I liked this post about supporting our local economy

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Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods –merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion
groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,and isn’t that what Christmas is about?
    

Mike Meister
Www.designsbymeister.com
–
Marci Gutheil
Therapy Handbags.
www.etsy.com/shop/coconutmarci

Help Support a Specific Breast Cancer Trial

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When I donate to a cause, I always wonder where exactly the money goes. This is a chance to support a cause that is very specific and relevant. This supports a clinical trial to take place soon that is testing a therapy that may help a friend and colleague of mine. Dr. Lori Grennan was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer when her little one was about the same age as my daughter, Ava. She is a Mom, a Family Doctor, a Friend, a Daughter here in central Ohio. See below for more information about Dr. Lori and how you can help.

A note from Dr. Lori……
Hi friends!!

Another year has passed, and I continue to fight stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  In February of this year after almost a year of remission cancer returned to the fluid in the lining of my lungs.  I started new chemotherapy and had catheters inserted into my lungs to drain the fluid (1-1.5 liters each time) on an almost weekly basis.  I am pleased to report that while I still have fluid in my lungs it has stabilized over the last three months.  My last lung tap was in June.  Although I deal with shortness of
breath, significant muscle and joint pain, daily headaches and quite a bit of fatigue I am very happy to still be here living each day to the fullest.  My family and friends and especially Liam and Nora (age five and two) are my reasons to fight fight fight!  I thank God each and every morning for the chance at another day to make more memories.  I am very blessed.

The last two years our team has raised $10,000-$15,000 in an American Cancer Society breast cancer walk.  This year we decided to take our efforts one step further and do our
own fundraiser to benefit The IBC Network Foundation.  All the proceeds raised in this fundraiser will go towards a clinical trial being conducted at MD Anderson.  This study is investigating a particular treatment for patients with breast cancer that has spread
to the lining of the lungs (patients like me!). The diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion is often a late stage finding and carries a very poor prognosis.  We are excited that the money raised in our fundraiser will go towards a specific cause to help extend
lives.  Of my three closest “IBC sisters” one passed away last month and two are now in hospice.  All four of us were diagnosed within a few months of each other.  All four of us are moms to young children.  Breast cancer is not all pink ribbons and happy endings. 

We are hosting a scavenger hunt to be launched from Delaware, Ohio (just north of Columbus) on October 23, 2011. The hunt will take you and your team throughout central Ohio collecting clues, taking funny pictures and raising money to support breast cancer research.  It is going to be so much FUN!

Prior to the hunt we will form teams and ask friends and family to join us or help support us with donations, just like a charity walk or race.  Help us spread the word by sharing this information with your friends and family.

If you want to participate, email drpaigedo@gmail.com and I will send you forms. Or you can stop by the office this week 10/17-10/21 and get a form or drop off donations.

You can also mail donations (checks made payable to The IBC Network Foundation) to:

Lori Grennan
1111 Royal Oak Drive
Lewis Center, OH 43035

huntforhope@juno.com

http://www.theibcnetwork.org/

Thank you so much for your continued support of our fight against Inflammatory Breast Cancer!

Please feel free to e-mail with any questions!

Lori Grennan
mom, wife, daughter, sister, physician, and friend with Stage IV IBC

 

Help for Uninsured in Ohio

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Ohio has a program that attempts to help those without insurance that have pre-existing conditions that ordinarily would make buying private health insurance very costly.  It’s called the Ohio High Risk Pool (not the best name I realize).  Essentially it uses subsidy monies from the government to provide plans that have no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, or annual or lifetime limits. 

To qualify you need: (1) to be a legal Ohio resident (2) to be uninsured for 6 months prior to application (3) to have a qualifying pre-existing condition evidenced by two denials from insurance carriers based on this condition or a statement from your physician.

For more information, you may call 877-730-1117 or go to www.OhioHighRiskPool.com.

Did you see these kids on the Oscars?

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I love this song and these kids are awesome.  They are doing their thing! 

I love that I have had patients talk to me about how they think it’s an inspiring message.  In fact one of my patients (a 10 year-old) told me that she wishes everyone believed what the song says about themselves.  I agree!  It was her idea to share this so here it is!   

Link to PS22 Chorus’ rehearsal. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGpdULugKo4

Lyrics, Katy Perry’s Firework. . .

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting throught the wind
Wanting to start again

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried deep
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there’s still a chance for you
Cause there’s a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you’re a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gunna leave ‘em fallin’ down-own-own

You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you’re reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it’s time, you’ll know

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you’re a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gonna leave ‘em all in awe-awe-awe”

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It’s always been inside of you, you, you
And now it’s time to let it through

Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ‘em what your worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you’re a firework
Come on slet your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gonna leave ‘em all in awe-awe-awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

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From http://www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/ 

Women and Girls are Taking Action in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Now it’s time for you to decide: What can you do?

