Mirror Athlete Enterprises Articles

October 24, 2009

Is Pancreatic Cancer on the Rise?

                                MAE VIDEO – Marc Compares Swayze & Landon\’s Pancreatic Disease Deaths      Marc MAE Fitness & Pain Management Consultant               

 I  was motivated to know more about Pancreatic Cancer after the death of Patrick Swazye.  But I was most impacted in 1991 by Michael Landon’s death.  However at that point, I was in a different time and place with my life.  Instead of realizing the seriousness of this insidious death sentence, I thought “how unfair and what a loss to all that admired his work “and the person.”  I figured this was an isolated and unfortunate rare occurrence. Then the news of Patrick Swazye’s pancreatic cancer story came and went some 18 years later.  He too was someone I admired like many of you out there.  This left me to ponder… Is pancreatic cancer or cancer in general on the rise?  Is it a geographical thing?  After all, both of these actors lived in Southern California.  Is there any way to prevent, or remove this cancer from the body once it takes hold?  I had so many unanswered questions in my head at this point in time.  These two people I greatly admired for their work.  This drew upon my curiosity as a health conscious individual to know more about their lifestyles and could they have done anything differently to change their outcome?  I decided to write this piece as a two part article.  First, let’s look at these two individual’s to see if we can determine some commonalities.  In the second piece (part2), we’ll review the statistical cancer information to draw on some presumptive conclusions in answering these questions.

 Like most of you I was an avid follower of Michael Landon.  My favorite shows as a kid were Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven series.  Michael Landon was diagnosed with Aden Carcinoma at the age of 54 on 5 April 1991 and immediately underwent chemo therapy.  His cancer had spread to his liver at first causing stomach cramps receiving his diagnosis 7 weeks later.  The cancer became inoperable due to the cancer spreading to the liver and lymph node system.  Only 1% of patients with this combination survive the full five year period.  He died in Malibu, CA on 1 July 1991.  Potential cause of cancer for this patient, heavy alcohol consumption and a four pack per day smoking habit.   I also followed many Hollywood movies that Patrick Swazye appeared in.  Three of his movies I can think of immediately, “Dirty Dancing, Next of Kin and Roadhouse.”   Swayze was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in March 2008 and underwent chemo therapy with new experimental drugs (vatalanib/gemcitabine) to shrink the tumor by preventing the development of new blood vessels that would otherwise nourish it.   After more than a year of cancer, Swazye completed 13 episodes of the beast without pain medication.  Swayze Died, 14 Sept 2009 at the age of 57.  Since the cancer spread to his liver surgery would help him.  His life expectancy after diagnosis was 5 months.  He lived 20 months after diagnosis.  He’s a strong guy, and he’s got a great attitude,” says Ron Wise, a Cedars-Sinai spokesman, “in my experience, that has a lot to do with how things go.”  Patrick Swayze’s biggest regret was his smoking which he continued to do until his death.  Doctor’s agreed, even if he quit at the time of diagnosis would have no bearing on his outcome after diagnosis.  See part two of this article continuation, “Pancreatic Cancer Statistics and Recommendations.”

 World Wide Web References:

  1. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PatrickSwayze/patrick-swayzes-death-shows-tough-pancreatic-cancer/story?id=8583819
  2. http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20114945,00.html)
  3. http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/HillsideObituaries/michaellandon.htm
  4. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/news/20090915/patrick-swayze-dies-of-pancreatic-cancer
  5. http://www.aol.com.au/lifestyle/story/Patrick-Swayze-Admits-His-Biggest-Regret/2042631/index.html

 Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET2009 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

August 21, 2009

MRSA Killer Bug?

