Being diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening health condition–like cancer–can understandably cause great uncertainty, anxiety and fear. Despite the prevalence of those feelings in cancer patients, a recent study by Pfizer found that a 76 percent of those surveyed believe that a positive outlook is essential to living with the disease. Research suggests that actively cultivating a positive … [Read more...]
Long-time readers of the Mind-Body Shift blog know that I am a huge fan of turmeric, and I'm certainly not the only one touting its benefits. The deep orange rhizome related to ginger and known colloquially as "The Golden Root," turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which has been used medicinally throughout Asia for hundreds–if not thousands–of years. I've personally experienced … [Read more...]
This past Monday Memorial Day marked the unofficially first day of summer. Many celebrated with barbecues and trips to the beach or by opening up household pools. Right on cue, it’s been heating up here in Connecticut, with daytime temperatures in the 80s and high 70s. As more of us are heading outdoors to enjoy the sun, today—Sunscreen Day—is the perfect time to review some summer sun safety tips … [Read more...]
The doctors of the band N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease) are turning up the volume on the healing power of music by reaching out to women with gynecologic cancers and raising awareness of these lesser-known diseases. The Emmy Award-winning, self-titled documentary, which follows the six gynecologic oncology surgeons who span the country and the women they treat, aims to educate an even bigger … [Read more...]
Heather Von St. James was just 36 years old when she was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. The aggressive form of cancer, which affects the membrane lining of the lungs, abdomen and, rarely, heart, is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 70. Von St. James was the mother of a 3-month-old when she discovered she had the most serious of asbestos-related diseases. “I’m a new … [Read more...]
It’s hard to escape the pink during October’s breast cancer awareness month, and that seems to be true for me here at The Mind-Body Shift as well. I’m proud to join Estroven and don their pink robe for the Sleep Pink movement, helping to raise awareness and funds for the Avon Foundation for Women. This is the third year that Estroven—a dietary supplement for menopause relief distributed by … [Read more...]
Did you know that esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in America and Europe? The National Cancer Institute estimates that there are 18,170 new cases of this form of cancer in the U.S., with 15,540 deaths from the disease so far in 2014. What’s perhaps even more shocking than the rapid growth of esophageal cancer is its link to a rather common health problem—acid reflux. Yet the remedy … [Read more...]
While covering a touchy subject and including a graphic surgical graphic, I feel this is important to share, and I wish I had had something like this to read before my procedure. Hopefully it provides helpful information and even a little reassurance in the event you need a biopsy for a breast lump in the future. A year ago, my OB-GYN or ‘lady doctor’ as I like to call him, declared that … [Read more...]
It is October, and once again the month is awash with pink. Pink pens, pink water bottles, pink ribbons and pro athletes, like NFL players and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, are donning pink game apparel. On Thursday night, one side of the White House was lit up pink for breast cancer awareness. While I appreciate the sentiment and effort for awareness, I can’t help thinking: Is all the pink for … [Read more...]
As summer heats up in Connecticut, the Department of Public of Health (DPH) is reminding residents to protect their health in the face of the sun, high temperatures and humidity. As we enter another heatwave, it’s a great time to brush up on some sun and heat safety tips. The State of Skin Cancer in Connecticut According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most … [Read more...]