FitSugar

Ellen Pompeo Says "Choose You"

FitSugar — Thu, 06 May 2010 04:30:58 PDT

You know the stereotype of the busy woman: she takes care of everyone else in her life and puts herself last on the list. The American Cancer Society has created an antidote to this womanly way of living - the Choose You campaign is here to remind women everywhere to put their health first. And Ellen Pompeo ("I am not a doctor but I play one on TV") is helping to spread the word as the program's celebrity ambassador.

The Choose You program seems especially timely since Mother's Day is just around the corner, and so many moms regularly neglect their health. Which is not good, especially since the ACS estimates that one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime, but that 50 percent of cancer deaths are preventable with simple actions like regular exercise and more challenging ones like quitting smoking.

The Choose You website asks you to make a commitment to your health, and put your money where your mouth is. ACS has partnered with StickK, the motivational web-based program offering individuals legally binding contracts to help them reach their goals. The users pay a set dollar amount to a charity, in this case the ACS, if they fail to reach their goal. You can commit to lose weight, eat fewer sweets, drink less alcohol, exercise more, etc. If you fall short, pay. Interesting idea, don't you think?

What will you commit to?

Would You Undergo a Mastectomy to Protect Yourself From Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:47:44 PDT

A diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-changing moment that will affect almost 200,000 women this year. If faced with the diagnosis, one question your doctor will ask you to consider is whether or not you would remove a non-cancerous breast to protect yourself against the disease. The procedure is called prophylactic mastectomy, and a recent study shows that it's on the rise.

The study, conducted by the American Cancer Society, found that patients in New York who had cancer in one breast but also removed their non-cancerous breast doubled during the period of 1995-2005. During that same period there was also a slight increase in cancer-free patients who chose to remove both healthy breasts. It's likely that these women were at high risk because of family history, or they tested positive for the gene mutation associated with the disease. This is why actress Christina Applegate opted for the double mastectomy.

Although prophylactic mastectomy dramatically reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in the future, it has not been shown to increase the chances of survival from already existing breast cancer. However, many patients choose to undergo the procedure to quell anxiety.

As we begin our coverage of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am curious to know what you would do in this situation . . .

Sweet Inspiration: Hives For Lives

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:45:00 PST

Some stories just inspire and motivate, and this is a sweet tale of two young girls, sisters in fact. After losing their grandfather to throat cancer, Molly and Carly Houlahan decided to raise funds to help fight cancer by raising bees and cultivating honey.

The girls, ages 13 and 15, took over their grandfather's hives and created Hives For Lives. The Houlahan girls harvest honey, sell it, and then donate all the profits to the American Cancer Society. They have raised over $22,000 to date and are recruiting Helper Bees from across the country to join them in raising bees and selling honey to donate to cancer research.

You can purchase their honey directly from the Hives for Lives online store or you can find their honey at Whole Foods stores in Princeton, NJ; Devon, PA; and Pittsburgh, PA.

A natural sweetener made by teenage sisters with proceeds going toward cancer research – I'm all in.

Quit Tip: Pick a Day to Quit Smoking

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:30:00 PST

One thing I can wholeheartedly recommend to improve your health is quitting smoking. It decreases your chance of getting and dying from cancer, heart disease, and stroke. I am not saying you should quit today cold turkey, but if you did I would be so glad. What I am saying is that you should pick a date to quit and begin publicly counting down until that day arrives.

The American Cancer Society wants to help you count down to your momentous quit day, and they have even designed a couple little desktop helpers. One is a countdown calendar to help you rev up to quit day. Just pick a date, any date, but make sure it is within the next 30 days - you can’t put it off forever. The clock lives on your computer desktop and counts down the days until your chosen day to go smoke free.

Their other helpful widget is the Craving Stopper, a little distracting memory game that lasts about two minutes, the amount of time it take for a craving to subside. Just preoccupy yourself with the game and let the need for a smoke subside naturally. Unfortunately, these widgets only work with Windows OS. Sorry Mac folks.

Hey. I have a great idea . . . make this Thursday, November 15, your quit date, since it is the Great American Smokeout!

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:00:00 PDT

More than 20 years ago, two organizations created a partnership to increase breast cancer awareness. The partnership has grown to include a number of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies all working together to build awareness of the disease, share information and provide access to screening services for countless women.