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is often referred to as a killer, or super bug that is resistant to many antibiotics.  This bacterial bug is most appropriately referred to as a super bug because of Oxacillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (ORSA).  This is a MRSA strain that is resistant to many types of antibiotics, to include penicillin’s and cephalosporins.  This bug is of great concern to those who need surgery, or nursing care services where the patient age 65 and older are four times more prone to contracting MRSA.  The term killer bug stems from the fact that in 2005, “More than 18,000 Deaths and 94,000 life-threatening cases occurred.   The bug frequently enters the body in a sterile health care facility or hospitals where patients are in a weakened immune state.  Most bacterial spread occurs due to unsterile dialysis, catheters, or surgical procedures (Medical cleanliness standards have greatly improved since 2005).  This does not mean a healthy individual cannot obtain this bug.  Patients can be exposed to a Community Associated (CA)-MRSA infection.  CA infections are common among homosexuals, athletes, prisoners and soldiers.

Since MRSA bacterium is often found in the noses and skin of healthy people, we are all susceptible during a weakened immune state to activate the MRSA bacteria.  In most cases, this activation is prominent after surgeries, can form around malignancies as boils and abscesses to include other pus-type lesions.  Most that contract MRSA are not considered infected; instead the organism is colonized on the skin, in the nose, or throat without infection.  However, if one also has fever like symptoms then they would be considered infectious.  One should not fear MRSA, or methincillin-sensitive S type (difficult to treat with anti-biotic) as a general threat to the public.  MRSA does not typically present a threat to health care providers, or family members that provide the care unless they are suffering from debilitating disease.  One should not be discouraged from social contact.
 
Recommendations, If Diagnosed with MRSA, or Require a Medical Procedure
1.        Inquire how often staff is required to wash hands (before & after MRSA patient handling, or procedures).  Frequent cleanliness practice prevents spread of MRSA.
2.      Patients room doors should remain closed, records clearly labeled where regularly damp dusting occurs, and nursed in wards not placed with non-infected patients.
3.      Treatment – Antibiotics through the nose and special bathing procedures to ensure there is no possibility of spreading the bug in a facility, or home care facility. 
4.      After patient discharge it is very important the medical facility disinfects the room and clothes bagged for special treatment so the next patient is not exposed to MRSA.
5.      Ensure your physician and care handlers refer to past MRSA susceptibility, separation and isolate immediately should you require future hospitalization, or medical care.

References,
Association of Medical Microbiologists, worldwide Internet………………http://www.amm.co.uk/files/factsabout/fa_mrsa.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention………………………………………http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html
Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRSA
Web MD, http://www.webmd.com/news/20071016/more-us-deaths-from-mrsa-than-aids

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2009 Copyright, All rights reserved.  Mirror Athlete Enterprises Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for your free eNewsletter.

January 22, 2009

Fibromyalgia Relief

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Although an exact cause of this condition has not been directly identified, it is thought that a major player to this chronic condition resides within the brains serotonin levels which affects mood.  Lower levels of serotonin are known to stimulate depression and with depression psychosomatic illness occurs (we get depressed for long periods of time, our bodies get sick & physical illness often ensues).  There seems to be a direct correlation between depression, lack of sleep, restlessness, disturbances in bowel function and super sensitivity with touch and key trigger point pain receptors transmitted via the central nervous system (brain).  Fatigue combined with depression can trigger infection, or other trauma and disease to the body. 

    This condition is tough for many physicians to nail down and diagnose as fibromyalgia.  This is because unlike rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus there is no swelling, external-internal tissue damage, or joint-muscle deformity.  The patient is healthy otherwise but suffers from chronic muscular pain and stiffness without swelling, deformity or bruising.  Apparent common denominators of those that suffer from fibromyalgia are as follows.  Researchers find elevated levels of “Substance P” (Chemical Nerve Signal) and “Nerve Growth Factor” (Found in the spinal fluid) and lower levels of “serotonin” (Brain Nerve Chemical) from laboratory specimen fluid samples.  The effected populace tends to be women between the ages of 35-55.  This condition rarely takes a toll on men, the elderly or children, although it does occur.  Women with fibromyalgia in the U.S. represent over 80% of those diagnosed with this condition.  The total populace affected by fibromyalgia in the US represents 2% of our population.  Fibromyalgia was formally known as fibrosistis (a group of disorders characterized by widespread body aches and pains in muscle, connective tissue, joints and bone).   Other triggers that can activate the fibromyalgia condition include exposure to dampness, or cold and certain infections.  Pain is usually worse in the morning. Fibromyalgia is not considered a psychological disorder.

