albany herald special section - healthwise - october 2011

2 THE ALBANY HERALD • HEALTH WISE • Wednesday, October 26, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

(ARA) - October is Breast CancerAwareness month and throughoutthe month people across thecountry will be supporting SusanG. Komen for the Cure(R), a glob-al leader in the breast cancermovement, by participating in theirlocal Komen 3-Day for the Cureand Komen Race for the Cure.These events raise awarenessand funding for breast cancerresearch and treatment, but sup-porting the cause shouldn't end onOctober 31. Individuals shouldthink about taking action againstbreast cancer every day and withPink Ribbon Banking from Bank ofAmerica that can become a reali-

ty.Bank of America has

teamed up with Susan G. Komento create Pink Ribbon Bankingpromo.bankofamerica.com/komen.When you use your Pink RibbonVisa(R) credit or debit card tomake a qualifying purchase, yousupport the fight against breastcancer - at no additional expenseto you. So when you are outshopping for goods, buying gro-ceries or paying a restaurant tabwith your Pink Ribbon credit cardor debit card, Bank of Americacontributes to Komen. This pro-gram enables customers to giveback every day without having to

dig deeper into their pockets. Themoney will help save lives, ensurequality-of-care for all and invigor-ate scientists seeking a cure.

"Since we formed the part-nership in 2009, Bank of Americahas committed $2.4MM to SusanG. Komen for the Cure," saidAndres De Armas, Affinity Cardand Banking Executive. "Bank ofAmerica associates have volun-teered more than 21,000 hours oftheir personal time and con-tributed nearly $750,000 (includ-ing our company match) in addi-tion to the great benefits that kickin from our affinity card memberswhen they're out spending money.This program provides individualsa great way to assist those inneed."

Pink Ribbon Banking helps youmake a difference

Bank of America is a proudpartner with Susan G. Komen forthe Cure(R), the world's leadingbreast cancer organization in aneffort to help Americans takeaction against breast cancer with-out having to overextend them-selves financially.

For each new Pink Ribboncredit card account, or checkingaccount opened, Bank of Americawill make a contribution to SusanG. Komen. In addition, when thecardholder uses that credit ordebit card to make purchases, thebank will contribute a percentageto Komen. Breast cancer hasaffected most people's lives insome manner; the partnershipbetween Bank of America and

Komencreatesthe per-fect way for individuals to give toa cause, without kicking in theirown money.

"Affinity cards" that makeautomatic contributions for youare a great way to keep yourcharitable efforts alive, especiallyin this challenging economic envi-ronment. The cards and checkingaccounts allow you to help fund acause you strongly believe in withmoney that you are alreadyspending. A variety of banks,including Bank of America, have arange of organizations your affinitycard can make a contribution toby simply choosing a cause that isclose to you.

For information aboutrates, fees, other costs and bene-fits associated with the use of thePink Ribbon Visa credit card, or toapply, visitpromo.bankofamerica.com/komen.

Off to the races

There are more than 40Komen Race for the Cure eventstaking place across the country inOctober, including Dallas, TX;Boston, MA; Honolulu, HI;Birmingham, AL; Phoenix, AZDenver, CO; Charlotte, NC;Fresno, CA; Miami, FL; and NewOrleans, LA. You can sign up tojoin the cause in your city by visit-ing:ww5.komen.org/RacefortheCureSponsors.aspx

Bank of America, N.A.Member FDIC.

SSuuppppoorrttiinngg bbrreeaasstt ccaanncceerr -- iitt ''ss nnoott jjuussttssoommeetthhiinngg ttoo ddoo iinn OOccttoobbeerr

Courtesy of METRO CONNECTION

Making the choice to have a mastectomy is rarely easy. Butmany find it is the best way to remove the risk for breast cancerand go on with their lives. Getting used to dressing your body aftera mastectomy takes a little patience.Women who have been diagnosed with cancer in one or bothbreasts or who have a high statistical risk for cancer sometimes optto have their breast(s) removed by surgery. This surgery is called amastectomy and may range from simple to total. The surgery mightbe relatively simple, where the breast tissue alone may beremoved, or it may be more extensive, where the lymph nodes andmuscle under the breast are removed.

