USA Today had a very interesting piece on their front page. They broke down Girl Scout Cookie sales for 2011. The winner?
Thin Mints! Let’s be honest though, I would gladly eat any of them.
Tags: Cookie, Girl Scout, Girl Scout cookie, thin mints, USA Today
Today is the 29th anniversary of my bone marrow transplant. My mom calls it my real birthday and in a way it is. It’s the day I got my life back. I was lucky, beyond lucky. I have a mom who wouldn’t give up on saving my life and found a hospital who accepted me into their transplant program. I was equally lucky to have a sister who was a match and therefore could donate her bone marrow to me.
Unfortunately not everyone is as fortunate as I am. Every year, thousands of people of all ages are diagnosed with blood cancers like leukemia. Many of them will die unless they get a bone marrow or cord blood transplant from a matching donor. Seventy percent of people who need a transplant do not have a donor in their family and depend on a stranger to save their life. [i]
It is a good thing then that the National Marrow Transplant Program exists. The National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) is a nonprofit organization that provides bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants to patients in need. NMDP operates the Be The Match Registry®, the world’s largest listing of potential marrow donors and donated cord blood units.
So I know what you are thinking, how can I join the registry? I am happy to report it is VERY easy, just three steps.
1) Confirm you meet basic registry guidelines.
2) Complete the online form and order your registration kit. When you join, please also consider making a financial contribution.
3) Follow the instructions in your kit to collect a swab of cheek cells and return the kit.
The registry especially needs people between the ages of 18 and 44 because younger donors produce more and higher-quality cells than older donors. Click here for more information http://marrow.org/Join/Join_Now/Join_Now.aspx
[i] http://marrow.org/About/Who_We_Are/Who_We_Are.aspx
Tags: BMT, Bone marrow, Donation, Health, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Medicine, National Marrow Donor Program, NMDP, transplant
The New York Times has recently started publishing a new column in their Wellness section. The column is titled “Life Interrupted” and is written by an extraordinarily brave woman, Suleika Jaoaud. Suleika is facing Cancer in her 20’s and documents her journey. Her writing is powerful and raw. You can read her first article “Life, Interrupted; Facing Cancer in your 20’s” here http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/life-interrupted-facing-cancer-in-your-20s/?ref=health
Something that Suleika wrote in her article really stuck with me. “Cancer magnifies the in-betweenness of young adulthood: You’re not a child anymore, yet you’re not fully ready to live in the adult world, either. After my diagnosis, I moved back into my childhood bedroom. And as I get sicker, I increasingly rely on my parents to take care of me. But at the same time, I’ve had no choice but to grow up fast. Daunting questions that most of my peers won’t have to consider for many more years have become my urgent, everyday concerns: How will I hold onto health insurance if I’m unable to work? Will I be able to have children? How long will I live?”
I think many of us can identify with being an “in-betweenner”. For 22 years I was luckily naïve. I went to school, I did my homework and hung out with friends. One of my biggest worries was how was I possibly going to wake up for my 9:00 am class. Then I turned 22 and became a college graduate and had to become an adult. As excited as I was to get my first job and business cards (not joking) I didn’t feel totally prepared to become a “real adult”. I think this is pretty normal. All of this is heightened when you’re in a crisis.
In the past few years I have had more than one serious surgery. Like Suleika, I temporarily moved back into my Mom’s house and she became my caretaker. At the same time I was over 18 so I was also in charge of making the ultimate decisions about my care. I was now responsible for signing consent forms, making health care decisions and ultimately deciding my fate.
I have heard a similar sentiment from many friends who have had to go through difficult situations. Parents and loved ones no longer talk behind closed doors shielding us from unpleasantries. Instead we hear and see everything, sometimes even being pushed into the middle. Even when we catch a common cold it is normal to regress and want nothing more than our mom’s TLC and chicken soup. The challenge of growing up is learning to do stuff on our own but also being honest with ourselves and knowing when to ask for help.
Which brings me back to Suleika. I HIGHLY suggest you read her new column. It has been a great lesson for this in-betweenner on becoming an adult with honesty, humility, poise and grace.
