How To Perform a Self Breast Exam

Hopefully you have read our previous blog on the importance of a self breast exam, now it’s time that you know how to perform one and what you should be looking for. The first and easiest thing that you can do is to get a visual idea of what your breasts look like. Things that you should observe include: shape, size, contour or symmetry, skin discoloration or dimpling, bumps/lumps, sores or scaly skin, discharge or puckering of the nipple.

There are three different positions you should be in when visually observing your breasts to get a good idea of these aspects. The first position is holding your arms behind your head. The second position is with your arms down at your sides. The third position is bending forward with your hands on your hips and shoulders turned in, and then with your arms hanging in front of you.

The visual exams as well as the hands-on exam are used in the first few months to allow you to know what is normal for your breasts. Once you are well aware of how they should look and feel, the exams that follow will enable you to detect abnormalities in your breasts.

The tactile examination can be done in a few different ways. You can pick what pattern you prefer and use it to check your breasts as well as surrounding areas. These areas include: the breast itself, between the breast and underarm, the underarm itself, and the area above the breast to the collarbone and across the shoulder. It is important to check these surrounding areas because there may be cancer in the lymph nodes near the breast.

Use the pads of your three middle fingers and vary pressure from light to medium to hard. Use your left hand to check your right breast and your right hand to check your left breast. You should always rub in small dime sized circles without lifting up your fingertips. The three patterns you can choose from are:

Spirals- beginning with large circles around the largest area of your breast, gradually make smaller circles as you reach the nipple.

Pie shaped wedges- think of your breast as being divided into wedges of a pie. Start at the nipple and rub small circles throughout an entire wedge. When finished, move to the next wedge until you have inspected your entire breast.

Up and Down- Think of your breast as being divided into vertical stripes. Begin with one side of your breast and rub small circles up and down each stripe. Do this pattern across the entire breast.

Once you have completed this exam, it is often helpful to do it one more time while lying down. Don’t forget to examine both breasts, and don’t forget to apply different amounts of pressure as you go. This exam is quick, easy, and it could contribute to saving your life. Do it once a month and tell a friend! Also make sure to speak with your doctor in order to make sure that you are using the best technique possible.

The Importance of a Self Breast Exam

The American Cancer Society believes the use of mammograms, clinical breast exams, and finding and reporting breast changes early offers women the best opportunity for reducing the breast cancer death rate through early detection. There are several statistics that tell us of the severity of breast cancer. These include:

- a woman dies from breast cancer every 12 minutes
- each year, 182,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer
- approximately 46,000 (25%) of these diagnoses will result in death.
- Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women and the second most deadly cancer for women.

While these statistics often scare people, a simple breast self-examination could be the key to finding an abnormality early on. Since the American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 20 and older should conduct a breast self-exam on a monthly basis, it is never too soon to learn how to do it right. There are plenty of other hopeful statistics that exist that encourage early detection:

- the five year survival rate after early stage diagnosis and treatment is over 90%.
- if found early enough, almost 95% of all cases of breast cancer can be cured.

That’s why the BSE is so important. Anything you can do to help you find something early will greatly increase your ability to recieve treatment and subsequently increase your chances of beating the cancer. The purpose of a breast self exam is for you to learn the topography of your breasts. Knowing how your breasts normally feel will allow you to notice change in the future. Some women tend to believe that breast self exams are useless and not nearly as sensitive as an alternative screening such as a mammogram. The truth is, mammograms are not recommended until a woman turns 40. Some women may have cancer at age 20 but not know it until they receive a mammogram because they have never been tested in an alternative way. Another interesting fact is that while mammograms are the most sensitive screening method, a small percentage of breast cancers do not show up on mammograms, but can be felt by a woman or a doctor. While this small percentage may mean nothing to the majority, it is our opinion that if a simple self breast exam can save just one life, it is worth it.
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A lump that is painless, hard and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. However, some cancers are tender, soft, and rounded so it’s important to have anything unusual checked by your doctor.
Breast self exam is an option for women starting in their 20’s. Women should be told about it’s benefits. For more information visit www.cancer.org. Also be sure to check out our blog on how to give a self breast exam.

Meth Addiction Destroys Lives

People found guilty of a crime, where it has been shown that the crime was in some way influenced by their meth addiction, should be legally required to spend at minimum 12 months in rehabilitation. Effective meth rehabilitation takes a minimum of 12 months to reduce relapse, and 92% of people who try meth get addicted the first time they use it. Meth is a very dangerous and addictive substance that requires long term professional help to break the addiction.
Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or other stimulants that are stimulate the central nervous system, and are extremely addictive. After the effects of meth wear off, it can cause very serious withdrawal symptom that are very severe. These withdrawal symptoms last longer and are more intense than cocaine and other forms of speed.
There are many serious long term health effects of Meth use including: tooth decay, fatal kidney and lug disorders, brain damage, depression, hallucinations, permanent psychological problems, insomnia, malnutrition, liver damage, stroke, and many more including death. Meth is a very destructive force in the lives many residents of Adair County as well countless others across America.
Preferred Family HealthCare is sponsoring the first semi-annual Health Fair on the Square, Saturday September 21, 2006. It will be held on the Kirksville city square and will go from noon to 5pm. There will be games to play to improve your health knowledge and raise awareness about dealing with local health issues, with substance abuse prevention (Meth included) as the main topic.
Meth is a problem that is extremely prevalent in Adair County. Preferred Family Healthcare is a great place to receive treatment for almost all substance abuse problems. The Adair Meth Coalition meetings can help community members take major control of the situation and show that we want to help eliminate this problem and get help to the individuals who are currently addicted.

Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke

Types of secondhand smoke:
Mainstream Smoke: Smoke exhaled from a smoker
Sidestream Smoke: Smoke from the end of a lit cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.

