VENTURA COUNTY
CONEJO VALLEY
WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Kris Carr
OCTOBER 2012
www.yhcmagazine.com
Best-selling author, wellness aCtivist, CanCer thriver
CANCER ISSUE
UPDATE ON CANCER PREVENTION & SCREENINGS UCAAN: CANCER PATIENT SUPPORT CANCER & YOUR ORAL HEALTH THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE DURING CANCER LONG TERM HEALTH & YOUR FINANCES MAKING A BETTER MAN OF YOUR SON + MORE!
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Contents 06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER lessons learned
09/ FYI health tiPs & tidBits
CanCer issue
20/ PERSONAL STORY
Best-selling author, wellness activist, Cancer thriver By Alicia Doyle
24/ NATURAL APPROACH CanCer Prevention: FaCts
By Dr. Sharon Norling
32/ SMILES CanCer treatMent and Your oral health
By Dr. Steven Greenman
features
10/ SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN Cancer screenings — taking Control By Alicia Doyle
14/ HEALTH VIEW 1
Planning For life’s transitions: Finances By Carol Knowles
18/ HEALTH VIEW 2
Your sons: the Best reason to Be a Better Man By Wayne M. Levine Director, BetterMen Coaching
34/ FROM THE HEART CanCer insPires Change through UCAAN
acupuncture and Cancer By Denise Noyer-Erez
By Alicia Doyle
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28/ EAST-WEST
OCTOBER 2012
october 2012
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 5
PuBlisher’s letter
october 2012
lessons learned
with Peace, love, Blessings and gratitude,
6 | yhcMAGAZINE.COM
OCTOBER 2012
VENTURA COUNTY
CONEJO VALLEY
WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Kris Carr www.yhcmagazine.com
BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, WELLNESS ACTIVIST, CANCER THRIVER
OCTOBER 2012
this Year MarKs the FiFth anniversarY of the passing of my beloved brother alex and my mother-in-law edith. Pancreatic cancer took their lives within six weeks of each other. it also marks the 24th anniversary of my mother’s passing—a malignant brain tumor took her life, but not without slowly robbing her of any quality of life during a span of 12 years. it is sad and heartbreaking that we are all touched in one way or another by this dreaded disease called cancer. it has many faces and many forms. sometimes it can be cured easily with early detection, ann K. Castle depending on the nature of the cancer, and sometimes this silent monFounder & Publisher ster consumes the body rapidly and painfully. i must admit i was consumed with anger for the many years life robbed me and my family of a normal life. i felt cheated when my mother couldn’t participate in many mother-daughter activities and cheated again 21 years later as i watched my brother take his last breath as cancer starved him to death. going back and forth between my mother-in-law locally and flying to washington state to be with my brother was draining and agonizing at best. the one thing i gleaned from all of life’s experiences is to take a deep breath and ask, “what have i learned from this?” From the loss of three beloved members of my family, i have to say i learned patience for the times that drained me, tolerance for the people outside who didn’t understand the process that required my attention, and compassion for the moments where staying up all night and talking about what’s on the other side and showering them with love and respect was the most important thing to do. in this issue, we explore the importance of cancer screenings, how acupuncture, nutrition and environmental awareness all play an important role when facing cancer. You will be touched by Kris Carr’s story and her journey which led to the creation of the documentary, Crazy sexy Cancer. learn more about rachel shur’s uCaan program to support and educate our community and much more. life’s lessons cover a wide spectrum—some are easy yet some feel as if the life force energy has been pulled out of us and we are left with wounded hearts. Know that everything in this life has a message. how we choose to listen and learn is a choice. taking the time to listen when you sincerely ask the question, “what have i learned from this?” is the first step to healing your mind, body and spirit. the wounds heal even if the scars remain—scars can serve as our memories and reminders of how to proceed with the rest of our journey.
CANCER ISSUE
UPDATE ON CANCER PREVENTION & SCREENINGS UCAAN: CANCER PATIENT SUPPORT & YOUR ORAL HEALTH THE BENEFITS O*F ACUPUNCTURE DURING CANCER *LONCANCER G TERM HEALTH & YOUR FINAN* CES MAKING A BETTER MAN OF YOUR SON + MOR*E! *
ON THE COVER
Kris Carr
Film director, author, Cancer survivor
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ADVERTORIAL
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 7
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER ANN K. CASTLE COPY EDITOR ANN K. CASTLE JAN TUCKER, MBA ACCOUNTING DONNA BRYANT
ORAL CANCER eaCh Year in the united states, More than 21,000 Men and 9,000 woMen are diagnosed with oral CanCer. Most are over 60 Years old. historically the death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high because there is not a comprehensive program in the us to opportunistically screen for the disease, and without that, late stage discovery is more common. there are several factors that increase the risk of cancer; tobacco, heavy alcohol use, exposure to the sun (lip cancers), diet, and medical history. in my practice we have incorporated oral cancer exams as an integral part of our routine checkup. early detection has given me the opportunity save two lives to date. that means the world to me, my team and to our patients. Please make sure you are getting thorough oral exams by your dentist - there is more than just teeth to your mouth! early detection saves lives. stay healthy ;)
ADVERTISING MARIAN GREEN MARIAN@YHCMAGAZINE.COM 818.943.0751 LAURA MUSTACCHIO LAURAM@YHCMAGAZINE.COM 805.558.9817 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALICIA DOYLE; STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS; CAROL KNOWLES, WAYNE LEVINE, MA; SHARON NORLING, MD; DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAc, FABORM COVERAGE AREA INCLUDES MONTHLY TO VENTURA COUNTY, WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, AND THE CONEJO VALLEY; AGOURA HILLS, CALABASAS, CAMARILLO, ENCINO, MOORPARK, NEWBURY PARK, NORTHRIDGE, OAK PARK, OXNARD, SIMI VALLEY, TARZANA, THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, WEST HILLS, WOODLAND HILLS FOR ALL INQUIRIES, CONTACT ANN K. CASTLE AT ANN@YHCMAGAZINE.COM OR 805.341.2972 WWW.YHCMAGAZINE.COM
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The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of YHC Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in YHC Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisement in YHC Magazine. Photographers whose work is published in any advertising or editorial content within YHC Magazine agree to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographer’s failure to gain a model release. YHC Magazine is not responsible for loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. YHC Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. YHC Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. PRINTED IN U.S.A.
