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Make-A-Wish For The Holiday Season!

Posted by admin on November 30, 2014   |   No Comments

Thanksgiving is over but the season for being thankful and giving still continues. An inspiring story about a nonprofit organization called Make-A-Wish was presented on the CBS Sunday Morning Show. Since its inception, the organization has granted over 310,000 wishes of individuals between the ages of 2½ and 18 that have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.

Contrary to what many may think, these wishes are not always the final chapter of a participant’s life. For some, these wishes provide the hope and strength to overcome an illness.

Watch the CBS video segment as well as review the organization’s website. If you feel compelled to be a part of this life changing program, there are many ways to help.

  • Donate airline miles
  • Fund a wish of your choice
  • Donate items to help grant a wish
  • Matching gifts
  • Volunteer at your local Make-A-Wish chapter
  • Refer a child to the program

Here is a link to the CBS Sunday Morning video segment. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/giving-and-giving-back-via-make-a-wish/

Here is a link to the Make-A-Wish website. http://wish.org/

The Colorado Chapter can be contacted directly at 303-750-9474.

 

 

Don’t Miss This Alzheimer’s Event in Denver!

Posted by admin on October 23, 2014   |   No Comments

The 25th Annual Alzheimer’s Education Symposium will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. It is an invaluable one day event for anyone who has a loved one dealing with memory loss. Sponsored by the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, local and national speakers as well as panel discussions will focus on strategies for Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. Current research, treatment options and local resources for families will be discussed. There is also a separate Early Stage Forum that coincides during this event for individuals and their care partners dealing with early stage memory loss. Registration is required. Call 303-813-1669 for more details.

Younger-onset Alzheimer’s in Colorado and how companies as well as family members are dealing with this epidemic was highlighted in the Denver Post this week. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_26774379/colorado-lives-workplaces-increasingly-robbed-by-alzheimers-disease

A book that has been receiving critical acclaim about Alzheimer’s is called Slow Dancing with a Stranger: Lost and Found in the Age of Alzheimer’s by Meryl Comer. As a TV journalist she considers herself a “prisoner of Alzheimer’s” when her husband, a cancer researcher for the National Institute of Health was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58. Watch Meryl Comer in this compelling video describe her personal experience and her current advocacy work to help others not endure what she did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMjR08OHxVM

 

 

Liver and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted by admin on September 27, 2014   |   No Comments

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It may not be a coincidence that Joan Lunden, journalist and TV host, courageously posed on the cover of this week’s People magazine showing her head without any hair. She has publicly shared her journey treating Stage 2 triple negative breast cancer on her personal web site. http://www.joanlunden.com/

Breast cancer is not lacking in awareness. Breast cancer receives the most research funding of all cancers. Latest documented figures show that in 2012, $602 million was allocated from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for breast cancer research. Breast cancer supposedly kills 40,000 a year in the U.S. On the other hand, lung cancer only received $314 million in research and approximately 159,000 die annually. Similarly, colon/rectal cancer received $256 million from the NIH and 50,000 deaths are expected annually. http://fundedresearch.cancer.gov/nciportfolio/search/funded?fy=PUB2012&type=site

Most types of cancer have charity organizations that also provide money for research to find a cure. For example, the Susan G. Komen organization has raised approximately $800 million for breast cancer research worldwide. This amount adds to the NIH arsenal of funding for research. They also provide financial/social grants to families affected by breast cancer. No doubt, they are a wonderful resource for individuals dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

October is also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It will be interesting to see how much we hear about this specific cancer during the month of October. Unfortunately, the press on liver cancer may get drowned out by the press on breast cancer. The NIH allocated $64 million toward liver cancer research in 2012. There are approximately 23,000 deaths from liver cancer annually in the U.S. That is half of the breast cancer mortality rate but only about 1/10 of breast cancer NIH funding. If you are living with liver cancer in Colorado, you have access to the University of Colorado Health (formally University of Colorado Hospital). This is the location of the first liver transplant performed in the world in 1963. It is also the only National Cancer Institute designated center in the state. If you are unable to travel to UCH they provide a remote second opinion program that allows you to share results and treatment options with your local physician.

