Chances are everyone has been touched during their lives by someone who has had breast cancer. Perhaps it was a mother, sister, aunt, a close friend or yourself. 

Breast cancer is a disease that forms in the tissues of the breast. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for American women.  Over the past 50 years, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer has increased each year which is likely due to better public education about the disease and better as well as earlier detection.

Today the statistics are that 1 in nearly 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, or 12.3% of US women in their lifetime. This year an estimated 180,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although rare, an estimated 1,500 men will be part of that number. 

Effective breast cancer testing procedures such as the mammogram diagnose breast cancer before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body.  Such early detection also allows early intervention and is the best way to increase the chance of survival. Early detection also makes treatment more effective. Most breast cancer in the early stages can be effectively treated with surgery that preserves the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, 63% of breast cancers are now discovered at an early stage, before the cancer has spread to other organs or body tissues. The five-year survival rate following treatment for early stage breast cancer is 96%. The American Cancer Society also states that the mortality rate from this disease could decrease by 30% if all women age 50 and older who had a mammogram annually or as often as recommended by their physician.

Scientists still do not know what causes breast cancer, but we do know that certain factors may put a woman at higher risk of developing it. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Having a cancer risk factor or even several of them does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer. Some women with one or more breast cancer risk factor never develop it. However, every woman is at some risk for breast cancer as simply being a woman and growing older puts us at risk for this disease. As of age 40, the incidence of breast cancer increases as we age, and continues to increase over our lifetime.
Other factors that can increase a woman’s risk include:

• Personal history of breast cancer - if a woman has had cancer in one breast; she is at increased risk for developing it in the other breast.
• Family history - a woman is at increased risk if her mother, sister, or daughter has had the disease.
• Cellular irregularities - if a woman has certain changes in her cells which are called atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ, she is at increased risk; your doctor can help you determine if you have this irregularity.
• Genetics - the presence of certain inherited genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 indicate a woman’s predisposition to develop breast cancer.  Tests are now available to determine the presence of these genes.
• Women who began menstruation at an early age - under 12 years old--had children later in life- after age 30 - or not at all or experienced late on-set menopause - after age 55 - may be at increased risk 
• Weight: women who are overweight - carrying their weight particularly in the waist area - are at higher risk, particularly after menopause.
• Familial Groups - female descendents of Eastern and Central European Jews (also known as Ashkenazi Jews) are at increased risk for breast cancer.
• Alcohol - Use of alcohol is linked to increased risk of developing breast cancer. Compared with non-drinkers, women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk; however, those who have 2 to 5 drinks per day have about a 1.5 times the risk for the disease as that of women who drink no alcohol.
• Race - Caucasian women are at a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than are African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American women.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - long term use of certain female hormones increases the risk of breast cancer.  If you have taken such therapy, discuss your risk factors with your physician.

All women should talk with their physicians about their individual risk for developing breast cancer. For those of you with granddaughters, this conversation should occur early in life—in their twenties.  As we age we should update our health histories, especially if a mother or sister develops breast cancer, or if you have any risk factors for breast cancer.

We hope that the information motivates you to be tested and that women you know are also tested each year as research continues to find the cure for this disease.

As we all know it can be difficult to talk to your doctor during a scheduled appointment. Oftentimes, the doctor appears so rushed we neglect to ask questions that are important to us. This time with your physician is important to give him/her an understanding of what you may be experiencing health wise.  So we have compiled some tips to help better communicate with your doctor.

Before you go…
• Write down your symptoms – describe it, when it started, when is it worse, how long does it last, what relieves it and does it keep you from doing any of your activities.
• Write down all of your prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines,
herbal supplements and vitamins that you take – if only sometimes OR put them all in bag and bring them along.
• What equipment are you using at home and why?
• Any important life changes that make you feel sad or stressed?
What to Bring with You:
• Glasses or hearing aid(s)
• Your list of symptoms – prioritized – what is most important
• Your medicine list or bag
• A family member or friend to remind you what you wanted to talk about and what the doctor said
• An interpreter, if you need one
Don’t Forget to Talk about the Sensitive Things – They affect your Health
• Alcohol – how much, how often and when
• Falls or fear of falling
• Driving: are you or your family worried
• Grief, mourning, depression
• Sex life and risk for sexually transmitted disease
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Memory problems
• Problems with your family or those caring for you
Be honest; don’t say what you think your doctor wants to hear. If you are feeling unhappy with your doctor or their staff, tell them. Your relationship with your doctor is important to getting the best health care — at the next visit, start talking!