Tags: Cancer, Conditions and Diseases, Health, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, New York Times, Suleika, Suleika Jaoaud, TLC, wellness, Young adult (psychology)
On March 19th the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began running a new series of anti-smoking ads. The campaign is called Tips From Former Smokers and features former smokers who are now experiencing smoking-related diseases. Besides just showcasing the challenges that these people are now going through, the stars of the campaign also give advice or “tips” to help people quit smoking. [i]
I was surprised to read that this is the first time the CDC has run a paid, comprehensive national anti-tobacco advertising effort. This is especially shocking because marketing and promotion of cigarettes in the United Sates exceed $1 million an hour—more than $27 million a day.[ii]
You can see the videos at: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/videos/.
Terrie
One of the most graphic ads is called “Terrie’s ad”. We watch as a woman named Terrie who has lost her hair and teeth to throat cancer which developed due to smoking, get ready in the morning. Terrie had to undergo a laryngectomy and speaks through a stoma. Seeing such a young woman so sick is shocking and sad but that is the point. These ads stay with you and hopefully will stay in the minds of those who are thinking of beginning to smoke or those who want to quit.
I was not surprised to read that these ads seem to be having an impact. On April 2, The CDC released a press release which stated, “Two weeks after The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the ‘Tips from Former Smokers Campaign’, calls to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW quitline have more than doubled. Previous experience from state and local media campaigns promoting quitlines shows at least five to six smokers try to quit on their own for every one person who calls a quitline.[iii]
It will be interesting to see if this campaign can maintain its impact. Perhaps it can be used to help combat other life threatening habits such as drugs or wearing jean on jean.
[i] http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/new-cdc-ads-show-harsh-consequences-of-smoking
[ii] http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/about/campaign-overview.html
[iii] http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2012/p0402_quitline.html
Tags: CDC, Center for Disease Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health, quit smoking, quitline, quitline, Smoking cessation, Tobacco, Tobacco control movement, United States
It’s backkkkkkk. The Annual Washington Post Peeps Diorama Contest. Is there anything greater than pop culture and sugar? I think not. Below are the highlights from this year’s submissions.
OccuPeep D.C. (Shot 1)
OccuPeep D.C. (Shot 2)
Peepius Maximus
Just Peep’d (Shot 1)
Just Peep’d (Shot 2)
The Beach Peeps
Marine Corps Marathon: The Peep-les Marathon
Le Tour de Peeps
Welcome Home Peeps
Mount Peepmore
Peepton Abbey
To see all of the other finalists, CLICK BELOW
Tags: Confectionery, Easter, Food, peep, Washington Post
Last week my favorite cookie, the Oreo, celebrated a milestone birthday – turning 100. The very first batch of Oreos was made at the original Nabisco bakery in New York in 1912. I believe an appropriate celebration would be to consume 100 Oreos, unfortunately this would have an adverse effect on my waist line. Instead, I have researched some of the most original Oreo creations.
And for the finale….
10. Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar
References: http://blog.springpadit.com/2010/03/fifteen-creative-ways-to-use-oreos/ http://picky-palate.com/2011/07/13/oreo-and-peanut-butter-layered-baby-lattice-pies/ www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/ http://www.runningwithspatulas.com/2012/02/oreo-cheesecake-cookies.html http://www.diyinspired.com/dessert-martinis/ http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookie-n-oreo-fudge-brownie-bar.html#ixzz1p7CbgdEP http://jgklausner.com/work/oreo-cameo#p25 http://shop.confectionjewels.com/product/oreo-cookie-time-cocktail-ring http://pinterest.com/pin/130604457913435349/
Tags: Baking and Confections, Cookie, Cooking, dessert, Drink, Food, Kraft, milkshake, Nabisco, Oreo
This year National Patient Safety Awareness week is being celebrated from March 4 through March 10. I know how you feel! This topic is so exciting I can’t sleep at night either. But seriously, patient safety is important. Since patient safety was first brought to light in the 1990s, studies have shown a staggering number of patients harmed by preventable medical errors. Medical errors can cause serious injury or death and result in billions of dollars in excess health care costs nationwide each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 out of every 10 patients worldwide is impacted by these errors. [i]
With the help of the guidelines set by The National Patient Safety Foundation, (NPSF) I have developed the list below on what you can do to make sure you and your loved ones have a safer healthcare experience.
