Welcome, welcome, welcome to The Pink Crusader blog spot! As always, we greet you with a big hug and warm smile. Come join us for a guilt-free moment of "sweet" indulgence as we pass around the Whitman Sampler. Grab the chocolate(s) of your choice and please read on...
There's a thin person inside of me screaming to get out, but I keep her sedated with chocolate. - Unknown
This week we are singing the praises of one of life's simple pleasures...the joy of eating chocolate and the heart-health benefits it provides. So before you have eater's remorse over devouring the last nugget of Valentine truffles, enjoy the following article. This will conclude our special February healthy-heart series.
The Health Benefits of Chocolate: Can Chocolate Benefit Your Health?
by Marguerite Bonneville
Chocolate is one of the most popular sweet-tasting treats in the world and has been for centuries. But part of the myth surrounding chocolate is that if it tastes so good, it must be bad for your health.
But the surprising news from the scientific community is that this reputedly decadent treat actually has some health benefits, especially if you choose your chocolate wisely.
Is Chocolate A Health Food?Chocolate contains more than 300 chemicals, and has been the subject of a number of studies by universities and other scientific organizations. Here's a quick rundown of the results. (Note, we have no way of proving or disproving these claims so we offer them here as a stimulus for further research. If you're really interested in the subject, this may provide you with a starting point.)
* Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Of course, this is counteracted by the high sugar content of milk chocolate.
* The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
* Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
* The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.
* Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
* Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.
* The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
* Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
* Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
* The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.
What Chocolate Won't Do
There are many myths and half-truths about the effects of chocolate on the human body. Here are the latest findings on several of them.
* Studies show that chocolate is not a causative factor in acne.
* Cacao contains the stimulants caffeine and bromine, but in such small quantities that they don't cause nervous excitability.
* Chocolate is not addictive.
* Chocolate contains stearic acid, a neutral fat which doesn't raise bad cholesterol.
* Chocolate doesn't make you 'high'. You'd need to eat a huge quantity (about 25 pounds at one sitting) to feel any noticeable effect.
But On The Negative Side...
1. Chocolate may trigger headaches in migraine sufferers.
2. Milk chocolate is high in calories, saturated fat and sugar.
What About Chocolate And Your Pets?
Chocolate is considered dangerous to animals because it contains a stimulant called theobromine, which they can't digest.
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are even more dangerous because they contain higher concentrations of the substance. This applies whether chocolate is in candy bar form, or an ingredient in cake, cookies, puddings or ice cream.
If a pet becomes ill after eating chocolate, take it to the vet immediately.
Dark Chocolate Versus Milk Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains more cacao and less sugar than milk chocolate. It follows that any health benefits would be more pronounced in dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is allowed on the popular Montaignac diet while milk chocolate is not.
You'll need to do a little research if you have any health concerns about eating chocolate. But with products like gluten-free and sugar-free brands finding their way onto supermarket shelves, you're sure to find some form of chocolate you can enjoy with a clear conscience.
© Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer for http://www.romantic-gift-ideas-online.com/ , a resource site dedicated to helping visitors find the perfect romantic gift.
Source: http://www.momscape.com/
Copyright 2008 Momscape.com All Rights Reserved
To read more, visit: http://www.momscape.com/articles/chocolate.htm
------------------------------------------------------------SURVIVOR UPDATES:
Please keep the following ladies in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for surgery this week:
Diana Gonzalez
Marsha Yeager
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Faye Sallee (per friend Dorothy Slator Paterson)
Please pray for Faye Sallee. She is in the hospital at MD Anderson with infection in her lungs Please pray that the infection will clear up so she can start her new chemotherapy treatment. - Dorothy**************************************
Mary Raia (per friend Dottie)
Just got the call, Mary is out of surgery, Dr. is pleased. Mary is doing fine, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday when she goes home. All is well with the world.....Thanks to all
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Sonia Einstein
Get-well wishes to Sonia who is recovering from recent surgery.
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Argelia Lopez
We wish Argelia a speedy recovery following her stay in the hospital and hope to see her soon at the next Rosebuds II meeting.
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From Marsha Yeager:
To all SOS Support Group members: We need to know who will be a 5-year survivor this year, 2008. Survivorship is marked from the date that you are diagnosed going forward. Even if your month/day anniversary occurs in the summer, we want to know about it now so we can honor our survivors at our last meeting, which is May. Please call ( 281 431 0700) or email (marshayeager@yahoo.com ) if you will be an honoree. Blessings, Marsha
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From Serenitea Tea Room & Gift Shop:
You are invited to our Tea Tasting sessions every Friday during the month of March. Come in anytime between 2 pm and 5 pm and try a variety of our select teas each week.This is aan experience for novices and teaites alike! Begin your journey of discovering the world of tea or experience teas beyond the familiar classics.