A study published in the journal Cancer found that, in NewYork State alone, the number of women who had a double mastec-tomy after discovering cancer in one breast more than doubledbetween 1995 and 2005, increasing from 295 to 683 during thattime.

Having a part of the body removed brings on many changes.Some women feel liberated by the thought of being cancer-free.Others mourn the loss of a part of their identity and femininity.Whatever the case, after some of the physical healing takes place,women must adapt to a new body.

Many women who have undergone a mastectomy find thatusing a breast form -- a type of prosthesis -- can make feelingmore confident possible. These forms may be attached directly tothe breast wall with a bit of skin-safe adhesive or fit inside of a bra.Some mastectomy bras are also built with the form already in thecups, similar to a padded bra.It is important when choosing a bra to be sure it is supportive andfirm-fitting to alleviate the risk of gapping or the breast form shiftingor coming out entirely. There are stores that specialize in post-mas-tectomy bra fittings and prostheses to help navigate the new worldof these products.

After a well-fitting bra and breast form is selected, a womancan start shopping for clothing. Many prostheses can be purchasedto mimic the size and shape of the original breast. Then existingclothing in one's closet may fit and little new shopping is needed.However, scarring or perceived attention to the area may causesome women to feel anxious. Following these tips can help:

* Avoid form-fitting tops that draw attention to the bust.* Look for scoop or boat neck shirts instead of deep V-neck tops.* Choose shirts and dresses with sleeves or thick straps in terms oftank tops to cover a supportive bra.* Select solid-color tops paired with print skirts to draw the eyeaway from the top half of the body.

* Whenselecting aswimsuit,look forstyles thatare cut highunder thearms and atthe neck-line. Athleticstyles areusuallyhigher-cut.* Useaccessorieslike shawls or shrugs to cover up perceived problem areas.* Layer clothing, like a vest over a shirt.* Splurge on a lacy bra to help you feel more feminine and sexy.* Avoid boxy or oversized shirts, which will only broadcast thatyou're trying to hide something.* Realize that problem areas may be noticeable only to you. Othersmay not detect by outward appearances that you even had surgery.

THE ALBANY HERALD • HEALTH WISE • Wednesday, October 26, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 3

(229) 483-9888 2810 Meredyth Drive • Albany, GA 31707

MRI & I MAGING OF A LBANY Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

Accredited in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

SPECIALTY CARE FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL...YOU!

• Excellent Service • Quality • Comfort • Friendly, caring staff • Accessible and convenient location WE OFFER: WE OFFER:

High-Field, short-bore MRI (means no more long tunnel) CAT (CT) scans • Same day-next day appointments

No Long Waits • Quick results • Flexible scheduling to fit your needs Insurance, self-pay & charity patients accepted

Now offering CT cardiac scoring exams

Fashion tips after a mastectomy



The factors that affect breast cancer risk are numerous.Some of those factors are simple. For example, being a womanand getting older automatically increases the risk for breast cancer.Other factors are more complex.

Among the more complex risk factors for breast cancer isgenetics. Every cell in the body is made of genetic material, orgenes. These genes affect nearly every function of the body and,when working properly, help the body stay healthy. However, some-times genes fail to perform their job at full capacity. When this hap-pens, an error known as a mutation occurs. These mutations canbe inherited or spontaneous, and either type of mutation canincrease a person's risk for illness and disease.

In the case of breast cancer, scientists have pinpointed twogenes that, when mutated, can play an important role in the devel-opment of breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes everyonehas, and some people inherit a mutated form of BRCA1 or BRCA2that increases their risk for breast cancer. However, according tothe American Cancer Society, such inherited gene mutationsaccount for just five to 10 percent of all cases of breast cancer inthe United States. Mutated BRCA genes can be spontaneous andeven occur in men. Men who carry these abnormal genes are atgreater risk of prostate cancer, and men carrying the mutatedBRCA2 gene have an increased risk of breast cancer as well.While the discovery of the gene linked to breast cancer is an impor-tant one, concerned men and women might want to know theyhave inherited the gene mutation. A genetic counselor can helpindividuals decode their family's health history and interpret theresults of genetic testing. For those interested in genetic testing,the counselor will need a thorough family health history and will

then have men and women go through pre-test counseling to deter-mine if it's necessary to go through with genetic testing. During thepre-test counseling, a counselor will explain the procedure, what itsrisks and benefits are, its cost, and other potential ramifications,including what patients will do once they learn the results of thetest. Learning the results can be an especially emotional moment,and pre-test counseling helps men and women prepare for learningthose results.