From your friends at Interim HealthCare enjoy! If you have an idea for a Here’s to Your Health topic let us know, be sure to leave your comments and suggestions below. If we use one of your suggestions we will give you credit in our next post.

The unexpected nature of the aging process often makes us feel nervous and scared. One in every eight Americans is over the age of 65. Preventing health problems is one of the few
known ways you can remain independent for as long as possible and avoid the debility
traditionally associated with aging.

Here are some of the common myths about aging and the real information.
Myth: To Be Old is to Be Sick
Reality: Older people are in remarkably good health, with fewer illnesses and disabilities;
89% of those age 65-74 report no disability at all.

Myth: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Reality: Research shows that older people can and do learn new things. Many seniors today
are keeping up in a number of ways. 13% of total online users are 55 and over.

Myth: The Horse is Out of the Barn (meaning that the behaviors and habits of our youth and early life have already caused irreversible damage to our health)
Reality: New habits such as healthy eating, regular exercise, mental activity and a strong social life are remarkably effective in combating the byproducts of yesteryear’s bad habits and unhealthy living.

Myth: The Secret to Successful Aging is to Choose Your Parents Wisely
Reality: The MacArthur Foundation conducted a study that showed that lifestyle changes are as important indicators of successful and healthy aging as hereditary is.

Myth: The Lights may be on, But the Voltage is Low
Reality: Mental Acuity and physical ability to an extent decline with age however they aregreatly affected by attitude and lifestyle habits.

Myth: The Elderly Don’t Pull their Own
Reality: Seniors play some of the most important roles in society both in formal positions within the community, and informal roles as parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. Additionally, new opportunities for paid work are blossoming since the traditional retirement age is being reinvented.

Growing knowledge and resources about the effects of aging can help you actively take part in your own health and wellness. Taking advantage of these resources can translate into feeling more comfortable, contented and healthy as you age. Keep in mind that reducing your risk of disease is all about making simple changes in your daily routine.

From your friends at Interim HealthCare enjoy! If you have an idea for a Here’s to Your Health topic let us know, be sure to leave your comments and suggestions below. If we use one of your suggestions we will give you credit in our next post.

The more we learn about aging, the more we know that keeping the brain active is an integral part of this process. Brain researchers have learned that our brains are just as capable of learning in the second half of life as in the first. In fact, a team of Princeton University psychologists found that adults continue to grow new brain cells throughout life. These late-generated cells may allow older people to bolster their learning and memory capabilities, or even stop declines. It’s true that when we think of fitness, we often don’t think of the brain — but brain fitness is important. Years of aging studies prove that if we keep our minds alert and engage in challenging brain activities, we have a greater chance of remaining more independent for a longer period of time.

What does this mean as we grow older? Choosing to do some brain activities several times a week can keep our minds sharp and enable us to function at a higher level. Typically, we get in a pattern and do the same activities over and over. While regularity is important, we should attempt to try several new activities and expand our abilities. It’s never too late!

Flex your mental muscle today with a local crossword, word scramble or even simple math calculations. It’s never too late to train your brain. Who knows…you may even enjoy it. 

Your skin is a precious membrane that needs the loving care that only you can provide. This is the time of year when you will be spending more time outdoors and in the direct sunlight. During the Summer and all year long it is important to be aware of your skin. Here are some important tips to remember:

Tip #1 Regularly inspect your skin - all of it, in the mirror or with the help of your doctor.

Tip #2 Report skin abnormalities to your doctor:

• Rashes that do not go away,
• Changes in any mole: shape or size
• Abnormal redness, blistering or bruising over a bony skin area (elbows, knees, feet)
• Rash that is raised, red or has scaly patches

Tip #3 Protect your skin from the sun’s rays

• Wear a hat
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses
• Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM on cloudy and sunny days
• Use sunscreen, in the summer and winter

Tip #4 Pay attention to what causes your skin irritation-chemicals, hair dye, cleaning solutions, latex gloves and avoid exposure.

Remember to play it Sun and Skin safe this summer. From your friends at Interim HealthCare enjoy! If you have an idea for a Here’s to Your Health topic let us know, be sure to leave your comments and suggestions below. If we use one of your suggestions we will give you credit in our next post.