Women's Cancer Journeys

 
Women’s Cancer Journeys: 
A Special Health Monitor Roundtable

 

Cancer-free! The words are joyful music to the ears of anyone who has been treated for any form of the disease. Take Cheryl Walters, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47, following her very first mammogram. After undergoing a radical mastectomy of her left breast and a partial mastectomy of her right, she followed up with breast reconstruction. Fortunately, all her efforts—and hopes—paid off. After the success of her surgeries, she welcomed the words cancer-free into her life. read more »

Your & Your Doctor: 10 Questions to Ask When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's

10 Questions to Ask When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s 
 
Frequent memory problems, trouble doing daily tasks, or behavioral changes in older people can often signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. But the person affected may not be aware of it, and that’s why family members play an essential role. You can notice such behaviors and alert your relative’s doctor.
 
If a loved one has this illness, you may have many questions for your doctor. To help you start a conversation with a medical professional, you can use any of the following questions about Alzheimer’s and the effects it can have on those with the illness and those who care for them. read more »

Myth or Fact: Insight on Celiac Disease

Myth or Fact?
Insight on Celiac Disease 
 
Although celiac disease affects about 3 million adults in the U.S., many myths still persist—even among people who have the illness and their family members. In recognition of Celiac Awareness Month, take this quiz to see if you can weed out some of the more common misconceptions about this condition.
 
Myth or Fact? Celiac disease is a food allergy to wheat, which causes allergic reactions, such as an itchy rash, after eating gluten. 
Myth. Celiac disease is not a food allergy. It’s an autoimmune disease, an illness that occurs when your body tissues are attacked by your own immune system. read more »

Keep Your Cool: 6 Ways to Fight inflammation

When a scrape or bug bite gets inflamed, sure it hurts—but that’s actually a good thing. It means that white blood cells called macrophages (from the Greek, literally meaning “big eaters”) are busy breaking down injured cells and invading organisms, then gobbling them up and flushing them away. Inflammation is a sign that an injury is healing, and eventually any trace of it will disappear. read more »

When the Child Becomes the Parent

Lessons about life, love, and caregiving 
 
When Janis Abrahms Spring took on the role of caregiver to her octogenarian father, she began a five-year journey filled with moments of exhaustion, isolation, and guilt. At the same time, her life was also filled with love, redemption, and joy, even in the midst of her father’s suffering. read more »