For those who go through with the genetic testing, a bloodsample will be taken and results are typically available within threeweeks. The counselor will then help patients interpret the results.The National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) can help interestedparties find a genetic counselor.

Men and women wary of testing should know that certainfactors might help determine if they have inherited a mutation intheir BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Those factors include:

* your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer beforeage 50

* your mother, sister or daughter has had ovarian cancer atany age

* a female relative has had both breast cancer and ovariancancer

* a female relative has had breast cancer in both breasts

* a male relative has had breast cancer

More information is available at www5.komen.org.

Genetics and breast cancer intertwined


Breast implants appear as a solid white mass on radiographic film,obscuring some breast tissue during mammography and other preventativebreast cancer screenings. Whether implants impair the ability to detectbreast cancer is a commonly asked question. The answer is perhaps not asmuch as many think.The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers that breast aug-mentation procedures have tripled between the years of 1997 and 2004, themost recent years for which statistics are available. In the U.S., augmenta-tion is now more popular than rhinoplasty and other procedures. Recentresearch indicates that an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 women in Canadahave breast implants, approximately 80 percent for cosmetic reasons.

Women choose breast implants for a number of reasons. While themajority are for cosmetic purposes, a growing percentage of women useimplants in reconstructive surgeries after a breast is removed or damagedfrom mastectomy or to correct under- or nondeveloped breasts.Although debate as to the safety of implant solutions continues, there arealso concerns of how implants impact cancer rates, most notably if theyinterfere with cancer screenings.

In research led by the University of California at San FranciscoComprehensive Cancer Center in 2006, evidence was revealed that screen-ing mammography failed to reveal 55 percent of breast cancers in womenwith implants, versus 37 percent among women without implants. However,although more cancers were initially missed, women with implants were notsusceptible to being diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer more thanthose without implants. During mammography, the breasts are manipulated to provide the best pos-sible views, even for women with implants. The technician attempts to movethe implant out of the way in something called "implant displacement." Still,some portion of the breast tissue will be obscured.

A small 2001 study by researchers at the University of SouthernCalifornia studying women with breast cancer that also have breastimplants indicated these women face no poorer prognosis than do thosewithout implants. For the study, the researchers reviewed the records of5,005 women who had been treated for breast cancer over the past 15years to determine whether the patients with breast implants were diag-nosed with more advanced forms of the disease and therefore had a poorerprognosis. Researchers found no difference in tumor size, recurrence rateor survival rates between those with or without implants.

These findings may offer peace of mind to the thousands who havebreast implants. Women who have undergone augmentation because of aprior battle with cancer may find it welcoming to know their implants likelywon't contribute to a cancer recurrence.Women who have had breast augmentation can talk to their doctors aboutdigital x-ray tests, which penetrate more clearly through tissue andimplants. MRIs can be considered as an added measure of protection if atypical mammogram produces poor visual results.


Americus 511 W. Forsyth St. Unit A Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-1620 Fax: 229-430-1347 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cordele 915 S. Greer St., Unit A Phone: (229) 276-0130 Fax: (229) 430-1347 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Valdosta 2910 N. Ashley St. Unit K Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: 229-247-7551 Fax: 229-247-7561 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Albany 2925 Ledo Rd. Unit 25 (East of Wal-Mart) Albany, GA 31707 Phone: (229)430-9778 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Albany 404 W. 2nd Ave (Across from Phoebe) Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (229)317-0730 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Faye Ferrer, CFOM Certified Mastectomy Fitter

HHooww bbrreeaasstt iimmppllaannttssiimmppaacctt bbrreeaasstt ccaanncceerr


In recent years many leading health organizations have advised that allwomen age 40 and up have an annual mammogram or be tested every two yearsfor the presence of breast cancer. Women with a higher risk for the disease mayhave been told to get bi-annual mammograms. There are some people who feelthat this blanket recommendation is ill-advised.Roughly 15 years ago, mammograms were only recommended for women age 50and older and then only every 3 years. However, new findings and higher inci-dences of breast cancer in women in their 40s has prompted the switch in screen-ing recommendations. Is the switch safe and adviseable? Some professionalssay no.

