Being a proactive patient goes a long way in the fight against breast cancer

"Women can become proactive in their own health care to reduce their risks where possible and to increase their chances of early detection if breast cancer strikes," says Jacqueline Ross, PhD., a registered nurse and senior clinical analyst in the Department of Patient Safety, The Doctors Company.



Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in causing cancer deaths among women, with 220,000 newly diagnosed cases and 40,000 deaths each year in the United States. Fortunately, death rates from breast cancer have been declining due to early detection, screening and increased awareness.



Women can be proactive by increasing their knowledge of the risks of breast cancer. The majority of women with breast cancer have no direct family history of breast cancer. The chance of getting breast cancer increases with age. Two-thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer are ages 50 and older. Some other risk factors related to breast cancer include radiation exposure, never having been pregnant, having the first child after the age of 35, beginning menopause after 55, never having breast fed, obesity, drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day and having dense breast tissue, which can mask the presence of a cancerous tumor.



As with any risk factor, some of these can be controlled, but many cannot. For example, hereditary factors cannot be controlled. A woman who has a sister, mother or daughter who had breast cancer - especially if cancer was in both breasts, was pre-menopausal or occurred in more than one first-degree relative - is two or three times more likely to develop breast cancer. If a woman has this history, she should consider genetic counseling.



Women can also be proactive by taking steps to help prevent adverse events in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Some 92 percent of breast cancer malpractice cases involved a delayed or missed diagnosis, according to six years of data on breast cancer claims from The Doctors Company, the nation's leading physician-owned medical malpractice insurer. Both patients and physicians have a responsibility to take action to prevent adverse events. Patients can be proactive by communicating with their physicians and then adhering to their instructions. The following are other steps patients can take to help prevent adverse events:



* Discuss with your physician when and how often to get screened. Screening recommendations vary. The American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation recommend that women over 40 get annual mammograms, whereas the U.S. Preventative Task Force recommends screening mammograms should begin at 50 and younger patients should discuss with their physicians when to initiate screening mammography.



* Discuss with your physician whether to get a digital or traditional mammogram. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine compared traditional mammograms to digital mammograms. The digital mammogram is stored in a computer, can be manipulated better for visibility and clarity, has a lower average radiation dosage, but is more costly. The findings showed that digital mammograms were superior to traditional mammograms for three groups of women: those younger than 50, those with dense breasts (a risk factor in breast cancer), and those who were premenopausal or who were in their first year of menopause.



* Work closely with your physician on developing a comprehensive health history. -Many risk factors for breast cancer are known. Share any family history of cancer with your provider.



* Discuss with your physician how to do a self-breast exam. Often sudden changes can be discovered in-between annual exams. Let your physician know immediately if you notice any changes.



* If diagnosed with breast cancer, follow all your physician's instructions for follow-up appointments and medications.



"While women can do nothing about the strongest risk factor for breast cancer - age - there is still a lot they can do to lessen other risks and increase their chances of successful treatment if diagnosed," says Ross. "They can know the risk factors, get screened, be in touch with their bodies, make healthy lifestyle choices, communicate clearly with their physicians, and follow their doctor's instructions."



For more patient safety articles and practice tips, visit www.thedoctors.com.

Three green trends for home remodeling

For some homeowners, remodeling projects are regular occurrences to keep their homes looking fresh. Sometimes, that means smaller changes like a new coat of paint or changing a light fixture. Other times, more substantial changes are needed. Determining those changes can be a challenge, but looking at the potential return on investment is a great way to prioritize.



Bathroom remodeling offers a 68.7 percent return on investment, according to a National Association of Realtors survey. One way to add value to a bathroom remodel is to pick bathroom fixtures that are more efficient than what you currently have installed. People are going green in many areas of life, whether with more energy-efficient light bulbs, hybrid cars or by recycling more regularly. Bathroom fixtures are no different.



