Fall Issue 2015 No.

60

The
Menopause
Our Motto is...we will survive...

Gang

After suffering thirteen years of debilitation caused by a chronic myofascial pain condition,
Carole Staveley realized there was no "magic bullet" coming to her rescue. She took charge
of solving her health challenges and went on to complete an IRONMAN Triathlon 2013.
Carole's book, Conquer Your Pain in 9 Steps, takes you through her proven 9-step Health
Champion approach to suffering less and achieving more. Carole Staveley is President of
Inner Victory Coaching, an organization she founded to empower others to become their own
Health Champions and reach their full potential.
Become Your Own Health Champion, and See How Far You Can Go!
At the age of thirty in 1996, Carole Staveley slipped on a wet tennis court and tore a hip muscle. Being young, fit and generally healthy,
she should have been healed and back on the tennis court in a matter of months. Unbeknownst to Carole, the injury triggered an
underlying soft tissue disorder. She later discovered that this underlying disorder is called chronic myofascial pain syndrome a
conditionin which the muscle and fascia (connective tissue found all over our bodies, covering all internal organs) lack the biochemical
components to function properly: to stretch, bend, and provide the strength to move at will without injury. This condition also fits the
description of fibromyalgia, a diagnosis that seems to be more and more prevalent, especially in women.
The Medical Community didn't provide much help
Within a few months, the hip and back pain that kept Carole from getting back on the tennis court was the least of her worries. Her
muscles and ligaments felt like metal rods. It was a struggle to sit, stand, or lie down for any period of time. She was chronically stiff,
sore and uncomfortable. The search for help within the medical system didn't provide any solutions. Visit after visit to doctors' offices,
laboratory and diagnostic facilities, and physiotherapists barely made a dent in Carole's pain and discomfort. She became chronically
tired as a result of the daily battle with pain and the difficulty in getting to sleep. Why couldn't the medical community help?
There had to be another way
When Carole was finally blessed with motherhood, it was heart-wrenching telling her young children that she couldn't carry them,
run with them, or even hold up a story book to read to them while lying in bed. After years of being stiff and underutilized, her muscles
had also become weak. She had gone from competitive tennis player and avid runner to weak and fragile victim. This went on for
thirteen years from 1996 to 2009.
Right Doctor, Right Question The Light Bulb Moment
Carole's understanding of what it really meant to take control of her health began to shift in 2001 as she battled infertility. With the
help of her social network, she uncovered fascinating insights about the huge variation in competence levels between infertility
"experts". She learned about a clinic with pregnancy rates more than double the national average. Working with a leading infertility
specialist, combined with asking him a key question, led to the diagnosis and treatment that allowed Carole to become pregnant with
her two beautiful daughters. It is clear that this experience strongly influenced Carole's approach to handling medical issues going
forward. She came to understand how important it was for her to play a lead role in addressing her health challenges and improve
Cont'd on Page 4

Inside this issue

Become Your Own Health Champion.......................1 & 4
Tales from Trish........................................................ 2

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Menopause Corner
I met Carole Staveley at her book signing in Toronto. Her story was so
inspiring I decided to share with our readers. (Cover Page & Page 4)

Lines from Caroline................................................... 3

Floaters: I Have Cobwebs Floating in My Eyes......... 5
Bda Cancer & Health Center Home Page................. 6
There's Always Hope................................................. 7

It's Not Okay touches on a serious problem in our society...violence

against women. Let's take a stance if we believe domestic violence is not
okay. (Page 3)
Caroline makes an interesting point: Just because a product is not
marked hazardous to your health doesn't make it safe. (Page 5)

Inside Out Wellness Center Home Page................... 8

Bda Diabetes Association Page........................... 9 & 10

Floaters: 'I Have Cobwebs in My Eyes' is extremely annoying and more

common then you think. (Page 5)

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer.............................. 11

Welcome to Inner Balance Bermuda....................... 12

Shaaron has bravely fought her breast cancer and has been cancer free
for over ten years now. (Page 7)

A Few Myths About Breast Cancer.......................... 12

Dr. Danielle Marr explains that oesteoporosis is one of the many benefits
of adding exercise to your list of menopause management options.
(Page 8)
Bermuda Diabetes Association advises that moderation is the key in
taking responsibility for your health. (Pages 9 & 10)
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer: Due to the use of regular
mammography screening, most cancers in the US are found at an early
stage. (Page 11)

Lise Fox Publisher

The Menopause Gang Newsletter

Welcome to Inner Balance where Fiona explains the benefits of the

Therapeutic Hot Stone Massage. (Page 12)

Contact: (441-297-0928
Email: menopausegang@hotmail.com
Website: www.themenopausegang.com

A Few Myths About Breast Cancer will probably dispel some of your
worries. (Page 12)

Editor
Carole Sousa

Contributors
Caroline Ivaliotis
Carole Staveley
Trish Wan
Dr. Danielle Marr
Bermuda Diabetic Association
Fiona Couper-Smith
Shaaron Wismer
Lise E. Fox

All Your Office Needs...

machines
printing
furniture
supplies and more.