Keep track of your history
Write down your medical history including any medical conditions you have: illnesses, immunizations, allergies, hospitalizations, all medications and dietary supplements you’re taking, and any reactions or sensitivities you’ve experienced. My husband and I do this in the notes section of our cell phones. In addition, my husband and a few close family members have my history in case I am not able to convey the information myself to a medical professional.
Pay attention 
If something doesn’t seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or health care professional because you know what? It might not be right. For example, I was once getting a CT Scan that I was told numerous times would be done without an IV because contrast wasn’t necessary. When I checked into my appointment I was told I needed to get an IV for the contrast. I knew I had been told differently and when I spoke up about it, it turned out they were looking at the wrong order.
Take medications exactly as prescribed
Your doctor is prescribing you medication at a certain dosage for a reason. I have many friends who will tell me that they have stopped taking medication because they feel better. Feeling better and having a bug out of your system are two completely different things. For example, a person who does not finish their antibiotics increases the chances that they may get sick again soon after, even though he or she has begun to feel better. The antibiotics kill the bacteria that are causing the illness. However, if you stop taking the medication ahead of time, it is possible that the same bacteria will begin to grow once you stop and cause you to get sick again. Who wants that?[ii]
Last but definitely not least remember It is OK to Ask!
It is ok to ask your doctor about ANYTHING you don’t understand. This can be as simple as where you should report for your next treatment or as complicated as explaining surgery options. It is your right as a patient to fully understand the care and treatment you’ll be receiving. Furthermore, The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) reports research that shows patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.[iii]
For more information about Patient Safety, check out the National Patient Safety Foundation’s website at http://www.npsf.org/for-patients-consumers/patients-and-consumers-key-facts-about-patient-safety/
[i] http://www.hmsa.com/about/transparency/patientsafety/default.aspx
[ii] http://www.gethealthyharlem.org/articles/antibiotic-medication-be-sure-finish-all-it
[iii] http://www.jointcommission.org/facts_about_speak_up_initiatives/
Tags: Health care, JCAHO, Joint Commission, Medical error, National Patient Safety Foundation, NPSF, Patient safety, Patient Safety Week, The Joint Commission, World Health Organization, World Health Organzation (WHO)
Social Media can be very dangerous. I have heard more than one story about Facebook being used by kids to bully each other. I am constantly reading warnings on Craigslist reminding me to be careful of whom I meet and interact with. However, social media is not always a bad thing. Facebook is great as it helps me to remember friend’s birthdays. I love using Twitter as a way to stay up to date on the latest in healthcare and all things Kardashian. Recently a friend told me about a story where social media actually made a dream come true.
Avalanna Routh is a 6 year old from Methuen, Massachusetts who was diagnosed at 8 months old with a rare form of brain cancer, Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor, or AT/RT. Often after a grueling day of treatment at Boston’s Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Clinic, Avalanna will go to a local spa for some much needed rest and relaxation. It is here that she spoke about her dream to meet international pop super star Justin Bieber. When employees of the spa found out how badly she wanted to meet Bieber, they started a media campaign to make her wish a reality. They tweeted, facebooked and contacted every newspaper, radio and television station to get the attention of someone from Bieber’s camp. As it happens, a staff member from the local Fox network reached out to a friend that had connections to Justin Bieber’s manager
After hearing Avalanna’s story, Bieber flew Avalanna and her family to NYC so they could meet. They spent 2 hours playing Candyland, laughing and taking pictures. What is more, friends and family hope this brings attention and funding to AT/RT. Since this disease affects such a small population drug companies have little incentive to spend money developing much needed treatment that could one day lead to a cure.
(Photo Tweeted by Justin)
I have to admit I was not a huge fan of Justin Bieber but now I have Bieber Fever.
After their time together, Bieber tweeted that meeting Avalanna was “one of the best things I have ever done” and referred to her as “Mrs. Bieber”. He even included a picture of them goofing around in his tweet. Beyond the obvious, what has really impressed me about this story is that Bieber could have easily phoned Avalanna or sent her an autograph. Some celebrities might have ignored the request all together but instead Bieber flew from LA to NYC for a two hour play date with her.