Nonsmokers also absorb harmful compounds like nicotine through secondhand smoke. Some of these are carcinogens, which are toxic and lethal.
In fact, of the chemical compounds found in secondhand smoke, more than 60 of them are proven to be cancer-causing.


These are some of the negative health effects that can be attributed to second hand smoke each year:
• 35,000 – 40,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers
• 3,000 lung cancer deaths in non-smokers
• 200,000 to 1 million asthmatic children have an increase in number and severity of asthma attacks
• 150,000 – 300,000 respiratory tract infections in children under 18 months, many of which require hospitalization

Here are some more effects of secondhand smoke that can hurt you and your loved ones:
• Increased risk of SIDS and premature death
• Respiratory problems, such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort and reduced lung function
• Low birth weight
• Slowed lung growth
Some chemicals in cigarettes that have also been shown to cause breast cancer. They can even reach breast tissue and are found in breast milk. With all of this risk, would you want to bring yourself or your child into a smoking establishment?

The greater the exposure to secondhand smoke, the more harmful it is to your body. So now imagine what secondhand smoke is doing to your body if you work an 8 hour shift in a restaurant or bar that allows smoking.

Putting up walls between smoking and non-smoking sections, ventilating systems and cleaning the air can not eliminate the toxic compounds in second-hand smoke.
The only way to stop the harmful effects of second hand smoke, to families, groups of friends and employees, is to eliminate smoking in all establishments.

All of the statistics used are from the American Cancer Society.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Secondhand_Smoke-Clean_Indoor_Air.asp

Teacher Appreciation Week

“Every young mind needs a spark to light the way to a brighter future through learning-and teachers are that spark,” states Anna Weselak, PTA National President.

As the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) reminds our country of its obligations to children and provides parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every child while providing the best tools for parents to help their children be successful students.

National PTA does not act alone. Working in cooperation with many national education, health, safety, and child advocacy groups and federal agencies, National PTA collaborates on projects that benefit children and that bring valuable resources to its members.

In 1984, National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week-the first full week in May-to honor the dedicated men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children.

Ideas:
Thanks from Parents:
-Ask parents to e-mail teachers messages of gratitude.
-Ask parents to drop by for a before-school coffee reception for teachers.
-Ask parents to contribute classroom materials, such as poster board, stickers, high
quality chalk, stamps and ink pads, books, and other supplies, to their
children’s teachers.

School Spirit:
-Create a wall of fame for teachers; post quotes from students, parents, and
principals on the special contributions of each teacher.
-Make banners recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week and hang them in the halls and
common areas.
-Present each teacher with a certificate of appreciation at a school-wide assembly
attended by parents as well as students.

Expressions of Gratitude:
-Present teachers with small tokens of appreciation, such as bookmarks, key rings,
and video rental certificates, each day of Teacher Appreciation Week.
-Make and distribute T-shirts or coffee mugs with slogans such as “World’s Greatest
Teacher” on them for teachers to wear or use during Teacher Appreciation Week.
-Ask each teacher what his or her favorite book is and buy a copy for or have a copy
donated to the school library. Include in each book a bookplate with the name of
the teacher who chose the book.
-Coordinate a car wash and invite the school staff and teachers to get their
vehicles washed for free.
-Hire a massage therapist to give 15-minute head, neck, shoulder, hand, or foot
massages to the teachers and staff in the teachers’ lounge.

Recognition Opportunities:
-Nominate teachers for national awards and recognition.
-Donate money to an education-oriented charity in honor of the teachers at your
school.
-Publish in the PTA or school newsletter “teacher triumphs” or stories of
appreciation that relate the special accomplishments of individual teachers.
Commit to publishing additional stories throughout the year.

Community Involvement:
-Have local businesses put up signs and banners that give thanks to teachers.
-Reward teachers with gift certificates or merchandise donated by local businesses.
-Distribute pin-on buttons that proclaim “Teacher Appreciation Week” or some other
teacher-oriented slogan.
-Work with the local library to set up displays honoring teachers.
-Petition the local municipality to issue a special proclamation honoring teachers.
-Plant trees or flowers in public areas or on school grounds in honor of teachers.