In One Place

TOPS Ltd. was pleased to produce this

colour edition of The Menopause Gang.
Gang

11 Mill Creek Rd, Pembroke HM 05 | Web: www.tops.bm

Tel: 292-5500 | Fax: 292-6200 | E-mail: info@topsltd.bm

Disclaimer: The information set forth in this pamphlet is not in ANY way (either written or implied) to substitute for and/or give medical advice.
It is only intended to "share the emotional aspect of going through menopause".

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Tales from Trish

It's Not Okay
The Australian of the Year award is given to a citizen who has made a noteworthy contribution in one of many
fields including medicine, science, culture or worthwhile endeavor. It recognises their achievements and provides
a platform to speak in public to raise awareness for their cause, lobby politicians for change or encourage philanthropy. In 2005 Fiona
Wood, a plastic surgeon from Western Australia who treated the burns victims of the 2002 Bali bombings, received the accolade.
Mick Dodson, an Indigenous leader and barrister specializing in native titles and Professor of Law at the Australian National
University, was 2009s recipient. Actor/Producer Geoffrey Rush received recognition in 2012. In 2014 Rosie Batty became a
Domestic Violence Campaigner after her ex-husband Greg Anderson beat their 11-year-old son, Luke, with a cricket bat and stabbed
him to death after cricket training, in sight of horrified children and adults. Rosie is a worthy and most eloquent 2015 recipient.
Clearly police and social workers failed in their attempts to protect Rosies family. Rosie allowed Lukes father access to his child,
despite having an ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order) against him. This AVO is used for cases of domestic violence in
an intimate relationship, as opposed to an APVO, which is granted against say, troublesome neighbors or stalkers. In Australia 1
in 6 women are victims of domestic violence, however, a minority of men may be victimized.
Not an easy topic to discuss in 750 words, it is well worth putting on the table. Domestic violence may be physical or verbal and occurs
throughout the social strata, with as many offenders residing in affluent parts of our communities as in the economically deprived.
It is not a mental issue, but rather gender related, occurring when men regard women and children as possessions.
On the TV news we watched Ms Batty receive her award and my husband posed the question, How are we bringing up our boys?
Good question! Perhaps its time we discussed the topic freely around the water cooler, dinner table or social gathering. We could
air our views on respecting women, controlling emotions in the wider community or on stalking, bullying and threatening via social
media. Do our men accept that violence against women and children, committing rape in their household or at large, or planning
murder to escape an unsuccessful relationship is not okay? Brawling and throwing punches (sometimes referred to as a one punch
or king hit, but now commonly known as a cowards punch) may lead to death for the victim and a prison sentence for the perpetrator.
How do we feel if, to avoid persecution, family or friends are hiding out, often with little or no possessions?
Do our daughters and female relatives realise that domestic violence should not be tolerated and that we encourage them to speak
out and have the strength to leave an unhealthy relationship? We need to stop blaming the victims, because the excuse she made
me do it does not cut the mustard. Sadly, some parents do harm their children: if little ones close to us appear to be accident prone,
showing repeated bruising or broken bones, this should be reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Women can phone a crisis hotline for expert assistance if they are in danger. Unfortunately there is a growing need for womens and
childrens refuges, where a woman with one or more children needs not only a safe place to sleep, but access to counseling, medical
care and often clothing, household goods, toys, books, educational opportunities and employment to enable self sufficiency.
Government funding is vital.
We might lobby politicians, police, doctors and social workers to take reports of domestic violence seriously to protect the innocent
and ensure adequate penalties are upheld. If we arent part of the problem, we could be part of the solution.
Our planet has become multi-cultural through immigration and an influx of refugees, but the laws of our country of residence should
be clearly stated and upheld. The Actionaid Australia website lists human rights abuse offences, including domestic violence, rape,
sex for academic grades, female genital mutilation, early marriage, forced marriage, sexual slavery and femicide. Whilst we cannot
change the world overnight, we can at least be aware of the types of offences being perpetrated in our country and elsewhere in the
world.
Lets all take a stance on violence against women (and of course, against men) if we believe Domestic Violence is NOT Okay.