fyi
health tips & tidbits
International I Can Do It!® Conference Brings Empowerment and Inspiration to Southern California in a Challenging Time Presented by Hay House Publishing, I Can Do It!® Conference Features Many of Today’s Most Motivating Personal Growth Authors Including Dr. Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Debbie Ford, Cheryl Richardson, Gregg Braden, Bruce Lipton, and Doreen Virtue For those searching for the inspiration and guidance needed to face today’s personal, political and financial challenges, look no further than hay house’s annual I Can Do It!® Conference in Pasadena, to revitalize the soul, enlighten the mind and spirit, and obtain creative strategies for prospering and thriving in the current climate. Featuring nearly two dozen of today’s most life-changing and powerful motivational authors, the I Can Do It!® conference october 26-28 at the Pasadena Convention Center will bring thousands together to discover new messages of empowerment and wisdom. attendees will hear such headliners as Dr. Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Debbie Ford, Cheryl Richardson, Brian Weiss, Gregg Braden, Doreen Virtue and Bruce Lipton, along with 15 other bestselling authors and acclaimed speakers. among the others to take the stage will be: Kris Carr, Sonia Choquette, Richard Moss, Joe Dispenza, Denise Linn, John Holland, Eldon Taylor, Deborah King, Robert Holden, Geneen Roth, Sarah McLean, Ken Druck, Jean Haner, Dr. Fabrizio Mancini and Donna Gates. “the I Can Do It!® conference is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals to realign and concentrate only on themselves and their personal journey,” said reid tracy, president and Ceo, hay house, inc. “the conference provides an opportunity to step outside of the normal day-to-day life and leave feeling reenergized, refreshed, and refocused on achieving goals. we hand-picked the presenting authors to bring a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and enlightenment to attendees.” For more information and to register, visit www.icandoit.net. tickets for the conference can be purchased at www.hayhouse.com or 1-800-654-5126.
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 9
sPeCial health Bulletin
cancer screenings
Cancer screenings —
taKing Control By Alicia Doyle
AN ESTIMATED 1.4 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER, AND ROUGHLY HALF A MILLION DIED OF THE DISEASE.
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OCTOBER 2012
BREAST CANCER
last Year alone, an estiMated 1.4 Million PeoPle in the united states were diagnosed with CanCer, and roughlY halF a Million died oF the disease, aCCording to the national CanCer institute. estimates of the premature deaths that could have been avoided through screening vary from 3 percent to 35 percent, depending on a variety of assumptions. Beyond the potential for avoiding death, screening may reduce cancer morbidity (the relative incidence of disease in a particular locality) since treatment for earlier stage cancers is often less aggressive than that for more advanced-stage cancers. “Cancer screenings are very important,” said dr. timothy o’Connor, an oncology physician with the radiation oncology Centers of ventura County. For instance, “breast cancer is a fantastic example — there is a 90 percent cure rate with breast cancer detected by mammogram only, according to current statistics ... that’s probably the best example of how screening has changed the outcome of the disease.” another great example underscoring the importance of cancer screenings was inspired by residents of australia. “since australia has a large population of fair-skinned individuals from the British isles, they have routine skin screenings beginning at a young age — they start their baseline screening at 35 years old,” said dr. o’Connor of the test designed to detect malignant melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. “all the primary physicians go over their patients and anything that looks suspicious is removed so they catch malignant melanoma early, and therefore they have a higher probability of a cure than we do in this country, because we typically catch it later. the u.s. health system isn’t as diligent with skin screenings.” the american Cancer society recommends these screening guidelines for most adults:
• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. • Clinical breast exams are recommended about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. • Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. the american Cancer society also recommends that some women — because of their family history, a genetic tendency or certain other factors — be screened with an Mri in addition to a mammogram (the number of women who fall into this category is small: less than 2 percent of all the women in the u.s.).
COLORECTAL CANCER AND POLYPS
“a person should undergo a colonoscopy — the endoscopic examination of the colon and rectum — starting at age 50. after that, “they typically recommend every five years ... this is important because the gastroenterologist can identify and remove polyps that contain cancer, and subsequently diagnose colon cancer very early before it has an opportunity to spread. that translates to a very good outcome.” the american Cancer society recommends both men and women follow one of these testing schedules: Tests that find polyps and cancer • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or • Colonoscopy every 10 years, or • double-contrast barium enema every five years, or • Ct colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years. Tests that primarily find cancer • Yearly fecal occult blood test (gFoBt), or • Yearly fecal immunochemical test (Fit) every year, or • stool dna test (sdna).
CERVICAL CANCER
according to the american Cancer society, all women should begin cervical cancer screening about three years after they begin having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years old. screening should be done every year with the regular Pap test or every two years using the newer liquid-based Pap test. Beginning at age 30, women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row may be screened every two to three years. women older than 30 may also be screened every three years with either the conventional or liquid-based Pap test, plus the human papilloma virus (hPv) test.
continued >>
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 11
A Healthy
Menu
(For Your Finances)
Appetizers Budgeting Portfolio Review
sPeCial health Bulletin
cancer screenings
women 70 years of age or older who have had three or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the past 10 years may choose to stop having Pap tests. women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop having Pap tests, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue to have Pap tests.
ENDOMETRIAL (UTERINE) CANCER
Entrees Stocks & Bonds Roth IRA Traditional IRA Self-Employed Retirement Plans Small Business Benefits Plans
the american Cancer society recommends that at the time of menopause, all women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. women should report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their doctors. some women — because of their history — may need to consider having a yearly endometrial biopsy.
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dr. o’Connor explained, “there is a blood test, called Psa (prostate-specific antigen), that men are recommended to get for the first time at age 50. and subsequent blood tests are conducted at intervals, depending on how normal your Psa is.” ultimately, “this is a blood test that can identify prostate cancer before it is felt. the old screening procedure involved a digital rectal exam ... they could only find (the cancer) when it had grown to the point where it altered the gland.” “ninety percent of all patients diagnosed with a Psa of less than 10 at the time of diagnoses will be cured,”dr. o’Connor said. “the urologist can diagnose your prostate cancer very early; then you have a multitude of options to make it go away.”