Why CAC Is The Perfect Organization For College Students

Colleges Against Cancer is the perfect organization for college students who are looking for a way to make a difference in people’s lives. The four areas of focus in CAC are advocacy, mission delivery/cancer education, Relay for Life, and survivorship. Through these four areas of focus, there are many ways for every different academic major to be involved.
Advocacy is a major part of Colleges Against Cancer. Through this focus area, students have the opportunity to speak out for what they are passionate about and help introduce the idea to other college students. Some examples of advocacy issues that students can help raise awareness for are raising the tobacco tax and to increase government funding for cancer research. This particular focus area appeals to anyone who has a passion for decreasing the prevalence of cancer. It also is appealing to specific majors, one in particular, political science majors. This focus area of Colleges Against Cancer gives political science majors the ability to practice what they are learning in classes by researching the current legislative issues regarding cancer, as well as get out into the community and petition for signatures to pass new laws or acts.
Cancer Education is another primary focus of Colleges Against Cancer. Through this focus area, students have the ability to go out on campus and into the community to educate those who are not familiar with such things as the cancer treatment process, what causes cancer, and what puts you at risk for developing cancer. The cancer education focus area is most appealing to health majors, as well as education majors. It is possible that health majors will have a better understanding of the terminology used when talking about cancer, and it is relevant to some of their coursework, so it would be ideal for health majors to get out and educate the public. However, education majors can benefit from this focus area because they can practice what they are learning in classes as well.
Relay for Life is an important part of the American Cancer Society, as well as Colleges Against Cancer. Relay for Life is an overnight event that teams participate in to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s cancer research efforts. Relay is an important part of CAC because it spreads the word about Relay to the college community, therefore increasing the amount of participants in the activity. One specific academic major that this focus area may appeal to most is marketing. In order to have a successful Relay for Life event, a large amount of time must go into advertising within the community. This is a good opportunity for marketing majors to be involved because they can practice their marketing skills through various media outlets.
The final focus area of Colleges Against Cancer is survivorship. Through this focus area, students have the opportunity to honor cancer survivors, as well as those currently undergoing cancer treatment. Survivorship receptions are held to honor those who have survived cancer. During these receptions, survivors have the chance to speak with one another and share their stories. This is a great opportunity for the community because it introduces survivors with other survivors, therefore creating a bond with which they will always have someone to turn to if they need support. Another activity within the survivorship focus area that is special to Colleges Against Cancer is visiting the local cancer center. Students involved in CAC have the opportunity to make gifts bags for local cancer patients and deliver them while the patients are undergoing treatment. This is a special activity and means so much to cancer patients to know that busy students take the time to make gifts for them. This focus area is appealing to art majors and anyone else that is creative. It takes a lot of time to plan and host survivorship receptions, as well as decorate for them to make it memorable. It also takes a lot of time to make gifts for all of the cancer patients. It is a very enjoyable task, but it takes a lot of time and a lot of creativity to come up with new gift ideas for every month.
As you can tell, Colleges Against Cancer is the perfect organization for just about every college student, regardless of if they have personally been touched by cancer or not. It offers many exciting opportunities to be involved throughout the year and truly makes a big difference in many lives.

Colleges Against Cancer

Colleges Against Cancer is a branch of the American Cancer Society that aims to involve college students in the fight against cancer through advocacy, cancer education, Relay for Life, and Survivorship. The mission of Colleges Against Cancer is to be a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer by initiating and supporting programs of the American Cancer Society in college communities.
The advocacy aspect of Colleges Against Cancer involves actions such as lobbying for legislation to increase research money, increasing access to cancer screenings, anti-tobacco initiatives, and legislative grassroots advocacy. Picture A Cure, letter writing to support increased taxes on tobacco, public service announcements, Kick Butt Days, creating a smoke-free dining guide, and Spare the Air Day are all examples of smoking-related advocacy measures that Colleges Against Cancer chapters have been involved in.
Because campuses have so many media outlets, college environments are particularly conducive to the cancer education aspect of this program. Increasing awareness on campuses about lifestyle risk factors for cancer such as smoking, tanning, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are extremely important and applicable to the college population. Also, raising awareness among students about the severity and prevalence of cancer can help raise support for advocacy.
Relay for Life is an event that is held to raise money for cancer research and treatment as well as increasing awareness, and support. The event lasts for 12 hours during which teams of participants take turns walking around a track. Booths for refreshments, advocacy and education are set up around the track so that the entire community can benefit. In 2004 alone, Relay for Life events held by colleges raised $7.5 million.
Survivorship is the final concentration of Colleges Against Cancer. The main focuses of survivorship are to honor survivors as well as working to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, people fighting cancer, and those personally affected by cancer. The Relay for Life event involves survivorship through recognition of survivors and a luminary ceremony. Other ways Colleges Against Cancer promotes survivorship is by creating support groups, patient service programs, driving patients to their treatment centers, and visiting local treatment facilities.
Because of the unique environment of college campuses, Colleges Against Cancer has been very successful at carrying out advocacy, cancer education, Relay for Life and survivorship. Students not only get valuable volunteer opportunities through Colleges Against Cancer, but also gain experience that will help them as they enter the next phase of their lives.

Submitted by Jenny Steinhoff

Prevention of Staph Infection

Preventing staph infection is a relatively easy thing to do if a person as the proper knowledge. One of the main preventative methods that patients can utilize in hospital settings is to make sure that the hospital staff washes their hands after they get done seeing patients. It is definitely okay to ask a staff member to wash his or her hands before they treat you if you aren’t sure that they have washed them already. Make sure that whoever treats you washes their hands in hot soapy water for around a minute before they touch you. Another thing to look out for is long fingernails. The main focus that people need to be aware of is total hygiene of the people that they are receiving care from. Also, hospital staff needs to be careful when treating patients so they don’t contract staph themselves and then transport it to another patient.

There are many precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of getting a staph infection. One method of reducing the risk of an infection is wearing gloves when examining a patient. This is especially necessary when the patient is bleeding or has some other bodily fluid that the hospital employee will come into contact with. Even though the staff member wore gloves, it is still necessary for them to wash their hands after seeing a patient. Another method of prevention for hospital staff is wearing lab coats or some other article of clothing when they are with a patient. This will keep loose clothing, such as ties, away from the patients. If an employee doesn’t have a coat, they could use a gown instead. If a doctor or nurse uses any kind of instrument in the treatment of a patient make sure that they use proper handling methods in the disposal of those items. Proper handling involves making sure that the soiled instrument doesn't come into contact with the skin of the doctor or nurse, and that the staff member either puts the instrument in the proper disposal tray or that they put the tool someplace where it won't get used again until properly cleaned. One final precaution to use in the prevention of staph infection is to make sure that the work areas are cleaned properly. It is necessary to make sure that all the surfaces are cleaned thoroughly at the end of the day; an alcohol based cleaner is better for this than a soap based cleaner.

Above all, making sure that the hospital staff memebers practice proper hygiene is the best method of preventing staph infection.