Here are three reasons why you should consider going green with your bathroom modeling project:

1. Products may be outdated. Toilets made before 1994 use anywhere from 3.5 gallons to 8 gallons per flush (gpf), while new EPA WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets can work beautifully on a modest 1.28 gpf. Not sure of your toilet's vintage? Look at the underside of the tank lid - the date of manufacture is often stamped into the porcelain. In the shower, the typical showerhead installed in California homes built after 1994 uses as much as 2.5 gallons per minute. At that rate, your eight-minute shower consumes a whopping 20 gallons of water.
2. Compared to 3.5 gpf toilets, TOTO's Aquia One-Piece Dual Flush High-Efficiency Toilet has a flushing system that enables homeowners to select the level of water used each time the toilet is flushed - 1.6 gallons for bulk waste or .9 for liquid. The approach provides exceptional water savings paired with outstanding performance. A family of four can save more than $90 annually on their water bill, and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet.
3. If you replace a typical 2.5 gpm showerhead with a TOTO high-efficiency Trilogy Showerhead, you will experience the same luxurious shower, yet consume a responsible 14 gallons, saving 20 percent of the water used by older models.

Even something like a faucet can contribute to water savings. TOTO's Silas Widespread Lavatory Faucet is a WaterSense labeled lavatory faucet that consumes a responsible 1.5 gallons per minute without sacrificing an ounce of performance. Its design has a classic contemporary elegance with a graceful, curved spout.



* Be a trendy homeowner. A whopping 68 percent of builders surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders say that energy-saving technologies and features including low-E windows, energy-efficient appliances, and LED lighting will be common along with other green features like engineered wood products, and water-saving plumbing fixtures such as dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets by 2015. Start now and you'll be ahead of the curve.

Granite tile countertops for beauty and savings

The two alternatives for homeowners who made the decision to install granite countertops are granite slabs and granite tiles. Granite slabs are just that: large objects of granite that lay on the best of cabinets, with the slab of granite comprising the countertop. Granite slab countertops are practically indestructible, as well as visually pleasing; however, there are issues involved with granite countertops.



First, due to the fact that a slab of granite is heavy, most cabinets will need to be reinforced to hold up the weight of the slab on top; this adds time and additional expense to the kitchen remodel.



Secondly, since granite slabs have intricate patterns, and all those patterns are not able to be replicated, all of the granite slabs in a kitchen ought to arrive from the same granite quarry; this limits the selections of property owners, based mostly on the dimensions of their countertops, and would make granite slabs incredibly expensive.



Kitchen area is a crucial place where your loved ones spend spend time cooking and enjoying meals; updating your kitchen improves the style/look in your home, while increasing overall property value and generating appropriate ambience. Granite countertops add a classy appeal to your kitchen and property which is why it is a favorite among real estate entrepreneurs and interior designers. Granite countertops are the top quality choice for residences and industrial buildings in the U.S., admired not only because of their intrinsic beauty and design, but far more so for their resistance to wear and tear and long lasting high quality.



Granite countertops are very resistant to heat, moisture, stains, spills and scratches, yet regardless of their inherent strength, granite countertops require suitable care if you want to guarantee splendor and sturdiness. These healthy stone countertops make a good residing statement for your kitchen, bathroom and also provide a soothing ambience for hotels and company establishments. The ideal factor about granite countertops is that they come in hundreds of designs that will match any style. The three most popular types of granite tops employed in households and industrial establishments are Granite tile countertops, Modular granite countertops, and Slab granite countertops. Each one of them has a corresponding cost and quality that is based on manufacturer, set- up, and fabrication components.



Granite tile countertops are the choice of many for their unique splendor, exceptional designs and overall sturdiness. Like anything else, while they are resistant to stains, chipping and cracking much more than many other choices out there, granite counters are not without their flaws. Fortunately, there are several products available in the market to boost the natural durability of granite. To protect granite tile countertops from harm, it does pay to understand how and why troubles can arise.



Granite is acknowledged and cherished for its stunning flakes of color, unusual line formations and exceptional general appearance. It is specifically these characteristics that result in physical wear and tear appearance with time. While granite counters will be sealed prior to ultimate turnover for use, this same sealant meant to guard the surface area may at times damage the material itself, along with moisture and stains which prove irreparable to granite alone.



Consider this exceptional material when buying, re-decorating or updating your countertops, it will prove an exceptional investment for your home.





By: Albert Alvarez

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7245.shtml

Upcycling: Breathe new life into decor with a dash of DIY inspiration

Not only are you doing something good for the environment - and likely your pocketbook - by restoring something, you're embracing your inner creativity. You can make a truly one-of-a-kind decor piece, tailored to your personality and style.



