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Newsletter Index -- 4/1/09
Join Us In The Fight Against Cancer! Once
again, Women Physicians Ob-Gyn has formed a team to participate in the American
Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay for Life.
This will take place at beautiful Cuesta Park on May 30, 2009 at 10 am
until May 31, 2009 at 10 am. A team
commits to have a walker on the track for a full 24 hours, reflecting the fact
that cancer never sleeps. And this
year our team goal for fund-raising is $9,000.
Last year, we had a lot of fun, got some good exercise, and raised over $15,000.
This event Celebrates
survivors, Remembers
loved ones, and gives us all a chance to Fight
Back.
To get a taste of Relay, watch the 4 minute video at
www.RelayForLife.org/mountainviewca
. There are
many different ways you can participate in Relay. · Join our Team! We invite you and your family to participate
on our team.
As a team member, you would agree to walk for one or more hours at your
own pace along the path at Cuesta Park. Other
than your shift, you are free to come and go throughout the day and night,
enjoying the entertainment, music, games, midnight movies, and beautiful
luminaria that line the track after dusk. You
can set up a tent and camp over-night if you please.
We also encourage team members to try to raise at least $100 each.
You can join our team on-line at www.RelayForLife.org/mountainviewca
or call Randy at 650-988-7557. Randy
has the schedule of times available for walkers. · Donate to our Team!
If you are unable to join the team, but would like to
donate to this great cause, you can do so online at www.RelayForLife.org/mountainviewca or by contacting Randy at 650-988-7557. · Walk the Survivor Lap! Everyone
who has ever been diagnosed with cancer of any type is invited to join other
survivors in the inspirational survivor lap that will take place right after
opening ceremonies at about 10:15 am on May 30.
You do not need to be on a team, but in order to get a survivor t-shirt,
you should register. This can be
done on-line at www.RelayForLife.org/mountainviewca or a form can be printed out at our website,
www.elcaminoobgyn.com, and mailed in. · Purchase a luminaria! Luminaria are white bags, each decorated to honor a survivor or remember a loved one who had cancer. You can purchase a luminaria for the suggested donation of $10 at www.RelayForLife.org/mountainviewca or if you prefer to decorate the bag yourself, you can purchase it through our office.
There is no better time to talk about cancer prevention
than now, when we’re all working hard to make this year’s Mountain View
Relay for Life the most successful ever! Relay
is not just about raising money for cancer treatment and research.
It’s also about raising awareness about all aspects of cancer,
especially cancer prevention. It is estimated that 50% of all cancer is
preventable—isn’t that an almost unbelievable statistic?
Worldwide, there are over seven million cancer deaths each year. In this
newsletter, we’d like to discuss what steps you can take to prevent cancer. Tobacco
Smoking
alone is responsible for 30% of all cancer related deaths in the US. Besides
causing most lung cancers, it is also a causative factor in other cancers of the
respiratory tract, such as in the nasal and oral cavity, sinuses, trachea and
larynx. Smoking is also implicated
in cancers of various organs of the digestive tract, cervix, bowel and prostate.
And finally, even leukemia is increased in smokers. Reducing this risk is obvious, though not simple. Smoking cessation has proven health benefits no matter how long an individual has been smoking. However, the greatest prevention will come from eliminating the initiation of smoking in our youth. Excess Sun Exposure
Over 1 million cases of skin cancer (basal and squamous
cell) and about 60,000 melanomas are diagnosed in the US each year.
And the numbers for melanoma are rising each year.