Chris Arwood

The Dangers of Dirty Hands

Salmonella, E. coli infection, meningitis, hepatitis A, and influenza are just a few of the illnesses that can be spread when we do not take the time to wash our hands properly. Throughout the day, we accumulate germs and bacteria on our hands from touching contaminated surfaces, working with raw foods, sneezing, and using the restroom. It is easy to bring these germs into one's body by unconsciously touching one's mouth, eyes, or nose. While our immune systems are equipped to fight off most of these everyday pathogens, many end up causing serious illness. Even an illness as common as a winter cold can be much more serious than we first suspect. Older adults with the flu can often develop pneumonia as well—a combination that is the seventh leading cause of death among Americans. In addition to this, foodborne pathogens cause an estimated 76 million illnesses, leading to approximately 5000 deaths each year. These illnesses can produce a wide range of very serious health complications, including kidney failure, neurological problems, arthritis, meningitis, stillbirths, and many other illnesses and syndromes. Children are also particularly susceptible to infectious disease, thus it is very important that parents teach their children to wash their hands properly and often.
Since it is impossible to create a food supply that carries zero risk of contamination, food should always be prepared with this in mind. Thoroughly cook all meat to kill any pathogens and always remember to rinse fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them.
We must take our health and safety into our own hands—literally! Hand washing is the first line of defense against disease and is also a practice that many of us do not take the time to do correctly or often enough. Just an extra 20 seconds spent washing your hands with soap and water can make all the difference in protecting the health of you and your family!

How and When to Wash Your Hands

Soap and Water Present
- Wet hands with warm water
- Lather soap with hands out of water
- Be sure to wash front & back of hands, between fingers, around and under nails
- Continue washing for 20-30 seconds. Try singing the Happy Birthday song twice!
- Rinse hands under warm water
- Lastly dry hands thoroughly

*If possible, turn off the water with your paper towel

Without Soap and Water
- Apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer to palm of one hand
- Rub hands together
- Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry

Important moments that call for hand washing
- Before and after eating
- Before and after preparing food, especially raw meat, poultry or seafood
- Before and after caring for young children (e.g. diaper change)
- After using the restroom
- After touching animals, their toys or waste
- After touching a public surface
- When you or someone around you is ill
- Before dressing a wound, giving medicine or inserting contact lenses
- Whenever they look dirty
- After contact with blood or body fluids (e.g. vomit, nasal secretions, or saliva)

*Remember when preparing meals that you should not only wash your hands but also the cutting boards, knives, and other food preparation material that you are using between raw meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.

Basic Oral Health Care

The American Dental Association has many recommendations for good oral hygiene. Let’s start at the beginning with what causes your teeth to be in need of care in the first place. The bacteria in your mouth produce acids in response to different foods that you eat. This occurs almost every time that you eat and is caused by many types of food. After many, many interactions with this acid your teeth may begin to decay. This material causing problems with your teeth is called plaque. Plaque can also cause problems with the gums. It may make them red, tender, or bleed easily. In time these problems can lead to more serious problems, needing more serious treatment. Something that helps prevent these two problems is to eat a balanced diet and to snack on nutritional foods.

To further protect your teeth from these problems you need to remove decay-causing plaque by brushing and flossing. Brushing removes plaque from the surface of the teeth. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, using a soft-bristled brush. Use a brush that fits the size and shape of your mouth. You should also use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which will further protect your teeth from decay.

When brushing your teeth hold your toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle against the gums. Move the toothbrush back and forth gently in tooth-wide strokes. Make sure that you brush the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Finally, don’t forget to brush your tongue. This helps to remove bacteria from the surface of your tongue and also to keep your breath fresh.

Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months. You will know that it is time to replace your toothbrush if the bristles look frayed. Children’s toothbrushes often need to be replaced more often than adults, because they can wear out sooner. Worn toothbrushes will not do a good job cleaning your teeth.

A good way to get to that hard to reach plaque that builds up in between the teeth is to floss. You should floss once a day. This is very helpful in preventing gum disease. When flossing break of a little less than an arms length of floss and wind most of it one of your middle fingers. Then wind the rest of the floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. When the floss reaches your gums curve it into a C shape against one tooth, sliding it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Using the floss held tightly against the tooth, move the floss away from the gum in an up and down motion. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Mouth rinses should not be used as a replacement for flossing; they are not as effective in removing plaque. To learn more about flossing techniques ask your dentist at you next visit.

For more information concerning oral health contact your dentist or visit www.ada.org. If you are a resident in Chariton County Missouri please contact the local health center at (660)665-3675. The above information was found at www.ada.org.

When Brushing and Flossing Aren't Enough

Even with magnificent brushing and flossing, cavities can sometimes occur. The biting surface of a tooth is often filled with pits and fissures. These areas are tiny dips and grooves that can trap food and other substances such as bacteria because the large bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach them. Once trapped, bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque, where it releases acid that destroys tooth enamel causing a hole or cavity.
Dental sealants are a great tool in fighting cavities in children and adults. A sealant is simply a plastic coating that is applied over the tiny grooves that tend to trap bacteria. By covering these grooves and dips, the bristles of a toothbrush can more efficiently reach and therefore clean all surfaces of a tooth.
The application is easy and quick, not to mention completely painless. First, the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to ensure that no bacteria are being sealed underneath the plastic coating. Then, the biting surface of the tooth is coated with an acidic gel that serves to roughen up the surface of the tooth to ensure that the sealant adheres. This gel is then washed off and the tooth is thoroughly dried. A white or clear coating is then squeezed into the fissures of the tooth and brushed over the pits with a small brush that resembles the brush used with nail polish. The dentist, hygienist, or assistant then closely examines the tooth to make sure all of the fissures and pits are covered. A special curing light is shined on the tooth and within seconds the plastic coating has hardened and bonded to the tooth’s surface. The entire process usually takes only a few minutes for each tooth
Sealants are traditionally applied to a person’s six and twelve year molars, which are typically the last two teeth toward the back of the mouth. Since the development of pits and fissures occurs early in life, most dentists recommend sealants as soon as those teeth have fully come in. Insurance companies often pay for the application of sealants because of their effectiveness in preventing common decay. Sealants can be applied to any tooth with a fairly profound biting surface and insurance companies have begun to pay for sealants to be applied to these teeth as well. Sealants can last for years and a dentist will check the status of a sealant during regular dental visits and reapply them when necessary.
In the long run, dental sealants are far less costly in time, money and comfort than fixing preventable dental problems. All in all, dental sealants are a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to help ensure a lasting smile.