 

 

 

 

Cancer Treatment in Colorado

Posted by admin on August 12, 2014   |   No Comments

The current August 5280 Denver magazine highlights the latest cancer treatment and research news available from Colorado experts. Many of the articles featured in this section are worth reading. However, one article specifically had relevance to me. Right Place, Right Time is about a 41-year-old Colorado resident who discovered she had Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. Only 3.9% of late-state lung cancer patients live five more years. She is now on her 2nd year and hoping that she is one of the elite 3.9%.  Fortunately for her, she was at the right place at the right time under the care of Dr. Ross Camidge. Read a Q&A blog entry with Dr. Camidge from 2010. http://www.lifelongwellnessadvocates.com/am-i-receiving-the-best-cancer-treatment-available-2/

Sadly, someone that I know in California passed away this week from Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. She entered the hospital last week and received her cancer diagnosis. She passed away the same week. Unfortunately, the Right Place, Right Time was not a reality for her. A majority of our healthcare outcomes are based on attentive prevention and managing risk factors. However, even then, some of us are unlucky with the cards that we draw. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is necessary for survival. My mother also received a lung cancer diagnosis when it was discovered at Stage 2. We had 3 years to cope with this diagnosis and attempt to stay a step ahead of the disease. I hope professional advocates like me will strive to assist individuals to get in front of the best providers at the right place and right time.

Click the link below for the full article entitled Chipping Away; A blow-by-blow look at how Colorado doctors and researchers are taking the fight to cancer right now. http://www.5280.com/healthwellness/magazine/2014/07/chipping-away

 

 

 

Acceptance of Integrative Medicine is Rising

Posted by admin on June 26, 2014   |   No Comments

Fortunately, for Colorado residents and many non-residents who travel to Metro Denver for exceptional health care, we have access to the many specialists who are a part of University of Colorado Health. Since 2001, under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Corbin, The Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Colorado Health provides physician-managed care that specializes in combining complementary therapies with current conventional treatments to help manage disease symptoms as well as side effects from medical treatments. Physicians are becoming more accepting and encouraging of complementary therapies to improve a patient’s quality of life as well as one’s overall prognosis.

The primary categories of complementary therapies are:

Biologic-based (nutrition, supplements), Mind/Body Techniques (meditation, guided imagery), Manipulative and Body-based Practices (exercise, massage), Energy Therapies (Reiki, Healing Touch), Ancient Medical Systems (Acupuncture, Chinese medicine).

The Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Colorado Health has providers that can help patients who are dealing with nearly any medical condition. Below is a list of some conditions they treat:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Arthritis
  • Back and neck pain
  • Cancer and cancer prevention
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
  • Headaches and migraines
  • High blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Infertility
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sleep disorders
  • Smoking cessation
  • Weight management

Oncologists and cancer patients have been one of the earlier adopters to embrace complementary therapies with conventional cancer treatment. More recently, other specialists for various health conditions have come on-board since experiencing success with their patients. Fortunately, more insurance companies are covering some complementary therapies and/or providing discounts to their members.

Click the link below to read highlights on current research that is proving why many medical centers across the country are improving access to patients for integrative medicine.

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.show/id/2/article_id/2307

Get A Second Opinion!

Posted by admin on May 26, 2014   |   No Comments

Why do many individuals not get a second opinion on a medical diagnosis, a proposed plan of treatment or even a radiology report?

Is it because of fear of upsetting their current physician? A second opinion may not be covered by their insurance plan? Don’t know the process for obtaining a qualified second opinion? A decision may be time-sensitive? All of the above.

Nowadays it is not hard to find someone in your social network or in a news article who experienced a misdiagnosis. A misdiagnosis can cause great emotional distress as well as amplified poor health based on unnecessary treatment options. Plus, additional costs may be incurred due to treating the misdiagnosis.

I know from a personal family experience how a radiology report can be inaccurately interpreted as well as not thoroughly read by a physician which can result in a potential fatal treatment decision. A second, and even at times a third opinion, can be crucial for both performing and analyzing lab results, biopsies, and radiology reports.

Approximately 30% of second opinions result in a new diagnosis. If your physical location and/or ability to travel are an issue, some medical centers offer a remote second opinion which can be performed upon reviewing your medical records.