Sides Fixed Annuities Life Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Desserts Estate Planning Legacy Planning Special Needs Planning Kid’s Menu College Savings Plans UTMA/UGMA Accounts
PROSTATE CANCER
CANCER-RELATED CHECK-UP
For people age 20 or older having periodic health exams, the american Cancer society recommends a cancer-related check-up that includes health counseling and, depending on a person’s age and gender, exams for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes and ovaries, as well as for some non-malignant (non-cancerous) diseases.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH AND REDUCE YOUR CANCER RISK
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securities and investment advisory services offered through sagePoint Financial, inc., member Finra/siPC and a registered investment advisor. insurance services offered through independent Capital Management, inc. independent Capital Management, inc. is not affiliated with sagePoint Financial, inc. and is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.
• • • • • • • •
Stay away from tobacco. Maintain a healthy weight. Get moving with regular physical activity. Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Limit how much alcohol you drink (if you drink at all). Protect your skin. Know yourself, your family history and risks. Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests.
“if you do these things, it definitely reduces your risk of something really bad happening — it doesn’t eliminate the possibility, but it reduces it,” dr. o’Connor said. For those who want to start an ongoing screening schedule, “talk to your primary care physician. if they need to make a referral, they can. otherwise they can do these tests themselves.” For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 800.227.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
OCTOBER 2012
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health view 1
Part 2: LTC financial planning basics
Planning For life’s transitions:
FinanCes By Carol Knowles
this is the second of a series of articles by the author on comprehensive long term care, financial, and estate planning.
EVERYONE LIKES TO SAVE A DOLLAR WHENEVER THEY CAN, BUT FAR TOO MANY LOSE A FORTUNE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR LIMITED PECUNIARY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT SKILLS. Consequently, they struggle to cope monetarily with life’s hurdles. their dreams and financial objectives are unfulfilled. an adept financial planner helps define and accomplish the means to pay for expected and unexpected life experiences while protecting hard-earned assets. ideally, a relationship should be established with a financial planner at 35 to 45 years of age. the ability to plan with maximum potential becomes more challenging with advancing years and health changes, but planning at any age is better than not planning at all. Costs for such services are offset by the benefits of otherwise often unrealized short- and long-term gains. An effective strategy is multi-faceted: 1. Cash in, cash out: if there is not enough money to pay basic bills, there has to be a reality check regarding what net income and investment projections can sustain over the years. sometimes simple modifications can make a preferred way of life more plausible. 2. Asset protection: Mechanisms must be established to shield savings and other assets from life-altering circumstances. 3. Goals: appropriate investments have to be identified, executed and modified as required throughout the client’s lifetime. 4. Taxation: Quality planning includes consideration of taxation and its immediate and extended impact on a portfolio.
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5. Retirement: Most people have a dream for how and where they want to live during retirement. Planning varies to accommodate the retiree who wants to travel, live abroad or serve mankind through philanthropic endeavors, as well as for the person who aspires to write a book, garden or spend time with grandchildren. 6. Estate: gifts can be used to reduce estate taxes, but require definition and calculated planning to achieve.
PLANNING NEEDS TO BE FLEXIBLE
unpredictable events can threaten to derail financial planning at any stage. Failure to revisit needs and objectives and make strategic adjustments can be devastating in a variety of situations: • • • • • • • • •
Severed legal relationship. Subsequent marriage. Dual citizenship. Domestic partners in states where such bonds constitute legal rights. Same-sex couples. Children. Those with special needs. Business partners. Surviving spouses.
TOOLS FOR PLANNING
Products used by financial planners are dictated by each client’s existing income, investments, real property, etc. and anticipated assets, e.g. inheritance, lifestyle downsizing and business sell-out, as well as retirement expectations. the level of investment risk tolerance is also a factor. insurance policies are intended to protect assets in the event of potential future needs and assure that sufficient funds are available to meet the challenge. some are mandated by law. others are compelling means to offset jeopardy. any product purchase should be financially sustainable. Annuities: annuities are available through a large number of carriers. they can assure income later in life to supplement a pension, social security and Medicare and will become increasingly important with cutbacks in government programs. these products can be convoluted though, and unless the trust between client and planner is well-established, other options should be explored. ADDITIONAL RESOURCE Financial Planning Association (FPA) has been referenced in respected publications as a centralized resource for information on qualified financial planners and the basics of financial planning.
Life Insurance: whole and universal life insurance policies can be expensive. growth in the policy’s value takes time. life-altering situations usually don’t come with advance warning and are not age-specific. the temptation to use the cash benefit impulsively can be strong. the investment power of these policies should, therefore, be scrutinized. term life insurance is cost-effective and can be an attractive alternative for young to middle-aged consumers.
Visit www.fpanet.org or call 800.322.4237.
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OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 15
health view 1
Part 2: LTC financial planning basics
Disability Insurance: Primary household income providers should have disability insurance. recently a 45-year-old southern California man became too ill to work right after his wife lost her job. the couple has three children. they lost their house. disability insurance would have helped sustain this family while the adults recuperate and until they can get jobs. Multi-purpose Insurance: these products provide funds for a long-term care or catastrophic situation and a residual for beneficiaries, or leave a legacy for loved ones upon death. a guaranteed baseline minimum percentage of growth is incorporated. some allow full access to the original premium without penalty up to 15 years from the date of issue. Long Term Care Insurance: Many people continue to bypass this coverage because they question its affordability and value, plan to self-insure or have the kids take care of them, or are uncomfortable contemplating an ambiguous future. Yet the odds of needing help before passing are very high. Many of those who plan to self-insure exhaust joint savings for one person’s extended needs, leaving the surviving spouse or family fiscally strapped. affordable products are available to avert financial ruin in meeting long term care challenges.
LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING AND YOUR PORTFOLIO
Financial professionals are often ill-informed on insurance options. increasingly, they are being held legally accountable for not addressing long-term care planning with clients or for discouraging it. Failure to prepare, however, can rest with either party. Many financial planners now require clients to sign a document to deflect potential litigation if and when they decide to circumvent recommended preparation and subsequently become outraged over the monetary ramifications of that decision.
MANAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLD FINANCES
Culture, gender bias, complacency, the need to control and other factors can adversely impact the management of finances in a household. it is a gross injustice to keep a spouse or partner ignorant on this matter. it is also self-destructive to allow this to happen. Communication is a strong testament to your concern for the well-being and welfare of loved ones who you may predecease. Financial information and relevant documents (including insurance policies) should be kept together in a safe place. Copies should be provided for those entrusted with carrying out your expressed wishes whenever you are unable to speak for yourself.
“
a local financial planner states that 95 percent of his client base has an outdated, incomplete, or virtually non-existent estate plan.
“
The Movement Specialists
INVESTMENTS FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS
the state of California mandates, by law, that any person 65 or older sign a form verifying they are cognizant and approve of the manner in which their assets are being managed. unfortunately, not all states have such a protocol to protect elder clients.
SYMMETRY PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS
Physical Therapy Therapeutic Massage Pilates Yoga •Gentle •Restorative
CORRELATING FINANCIAL AND ESTATE PLANNING
a local financial planner states that 95 percent of his client base has an outdated, incomplete, or virtually non-existent estate plan.
Natalie Sampson, DPT
Financial planners are in large part stock brokers. their expertise and focus is on asset protection, management and growth. they are not qualified to write legal documents. the financial and legal consequences of not having an appropriately-worded, current trust and/or will and other documents can nullify all efforts to protect your assets once you pass. Clients should insist that their financial planner, insurance broker, tax accountant and estate planning attorney work cohesively on their behalf. next month in part 3 of this series, the author will address estate planning. Carol Knowles is an insurance broker (CA license No. 0F20048) specializing in long-term care planning. She is also a community leader and advocate, heightening public awareness of a broad spectrum of social issues. For more information, call 805.405.2589, e-mail ltc.insurance@yahoo.com, or visit www.carolknowles.com.
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www.lasermytoes.com OCTOBER 2012
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health view 2
be a better man
Your sons: the Best reason to Be a Better Man By Wayne M. Levine Director, BetterMen Coaching
“
It takes a community of men to raise our boys to be good men, good dads and good husbands. dad, you don’t have to father alone. You can ask for help.
“
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OCTOBER 2012
LEADING THE WAY IN VENTURA COUNTY SINCE 1979.
Cancer Care Close to Home.
A GROUP OF MEN AND THEIR SONS—AGES 6 TO 25—GOT TOGETHER FOR A WEEKEND IN THE MOUNTAINS RECENTLY. those of you who have participated in father/son events may think you have an idea of what took place. i've been involved in many father/son events, some of which have been great fun and an opportunity to spend time with my son in the company of other men. But this outing was something else all together. it went beyond Boy scouts and beyond indian guides. this event was a true rite of passage for the boys, and life changing for some of the fathers. and the only reason it was the success that it was, was because of the dads who have been doing their own personal growth work, and who were willing to reveal themselves to the other men and to their sons. the dads learned from their sons. they learned about courage, honesty and how to have real fun like only boys can. the boys learned what it looks like to be a strong, yet comfortably emotional, man. the boys saw their dads teach each other, laugh and play, as well as cry, as they spoke of their own fathers. they witnessed a ritual as one dad honored his 18year-old son by telling him that he’s now a man, and how proud he is of the young man he has become. they saw their dads being the men they wanted to be with other men. how often does all this happen? some of these boys saw sights they had never seen before. the results: much deeper relationships among all of the participants, and greater respect between fathers and sons. the boys are now asking their dads, “when's our next father/son weekend, dad?” now that's the beginning of a beautiful relationship; a relationship with a solid foundation wherein the son has a great chance of growing up to be a healthy and good man. this all takes place because his father is truly doing his best to be an example by maintaining his own relationships with other men, and relying on the support of others to raise his son. it takes a community of men to raise our boys to be good men, good dads and good husbands. dad, you don’t have to father alone. You can ask for help. there are some parenting skills that come naturally to us. But there are other challenges we face as fathers that we can conquer only with the wisdom of another dad who’s been there. that commitment to your son will make all the difference for the both of you, and all of us.
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OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 19
Personal storY
Kris Carr - Crazy Sexy Cancer Star
“
....cancer inspired me to educate myself about nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.
“
“I CALLED THEM ‘CRAZY’ AND ‘SEXY’ IN ORDER TO DEFUSE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION AND TO ALSO BRING HUMOR TO IT,”
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OCTOBER 2012
By Alicia Doyle
“ “i called them ‘Crazy’ and ‘sexy’ in order to defuse the seriousness of the situation and to also bring humor to it,” recalled Carr, 40, of woodstock, new York. “But truly the definitions mean this: Crazy = trailblazing. sexy = empowered. Cancer = teacher.” it wasn’t long before “Crazy sexy Cancer” became the title of Carr’s documentary film which she wrote and directed for the learning Channel. the catch words also highlighted her first two books—Crazy sexy Cancer tips and Crazy sexy Cancer survivor: More rebellion and Fire for Your healing journey—which Carr describes as musthave manuals for triumphing over disease and embracing an integrative approach to healing. these best-selling books were followed by Crazy sexy diet, in which Carr lays out the fundamentals of her own low-glycemic vegetarian program that emphasizes balancing the ph of the body with lush whole and raw foods, nourishing organic green drinks and smoothies. in ten chapters with titles such as, “phabulous,” “Coffee, Cupcakes and Cocktails,” “Make juice not war,” and “god-Pod glow,” Carr hopes to empower readers to move from a state of constant bodily damage control to one of renewal and repair. the book also includes details about Carr’s 21-day cleanse. in related efforts, Carr’s online wellness community, my.crazysexylife.com, has more than 36,000 members. her next cookbook, Crazy sexy Kitchen, will come out october 30. “now it's taken on something bigger: prevention,” said Carr, who documented her battle against epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in her documentary film. after the documentary aired on the learning Channel and her appearance on oprah in 2007, “i received hundreds of letters from people who didn't have cancer but were interested in what i had learned and was teaching which was basically the key components to an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle.” Fans especially resonated to Carr’s positive attitude. “Crazy sexy life was born and so were the ideas for several other books that would teach people how to eat, drink and think in a positive way—rarely are we given these tools,” said Carr, who is now known as a new York times best-selling author, motivational speaker and health advocate. a vegan who drinks green juice daily, she also practices yoga and meditation and is an avid animal-lover. “if i've learned anything it's that we each have more power than we think and it's important and wonderful to participate in our well-being.” when it comes to cancer, Carr believes the biggest misunderstanding is that we have no control over whether we get diagnosed or not, and also no control over what we can do to help our bodies if we do get diagnosed. “genetics is more often than not the scapegoat,” she said. “But depending on what study you read, it's said that anywhere between 70 to 90 percent of all cancers are activated by diet, lifestyle choices and environmental toxins. People need to know and wake up to this, because it's not
“
when she was diagnosed with rare and inCuraBle stage 4 CanCer on valentine’s daY in 2003, Kris Carr wrote the words “CRAZY SEXY CANCER” in the suBjeCt line oF eMails to FaMilY and Friends uPdating theM with her Prognosis.