For more information about sealants you can contact www.ada.org or residents of Chariton County are welcome to call the Chariton County Health Center at (660) 665-3675.

Smoke Free is Good for Business

Breathe Easy Kirksville is Good for Business

Many studies have proven that refraining from smoking or breathing smoke can be very beneficial to one’s health. Eliminating second hand smoking can be extremely good for a population. Second hand smoke is worse for someone than normal smoking because the toxins are filtered in a cigarette. However, banning smoking from local businesses and restaurants can be extremely beneficial to business also. In the towns that have voted to be smoke free, business has actually increased and profits have increased.
One of the strongest and most contentious smoke free ordinances in the country occurred in March of 2003. New York City completed the process and voted to become smoke free. One year after the law went into effect, tax receipts from local businesses increased by 8.7 percent, or approximately $1.4 million. No evidence was found suggesting that businesses were closing due to the smoke free ordinance and it was found that more businesses were opening during the time. This study shows that a smoke free ordinance can be very beneficial. Other studies comparable to this one have shown similar results in other states around the nation.
Recently, the first Missouri city implemented a smoke free ordinance. This gives the opportunity to study the effects of a smaller city and the effects of a smaller city in Missouri. When compared with the year before the ordinance, the year after the ordinance showed that retail sales in Maryville increased by 5.7 percent. Also, Maryville eating and drinking place sales were up 11.4 percent. This is more than double the normal increase for the increase for similar areas in the state without a smoke free ordinance.
The facts clearly show that a smoke free ordinance can help business. A business is likely to receive more patrons if they are not worried about breathing smoke the entire time that they are out. Businesses do not need to worry about paying for machines that filter out smoke and do not have to worry about the damages that result from smoke. The studies show that a smoke free ordinance can work in Missouri and will help to build a better economy in the process.

Risks of Diabetes Mellitus

There are two common forms of diabetes mellitus and each must be managed carefully for the risks to be reduced. In type I diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes, the pancreas of the affected individual fails to produce insulin. The body requires insulin for the break-down and uptake of glucose and starches to produce energy for its cells. This was formerly called juvenile diabetes because most of the individuals diagnosed with type I diabetes are children or young adults. Type II diabetes, which is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, has a later onset. This type of diabetes is mainly due to an insensitivity of the insulin receptors of the cells, which is acquired throughout the individual’s lifetime. Lifestyle factors usually account for the development of this resistance, and is normally attributed to obesity. The pancreas can produce insulin normally, but the bodies cells cannot recognize the insulin and therefore cannot break down the glucose to produce the required energy.

Diabetes causes a host of complications, and raises the risk for many other serious problems. Individuals with diabetes often have problems with hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood sugar, and this causes many of the complications of diabetes. The most important problem that can be caused by hyperglycemia is ketoacidosis. When the body’s blood sugar is high, it means the cells are not successfully converting the glucose to energy. Since the cells are starved for energy they begin breaking down fats. Side products of this breakdown are ketones. Excess ketones build up in the body and lower the blood pH making it acidic. Symptoms include shortness of breath, sweat smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, and dry mouth. These symptoms need to be recognized quickly because the end result of ketoacidosis is a diabetic coma, which is life-threatening.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can also be common for individuals that are treating their diabetes. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include; sweating, hunger, shakiness, dizziness, headache, pale skin, clumsy or jerky movements, difficulty paying attention, sudden mood changes, and seizures. Some individuals may not be aware of hypoglycemia and may lose consciousness. This can cause problems depending on the environment the person is in when they lose consciousness, and emergency help should be sought immediately if this occurs.

Some of the long term effects of diabetes are the most damaging to individuals with the disorder. Diabetes can lead to blindness, reduce capability for healing, damage to the nerves causing loss of feeling in feet and legs, reduce blood flow to extremities, damage to blood vessels, foot complications leading to amputations, and skin complications.

Diabetes greatly raises the risk of developing heart disease, and stroke due to poor circulation. Kidney disease is also common in individuals with diabetes. The kidneys have to filter excess blood sugar and excrete it in the urine. After long term filtering, the kidneys become damaged and are less capable of filtering correctly. Reduced function of the kidneys could lead to dialysis (use of artificial filtering machines), kidney transplants, or death.

Getting the help you Need for the help you Want

So you are thinking that it is time to turn your life around. Your meth addiction has led you on a downward spiral toward destruction and you no longer want this to continue. You know what you need to do to get help; good for you. But what about paying for it? Do you know how such treatment will be funded?

As important as it is for substance abusers to get help, it is still a costly endeavor. Counselors and support workers who are trained in drug rehabilitation need to be compensated for their services and even the facilities where such treatment takes place need money for maintenance and upkeep. With such a financial burden, it may seem impossible for you to get help. However, options are available to receive aid; all you need to do is look in the right places.

One obvious place to start is your health insurance company. Many times, coverage policies will include handling the cost of attending a drug treatment program. Some companies may pay the entire fee, but even those who do not may at least cover a portion of the treatment costs. Also, it may be required that the treatment facility document your participation and progress during the duration of your stay. This is to ensure that you are indeed doing all that you can in order to work towards sobriety and improve your life.