Mammograms remain a viable way to detect breast cancer in the body, butothers say that MRIs and other imaging are more effective, albeit more expensive.A 2004 Canadian study reported in the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation concluded that MRIs were more sensitive and more specific in detect-

ing small breast cancers than mammograms, ultrasounds or clinical breast exams. The study found that screening by MRI detected 79.5percent of invasive breast cancer, compared to only 33.3 percent by mammography.

Some also argue that the radiation present during mammograms may contribute to gene mutations that can contribute to canceritself.

In 1992, a Canadian National Breast Screening Study found that women in their 40s are actually more likely to die of breast can-cer after they receive a decade of annual mammo-grams than women who do not start getting mammo-grams until after age 50.The American College of Physicians, which represents120,000 internists, issued new guidelines in 2007 thaturge women in their 40s to consult with their doctorsabout whether to have a mammogram, saying the ben-efits for younger women are less clear. Screening alsocarries the risk of radiation exposure, unnecessarybiopsies, surgery, and maybe chemotherapy.

Furthermore, large population studies inDenmark and Canada have revealed that the deathrates from breast cancer in women taking regular mam-mograms and women who have never had mammo-grams are identical. This could be because mammo-grams in themselves can be dangerous or becausesometimes mammograms do not detect all cancers andcan leave a woman with a false sense of security thatshe is cancer-free.

Women should not take their decision to get amammogram lightly. Mammograms are often seen aspreventative care, but it is important to realize that radi-ation is at play in mammogram imaging and to recog-nize the potential risks. A woman in her 40s may wantto talk with a doctor about other screening options,including being more vigilant with self-examinations.


MMaammmmooggrraapphhyy bbeenneeffiittss qquueessttiioonneedd

There has long been debate about the quality of the healthcaresystem in the United States versus other countries, including Canadaand European nations. Some say the American system is better, whileothers think better care is received through a universal or govern-ment-sponsored system. In terms of cancer diagnosis and survival,the U.S. may have the advantage. According to data published by theNational Center for Policy Analysis, Americans have better survivalrates for common cancers. Breast cancer mortality is 52 percent high-er in Germany and 88 percent higher in the U.K. than in the U.S.Breast cancer mortality is also 9 percent higher in Canada than in theU.S. This could be because American women have better access topreventive screen-ing methods thanCanadians and oth-ers. Eighty-ninepercent of middle-aged Americanwomen have had amammogram, com-pared to 72 percentof Canadians.

DID YOU KNOW?


Swedish researchershave determined women whowere heavyset as youngstershave a lower risk for breast can-cer than others.According to Dr. Jingmei Li of theKarolinska Institutet inStockholm, a female's bodyweight throughout her life playsdifferent roles in her risk to devel-op breast cancer. Although beingoverweight as an infant or anadult may increase the risk, dur-ing the window of time when afemale is six or seven years ofage, being heavier can have anadvantage.Dr. Li and her researchers stud-ied 2,818 Swedish women withbreast cancer and 3,111 womenwithout the disease. The women

were shown a series of nine fig-ure outlines and asked to chooseone that best represented theirbody size at age seven. The find-ings were that women who hadlarger bodies during childhoodwere 27 percent less likely tohave breast cancer than womenwho were leaner as seven-year-olds.

Researchers also deter-mined that being heavier as a girlprotected women against alltumor types the researchersstudied. The protective effect waseven stronger for tumors that did-n't carry estrogen receptors; larg-er childhood body size reducedthe risk of these tumors by 60percent, while it reduced the riskof estrogen-receptor positivetumors by 20 percent. The reason behind the reduced

risk could be due to higher levelsof estrogen in the bodies of heav-ier girls during key moments ofmammary development in youth.These estrogen levels may helpprotect the breasts later on in life.