This notion of restoring and reusing items that would otherwise be cast aside to the junkyard or thrift store is called "upcycling," and it's a trend that has caught on quickly, especially in home design. With a little inspiration, creativity and the right tools, you can tackle countless decorating projects with things you already have around your home. And the best part? Upcycled pieces make for great conversation starters, often tell a good story and can even be sold for a much higher price than you put into them.



So where do you start? Here are some helpful tips for tackling your own upcycling projects.



Start with a little inspiration



Take a look through magazines, home design blogs and websites to gather inspiration. Look for pieces that catch your eye and have the same structure and "bones" as the items in your home that you'd like to restore.



For example, DremelWeekends.com is filled with inspiring and low-cost do-it-yourself projects, tool recommendations and step-by-step instructions to help you transform just about anything while bringing a new perspective to home renovation and decoration. You can even sign up to receive weekly project inspiration right to your email inbox.



Shop around without breaking the bank



Decorating your home doesn't have to cost a fortune. Look around your basement, attic, or at yard sales and consignment shops for free or inexpensive items that you might be able to breathe new life into. The old adage "never judge a book by its cover" would apply here. Do your best to look beyond an item's current condition and let the inspiration you've gleaned take over as you see its full potential in a different light. If the piece has some defects, don't immediately overlook it. Sometimes perfection and personality can be found in the imperfection.



Secrets of upcycling success



The secret to any do-it-yourself project is to plan ahead. Beyond finding the inspiration for a project, gather the supplies and tools you'll need, read up on step-by-step instructions, dedicate a roomy workspace where everything is at your fingertips, and be sure to carve out time to focus on the project.



But the No. 1 secret of upcycling success is to be patient and not get discouraged. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It's OK to make mistakes because sometimes you'll uncover hidden beauty during the process. The important part is that you find the whole experience of restoring and reusing rewarding.

Advanced breast cancer diagnoses lack sustainable support

American women with stage IV metastatic breast cancer and stage III locally advanced breast cancer - collectively known as advanced breast cancer - must cope with feelings of isolation when their disease progresses - a time when, conceivably, support is needed most. Findings from the survey provide insight as to why and how the experiences of women with advanced breast cancer differ from those with earlier stages.



"People diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer focus on completing treatment as quickly as possible, putting the experience behind them and becoming a survivor," says Shirley Mertz, president of Metastatic Breast Cancer Network and an advisory board member for Count Us, Know Us, Join Us, a program created by Novartis Oncology and 13 cancer advocacy organizations for people impacted by advanced breast cancer.- "In a stage IV diagnosis where cancer spreads or metastasizes, patients must learn to cope with ongoing, never-ending treatments and uncertainty that comes with disease progression."



An estimated 220,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and as many as 30 percent will develop metastatic disease. For these women, whereas support seems to be strong surrounding their original breast cancer diagnosis, some express difficulty in explaining to their loved ones what it means now that their disease has progressed. According to three-quarters of women who participated in the survey, the differences are severe enough that they feel that no one understands what they are going through.



"Many women whose disease has progressed feel isolated from broader breast cancer support groups that focus on early detection and survivorship, because their cancer will not go away," says Christine Benjamin, breast cancer program director at SHARE Cancer Support, and also an advisory board member for Count Us, Know Us, Join Us. "This is why it is critical for women with advanced breast cancer and their loved ones to receive additional emotional support and resources in order to cope with what has become their new normal."



Benjamin explained that the same type of emotional support and informational resources are especially critical for the approximately 38,000 American women each year who receive an initial diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. Unfortunately, while nearly all of those surveyed in the U.S. say that they actively seek out information about their diagnosis on their own (97 percent), exactly 50 percent say that what is available does not address their needs. What's more, 70 percent of women say it is hard to find support groups for advanced breast cancer.



According to Mertz and Benjamin, providing support tailored to the needs of women living with advanced breast cancer plays a huge factor in helping them to live better lives. For that reason, Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, SHARE and other advocacy organizations work to create programs specifically for women with advanced and metastatic breast cancer and help to provide resources such as Count Us, Know Us, Join Us which offers information and support on its website, www.advancedbreastcancercommunity.org, for people impacted by the disease.

Five ways to build a better shower

1. Spacious shower



If you're gutting your bathroom, think about opening up the space to expand the size of your shower. Typically, showers are 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep; but now, luxury-style showers measure at least 48 inches by 96 inches. You can also create more shower space by selecting certain types of shower doors. Sliding glass doors can be a hassle to clean, as dirt can get into every little crevice. Hinged, glass doors, or if you have the space, a larger opening with no shower door at all, are better options for creating a modern, streamlined look.