Those who do not have insurance, however, should not give up on treatment. State and federal programs are still available which can help you to get back on the right track. One popular option is Medicaid. This service, supported by the federal government, is designed to provide health services to low-income individuals. Included under this are services for drug rehabilitation. While set up at the federal level, individual states are responsible for carrying out and managing the program within their area. Therefore, in order to receive such aid, you must visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in your area and apply for assistance. Once approved, you will be on your way to eliminating meth and regaining control of you life.

For more information on financial aid options available to you, contact the nearest drug treatment facility and speak with a financial representative.

- Sara Pollock

Delta Kappa Gamma

Delta Kappa Gamma is an International society for women educators. It was founded in 1929 on the campus of the University of Texas – Austin. The founders of the organization strove to build a society that supported and promoted women of excellence in education and to bring respect to their profession. Since that time, the organization has spread worldwide, and chapters exist in all fifty states and fourteen countries.

The state of Missouri is home to over three thousand Delta Kappa Gamma members. Northeast Missouri has its own chapter. Missouri was the fourth state to join the society in 1933.

Delta Kappa Gamma exists to serve seven purposes:

* To unite women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship

* To honor women who have given distinctive service in any field of education

* To advance the professional interests and position of women in education

* To initiate, endorse, and support desirable legislation in the interest of education and of women educators

* To endow scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to women educators from other countries

* To stimulate the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in programs of action

* To inform the members of current economic, social, political and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society

In the state of Missouri, Delta Kappa Gamma awarded over $28,000 in scholarships and grants in the past year. Internationally, Delta Kappa Gamma presents an Educator’s Award every year to outstanding women authors whose work may influence the direction of education everywhere. Thirty-one scholarships are available every year to its members. Delta Kappa Gamma also supplies emergency gifts to members that sustain disasters. An annual seminar is available to members to help strengthen the leadership and management skills of educators. The organization also has a program where they provide fellowships to teachers in war-torn countries. These women are given the opportunity to pursue education in the United States and Canada. Most recently, Delta Kappa Gamma has partnered with UNICEF to provide funding for teacher training in Afghanistan. Under the Taliban regime, girls are barred from the classroom and most teachers are unable to work. Delta Kappa Gamma is currently working to improve the education of children in the area and improve the lives of the educators.

What To Do When You Need Help

There are times in our lives when we all experience some highs and lows. Usually these feelings come and go, and are related to our every day experiences. For some people, however, those feelings persist without reason. These people feel the lows when they should be feeling great, and then it can be hard to shake that feeling. For these people, one of the hardest things to do is realize that they need help and admit that things are not right in their life. After that, however, comes the daunting task of finding and asking for help; admitting to those important to you that something is wrong.

1) The first step in getting help for any form of mental disorder is admitting that something is wrong and then finding the people that can help you deal with and correct this problem. The first place to turn when you are feeling vulnerable and out of sync is to the people who you feel are close to you:

· Friends
· Family members (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, brother, sister)
· Close non-family “parent” types (i.e. friend’s parents)
· Any trusted adult figure (Pastor, teachers, a coach)

2) The second step in finding help is knowing where to turn once you have let someone know about your problem. Usually, one of those people you would have spoken to has actually encountered some form of ongoing emotional problem themselves. Finding someone who has dealt with an emotional burden usually leads to a wealth of information regarding where to receive help and treatment for your own problems. Another important factor in determining how to treat your own mental health issues is insurance. If your parents have health insurance, finding out what treatment options are available through that company usually can help you focus on where to turn for help. There are many options for help in dealing with your problems:

· Local community groups can assist you in providing support or help.
· School counselors and nurses are very good places to go for information regarding mental health. Usually these individuals will be able to direct you to professional help in your community.
· Calling the state or local department of mental health can also provide information on where to go and what to do.
· There are also mental health hotlines and suicide hotlines that are open at all hours in order to provide a trained individual with which to speak.

3) The final step in getting help is to put all of that information to use and seeking out the trained mental health professional for therapy. The hardest part is admitting you need help, and once you do that getting the necessary help should be much easier.

Knowing When To Seek Mental Health

There are many experiences in our lives that might put an especially heavy burden on our feelings and emotions, causing us to feel alone and hopeless about our existing circumstances. There are many situations that can cause emotional distress, such as a divorce in the family or a death of a loved one. Difficult situations may make you feel sad or "blue" for a while, but that's different than having a mental health problem. Changes in feelings such as fear and anger are a normal part of life; however, a problem like depression and anxiety can be very serious. It is important to know who you are, your moods, and the various factors that might trigger such feelings. For example, young people suffering from depression often feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness and hopelessness for long periods. Depression may lead to suicidal feelings. This makes it especially important to recognize the need to seek out professional help. Certain experiences, thoughts, and feelings signal the presence of a variety of mental health problems or the need for help. The following signs are important to recognize and may indicate that it is time for you to seek professional help. If you recognize yourself in more than three of these indicators, please seek help from a mental health professional.

• You want to sleep all the time.
• You are withdrawing from other people.
• You are having big mood swings.
• You are having very low energy.
• You find yourself crying uncontrollably over seemingly "little" things.
• You have lost the desire to do the things you used to enjoy, such as your hobbies and pleasurable activities.
• You are experiencing a change in eating or sleeping patterns.
• You are experiencing unreasonable anxiety, panic, or fears.
• You are unable to concentrate for any length of time.
• You feel worthless and immensely guilty over things that are not your fault.
• You feel easily irritated or angry and cannot seem to process your feelings.
• You are experiencing racing thoughts or agitation.
• You are using alcohol or drugs - even in small amounts - to intentionally numb the pain.
• You are hearing voices or seeing images that other people do not experience.
• You believe that others are plotting against you.
• You are finding little or no pleasure in life.
• You feel you simply can not cope with what is happening in your life.
• You want to escape from your life.\
• You want to harm yourself or someone else.
  