genetics is more often than not the scapegoat... But depending on what study you read, it's said that anywhere between 70 to 90 percent of all cancers are activated by diet, lifestyle choices and environmental toxins.
continued >>
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 21
“Be a Better Dad & Husband” Coaching Men, Couples and Boys Powerful Men's Groups In Office and Phone
Personal storY
Kris Carr
just cancer—diet, lifestyle and environmental toxins affect most if not all chronic diseases. this shouldn't make us feel guilty—like it's our fault—it should make us feel empowered. we can change this.” For Carr, the disease is slow-growing—“thankfully. Currently it is stable, but there still is no cure. and therefore i am inspired each and every day to take the best care of myself in order to stack the odds in the favor of my longevity.”
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growing up in a very small town in Pawling, new York, Carr was raised by her mother and grandmother, who she describes as “two fiery women who had their own obstacles to overcome. they taught me to survive, anything.” while Carr may not be able to have children because of her disease, she is happily married to her husband Brian Fassett, who was the editor of her film. “we fell in love while looking for a cure—instead we found a life.” looking back on her journey so far, Carr said “cancer inspired me to educate myself about nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices. when i learned this information, that no one taught me in school, i knew i had to share it with my fellow patients and ultimately with people who wanted to increase their health and happiness. it was less of an impact and more of a calling.” her ultimate goal is “to help people feel better, it’s that simple. and to me, here’s where we start: eat more plants, less animals, make juice not war, deal with the issues in your tissues, create more spaciousness in your life and less stress and live like you really mean it—with love, purpose and passion.” For more information visit kriscarr.com. She will be among the featured speakers at Hay House’s I Can Do It! Conference in Pasadena Oct. 26-28, featuring Dr. Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Debbie Ford, Cheryl Richardson, Brian Weiss, Gregg Braden, Doreen Virtue and Bruce Lipton, along with 15 other bestselling authors and acclaimed speakers. For information and to register, visit www.icandoit.net or call 1-800-654-5126.
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OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 23
natural aPProaCh
cancer prevention: facts
By Dr. Sharon Norling
Cancer Prevention:
FaCts COSTS during the period from 2005 through 2010, the national Cancer institute (nCi) budget averaged $4.9* billion per year. * http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/ nCi/research-funding other government agencies, including nih institutes and Centers, the Centers for disease Control and Prevention, and the department of defense fund cancer research in some capacity. in addition, state and local governments, volunteer organizations, private institutions, and corporations all spend substantial amounts of money on cancer-related research. in spite of the billions of dollars spent each year for many years on cancer research, the causes and the cures are still lacking. the key is to practice prevention. it’s that simple. now is the time to have a healthy lifestyle not after the fact. here are some things to seriously consider in order to help decrease your risk of cancer.
• Avoid Toxins • Boost your immune system • Dietary supplements as directed by your physician
AVOID TOXINS Knowledge is power. learn how to avoid the nasty chemicals in personal care products. the cosmetics industry is a $50 billion a year business (in the u.s. alone). they spend a remarkable $2 billion a year on advertising. even more appalling than that is the amount of chemicals women put on their skin every year. “Women who use makeup daily, absorb on average, 5 pounds each year.” http://www.bioethiqueorgan ic.com/html/pressreleases.html
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THERE'S EVIDENCE THAT CERTAIN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES RICH IN PLANT-BASED NUTRIENTS CAN BOTH PREVENT TUMORS FROM STARTING AND HALT THEIR GROWTH.
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Here is a list of only a few of the chemicals found in personal hygiene and household products we use everyday.
Chemical
Use
Risk
1,4-dioxane This is not normally listed on ingredient labels.
It’s a petroleumderived contaminant formed in the manufacturing of bathing products and shampoos. Found in many facial creams.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has ranked it as a possible carcinogen, and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has identified it as a reasonably anticipated carcinogen. http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/ vol71/mono71-25.pdf Linked to mammary tumors. Int’l Journal of Cancer. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc .23359/full
Besides being found in cosmetics. It also is used as a fumigant and a sterilizer for surgical equipment.
It is classified as a known human carcinogen and is one of the 48 chemicals that the National Toxicology Program (NTP) identifies as mammary carcinogens in animals. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=BC96ACFD -123F-7908-7B817207BC678E19
Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum
This is a byproduct of the distillation of petroleum. It’s a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics. Also, in Veterinary Medicine as a livestock vaccine.
It has been known to increase the incidence of skin cancer in mice who were irradiated twice a week for 20 weeks. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v129/n2/ abs/jid2008241a.html
Parabens
They are used as a preservative in many prescription drugs, foods, and cosmetics.
They are absorbed through the skin and through the gastrointestinal tract and have been discovered in biopsy samples from breast tumors.
Propylene Glycol
Common cosmetic moisturizer and carrier for fragrance oils.
May cause dermatitis and skin irritation. May inhibit skin cell growth. Linked to kidney and liver problems.
Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Found in over 90% of personal care products! They break down your skin’s moisture barrier, potentially leading to dry skin with premature aging. And because they easily penetrate your skin, they can allow other chemicals easy access.
SLS combined with other chemicals may become a "nitrosamine" – a potent carcinogen. National Institutes of Health "Household Products Directory" of chemical ingredients lists over 80 products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Some soaps have concentrations of up to 30%, which the ACT report called "highly irritating and dangerous".
Acrylamide
Ethylene Oxide
view over 65,000 products, their ingredients, and toxicity levels on the following web site. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ You see, your skin is not only your largest organ – it’s also the thinnest. only 1/10th of an inch separates you from all sorts of toxins. Your skin is highly permeable, allowing what you apply to your skin access to your bloodstream, and thereby to the rest of your body. Bottom line: you should not to put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat.