Recommendations
1.     See your doctor if you experience any/combination of the conditions listed above, or below.
        a.     Chronic body pain for more than 3 months above and below the waist.
        b.     Feel pain in at least 11-18 possible tender points when light pressure is applied.
        c.     Where depression and thoughts of suicide are common (psychosomatic illnesses).
2.     If family member exhibits: Panic attacks, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity, sleeplessness, etc.
3.     If prescribed anti-depressants, a family member should watch for adverse character changes.
        a.     Adverse behavior risk is more prominent within adults under 24 and children.
        b.     A 2 month watch if prescribed anti-depressants to combat fibromyalgia is recommended.
4.     Hot showers-spray localized area, use heating pads, whirlpool, hot compresses, gentle message.
5.     Stretching and conditioning, relaxation, alleviate stress, biofeedback for contracted muscles.
6.     Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cortisone and local anesthetic injections “trigger points.”
7.     Antidepressants – Per doctor recommendations, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI).
8.     Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these interfere with sleep.
9.     Prevention – Get adequate sleep and general conditioning and exercise, proper nutrition.

 Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2009 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

 
  

 

 

December 23, 2008

Why We Need Super Foods

I was asked, just exactly what are super foods and why do we need them?  There seems to be a huge craze out there to understand how the right types of foods in our diet can greatly improve our health condition(s) and incorporate these foods into our preventative health, wellness and nutrition program.

What’s the deal?  Could this be the anti-aging or fountain of youth formulae?   Or could this just be another way to get money out of your wallet?   Well I’ve done a little research for you and here’s what I came up with.   There currently is no official or legal definition of super foods.  Also there is a common denominator of discussion amongst dieticians and nutritional scientists.  Mostly, the claims made regarding specific food items and benefits toward health.  The problem is marketing companies now are using the term “super foods” as a catch all tool to sell more product.  We understand science has come up with some very good data on select foods that provide extreme nutrient and health benefits.  After all, God provides natural good foods (super foods) as everything we need on this earth to be healthy and fit.

Only because of man’s greed have many consumer foods now become a blend of additives and chemically preserved and altered foods.  The chemical food companies, FDA, FTC, lobbyists, politicians, special interest groups and others control and back much of the processed food and chemical industries.   The food and chemical industries are worth billions of dollars to investors and keep millions of workers employed, much like our health, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries.  Money rules the roost regardless of whether these processed foods knowingly make our families sick.   If food is not in its natural form and/or man-processed (some with carcinogenic chemical additives) be suspicious and read the ingredients on the label prior to purchasing, for many additives are known to cause cancer.  If you can’t pronounce the ingredient(s) on the label, or understand what the ingredients are… Chances are it’s one of thousands of addictive chemicals used to addict you to a product, much like nicotine keeps smokers addicted to cigarettes that can have an ill-health effect on you.

The food industry is now saturating our retail food markets with chemically induced additives to our foods that not only get you addicted to a product but are creating a whole generation of unhealthy children and adults through fast food chains.  Products such as diet sodas, candy, desserts, etc., use artificial sweetener (Aspartame – Also known as splendid, spoonful and a whole lot of other brand labels).  Read my articles, “Aspartame the Silent Killer,” “Can You Prevent Cancer?” Also “Is Cancer in Your Tub?  Located within MAE (Mirror Athlete Enterprises), Health Blog.  Other important health information that you and your family should be aware of are located within our “Health Media,” Wellness Company,” or “Health Repository” pages.  After you read our health articles or view our health video players, you’ll give up diet sodas and many other processed foods.  I know I did.  Once I learned this information, this became yet another reason to create Mirror Athlete Enterprises to spread the word of industrial product and consumer lies.