Each Tea-Tasting Menu is Accompanied by scones served with lemon curd and clotted cream. To view the complete menu, visit: http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/files/Tea_Tasting_flyer.htm
Cost: $9.95/person.
Hours: Mon - Thurs 11 - 4, Fri - Sat 11 - 5
Phone: 281-491-4588
http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/
13889 Southwest Frwy.
Sugar Land, TX 77478
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From M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Network Newsletter
Winter, 2008
Doctor Doctor: Giving the heart its due
The more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States, and even some physicians, often aren’t aware of the consequences of cancer and its treatments on the heart. That’s why Jean-Bernard Durand, M.D., medical director of Cardiomyopathy Services at M. D. Anderson, and his colleagues are working to better understand hypertension and cardiotoxicity, possible late effects of treatment. Their ultimate goal is to prevent heart damage or intervene during treatment, rather than treat the problem when heart failure occurs.
What are hypertension and cardiotoxicity?
Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure as well as the disease of which this is a symptom. Uncontrolled, it progresses to heart failure.
Cardiotoxicity is an acute or long-term injury to the heart as a result of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapy. When we speak about cardiotoxicity that implies the whole cardiovascular system: the arteries, the veins, the heart valves, the heart muscle or the electrical system.
What has inhibited research in this area?
Part of the difficulty with clinical trials studying heart problems in cancer patients is that we tend to work in silos. Patients with significant cardiac problems are largely excluded from cancer clinical trials while patients with a significant cancer history are largely excluded from cardiovascular trials. We have this great work in cardiology and in cancer. As we develop new therapies, our success in getting patients safely through treatment requires that we bring these two disciplines together to reduce associated cardiovascular risks.
Which drugs cause hypertension or cardiotoxicity?
For decades, one of the standard ingredients of combination chemotherapy has been a class of drugs called anthracylcines, such as doxorubicin and epirubicin. While they are effective in treating cancer, we also know they can cause cardiotoxicity.
However, in the last few years, there has been a major paradigm shift as researchers introduce new targeted therapies. While these drugs have reduced cardiotoxicity, the risk of drug-induced hypertension is significant. For example, bevacizumab (Avastin) causes hypertension in 23% to 34% of patients and is life-threatening in 14%; alemtuzumab (Campath) affects 11%; infliximab (Remicade) affects 10%; and rituximab (Rituxan) affects 6%. Others that may cause cardiotoxicity include bortezomib (Velcade), trastuzumab (Herceptin) and imatinib (Gleevec).
Can hypertension and cardiotoxicity be managed?
When heart problems occur, people get frightened. However, in many cases, they’re treatable. We’ve found a way to improve heart function, combining beta blockers, specifically carvedilol (Coreg) and metoprolol (Toprol XL), with ACE inhibitors. In addition, M. D. Anderson has integrated current guidelines from the American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society into clinical practice.
Our most important efforts, however, are to be proactive and prevent or detect problems early. Currently, we’re investigating a blood test called BNP, brain naturetic peptide, a molecule released from the heart in times of stress. Now FDA approved to diagnosis heart failure, it may provide an excellent predictor of who will develop cardiotoxicity long before the EKG or echocardiogram becomes abnormal or symptoms develop.
What’s next?
While the incidence of heart failure is low, the incidence of hypertension is high. A National Cancer Institute task force is looking at how to treat high blood pressure in patients on these targeted therapies. There also is an important committee of experts in cardiology and oncology who have come together to form CONQUER, Cardiology Oncology InterNational QUest to Educate and Research Heart Failure, to begin establishing recommendations on how to improve the care of cancer patients and survivors with cardiovascular disease. http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/network/display.cfm?id=A55428DF-8D70-4204-B7DB8FFA6C230A1B&method=displayFull
Source: ©2008 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Disclaimer: The material and content contained in this website is for general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Users of this website should not rely exclusively on information provided in this website for their own health needs. All specific medical questions should be presented to your own health care provider.
In consideration for your use of and access to this website, you agree that in no event will M. D. Anderson or any other party involved in creating, producing or delivering this website or any site linked to this website, be liable to you in any manner whatsoever for any decision made or action or non-action taken by you in reliance upon the information provided through this website.