The power of social media is really amazing as this whole thing happened within 5 days. It certainly makes it harder to say “that’s impossible” as it really seems that with a little help from Twitter, Facebook and friends, dreams really do come true. Congratulations Mrs. Bieber.
Tags: AT/RT, Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor, Avalanna, Avalanna Routh, Bieber, Bieber Fever, Boston, Facebook, Jimmy Fund, Justin Bieber, Methuen, Routh, Twitter
HAPPY CHOCOLATE DAY! Yes, I know it is called Valentine’s Day but according to Nielsen, Americans will purchase around 58 million pounds of chocolate during the days leading up to February 14th[i].
Chocolate Day came a day early for me this year as my husband surprised me on the 13th with a delicious box of chocolates from The Chocolate Bar in New York City http://www.chocolatebarnyc.com/blog1/
Gimmie S’mores
This is S’MORES in a candy bar! Hand piped marshmallow and graham covered in rich milk chocolate.
Rang Dangs
Cream filled chocolate cake. This is a little like a Ring Ding but it’s a small cake.
Scooter Bar
Homemade marshmallow, caramel and flourless chocolate cake . This wasn’t my favorite, yet it must not have been so bad since I finished it in two bites.
Milk Chocolate Bar
This is 4 ounces of creamy milk chocolate that melts in your mouth. It is definitely a step above my usual Hershey’s milk chocolate bar.
And to top it all off, my favorite:
Pretzels dipped in chocolate
Pretzel rods dipped in milk chocolate. The perfect combination of sweet and savory!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
[i] http://news.holidash.com/2010/02/12/how-much-chocolate-is-eaten-on-valentines-day/
Tags: Chocolate, Chocolate Bar, Chocolate Bar New York, Hershey, New York City, Pretezal, Ring Ding, S'MORES, Types of chocolate, United States, Valentine, Valentine's Day
This year’s Super Bowl was especially exciting to watch. Maybe because Madonna performed at the half time show or maybe it was the new commercial featuring Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller. I can tell you it definitely WAS NOT because of the New York Giants win over the New England Patriots.
One thing I have always enjoyed when watching any sporting event is the back story of the players. I often find that we declare our love and hate for people without really knowing anything more than their batting average or how many yards they average per game. This brings me to Mark Herzlich, a linebacker for the Giants.
Mark Herzlich started at Boston College in 2006 where he excelled on the football field. In 2008 (his junior year) Herzlich was a First-team All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for the Butkus Award, and a quarter-finalist for the Lott Trophy. In November 2008, Herzlich was ranked as the 45th best prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft but announced his return to Boston College for the 2009 season. While all of this is quite impressive, it doesn’t really interest me as much as the fact that Herzlich is a cancer survivor.
In 2009 Herzlich was diagnosed with Erwing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Herzlich was treated with aggressive chemotherapy and 
radiation. He was then given two choices. Choice #1, continue with radiation and chemotherapy and risk the possibility that his cancer would return. Choice #2: have leg surgery. Having surgery would significantly decrease his odds of the cancer returning but it would also eliminate his NFL dreams, as the surgery would not allow for him to continue playing football.
Herzlich decided to forgo surgery and keep his football dream alive. He continued with chemotherapy and radiation. On September 29, 2009, Mark announced that he was cancer free. In 2010 he returned to Boston College to play football and started in all 13 games However, he wasn’t drafted to the NFL.
Not surprisingly, Herzlich didn’t give up on his dream and continued training and eventually signed as a free agent with the New York Giants for the 2011-2012 season.
Unfortunately, during the season, Herzlich injured his ankle which benched him for the rest of the season. This doesn’t seem to have dampened Herzlich’s spirits. On January 30 he tweeted, “2 yrs ago I was told I’d never walk again, Just WALKED off plane to #Indy to play in #SuperBowl #Take That sh*tCancer”.
So although I am devastated by the Pats loss, I have to admit I am happy for Herzlich who achieved his remarkable dream, despite a cancer diagnosis. [i] [ii] [iii]
[iii] http://www.bceagles.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/herzlich_mark00.html
Tags: Boston College, Herzlich, Mark Herzlich, National Football League, New England Patriots, New York Giants, NFL, Super Bowl