Identifying these signs or figuring out what they mean might not necessarily be easy. However, as a general rule, the longer the signs last, the more serious they may be. The more they interfere with and take over your daily life, the greater the chance that professional treatment is needed.

Help Protect Yourself and Others From

Second Hand Smoke.

It's Worth it.

Consider this; It is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, annually accounting for over 56,000 deaths. Only thirty minutes of exposure can cause a reduction in coronary flow velocity reserve. It is considered a Group A carcinogen, accompanied in this group by substances such as Asbestos, Gamma Radiation and the Hepatitis C virus. What is it I speak of you ask? Second Hand Smoke. This deadly toxin has been part of our environment for as long as records have been kept, but recently, as technology and knowledge have improved, so too has our understanding of the adverse effects of exposure to second hand smoke.

Many individuals, especially young people, do not aptly consider how often they are exposed. Walking behind someone smoking on campus, thirty minutes in a smoke filled bar or a meal at your favorite restaurant with a smoking section are all forms of exposure and can adversely affect your health. Some exposures are avoidable but many are not, it is for this reason one must carefully consider how to protect oneself and how to take action to help protect others. The solution to over exposure to second hand smoke is knowledge, how to attain it and how to spread it to others.

Our knowledge of second hand smoke exposure has revealed that the key to protection is awareness. To take the first step to protection, one must carefully consider their surroundings throughout a normal day and consciously think about where possible exposures may occur. When planning your day, a conscious effort to avoid exposure to second hand smoke can make a great difference in the amount of time you are exposed. Avoiding smoke filled bars and restaurants and attempting to use alternate doors to certain buildings can have a marked effect on the amount of exposure you have. To aid the population in the protection of their health, many establishments in the Kirksville, Missouri area have gone completely smoke free and can be recognized by the Breathe-Easy logo which is placed on their front door. Seek out these establishments and avoid those which will increase your exposure.

Once you have become aware of how to protect yourself, the next step is to advocate for the protection of others. Initially this can be done by simply informing friends and encouraging them to pass on the word. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in prevention and with an initiative such as this it, can make a marked difference. To become more involved in the advocation for and protection of others, a student organization, Peers Against Second Hand Smoke or PASS, has been chartered on Truman State University’s campus and is open to all students. This organization, along with Bahccus and Gamma, Eta Sigma Gamma and the Student Public Health Association, has an initiative to help increase awareness of the dangers of second hand smoke as well as programs to help those who do smoke quit.

Awareness within our community can make it a safer place for all by eliminating exposure to the toxins contained in second hand smoke. The measures you learn to protect yourself can easily be passed to others to help protect them. Be the person in Kirksville who makes the difference, help eliminate second hand smoke exposure on Truman’s campus and in the Kirksville community.

~ Greg Day

ALL Affected by Secondhand Smoke

Have you ever taken the time to think about how smoke can be affecting your life? For all the nonsmokers out there you probably assume you are fine. But did you know that secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of death, killing 53,000 nonsmokers in the United States each year? Or in other words, for every eight smokers that die from smoking related illnesses, one nonsmoker dies for similar reasons.

Secondhand Smoke (SHS) which is also called Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) or passive smoking is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of tobacco products (sidestream smoke) and the smoke exhaled by smokers (mainstream smoke). This essentially includes all exposure to smoke by nonsmokers. More than 50 compounds have been identified in tobacco smoke to be known or probable carcinogens and SHS contains more than 4,000 chemicals.

But how often are you really exposed? For campus students like us, we are exposed daily, whether we are conscious of it or not. The Surgeon General’s Report has shown that effects from even brief exposure, consisting of minutes to hours, can be as large as chronic active smoking. So while you may think because you are a nonsmoker you are fine, think again. That brief time you walk behind someone that is smoking you are increasing your risk of illness. Your health is affected every time you are exposed to secondhand smoke. In addition to causing irritation to the ears, eyes, throat, and nose, secondhand smoke exposure can cause lung cancer and heart disease in nonsmokers. Just a few statistics for the hazards that nonsmokers exposed to SHS face are:

-Increased risk of lung cancer, in which the risk increases consistently with increasing exposure. -A 25% increase of contracting ischemic heart disease.
-Twice the risk for age-related macular degeneration.
-Increased risk of developing breast cancer in younger, primarily pre-menopausal women. A 27% increase overall but a 68% increase for those who have yet to reach menopause.
-Regular exposure increases risk of stroke up to 50%
-Increased risk of metabolic syndrome- a disorder associated with excessive belly fat, which in turn increases one’s chance of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes.

So the next time someone you know is smoking and you seem to be gaining weight, consider that maybe their SHS is the reason for your gain. Your poor health is a high price to pay for someone else’s dangerous habit.

While right now it may not be especially important for female college students, it may be down the road when they consider starting a family. Cigarette smoke is associated with increased risk for infertility, preterm delivery, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS risk is increased two-fold for those infants exposed to SHS. It has even been shown that SHS has the same effects on the growing fetus as if the mother was smoking it herself.

However, campus is not the only place where college students are exposed to SHS. We are exposed in restaurants, bars, and in the homes and cars of friends and loved ones that smoke. Just because a restaurant has a smoking and non-smoking section, does not mean that you are not exposed as you are still sharing the same air space. The Surgeon General has said that it may reduce but not eliminate the exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoke-filled rooms can have up to six times the air pollution of a busy highway. The argument for air filtration systems that will allow you to accommodate both smokers and nonsmokers has been left nothing short of unsubstantiated. All air filtration companies have agreed that it will not eliminate any risks and most ventilation systems have been shown to not significantly decrease rates either.