Parents should not go toextreme lengths to increase theweight of girls around the age ofseven. Being overweight carrieswith it its own health risks.

"There is definitely noreason for overfeeding of the kidsto get them to reach a particularbody size," says Dr. Li.

Being overweight as achild does not eliminate thechances of getting breast cancer.Healthy eating, routine self-breastexaminations, annual mammog-raphy, and physicals with a doc-tor are advised steps to helpwomen remain healthy.


What does it take to be super-fro-yo? Super Fro-Yo is a new classification of frozen yogurt that sets a high standard for nutrition in the industry. Super Fro-Yo includes a special combination of nutrients that work together to improve your overall sense of well-being. Although there are many forms of beneficial yogurt and frozen yogurt retailers in the market today, TCBY’s soft-serve frozen yogurt is one of the select few that can truly be called Super Fro-Yo. To qualify as Super Fro-Yo, most of our frozen yogurts meet or exceed the following guidelines per serving:* • Fiber: Must have a minimum of 3 grams • Probiotics: Must have a minimum of 7 types of live & active cultures. • Vitamin D: Must have a minimum of 20% DV • Calcium: Must have a minimum of 20% DV • Protien: Must have a minimum of 4 grams In addition to the above nutritionals, the following values are also present in Super Fro-Yp: 120 calories or less; minimum 10% DV Vitamen A: 1 gram or less of saturated fat; minimum of 20 billion live & active cultures per serving at manufacturing. *Based on a 4 fl. oz (1/2 cup) serving. Percent DV bases on 2,000 calorie diet. Information on daily values is rounded according to FDA guidelines.

883-7143 2416 Dawson Road

© 2007 TCBY Systems, LLC. Not valid with any other offer.

Tax may apply. Void where prohibited. Limited one coupon per customer per visit.

Valid only at participating locations. Cash value 1/100 of a cent.

$ 1 OFF any frozen treat Expires November 30, 2011

OOvveerrwweeiigghhtt ggiirrllss lleessss lliikkeellyy ttoo ddeevveelloopp bbrreeaassttccaanncceerr aass aadduullttss,, ssaayyss ssttuuddyy

If you are looking for a healthy summer treat, thenyou need look no further! TCBY® offers numerous optionsfor those of us that are watching our waistlines duringbathing suit season.

One of the most popular items is the fruit and yogurtsmoothie. There are 14 different flavors to choose from, sothere is something for everyone! The flavors range fromStrawberry Bonanza and Pink Pineapple to Purely Peachand Mango Tango. Any of the 14 different smoothies can begiven an additional healthy boost by requesting a supplement be added.The supplements that can be mixed in with your smoothie are high energy,vitamin, fat burner, calcium, or whey protein. A large smoothie (24 oz.)weighs in at only 300 calories. You can't beat that for a frosty, healthy sum-mer treat!

TCBY® also offers a variety of other sweet treats. Everyday thereare 8 soft serve yogurt flavors offered, which include StrawberryCheesecake, White Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate, Vanilla, Sugar FreeVanilla, an additional sugar free flavor, a special flavor, and a dairy free sor-bet. Several of these flavors can be swirled together. There are also 12hand dipped yogurt flavors offered at TCBY®. The soft serve yogurts are98% fat free, so you can feel less guilty about adding a couple of toppingsfrom the topping bar, which includes 40 different options from fresh fruit andnuts to chocolate chips and sour gummy worms. All of TCBY's® yogurtsalso contain seven live active cultures, while other yogurts only offer threeor four.

HHeeaalltthhyy SSwweeeett TTrreeaattss

8 THE ALBANY HERALD • HEALTHY LIVING • Wednesday, October 26, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

albany herald special section - healthwise - october 2011

Documents

theirlocal komen

percentageto komen

bank of americacontributes

bank of americawill

bank of americahas

komen forthe curer

cureand komen race

credit ordebit card