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM if you want to prevent cancer have your stool tested. Yes, this is not a typo. seventy percent of your immune system is located in your gastrointestinal tract. if you have symptoms of irritable bowel disease, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or indigestion you probably have inflammation. specific dna testing can determine if you have h.Pylori, parasites, over growth of bacteria, yeast, or gluten sensitivity. research indicates that cancer prevention includes “limiting activities that would increase the risk for chronic viral, bacterial, and helminthes (parasites) infection.” greaves, M. Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy. oxford, united Kingdom: oxford university Press; 2001. eli Metchnikoff explored the idea of “dysbiosis,” which he defined as a state of living with intestinal flora that may have harmful or detrimental effects. he said, “death begins in the colon.” he received the nobel Prize in 1908 for his work.
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OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 25
natural aPProaCh
cancer prevention: facts
one of the first targets for cancer prevention and survival should be the immune system. did you know we have natural Killer (nK) blood cells? they destroy dangerous cells and other foreign invaders that can cause health problems. if we have an immune system that is running at optimal capacity, the greater chance we have for our bodies to recognize and fight off cancer or precancerous cells. Cells need food for energy, strength, and proliferation. Below are a few of the best foods and supplements for your cells to be at their best. anti-cancer foods really do work. there’s evidence that certain fruits and vegetables rich in plantbased nutrients can both prevent tumors from starting and halt their growth. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - a critical component in energy production within every cell. also a potent antioxidant, one of the most highlighted families of nutrients in cancer science. Vitamin C - an antioxidant that can help protect healthy immune cells, which also contributes by supporting production of antibodies, nK cell activities, and interferon. Vitamin E & Vitamin A - specifically defend white blood cells and the thymus gland, the master immune gland responsible for the maturation of t-cells, as reported in the Journal of Nutrition in 2002. Vitamin D - low levels of vitamin d increases the risk of diabetes, muscle and bone pain, as well as cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovaries, esophagus and lymphatic system. Cruciferous vegetables contain indole3-carbinol (i3C), an antitumor agent known to suppress cancer cells. the cruciferous vegetables are bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, rutabagas, and turnips and their greens. Garlic possesses many immune-building agents, especially relative to cancer management. according to the national Cancer institute, an analysis of seven different large-scale population studies showed that the more raw and cooked garlic a person consumed, the lower the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer.
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http://jn.nutrition.org/content/131/3/ 1032s.short Blueberries, açai berries, raspberries, and cranberries - rich, dark colors of the fruits come from phytochemicals that protect against numerous types of cancer. Turmeric - the orange-yellow spice is best known for its role in indian curries and other asian dishes. it fights cancer because of an active ingredient, curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Watercress - according to researchers in ireland, who released studies in the past two years, showed that eating watercress everyday can prevent the dna damage that leads to cancer. research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition—but conducted in ulster, where people are more comfortable eating watercress—found that antioxidants in the nutrient-rich greens prevented free radicals from damaging healthy cells. http://www.ajcn.org/content/85/2/504 .abstract Spinach, is also a cancer fighter; “research conducted by the M. d. anderson Cancer Center in texas showed spinach to protect against bladder cancer. the chemical that gives spinach its dark green color, chlorophyllin, proved to reduce the risk of liver cancer in research by the national academy of sciences.”
OTHER HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES Reiki - there are many reports about reiki’s power to increase feelings of well-being and refresh the spirit. today, more and more hospitals are recruiting reiki practitioner volunteers to provide reiki treatments for their oncology patients. some cancer patients receiving reiki during cancer treatments reported to have an increased sense of well-being, less pain, and a significant decrease of nausea and vomiting. Hypnotherapy - Common hypnotic suggestions given to cancer patients would be to have a healthy appetite or to sleep easily and awaken calm and refreshed. it can be suggested that the patient gain the maximum benefit of any medical treatment which will prolong life and increase comfort. the immune system can be boosted and suggestions given to destroy the cancer cells.
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• Enhance your immune system. • Laugh and relax. • Eat foods high in dietary fiber daily (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). • Choose anti-cancer foods and avoid sugar. • Normalize your levels of vitamins D and DHEA. • Ask your doctor for 2OH/16OH lab to determine your estrogen metabolism (A higher ratio of these two estrogen-by-products is more favorable, indicating less likeli hood of breast cancer.). • Avoid food allergies and infections. • If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. • Do not use dark permanent hair dyes. • Avoid the toxins in personal hygiene products. • Make sure to avoid toxic Bisphenol A (BPA) in your plastics. • DON'T SMOKE. Tobacco smoke causes about one-third of all cancers. • Reduce exposure to pesticides, household chemical cleaners, air fresheners, and air pollution.
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the patient can be given a sense of hope through imagery which focuses on wellbeing rather than disease. we have all been touched personally and professionally by cancer. the bottom line is to actively make lifestyle choices to prevent cancer. good nutrition promotes health. But nutrition is only part of the story. remember to also exercise each day, maintain ideal weight, sleep well, get regular physical checkups, and follow these cancerprevention tips:
Dr. Norling brings a lifetime of education, training and passion in both conventional and natural medicine. Dr. Norling is triple-boarded and practices integrative and functional medicine. Using specialized testing she finds the root cause of symptoms and illnesses. The Mind Body Spirit Center also offers special services for cancer patients. Call Dr. Norling 818-707-9355.
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 27
east/west
acupuncture and cancer
aCuPunCture and
CanCer CANCER TREATMENT HAS COME A LONG WAY, ESPECIALLY IN RECENT YEARS. alternative treatMents are now highlY reCognized as eFFeCtive theraPies For CanCer and its related disCoMForts. aCuPunCture oFFers Patients suBstantial relieF FroM the sYMPtoMs related to CanCer and CanCer treatMent, and is oFten Being used in CoMBination with traditional CanCer treatMents to helP Patients Feel Better and reCover More QuiCKlY. By Denise Noyer-Erez
ACUPUNCTURE IS A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SYSTEM THAT CAN BE TRACED BACK ARCHEOLOGICALLY AT LEAST 4,000 YEARS.