They claimed October as their month to highlight the issue, so today, Oct. 1, marks the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are so many great resources out there and here are just a few websites to help you locate any information you might need.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: More than just one month a year, the NBCAM has a website with breaking news on breast cancer, lists of patient services, and basic as well as detailed information on the disease.
American Cancer Society: The ACS is dedicated to educating women on how to reduce their risk of developing the disease and finding the best options for treating breast cancer. They believe in early detection and recommend that all women over 40 receive an annual mammogram. The ACS website is loaded with information and they have 24 hour telephone service to offer the comfort of live support and to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities, and provide information on local events (1-800-ACS-2345).

There are two more so

Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Founded by Komen's sister, this foundation is dedicated to curing breast cancer at every stage - funding research on the causes and possible cures, as well as helping ease the pain and anxiety those diagnosed with the disease and their families. You can help raise funds for research by participating in the 3 Day Event. It is a three day, 60 mile walk that takes place in major cities all over the country throughout the summer and fall. If you missed the walk this year, you can always aim for next year.
National Breast Cancer Foundation: NBCF's mission is to provide educational programs and funding for free mammograms to women who cannot afford them, as well as provide online resources for women battling breast cancer.

If shopping to support breast cancer research seems more your speed than walking 60 miles, Fab has the website for you!

Source

THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 09:00:00 PST

TODAY is the GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT sponsored by the American Cancer Society. So if you are trying to quit smoking - today is the day. If you know someone who is trying to quit, you can be supportive and send them the link.

Looking for a little motivation in kicking your habit? Here are a few health reasons:

You will significantly lower your chances of developing lung cancer (the number 1 cancer killer of both men and women), heart disease, stroke and other forms of cancer.
Your lungs will regain normal function - which reduces the risk of infection and makes breathing easier. And you know that Fit is way into breathing.
Your circulation will improve - which means you heal from injuries more quickly and this is great for every single inch of your body.

Looking for more reasons? Think of all the money you will save and your clothes won't smell like smoke. Smoking makes your breath stinky, makes your skin wrinkle more, and yellows your teeth (see above).

Let us know if you're trying - we're here to support you and so is the American Cancer Society's Quitline (1-800-ACS-2345). And, of course, GOOD LUCK!!!

Melanoma Risk Factors: What You Need to Know

Jaime Richards — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:07 PDT

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and unfortunately, it's a disease that's on the rise. However, melanoma, which can be described as the uncontrolled spread of pigment-producing cells, can be easily cured when detected early enough.

It's National Skin Cancer Awareness month, so for more tips on prevention, stay tuned. But first, discover more about this type of cancer and who has a greater risk for developing it, when you keep reading.

Mad Men's 5 Maddest Moments: "At the Codfish Ball"

Shannon Vestal — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:26:21 PDT

This week's Mad Men puts the spotlight on Megan, who has a career breakthrough at work, though she's less successful with her visiting parents. Peggy's domestic situation is also highlighted when she takes her relationship with Abe to the next level, and Roger is bouncing back from his separation from Jane quite nicely - though it would have been nice if he could have kept his pants on.

This week's episode is far less stressful than last week when Megan goes missing, but there's still plenty of fodder to chat about. To see what I thought were the five maddest moments of the night, just read more.

How You Can Donate Your Hair to Patients in Need This Friday

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:34:00 PDT

Is it time for your annual springtime cut? If you have long hair, don't let your strands go to waste; donate them to a good cause with the help of Pantene. This Friday the 27th, the hair care company will hold the first-ever National Donate Your Hair Day to benefit its Beautiful Lengths program. With the help of wig-makers HairUWear, Pantene builds real-hair pieces for women undergoing cancer treatment. The wigs are then distributed by the American Cancer Society wig banks for free. See how you can help by getting all the details now.

Do You Think Sugar Is as Addictive as Drinking or Smoking?

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:12:57 PDT

If you thought a little sugar never hurt anyone, think again. 60 Minutes reported that the average American consumes 130 pounds of sugar a year, and scientists are confirming that this overloaded amount is causing liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. While we are biologically designed to enjoy sweet tastes because they are a sign that a food isn't poisonous, in today's society, most of our sugar ingestion comes from a refined source, stripped of its nutrients, fiber, and natural makeup.

Sugar, even the smallest amount, activates the brain and releases a burst of dopamine into the bloodstream, much like cocaine's effect on the body. Just like drug addictions, the highs diminish with the more sugar you consume, so you develop a craving for more and more to get that same feel-good fix.

While it's hard to fathom that sugar is as addictive and deadly as a drinking or smoking habit, several studies are currently proving otherwise. How do you feel about the great sugar debate? Perhaps in the near future, we could see warning labels appear on soda cans and candy boxes, urging consumers to reduce consumption.