Ak, graduate of LLCAI.

I told Carolyn about my snack dilemma. Her answer; Agape Nutrition Bars TM. Carolyn created these as a healthy, nutritious snack or breakfast on the go.  As I am always “on the go” I figured, why not.

I was a bit hesitant about trying mushified bars, as I have tried so many and I can tolerate so few. The hand-made, uncooked, and unprocessed bars sat in my fridge a couple of days before I could get the nerve up to try. In that familiar place with an over- booked schedule and little time to prepare food for the day. I grabbed a couple of bars, my water and lunch and was out the door.

By noon I was hungry and had 5 minutes before my next meeting. I ventured a taste with Blueberry Ginger as it could be a safe bet as blueberries are truly my favorite fruit. Wow! It was like biting into a blueberry patch-well ok a bunch of blueberries freshly picked. I was pleasantly surprised. I had to eat it so quickly there truly was not a moment’s time to savor the hint of ginger and the sweetness of raisin. What I did appreciate was the energy, protein and fiber from all raw organic ingredients of almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins, Barhi, dates, flaxseed and hemp protein powder. One 68 g bar has 8g of usable fat, 5 g of fiber and 6 g of protein.

Chef Carolyn has created the following yummy bars

Blueberry Ginger, Cranberry Orange, Apricot Walnut Cardamom and my favorite Apple Cobbler.

It was a Sunday morning, and to know me Sunday’s are all about my favorite nook, the Sunday paper and Teeccino. Feeling rather lazy, I grabbed the Apple Cobbler and ditched breakfast. When you think about it I am not truly ditching breakfast as theses bars are a complete meal supplying carbohydrates, protein, fats and fiber. Each bar has slightly different ingredients which presents the tastes to match the name. My breakfast treat of raw organic apples, raisins, walnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, dates, pumpkin seeds, cashews and hemp protein are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Do you realize that each of these bars are a nutritional powerhouses waiting to be explored? And explore I did indeed.

Teeccino in one hand and Apple cobbler in the other I took my first bite. It is unimaginable that a bar can taste this amazing to actually bring up forgotten child hood memories. It was like biting in to one of my grandmother’s homemade apple pies. With each bite I swear I could smell my grandmother’s pie as if I were with her at this very moment. The wonderful aromas and perfectly added spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and pure vanilla extract left me wondering if I could seriously heat this up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I was quite tempted to do just that but then that would defeat the purpose of raw.

The idea of raw foods is to keep the integrity of live enzymes and all vital nutrients viable for utilization by the body. Cooking and heating above 170f destroys enzymes that help you to break down foods for better nutrient absorption.

Chef Carolyn’s Agape Nutrition bars pack the following into every bar

Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamin K Thiamin Riboflavin Niacin Vitamin B6 Folate Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Choline omega 3 fatty acids Manganese Selenium tryptophan

What does this mean to you? A viable source of healthy goodness! Finally there is a quick meal on the go chocked full of absorbable nutrients to keep you healthy and energized and, for some like me, the added feature of bringing back wonderful childhood memories.

Bravo to a passionate dream come true Chef Carolyn and ‘Thank you’ for Agape Nutrition Bars!

Karen Langston, Chief Body Reorganizer

Shape shifting your body and mind environment

Karen@iamworthit2.com

http://www.IamWorthit2.com

http://21stcenturyhealthcare.blogspot.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlangstoniamworthit2

‏http://twitter.com/KarenLangston

My younger brother succumbed to morbid obesity; he was 45 and left a wife, three children and siblings. He had many health problems that are attributed to morbid obesity. Obesity is not hereditary, it is what we put in our mouth!

• Can you imagine you or your loved one walking only a very short distance because the cartilage is no longer there and the bones in your knees are rubbing bone on bone?
• Can you imagine you or your loved one taking a few steps and being out of breath?
• Can you imagine you or your loved one not attending your child’s baseball game because you or your loved one does not have the energy to get dressed?
• Can you imagine you or your loved one not playing with your child because you get tired within a matter of seconds?
• Can you imagine going shopping and you or your loved has collapsed in the bathroom because all of the energy was used walking from the parking lot into the store even though you parked directly in front of the store in handicapped parking?
• Can you imagine seeing EMTs running past you not knowing that it is your loved one that has collapsed?
• Can you imagine the agony of arriving at the hospital to discover that your loved one has succumbed to OBESITY?
• Can you imagine a funeral director telling you that a casket has to be custom made for your loved one?

This is the face of obesity at its worse! If you do not make changes in what you consume, obesity will take over.