28 | yhcMAGAZINE.COM
OCTOBER 2012
“
Cancer treatments work better when the patient is wellnourished and gets enough calories and protein in their diet.
“
Common cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. these therapies can be very effective and are crucial to helping a person survive. unfortunately, these treatments can be very strenuous on the body and one’s health and well-being.
ACUPUNCTURE AND NUTRITION WORK HAND-IN-HAND integrating acupuncture and nutrition can really make a difference in one’s care. acupuncture is a comprehensive medical system that can be traced back archeologically at least 4,000 years. it is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body that stimulate the body’s nervous system, circulatory system and immune system to help restore health. nutritional counseling, gentle exercise and life style review are also important aspects of this ancient healing medicine. research has shown that acupuncture can significantly help patients undergoing chemotherapy prevent damage to their immune system. t-cell counts, and red and white blood cell counts remain in normal ranges when acupuncture treatment is performed before, during and after chemotherapy treatments. the american Cancer society (aCs), the national institute of Cancer ( niC) and the national institutes of health (nih) all recognize acupuncture as a compliment to the treatment of cancer and its related symptoms including pain, nausea, hot flashes, edema, fatigue, constipation and a compromised immune system. Cancer treatments work better when the patient is well-nourished and gets enough calories and protein in their diet. well-nourished patients have a better prognosis and chance of full recovery, and a resulting better quality of life.
continued >>
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 29
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OCTOBER 2012
often, oncologists don’t counsel patients on nutrition past treatment time due to a lack of concise research on the subject. acupuncture treatment includes evaluation and consultation in this important area. Meeting nutritional needs during and after cancer treatment is crucial. Cancer and cancer treatments may affect taste, smell, appetite and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food. this can cause malnutrition which can cause the patient to be weak, tired, and unable to fight infections or get through cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is calorie-demanding and a well-balanced diet full of essential nutrients can help get through the difficult treatment phase of cancer. incorporating exercise and meditation, reducing stress and making time for new hobbies also keep patients feeling healthy and happy. life after cancer will never be the same. this is the new normal! it is an opportunity to grow, have deep, more meaningful relationships, enjoy life, take care of one’s body, and never take a moment for granted. Denise Noyer-Erez is a licensed acupuncturist and fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine. Her offices are located at 1220 LaVenta Drive, Suite 205A in Westlake Village; phone: 805.497.2625 and 15503 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200, Encino; phone: 818.774.9844.
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yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 31
sMiles
cancer treatment & your oral health
CanCer treatMent and Your oral health IN ADDITION TO THE COMMONLY RECOGNIZED SIDE EFFECTS, CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION CAN AFFECT ORAL HEALTH. Fortunately the dental industry has products and procedures that can help alleviate and even stop the oral issues cancer treatment can cause. visiting your dentist before starting your cancer treatment can help you prepare by making sure you are starting with good oral health. this can help you avoid any severe complications. some type of oral condition occurs in nearly all patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancers. the risk of experiencing oral conditions decreases as the area of treatment moves farther down the body. Patients at a lower risk include those receiving low myelosuppresive, bone marrow suppressive, or non-myelosuppressive chemotherapies. low myelosuppressive and bone marrow suppressive chemotherapies result in a decrease in cells responsible for providing immunity, carrying oxygen and for normal blood clotting. Patients at a higher risk for oral conditions are those receiving stomato toxic chemotherapy or radiation directly to the head or neck.
By Dr. Steven Greenman
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OCTOBER 2012
ORN IS A CONDITION AFFECTING THE NONVITAL BONE IN A SITE OF RADIATION INJURY.
ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EFFECTS Chemotherapy helps treat cancer by killing the cancer cells in the body, but it can also kill good cells. this treatment affects the gums, the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands. radiation therapy affects the mouth when it is concentrated in the head and neck area. the two most common complications are oral mucositis and stomatitis, an inflammation of the oral tissues and dentition. it is common for saliva production to dwindle, which can lead to tooth decay. Keeping the mouth moist can help with comfort. Be sure to drink a lot of water, suck ice chips and popsicles and use a saliva substitute such as saline-peroxide mouthwashes. it is very important to be meticulous about your diet and hygiene. it is advised to avoid sticky or hard candy and dried fruit as they can stick to the teeth and cause further decay. More serious complications of chemotherapy include pain during eating, talking and swallowing, most commonly caused by oral mucositis, an inflammation of the oral mucosa or the mucous membranes of the mouth including the gums. recent studies show that the risk of developing oral mucositis is genetic and new drugs have been in development to help prevent and treat this condition in the future. typically, oral mucositis begins to appear from seven to 10 days after initiating high-dose chemo or radiation. with proper care and under the supervision of a dental professional, oral mucosa can remain infection-free and typically heals two to four weeks after the end of therapy. it you are experiencing pain when eating or drinking, choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow, take small bites, chew slowly and be sure to drink with all your meals. eat soft, moist foods like eggs, cooked cereals and potatoes as they will be less irritating to your mouth. You can also use gravy, sauces or broths to soften your food. You should avoid crunchy foods like chips, as they can cut and irritate your mouth. spicy or acidic foods or alcoholic drinks can cause mouth sores or pain, so you should avoid these as well. You can be more susceptible to infection due to sores, and the chemo can kill the bacteria that help fight yeast infection. in some cases your sense of taste may be altered. this is rarely permanent.
a rare but serious concern of radiation therapy concentrated in the head or neck is osteoradionecrosis (orn). orn is a condition affecting the nonvital bone in a site of radiation injury. it is a necrosis or destruction of the bone and is most common in cancer survivors who receive high doses of radiation in the jaw area. radiation fields that include the jaw bone are the head and brain, the area above the roof of the mouth, the mouth and throat, the cervical neck or spine, the area above the collarbones and the underarm and chest areas. if you believe you are at risk for orn it is important to obtain your medical records to see how much radiation you received. survivors exposed to doses of 50 gy (gray) or higher to the jawbone or jawbone area are at higher risk of orn. orn typically presents itself as pain, swelling, missing hair follicles, surface texture changes and color changes. all these symptoms are easily noticed by a dental provider. treatments include salt water rinses to keep the affected area clean, light scrubbing of the tissues and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the area to improve healing. remember, the best way of preventing orn, or any of the oral conditions associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, is to talk to your dentist before treatment begins. Careful monitoring and good oral health can help to lessen or even prevent these conditions.