I wanted to find a wellness company that I could share with consumers and their families.  A place to shop that walked & talked healthy home and consumable products.   Our site has an entire page devoted to the “Wellness Company Products and Services” with almost 400 clean green home products and healthy supplements for weight loss, nontoxic home environment and preventative health programs, etc.  The list is so extensive, I recommend you visit the Wellness Company at www.mirrorathlete.com and read the Wellness Company summary.  You can contact me and I will work with you personally providing you better health while showing you alternatives to cleaning your home environment. You’ll have more energy, better weight and pain management through natural supplementation and so much more.  Through health and wellness consulting there is a very good chance we can find what’s making you and your family sick and begin the healing process with natural products that you can trust.

On the forefront as supper foods I’ve listed a few:  Blueberries, apples, avocado, bananas, beans, bee pollen, broccoli, flax seed, oats, oranges, papaya, raspberries, soy, spinach, green tea, walnuts, yogurt… and many more.   For a full listing of super foods go to our Mirror Athlete Enterprise Home page and use the custom health search engine.  Type in “super foods,” you’ll be provided with a wealth of super food information.  Some benefits of super foods boast of longer healthier living, less wrinkles, better skin, lower blood pressure, healthy heart, cancer prevention and a whole lot of other claims that will knock your socks off.  Each super food listed above has high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, fiber and anthocyanins [provides the concentrated pigment in berries where consumption has health benefits per scientific studies:  Cancer, aging, neurological disease, inflammation, diabetes and bacterial infection]. Because these specifically identified foods are highly nutritious and beneficial to health and well-being they have been coined “super foods.”

I believe there are many benefits to consuming super foods.  You’ll need to do a little homework to determine what is backed by scientific research versus which foods are backed by marketing sales hype.  I will not do this for you because; everybody’s bodies and health requirements are so different.  Our bodies are like cars that perform better or worse dependant on the fuels, oils and additives for longer lasting maintenance free operations.  However, our bodies do not perform as simplistically as our car fuel analogy would depict.  This is because the human body is a zillion times more complicated than any car on the road.   Another good analogy is when you go to your primary physician for whatever ails you…  They may perform a combination of various exams; send you for an MRI, x-ray, or blood work for example to determine which specialist to refer you to if required.  Hence, to endorse a super food combination that would be “just right” for all that would read this article won’t be prudent.

However I do endorse the Wellness Company products located within our home site because the company has already scientifically formulated natural products based on illness prevention and getting people well per ill-health categories (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, irritable bowel, Candida, boost immune system, eyes, arthritis, osteoporosis, healthy prostate, weight loss, weight management, cognitive function, etc.)  I’ve researched a lot of companies and products.  I can provide individual product Wellness Company recommendations for you because the company has done all the research with scientific results to back the data.  The Wellness Company has many product(s) for our bodies, including many clean green and safe environmental solutions also backed by scientific research, “with a 100% money back guarantee.”  This company is simply the best at what they do with regard to clean green health and well-being for you and your family.  I don’t have to be an expert selling you product hype.  The Wellness Company is the only real green company of its type with backed healthy safe and natural product solutions for you and your family.