We consume too many processed foods, white sugar, white flour, and dairy. Educate yourself by reading labels. Become informed by doing your due diligence.  Most people live to eat instead of eating to live. It is no longer a “Southern thing”, it is a national epidemic. It is up to YOU to make changes in your health. As adults, we need to make the right choices and be an example for our family and friends. And the only way to do that is with knowledge because knowledge is power!

Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions including:

* Type 2 diabetes

* Hypertension (high blood pressure)

* Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

* Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)

* Coronary heart disease

* Stroke

* Gallbladder disease

* Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

* Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

There is no doubt that America is in the midst of an obesity epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the past 30 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children. Since 1976–1980, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults has approximately doubled. In 2005–2006, more than 34% of adults aged 20 years or older were obese. The prevalence of overweight among children aged 2–5 years increased from 5.0% during 1976–1980 to 13.9% during 2003–2004. During the same period, the prevalence increased from 6.5% to 18.8% among young people aged 6–11 years, and 5.0% to 17.4% among those aged 12–19 years.

In a news release, Dr. William Dietz, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity said, “The epidemic of adult obesity continues to rise in the United States, indicating that we need to step up our efforts at the national, state and local levels.”

Childhood Obesity

Sadly, high numbers (20%, and this number is growing daily) of our children are overweight or obese.  Being overweight or obese can rob kids of their childhood, because these health conditions put children at risk for a range of other health problems.  For example, an increase in obesity among minority children is linked to an increase in type 2 diabetes in these kids.

Are you aware?

Children and youth who are overweight or obese are more likely to have low self-esteem and feel badly about their bodies.  They are more likely to be depressed and develop eating disorders.

• Bone and joint problems—associated with carrying excess body weight—can cause pain and restrict activity levels of overweight and obese children.
• Overweight and obese children are also at risk for developing health problems more commonly seen adults, including:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Insulin resistance
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea
  • Liver disease
• Obese children and adolescents are also 12 times more likely than other children to have high fasting blood glucose levels, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Early onset of puberty is common among overweight and obese children, and puts them at a higher risk for the some cancers during adulthood.
• Most of overweight adolescents (80%) grow up to be overweight adults.  This means that they are more likely to have health problems in adulthood, such as heart attacks and strokes.

I would love to see everyone go raw, but that is not realistic. However you can begin to make better food choices today. Stop frying everything and begin to roast, poach, and braise. Eat vegetables in their natural state to maintain their enzymes and nutrients. Begin roasting and steaming your vegetables so you will taste the natural sweetness in each vegetable instead of “boiling” away all the nutrients. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Make sure your meals aren’t laden with sodium…all salts are not the same. Celtic Sea Salt and Himalayan pink salt are the only salts I suggest because they contain the minerals that our bodies need and they have not been processed and bleached…they’re hand harvested.

If you eat meat, please try to eat organic…It cost more, but you are worth every cent. If you like fish please eat wild and not farmed raised. The problem is farm-raised fish do not spend their lives vigorously swimming through cold ocean waters or leaping up rocky streams. They spend their lives as “couch potatoes”, lazily circling in crowded pens fattening up on pellets of fish chow…not the normal life nor feed of the wild variety. For example, farm-raised Coho salmon has been found to have approximately 2.7 times the total fat as wild samples.

Antibiotics & Pesticides

Disease and parasites, which would normally exist at relatively low levels in fish scattered around the oceans, can run rampant in densely packed oceanic feedlots. To survive, farmed fish are vaccinated as small fry. Later, they are given antibiotics orpesticides to ward off infection.

There’s a major difference between wild salmon and farm-raised fresh salmon: without certain additives, the flesh of the farm-raised salmon would not have that familiar pinkish hue. Farm-raised flesh would be grey.

The naturally occurring color of the flesh of wild salmon comes from carotenoids, such as astaxanthin. In nature, these carotenoids are produced by certain micro-organisms and plant life. Wild salmon obtain carotenoids from their diet of small shrimp and small fish. A specific carotenoid, asataxanthin, is found in 90 per cent of salmon in the wild.

Farm-raised salmon are fed pellets of ground up fish meal and oils to make them grow quickly. They’re given antibiotics to fight disease – and no naturally occurring carotenoids means no pink color.

To achieve the desired color, the feed of farmed salmon is supplemented with an additive. A salmon farmer can choose the color he or she wants the fish to be. The feed will be adjusted to help achieve that color. There is no suggestion that this additive is harmful to people, but it does make salmon change color. Wild is best for your health.

For optimum health eat raw and living foods!