The increased risk for squamous and basal cell cancer appears to
correlate with total lifetime sun exposure. While this may also be a factor in
melanoma, repeated intense exposure leading to blistering is the most
significant risk for melanoma. All individuals should limit the time spent in the sun, especially between the hours of 10am and 3pm, wear hats, sunglasses and other protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Because the majority of lifetime sun exposure occurs in childhood and adolescents, protective behaviors early in life will be the most beneficial. DietThe association between diet and cancer is not well
established. This is probably
because there are so many dietary variables and it is difficult to control for
them in adequate, long-term studies. Several associations have been postulated
but none have been “proved” through rigorous studies. Certain micronutrients
may have a protective role, but again this has been problematic to prove. The most likely associations are red meat increasing colon
cancer in both men and women, and fat intake associated with increases in breast
and prostate cancer. Though the association with cancer is not definitively
proved, since there are other health risks from too much red meat and fat in our
diet, we should limit them. The most likely dietary factors that may decrease the risk of some cancers include: tomatoes (high lycopene content), soy, diet high in fruits and vegetables (micronutrients and fiber). Eating at least 5 servings of vegetables and 2 of fruit, of multi-colors daily, will probably help to decrease your overall risk of cancer. Vitamins and MineralsVitamin D may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer as well as breast and prostate cancer. Increased calcium intake has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer but a possible increase risk of prostate cancer in doses above 700mg/day. Selenium has been shown in animal studies to decrease the risk of a variety of tumors but data in humans is variable. AlcoholIt has been estimated that world wide, 3.6% of cancers are associated with chronic alcohol use. Studies have shown that even 1 drink/day increases the risk of cancer. The decrease in cancer is just one of the many reason to limit/eliminate alcohol from your diet. InfectionIt is estimated that 17% of new cancers worldwide are due to infections. These include:
The majority of these viruses are spread through contact
with infected blood or body fluids, thus offering an opportunity for prevention,
with limited number of sexual partners, safer sex with condoms and universal
precautions for bodily fluids. In addition, there are vaccines available for Hepatitis B and HPV, which can decrease the incidence of their associated cancers. Physical ActivityIt has been estimated that 5% of cancer deaths can be
attributed to a sedentary life style. Numerous cancers, including breast, colon,
pancreatic and stomach have shown decreases with increasing physical activity. Since there are many other health benefits from physical activity, modifying this risk factor makes sense. Excess WeightObesity is estimated to account for 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% of cancer deaths in women. Multiple cancers including, colorectal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial (uterine lining), kidney and esophageal have been linked to obesity. 39% of endometrial cancers are obesity related. ChemopreventionChemoprevention is the use of a prophylactic medication to
reduce the risk of a particular cancer in high-risk individuals. Tamoxifen is a
well-known example of chemoprevention. More recently, Raloxifene (Evistaд)
which is drug initially marketed to treat and prevent osteoporosis now has a
dual indication for osteoporosis treatment and breast cancer reduction. Aspirin and other non steroidal, anitinflammatory drugs,
like Motrinд
have been shown to decrease colorectal cancers and may have a role in other
cancers as well. Finasteride (Propeciaд) used to treat male baldness has been shown to decrease prostate cancer in men at high risk. The Good News is there are many things we can do to prevent cancer and they are all also good for our overall health. Some of these, like weight loss, can be difficult. But remember, you don’t need to change everything at once. Always be conscious of your health habits and constantly make improvements. Get regular checks ups with your doctor. We, at Women Physicians Ob/Gyn Medical Group, are here to help you stay healthy.
Your
Family Health Tree – New Online Tool Available Now
that we’re approaching the time of year when families gather – for
graduations, weddings, reunions and the like – this may be a terrific
opportunity to construct an accurate family health history. Our
genes certainly aren’t destiny when it comes to our health, but our genetic
make up can certainly play a significant part. Everyone
should have an idea of what diseases or conditions run in the family.
This information is helpful for you to help motivate you to do all you
can to have a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, when you share this data with your doctor, she will take the
history into account when recommending when and what type of screening tests may
be appropriate. Now
there is an online family health history tool from the U. S. Surgeon General
that has recently been improved and updated.
It is quite convenient to use.
It even allows you to construct a diagram as well as a text version of
your family’s health history.
This makes it easier to share the assembled information with your doctor
and with other family members. Because
the tool is downloaded to your computer, the data you enter is private and
remains on your computer.
This data is not stored by the government or anyone else and remains in
your control at all times. You
can check it out at:
www.familyhistory.hhs.gov.
Come
Hear Dr. Sutherland, the Sex-pert H2H, a woman’s philanthropic organization, is hosting a Ladies Night Out, covering sex and relationships on Monday, April 27, 2009, at Rosewood Sand Hill, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Dr. David Burns will be speaking, as well as signing his new book, Feeling Good Together, which focuses on the causes of, and cures for, relationship problems. Dr. Sutherland will be speaking on sexual function and dysfunction. There will be a wine and appetizer Reception. The cost is $60.00 for H2H members and $75.00 for non-members. Funds raised are used to provide expanded health care services at El Camino Hospital. Please RSVP no later than April 17 to the El Camino Hospital Foundation at 650-988-7767. All of the physicians at WPMG would be happy to see you for concerns regarding sexual function.
Have
a Great Spring! |
Information on this website is for educational and reference purposes only and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice.
Copyright © 2010Women Physicians Gyn Medical Group
650.988.7550 |