Here are just two of many public misdiagnosis stories that should make you think twice when you receive a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Be your own advocate. Make an informed decision by obtaining additional opinions from specialists with expertise in your specific health care situation.

http://www.coloradocancerblogs.org/second-opinion-cu-cancer-center-changes-diagnosis-advanced-incurable-lung-cancer-early-stage-curable-lung-cancer/

http://www.everypatientsadvocate.com/misdiagnosis.htm

 

 

 

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Alzheimer’s Research Q&A Video

Posted by admin on May 2, 2014   |   No Comments

University of Colorado Director of Alzheimer’s Disease Program provides a Q&A session on current research successes and failures. Most disturbing discussion point is that if we were to all live to the age of 85, half of us will have Alzheimer’s and the other half will be the caregivers. We will all be affected by this devastating progressive brain disease. Watch the session here:  Alzheimer’s Research Update

 

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What Are Your End-of-Life Requests for Medical Care?

Posted by admin on April 17, 2014   |   No Comments

This is a question that most of us do not like to discuss although it could be a question that requires an answer tomorrow, next month or in several years. Advanced planning for how you would like to be treated by your medical providers during a medical emergency is imperative if you want your requests to be executed as you intended.

Colorado Advance Directives Consortium has consolidated information on their web site from healthcare and legal professionals that clearly describes current forms accepted in Colorado for making healthcare decisions.

http://www.coloradoadvancedirectives.com/page05.html

The Colorado Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment form (MOST) is a doctor’s order that is similar to a CPR Directive but also includes your requests for other life-sustaining measures by your medical providers. This form follows you as you transition to various healthcare providers.

http://www.coloradoadvancedirectives.com/MOST_Form_08.11.10.pdf

The Five Wishes document is used in Colorado and most states as an advanced directive for when you are not able to communicate your requests to others. It not only includes your medical and legal requests but also your desire for comfort, spiritual, and burial/memorial planning. A sample of Five Wishes can be found at the link below.

https://www.agingwithdignity.org/forms/5wishes.pdf

Never assume that your loved ones or medical providers will know exactly how you want to be treated during a medical emergency. Put your requests in writing and make sure that it is a legal document in your geographic location.

 

 

 

 

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Posted by admin on March 13, 2014   |   No Comments

Colorectal cancer awareness month is recognized in March with an emphasis on the campaign 80% by 2018. The goal is to increase colorectal cancer screening among adults over 50 to 80% screened by 2018.

In 2014, 1600 people per day are expected to die from cancer. 50,310 deaths are expected from colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer). It is currently the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Fortunately, this cancer can be usually prevented. Proper screening can detect polyps which can be removed before they become cancerous. Health insurance is required to cover colorectal screening tests through the Affordable Care Act.

More details on colorectal cancer best practices for treatment, research pipeline and centers of excellence can be found at http://www.lifelongwellnessadvocates.com/colorectal-cancer/

 

 

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Heart Health for Your Valentine

Posted by admin on February 18, 2014   |   No Comments

February is American Heart Month which strives to bring awareness and assessment tools to individuals and health providers for prevention of the #1 fatal disease for men and women in the U.S.

The American College of Cardiology has joined with the American Heart Association to release a mobile app and web-based version assessment tool that calculates the lifetime risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. It is called the ASCVD risk estimator. ASCVD or Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease is currently the primary cause of heart attacks and ischemic strokes. The mobile app can be downloaded for free from iTunes and Google Play app stores. The web version can be found at http://tools.cardiosource.org/ASCVD-Risk-Estimator/

Although early detection and treatment has lowered the number of preventable deaths, men are still 2x as likely to die from preventable cardiovascular disease than women.

Know the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke to help yourself and others. For example, F.A.S.T is an easy to remember approach for detecting the sudden signs of a stroke.

Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the sentence repeated correctly?

Time to call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 immediately. Check the time so you know when the first symptoms appeared.

The increase in the development of mobile sensor apps includes many that help you monitor your heart’s health. A description of some of the leading applications based on AARP can be found on their web site at http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-01-2013/heart-health-mobile-apps.html

In addition, check out Million Hearts®, a national program to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/index.html

 

 

 

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