2920 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. 1 block West of Hampshire Rd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805.379.2400 www.snoozzzmattress.com
Dr. Steven Greenman has a general, cosmetic and restorative dental practice in Westlake Village. He is committed to providing the safest dental care to his patients so that they may enjoy the best oral and overall health. To learn about how you can maintain your oral health during cancer treatment, call the office at 805.496.9555 or visit www.drgreenman.com. Greenman Smile Concepts is located at the Westshore Medical Plaza, 1240 South Westlake Blvd. #223.
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FroM the heart
UCAAN
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the ultimate goal of UCAAN is to provide some financial assistance for cancer patients in need.
“
By Alicia Doyle
Cancer inspires Change through
uCaan 34 | yhcMAGAZINE.COM
OCTOBER 2012
WHEN RACHEL SHUR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TERMINAL CANCER AT AGE 26, SHE EMBRACED THE EXPERIENCE BY RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT HER SURVIVAL. “i had battled two very severe diagnoses of a very aggressive form of leukemia, but the first bout was the worst as i was deemed terminal,” remembered shur, 32, of thousand oaks. “But here i am—with no evidence of disease—and fighting for others who are in need. there was a huge gap and i decided to find a way to bridge that gap by starting an organization for the patients and their families.” today, shur is the founder of the united Cancer advocacy action network—uCaan—a nonprofit organization that serves survivors and their families through information, support, awareness, hope and emotional assistance. People have been donating money to research for years, “but what about the patients? who's helping them?” shur said. “this is something that needs to change. we need to change the mindset of our country and show people that even survivors and patients need help. uCaan is not about research—it's about the patients.” located at 1459 east thousand oaks Boulevard, suite e, in thousand oaks, uCaan offers resources on an individualized, customized basis. “we have one-on-one counseling and peer support facilitated by cancer survivors who've been there, done that,” shur said. additional offerings include a Young adult Cancer Peer support group which incorporates skype and tinyChat, “so we can involve patients from across the country, guidance, and gifts of hope.” while the organization typically attracts young adults because of shur’s age, uCaan serves people of all ages. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate, neither should we,” shur said. Pink isn't the only cancer ribbon color, shur added. “october is the month for not only breast cancer awareness but also liver cancer awareness, which is dark green. we have a Celebration of life tree in our office...each branch is a month, and each month recognizes different cancers—for awareness and their own colors.” Because shur had leukemia, “my month is september and my ribbon color is orange. we’re all about awareness and letting the community know about these other cancers. uCaan’s ribbons are purple because it’s the universal color of cancer.” when it comes to a young adult with cancer, “we have a lot of different things that we are facing…but realizing that after we have cancer, we experience a new normal in our lives, and a lot of things don't go back to the way they were.”
continued >>
OCTOBER 2012
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 35
FroM the heart
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Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Support a healthy pregnancy • Induce and ease labor • Reduce stress
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(805) 497-2625 36 | yhcMAGAZINE.COM
15503 Ventura Blvd, Suite 200 Encino, CA 91436
www.IneedleU.com OCTOBER 2012
(818) 774-9844
UCAAN
in shur’s case, “i was never able to fully recover and return to my old job, i had to find something else to do with my time.” when it came to friends and family dealing with her diagnosis, “some friends move on, some can't handle it.” Young adults with cancer also experience side effects that can deter their lives, such as dental problems, back problems and infertility. “the list goes on,” shur said. the ultimate goal of uCaan is to provide some financial assistance for cancer patients in need. “we'd love to gift patients and their families funding to cover treatments to rehabilitate them after the damage is done by the treatments—rehabilitation for dental deterioration, back problems, herniated discs and degenerative disc disease from treatments of radiation, lymphedema, and more,” shur said. nikki nielsen of Farmington, utah, discovered shur’s nonprofit through Facebook when her father was diagnosed with a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer. “rachel was so supportive and wonderful through every single step of our journey— diagnosis, prognosis, surgery, chemotherapy, recovery and hospice,” said nielsen, 35. “i don't know how an advocate could be any more qualified than rachel, being a cancer survivor herself. she really cheered my dad up.” shur also paid a visit to nielsen’s father in utah. “she brought him a little monkey she made…and told us to hang in there. she also gave my dad a survivor sticker and told us every minute of life with cancer means surviving. that concept really made my dad look at things in a different light, me too. even though we knew he had a rare cancer that really has not been researched enough to even have an effective treatment, it was a huge inspiration to still be considered a survivor.” shur is now building her nonprofit to help survivors with practical day to day things like transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, healthy eating, gift cards and packages, lodging during treat-
Hilda Maldonado, M.D. Regenerative & Anti Aging Medicine
• Over ten years of experience using bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
“
• Specialized testing for metabolic factors
People need to understand that it's not about research, it's about the patients—the people fighting for their lives that need more than just a cure...
“
ment, caregivers and other needs that are not always mentioned. “there is a huge need for financial assistance for cancer patients and their families,” shur said. “i have spoken with other organizations, big and small. Most of the money raised for cancer is for research, which means there are millions of cancer patients across the country that just may have a financial need that they cannot find the help for.” For instance, the american Brain tumor association receives 1,000 calls a month—one-third of which are requesting financial assistance, shur said. “when did financial aid become so unimportant? there are still a few that provide some help, but many of them are a one-time grant or don't have enough money to fill the needs and the number of people who apply for them. this must be changed. uCaan is making the change.” Cancer affects each and every one of us in different ways, shur further emphasized. “People need to understand that it's not about research, it's about the patients—the people fighting for their lives that need more than just a cure—they need help to persevere afterwards, they need to thrive. People need to realize that people of all ages are affected by this disease and still need help.”
• Hormone balancing • Nutritional supplementation • Lifestyle changes (individualized diet and exercise) • Stress management • Education • Judicious use of medications as required Dr. Hilda Maldonado is board certified in Internal Medicine and additionally she is a diplomate of the American Academy of Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine.
1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 133 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Phone / Fax: 805.496.6698 www.drhildamaldonado.com
UCAAN is looking for dedicated volunteers, a grant writer and donors. For more information, visit UCAAN.org or email Rachel Shur at Rachel@UCAAN.org
OCTOBER 2012
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