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From the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC):
NBCC Briefs Capitol Hill On Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program
On February 11, NBCC held its annual briefing on Capitol Hill about the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, one of our top legislative priorities. Since 1992, the DOD Breast Cancer Research Program has fostered new ideas, partnerships and models in breast cancer research. NBCC Executive Vice President Carolina Hinestrosa, Col. Janet Harris (Director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs), and Rosemary Rosso (member of the Metropolitan D.C. Breast Cancer Coalition, and advocate peer-reviewer for the Program), were on hand to provide an overview of the Program, describe its unprecedented structure and share its groundbreaking accomplishments. For more information visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=333
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From Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization:
Y-Me Walk to Empower
You can now RSVP online for our upcoming luncheon. If you're looking for print materials, ideas and enthusiasm to jumpstart your team, then join us at the DoubleTree Hotel Houston Downtown on Wednesday, March 19. Team captains heading up family & friends teams, corporate teams, club teams and school teams are all invited to join us as we kick off team-building season for Y-ME's Walk to Empower. We hope to see you there! RSVP online today or call us at 877-YME-7223.
http://main.y-me.org/site/Calendar/2108956386?view=Detail&id=5161&JServSessionIdr004=avtc2m4ov4.app14a
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
HOPE STONE, INC. SATURDAY SAMPLER SERIES
Hit the winter blues and blahs with our new sampler series!!!! Hope Center offers a lovely sampling of classes for you to try out during the next few Saturdays....a great way to try a new movement class.....experience a novel way to move and care for your body....to be in the community with other awesome Hope Center students, and gosh darn it, to HAVE FUN. Our teachers are the best of the best!!!!!
Week #7 - March 1 - CAPOEIRA MARTIAL ARTS
11:45 - 1:00pm
Cost is $18 drop in, class cards can be used as well!
Call now to register-713.526.1907 ext. 1
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/
ROSEBUDS II MEETING
February 28, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting for those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet. Future Meetings: MARCH 13 & 27
M. D. ANDERSON SPRING WORKSHOP
Innovations in Breast Cancer and the Art of Cancer Survivorship
Saturday, March 1, 2008
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Cancer Prevention Building, 8th floor
1155 Pressler
Houston, Texas
Keynote Speakers
Melissa Crosby, M.D. - Developments in Reconstructive Surgery
P.K. Morrow, M.D. - Future Directions in Breast Cancer Treatment: Updates from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Karin Hahn, M.D., Moderator - Multidisciplinary Panel Discussion
COLLAGE: Art of Survivorship
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/yngbreastsrv/dIndex.cfm?pn=C6D164AE-19F1-4DD3-B99D0566A30B813F or You can RSVP at bsmp@mdanderson.org
ROSEBUDS MEETING
March 4, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet
Future Meetings: MARCH 18
FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK EVENT
Saks Fifth Avenue - Mexico City
50 Fabulous Women - Breakfast Benefit
March 5th, 2008 Details TBA
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tickle Me Pink Fashion Show
featuring Houston-area Student Designers
March 8th, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Lamar High School
3325 Westheimer Drive
$10 tickets sold at door
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, March 10th, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675.
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Conference
Conference activities will include genetics of hereditary cancer, risk management, panel discussions with patients, survivors and caregivers, research directions and clinical trials.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
8am - 1 pm
Registration now open. www.mdanderson.org/departments/ccg
For info: call 713-745-7391 or e-mail ccg@mdanderson.org
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on March 18, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER
Houston Team Captain Training Luncheon
DoubleTree Hotel Houston Downtown
All team captains and co-captains are invited to attend the Houston Walk Team Captain Training Luncheon on March 19, 2008. This event promises to be a lot of fun, bringing together representatives from corporate, family, and club teams!
The luncheon is an opportunity for your team to learn fun ways to fundraise as well as meet others who will be there on Mother's Day morning By attending you will be one of the first to receive our brand-new 2008 promotional posters and brochures which will help you get started on the right foot!
DoubleTree Hotel Houston Downtown
400 Dallas Street
Houston, TX 77002
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
http://main.y-me.org/site/Calendar/2108956386?view=Detail&id=5161&JServSessionIdr004=avtc2m4ov4.app14a
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Fatigue Awareness Week - April 7 -10, 2008
Monday April 7th, 10am - 1pm - Clinic Open House
Mays Clinic, Sixth Floor
Tuesday, April 8th, - Cancer-related Fatigue Video Viewing
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cancer Prevention Building, Eight Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
RSVP: 713-792-2808 or e-mail bsmp@mdanderson.org
For more information, call the Patient Education Office at 713-794-5379
or e-mail www.mdanderson.org/departments/patedu
SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County.
April 8, 2008, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Holy Cross Episcopal Church
For additional info and directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/
AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898?pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC):
2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008
Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.
NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates. To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Save the Dates: Rally - April 27, 2008
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/
HOPE STONE, INC.
Save The Date for our Premiere Piece
PEACE PIECE ...May 1st, 2008
by the Kid's Play Ensemble and YouthSound
Tickets on sale soon!!!! Details TBA
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas
During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme,
“Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
Details TBA
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.” - Dave Barry
Until next week stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing with a Snickers in one hand and an Oreo in the other!
Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
Dear Blogger Family & Friends,
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