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May 15

Your eyes, windows to aging?

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In the 1950’s the free radical theory of aging (FRTA) was discovered. It states that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. These in turn can start a chain reaction, interacting, and disrupting cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Following this, cells may function poorly or die.
To prevent free radical damage, the body has a defense system of antioxidants.  Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged.  The principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.
In your 20’s and 30’s you see little effects of aging, but free radicals are at work. The eyes are often the first age related area of complaint on the face. They break down and damage skin around the eyes; causing loss of collagen and elastin.
Protecting the skin around the eyes early on can prevent damage later. Eat right. Get enough sleep. Develop an effective beauty routine; including make-up removal and Eye cream, night and day. Limit sun exposure; use SPF sunscreen and sunglasses for UV rays. Use cold therapy for dry eyes, headaches or sinuses, and puffy eyes. Have your eyesight tested regularly, to avoid squinting, which can cause fine lines and crows feet.
Eyes age at different rates, due to genetics, bone structure, skin quality and the effects of the sun.
Cosmetic surgery may be the ultimate solution to addressing signs of aging around the eyes. Options include:
Blepharoplasty of the Lower Lids: Eliminates drooping Basset-hound eyes. Wrinkled crepe like skin under the eyes is pulled up and cut off, stitched along the line of the lower lashes and directly below the pink part or conjunctiva.
Blepharoplasty of the Upper Lids: Drooping Hooded Eyelids. Incision made in the fold of the lid, excess fat or skin is removed, tiny stitches to close incision.
Conclusion:
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

― Benjamin Franklin250px-Benjamin_Franklin_by_Joseph-Siffred_Duplessis

May 14

After Jolie’s disclosure, cancer group urges caution

Was7536816Hours after actress Angelina Jolie revealed that she had a preventive double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society issued a statement Tuesday urging women who might have genetic risk factors for breast cancer to proceed with caution before undergoing surgery.

“While only a small number of breast cancers are linked to known genetic risk factors, women facing such a high risk need to know that, and need to be able to discuss their options with genetic specialists and knowledgeable health professionals so they can have all the information and expertise at their fingertips to do what’s right for them,” said a statement from Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society.

“This does not mean every woman needs a blood test to determine their genetic risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer,” he said. Even if these genetic risks are confirmed through testing, not every woman should should get the surgery.

“Experts recommend women proceed cautiously, and receive a second opinion before deciding to have this surgery,” he said.

Women should know their cancer family history and discuss it with their primary care physician. If appropriate, they should be referred to genetic specialists to discuss their risk and options, he said.

Insurance plans created before the passage of the Affordable Care Act are not required to cover the costs of genetic counseling, testing and any surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer. But under the health law, new insurance plans are required to cover counseling and testing for breast cancer risk. They are not required to cover the surgery.

Brawley said the preventive surgery to remove both breasts before cancer is diagnosed can reduce the risk of breast cancer by as much as 97 percent. But it does not completely prevent breast cancer because “even a very careful surgeon will leave behind a small amount of breast tissue, which can go on to become cancerous,” he said.

Among the women who could benefit from the surgery are those who have mutations in the BRCA gene associated with a high risk of breast cancer that have been confirmed by testing, a strong family history of breast cancer, a previous breast cancer, and show signs of certain precancerous conditions.

“A woman with a mutation of known significance must consider her quantifiable risk in making the very personal decision to have her breasts and ovaries removed or pursuing other options, such as more extensive screening for breast and ovarian cancer,” Brawley said.

by ,

May 14, 2013 04:21 PM EDT

The Washington Post

Tuesday, May 14, 12:21 PM

May 8

Make Strides Against Breast Cancer

Committed to sharing the pertinent information, and  Expert Advice…Every Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about steps we can take to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them.

Mark your calendar: Make Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Lehigh Valley

Saturday, October 26, 2013

More than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors will celebrate another birthday this year, thanks in part to the dollars raised by supporters like you. Join us and honor those you love by helping us fund – and finish- the fight against breast cancer.  So mark your calendar, start a team, and raise funds today!

Make Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Lehigh Valley

Saturday, October 26, 2013

5k (3.1 miles)

Downtown Bethlehem

Intersection of Spring and Main Street

Family friendly walk

For More Information:

610.921.2329 ext.3022

MakingStridesWalk.org