You may, or may not have a good handle on your medical or health prevention goals, but if I haven’t stemmed your curiosity to check out our Wellness Company, or to participate as a wholesale preferred member, just go to our custom health search engine at our home site and research “super foods,” look for food combinations that make sense for your medical or health prevention benefits, type in “super food and/or health condition.”  For example, some super foods work better for high blood pressure, or cholesterol reduction, you get the point.  If you have no idea what would work best for your body, just start incorporating some of the super foods I listed into your diet.  You will most likely start feeling better, have more energy, lose weight, etc.   Or see your primary care physician and request an Annual physical with blood work so you can see your base line blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose levels etc., then you have a foundation to base your customized super food needs.   I highly recommend all adults over the age of 35, or younger (dependant on health) supplement their diet with a high quality absorbable mineral-vitamin complex, antioxidant, flora (good bacteria) daily supplement pack (Inquire about our Wellness Company Wholesale Member Products).  Of course you should make every attempt to eat as nutritiously as possible, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, reduce animal fat and reduce sugar in the diet.  The most important advice I could add as a bonus… Stay away from diet sodas and aspartame laced desert-candy products (an additive in thousands of our processed and packaged foods).  Also read “Lose Weight with Super Foods,” soon to be located within MAE Health Repository, Health Blog.

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright, All rights reserved.  Mirror Athlete Enterprises Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for your free eNewsletter.

June 25, 2008

Toxins in Our Families Home Use Products?

Back in November 2007, I wrote an article “Is Cancer in Your Tub?” The information within this article predominately came from Network News and Publications(www.netnewspbl.com).  In essence the literature discusses FDA approved chemicals in our foods and house hold products as an outrage to our families health!  Many of your everyday use items have carcinogenic toxins that within a laboratory controlled study, in many cases “confirm serious health issues with long term use of our FDA Qualified “SAFE” products!”  To read the full article “Is Cancer in Your Tub?  Visit our Health Repository, look under “Environmental Toxins, and scroll over to Mirror Athlete free read articles column.”

Recently I procured brochures from author Debra Lynn Dadd, “Please Protect Yourself from Household Toxics.  I would like to share a portion of the information that was in her literature.  She writes,

“While certain people may be more sensitive than others, and some chemical(s) may bring on reactions only after many years of repeated exposure, I discovered through my research that chemicals may bring on reactions only after many years of repeated exposure, I discovered through my research that chemicals in the home could put anyone at risk.  Cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, heart disease… Almost any symptom imaginable, both physical and psychological, has been associated with chemicals in common household products.  Recently, scientists have discovered that toxic chemicals can lodge in our endocrine system contributing to thyroid problems, diabetes, weight gain, and infertility.  At greatest risk are fetuses, children, the elderly, and those who are already ill, but these chemicals are threatening the health of everyone, every day.”

Also, as I combed through AARP Bulletin Today, May 2008, Vol.49 No. 4, there is an excellent article I’d like to share with you.  “Hazards at Home,” by Reed Karaim.

“And older people are more likely to have conditions – such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes – that can dramatically reduce their ability to withstand exposure to environmental hazards… The stakes are high.  Older people tend to process and eliminate toxicants from their bodies more slowly than younger people.  And “as we age, we become less efficient at detoxification – the slowing down of kidneys, liver and immune system functioning all play a role.  In this older people are more like infants and children in their ability to fend off toxic assaults,says Sandra Steingraber,the author of Living Downstream:  An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment.”

“Cleaners – Chemicals to avoid in cleaners, says McRandle (Paul McRandle, Deputy Editor at the National Geographic Green Guide), run from ammonia, which is known to trigger asthma, elements in chlorine bleach, which is a lung irritant and will kill you if you swallow it, to things like glycol ethers, which are used to dissolve grime and dirt, and can cause nerve damage.”  Protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves and your lungs by ventilating your work area or wearing a mask.”

It simply was amazing to see within these articles, glycol ethers and propylene Glycol (ingredient found in anti-freeze), are ingredients within many of your household shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, toothpaste and pet food?”  Why is it necessary to put these carcinogenic solvents in our consumable house hold products?  Especially, when company’s know how to make a non-toxic human product?  The answer is very clear.  “It’s all about the money.”  It’s obvious to me that cost cutting “skimming SAFE quality products” and outsourcing American business is “the” critical” element required when profits are king.

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

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