2. Bring in the light



Do you have a small bathroom and don't have room for a spacious shower? Not to worry - make the shower look bigger with lighting. Adding a skylight above the shower will make it feel larger in size and give a sense of being in a high-end resort. The materials you use on the door can also brighten things up. Choosing a glass door lets more light fill the space while showing off a fancy showerhead or tile. The glass can be frosted for added privacy.



3. Showerheads in all shapes and sizes



Showerheads come in a wide variety of styles to add the desired look - and functionality - to your bathroom. From rainshowers to traditional showerheads and body sprays, the combinations are almost endless.



No matter what style or the number of sprays you choose, make sure to include a hand shower. It makes cleaning the shower a breeze, will help with washing the family pet, and gets all those hard to reach places during your daily shower. Moen now offers both multi- and single-function hand showers. The multi-function hand shower features four settings: a focused rinse, full spray, massage and combination full spray and massage. The new single-function hand shower is available with a slide bar, allowing everyone in your family to adjust it to the perfect height. Best of all, both use up to 20 percent less water than the industry standard 2.5 gallons-per-minute models. You can now install and use a hand shower as your primary showerhead, without a major remodel, thanks to Moen's new, shower arm cradle. Instead of attaching a bracket to the wall, the shower arm cradle easily installs onto the existing shower arm.



4. A place to sit and relax



Shower benches and seats are becoming an essential component for rest and relaxation. It's a great way to add a spa-like element to your shower but also provides extra safety for your family. You can build a bench into the shower or attach one that folds up against the wall. Different styles and materials are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Teak is a popular choice in the shower as it withstands different temperatures, is resistant to bugs and humidity and is also easy to clean.



5. Storage in the shower



Finally, build niches in the shower wall to fit all the bottles used on a daily basis. Creating several built-in areas will eliminate reaching for bottles on the shower floor and make it easier for the family to stay organized. Make sure the shelves slope toward the shower to keep the areas from getting moldy or full of soap scum. If you aren't putting in new shower walls, you can also create more storage with a sturdy, corner shelf. Choose one with at least three shelves so Mom, Dad and the kids can each have their own shelf.



With these few key upgrades, you'll soon have the spa-like shower you've always desired. For more information about Moen products, visit moen.com or call 800-BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Go farther and play harder with your summer big kid toys

The summer season is a great time to bring out the big kid toys. Out come the boats, lawn mowers, four wheelers, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles for plenty of fun and excitement all summer long.

While summer doesn't have all the freezing, thawing or salt of colder months, which can cause a bit of havoc on equipment, it's still a good idea to protect your toys and gear from the elements so they go farther, and you can play harder.

As you bring all your machinery out this summer, keep in mind these care tips:

* Water and metal don't mix - Heading out on the ATV, dirt bike and four wheeler isn't much fun if there isn't a large mud puddle to splash through. By the end of the day, it should be hard to determine exactly what color the dirt bike started out as. But once the day has ended, don't just leave your equipment on the driveway. Give everything a good wash and then carefully dry it as well. This is a good way to keep rust from developing, and it allows you to quickly spot any damage that might have occurred to the finish.

* Added protection - These machines are designed for hard use, but you can give them an even stronger layer of protection with a LINE-X Spray-On Protective Coating. These coatings are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, chemicals, protect against UV and water damage, provide a non-skid surface and give your toys additional strength and durability for longer play. Find a LINE-X franchise dealer at www.LINE-X.com.

* Keep the insides clean as well - Just like your car, your lawn mower, boat and four wheeler also need regular maintenance to keep the engines running well. Always consult your owner's manual first to determine what kind of gasoline is needed, and what other maintenance items might be necessary. For example, grease, filter replacement, spark plug and batteries are items that should be reviewed and checked.

* Storage - If you're using your toys frequently all summer long, it probably isn't in your best interest to constantly be putting the machines back into storage and out of the elements. But it is a good idea to find a protected location out of the sun, rain and hail, which can help protect the framework and structure of the machines. For boats, a boat cover helps tremendously, and for lawn mowers, ATVs and dirt bikes, a storage shed or space in the garage works well.

Giving your gear a little protection will go a long way to help you enjoy the equipment all summer long, and well into next year. Use these tips to keep everything in tip-top shape so you can go farther and play harder.