By: Emily Forsyth

Safety Tips to Prevent Injury from Falls in Elderly

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer many safety tips for fall prevention for the elderly. Many of these tips can be completed easily and quickly in your own home. Safeguarding your home in order to prevent falls may increase the quality of your life or the life of someone you love.
As a start, make sure the floors of your home are clear. If furniture is blocking a pathway, ask someone to move it in order to have a clear pathway for walking. Rugs, which present an often unnoticed danger, should either be removed from the floor or taped down with non-slip material or double-sided tape. Also, be sure all cords and wires are coiled or taped to the wall in order to avoid tripping.
Next, if you have stairs in your home, the pathway needs to be clear. If any steps are broken or uneven, be sure to call a repair man in order to get them fixed. It is also beneficial to have a light over the stairwell in order to see properly when walking up or down the stairs at night. People also have found it to be advantageous to have a light switch at both the top and the bottom of the stairs. It is important that the handrails are tight and continue the length of the stairwell on both sides.
In your kitchen, keep items that are used frequently on lower shelves. This prevents falls occurring from the use of chairs or stools. If you must use a step stool, make sure it has a bar to hold on to.
In your bathroom put a non-slip rubber mat on the floor of the tub or shower to prevent slipping. You may also want to have hand rails or grab bars near the tub and toilet.
In your bedroom, place lamps on each side of the bed where they are easily accessible. An automatic night-light may also help to brighten the room at night and make a pathway easier to see.
The previously listed steps can improve the safety of your home in just a few minutes. Taking the time to safeguard your home can prevent you or a loved one from having a fall-related injury in the future.
-Sascha Coe

Staying Healthy Over the Age of Sixty-Five

More than 26% of the households in Blytheville, Arkansas have a resident who is 65 years or older. This means that about one in every four households inhabits a senior citizen. One of the biggest threats to the health of these senior citizens is injuries from falls. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that falls are the leading cause of injury and hospital visits among the elderly. These falls can lead to serious injury, disability, and even death. In 2002 alone, nearly 13,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of fall related injuries and an additional 1.6 million went to the emergency room for the same reason. The first step to preventing these injuries is to address overall health factors that may have an impact on the prevalence of falls.

An important health factor for people of all ages is regular exercise. And for those who are above the age of 65, exercise is just as important now as it was at any other time in their life. Being involved in a regular exercise program will provide numerous health benefits but most of all it will help to improve balance, coordination, and strength among the elderly. These improvements can significantly reduce the risk of falls and resulting injuries. To get involved in a regular exercise program for yourself or someone you know who is over the age of 65, check out your local hospital. Many hospital fitness centers provide exercise classes specifically for older adults to target common areas of weakness.

Another important health factor for older adults that can help to reduce injuries from falling is to visit the doctor regularly. The doctor should be aware of all the medications being taken as some may cause sleepiness and/or dizziness that can contribute to the risk of falling. People over the age of 65 should also have their vision checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Uncorrected poor vision can greatly increase the risk of falling.

In order to keep the elderly free of injuries, it is important that both the elderly and their caregivers are educated on ways to be healthy and prevent the occurrence of falls. This education will allow older adults to be more independent in activities of daily living and can lead to a longer, happier life.

Written by: Katie Cunnane

Prevention of Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association has proven that nine out of ten people diagnosed with type II diabetes are overweight (Body Mass Index greater than 25). For some people, losing ten to fifteen pounds can help decrease the high risk of getting diabetes. This weight change can be achieved by simple lifestyle changes. There are two main preventable measures one can take in order to help in the prevention of diabetes. One can watch their intake of food and exercise. Instead of having unhealthy snacks, more fruits and vegetables can be incorporated within the diet. Buying less high caloric and fatty foods can help in the reduction of consuming such foods. Many think that reducing caloric intake means eating less food, which is not true. Eating healthy foods such as salads, fruits, vegetables, and soups help to make a person feel full without consuming many calories or fat. Also, portion control helps with knowing the correct amount of nutrients ingested. Many times food is in proportions that are double, triple, or even more than a serving. The following are some serving sizes:
· Meat, fish, poultry – 3 oz. (about the size of the palm of your hand)
· Cheese – 1 oz. (about the size of your thumb)
· Milk, yogurt, fresh vegetables – 1 cup (about the size of a tennis ball)
· Bread – one slice
· Rice or cooked pasta – 1/3 cup
· Potato or corn – 1/2 cup
· Dry cereal – 3/4 cup

Exercise is another way to help reduce the risk of diabetes. Getting as little as thirty minutes of exercise five days a week makes a difference. Simple changes such as parking further away from the store and walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or doing sit-ups and push-ups during the commercials while watching television can help. The more movement a person does helps with the reduction of calories. Exercise can not only boost your metabolism and increase muscle mass, but it helps to improve the body’s response to insulin and lower glucose. This lowering of insulin can help to reduce the need for medication. Small steps can make a difference in preventing diabetes.
~The following are examples of physical activity:
~Take a brisk walk (outside or inside on a treadmill)
~Go dancing
~Take a low-impact aerobics class
~Swim or do water aerobic exercises
~Try ice-skating or roller-skating
~Play tennis
~Stationary bicycle indoors
~Join a class to do strength training with weights, elastic bands, or plastic tubes
~Lift light weights at home
~Walk instead of drive whenever possible
~Take the stairs instead of the elevator
~Work in the garden, rake leaves, or do some housecleaning every day
~Park at the far end of the shopping center lot and walk to the store

~Liz Kerlick