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls. It is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). It helps organizations across the country come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed specifically on March 10 every year, but OWH encourages organizations to hold events throughout the month of March.

Learn more about National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by going to http://www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/.

Ohio Advanced Directives Week

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Ohio Advanced Directives Week was October 10-16.  Even though it may be a difficult thing to think about or conversation to have, communicating your preferences around end of life issues is so important.  Consider having a discussion with your doctor about how you would want to be treated in certain situations.

You can go to  www.ohpco.org for copies of Ohio’s documents and more information.

Laugh your way to love

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Loved this article. . .

Enjoy!

 

Fortifying Marriages – Strengthening Families: 

September 22, 2010
-Developed by the Healthy Marriage Collaborative of Union County, Ohio
Laugh Together – One of the great joys of marriage is the time that you, as a couple, spend laughing together and enjoying your sense of humor.

Laughter is a marvelous gift. It releases chemicals in your brain which can enhance your day and reduce your stress. Additionally, laughter and humor are vital to good health. Laughter is healthy for a marriage, both emotionally and physically.
-Reduction of stress and tension.
-Stimulation of your immune system.
-An increase of natural painkillers in your blood.
-A decrease in systemic inflammation.
-Reduction of your blood pressure.
-Lifts your spirits.
-Laughter and humor relieve tension, lift spirits, and bring couples closer.
-Having a sense of humor as a couple can help keep your relationship fresh.

Try increasing the laughter in your marriage in these ways:
-Be aware of the humorous moments in each day.
-Make it a habit for everyone in your family to share at dinner something funny that happened to them.
-Take delight in comedies on television and at the movies.
-Watch classic funny movies and television shows.
-Share funny jokes and cartoons with each other.
-Create funny Halloween costumes as a couple.
-Reflect on funny times in your past together.

Together, work on building your sense of humor. Couples who can laugh at themselves or at their situation usually feel stronger when problems arise. Laughter can sometimes release negative tension both physically and psychologically.

Source: Laughter and Humor in Your Marriage by Sheri & Bob Stritof
Additional marriage and relationship tips and resources:

healthymarriageohio.org
unitedmarriage.org
ohioline.osu.edu (click on Family, Family Life Month Packet – 01, 02, 03)
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, or for comments or questions, send an email message to: chandler.4@osu.edu      Permission is granted for readers to use this information as written in print or email form.  Please site the source listed when reprinting this article.

Should you guard against cervical cancer with Gardasil?

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I talk with a lot of parents who have questions about the relatively new vaccine that decreases risk of cervical cancer.  This vaccine, called Gardasil, helps protect against four types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts.  The CDC recommends that the shot be given to all girls at age 11 or 12 and to girls and women ages 13-26 if they haven’t previously had it.  The vaccine is meant to be given in a series of three shots–the initial shot, another 2 months later and another 6 months after the first.

The timing of the shot is its biggest controversy in my experience.  Parents take exception to the fact that we are giving a vaccine that protects against a sexually transmitted virus at an age that they don’t want their children having sex.  I totally agree–age 11 is NOT an age we want our children having sex!  But this worry ignores some major issues.  It ignores that fact that it takes time to build up immunity once they receive the vaccine.  It ignores the fact that even though we start protection against an STD, it does not condone having sex.  Consider the fact that we give our children their first Hepatitis B vaccine while in the hospital after birth and this is sexually transmitted as well.  It ignores the fact that even though you get your child the vaccine, it doesn’t mean that they have to know every detail about what and why they are being vaccinated.  Medical information should be divulged to a minor on the level that they are mature enough to understand.  For some eleven year-olds this may mean a generic statement like “You need to get a vaccine to protect you against a virus that could make you sick if you get it.”  For others, it may mean that they need to know about means of sexual transmission and risk of genital warts and cancer.  We want to protect our children from knowing too much too soon, but we can’t burry our heads in the sand about what knowledge and pressures they are being exposed to at what ages.  I have seen many pregnant twelve year-olds and their parents thought it “could never happen” to their baby.  Knowledge comes best from parents no matter how uncomfortable a conversation it may be.

Controversy aside, it is important to know what you are protecting your child against.  HPV will affect about 80% of males and females in their lifetime!  While it is possible to detect early changes due to HPV through a pap smear (we all know how much we love to get those right ladies?), about thirty women per day are diagnosed with cervical cancer!  Think of how many women that means have to seek treatment for cervical cancer . . .and unfortunately how many times that treatment may not be succesful.  And that does not account for the many treatments that women go through to help clear the changes due to HPV before they become cervical cancer.  And it doesn’t account for the many treatments to help men and women clear genital warts that may be unsightly and physically and emotionally painful.

Of course, it is important that you be informed about all the risks and benefits of receiving the Gardasil vaccine and talk with your doctor about your specific situation.  You can also go to www.cdc.gov and www.gardasil.com for more information.