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Become Your Own Health Champion, and See How Far You Can Go!

Cont'd from Cover Page

her quality of life. Never again would Carole assume that problem-solving in healthcare should be left entirely to those with what
seemed to be the "right" medical credentials.
In 2009, having had no success within the medical community, Carole met an exercise physiologist who explained that her chronic
pain condition was likely related to a biochemical issue and could probably be improved through a combination of approaches. Carole
was ready to listen and take action. A customized strength training program, combined with recommendations and treatments from
several other health professionals (nutritionist, chiropractor, sports medicine doctor), began to address the underlying problem.
Carole's symptoms started to improve. With the right direction and a lot of hard work, her life dramatically turned around.
Making up for lost time
When Carole talks about the day she carried her forty-pound daughter up the stairs, she talks about having met her greatest goal.
However, as she continued to implement her new health regimen, she felt that she could accomplish more and more. Wanting to
recapture some of her lost athletic opportunities, Carole began training for short distance triathlons. It was liberating. One triathlon
led to the next, then distances increased, and before she knew it, Carole was at the start line of an IRONMAN triathlon in 2013 at
age 47! Carole's hope is that everyone can have the opportunity to experience that "finish line" sensation in his or her lifetime that
is, to persevere through a difficult situation to accomplish something you never thought possible. The deepest lesson for Carole was
in the fact that, without those thirteen years of suffering, she could not have experienced that powerful sense of joy, exhilaration, selffulfillment and satisfaction. Carole views her chronic pain syndrome as a valuable gift, helping her embrace life's challenges as
opportunities to climb to new heights.
Carole's recent book, Conquer Your Pain in 9 Steps, is designed to empower and guide anyone looking to move beyond a health
challenge, toward living their most fulfilling life. Carole can be contacted at: carole@carolestaveley.com.
I met Carole at a bookstore in
Toronto recently and found her
story so inspiring I just had to
share it with you. Wishing Carole
all the best in her future triathlons.
Thank you for sharing with our
readers.
Lise Fox - Publisher

Contact Tracey Caswell

to purchase these books at:
Email: tracey@logic.bm

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Lines from Caroline

Are Vinyl And Plastic Products Affecting Your Health?
Today, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or simply vinyl is used to manufacture products in every aspect of daily life from the vinyl siding on
homes to the plastic wrap to package food to the medical equipment in hospitals as well as baby bottles and toys.
PVC or vinyl products are an inexpensive, convenient alternative to the good old fashioned products of yesterday. Unfortunately,
they come with a high price on health and the environment. PVC products create and release a toxic chemical known as dioxin.
According to the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer, the chemical used to make PVC is a
well-documented carcinogen.
The cost of removing all the products that contain PVC from the home would be very costly. However, when replacing items in your
home such as flooring, siding, windows and pipes, consider products constructed from wood, aluminum, copper and cast iron instead
of vinyl. Discard of vinyl shower curtains, microwaveable plastics and flexible plastic items. The flexible plastic wrap used to package
meats and other foods have had plasticizers added to soften and make the plastic pliable. It is believed traces of the carcinogen
(DEHP) can seep into food that comes in contact with flexible plastics. Paper products are a good alternative.
Sometimes packaging labels will identify the presence of PVC in a product. Either underneath or included in the universal recycling
symbol of products, the letter V, the number 3 or the letters PVC can be found to identify a product that contains PVC. Soft,
flexible products that contain PVC usually have a distinct odor when unpackaged. The odor of a new shower curtain, the interior of
a new car and drinking straws are examples of this.
Corporations are creating policies to phase out the use of PVC in their products. Some of the corporate do-gooders are Adidas, Ford,
General Motors, Microsoft, Walmart, Abbot Laboratories and Toys R Us. Dont hesitate to contact a manufacturer to inquire about
an item that is not labeled. Everyone has a right to know about the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Just because a product is
not marked hazardous to your health doesnt make it safe.

Floaters: "I Have Cobwebs Floating in My Eye." by Randal

Patients commonly complain to their eye doctor about seeing things floating in their eyes. They describe them, for example, as
cobwebs, spider legs, trash, insects, and look like cells under a microscope. Eye floaters are translucent microscopic debris that
are trapped in the clear fluid inside the eye (vitreous humor). The term floaters is most commonly used by patients and doctors alike.
The official Latin name of a floater is muscae volitantes which loosely translated means fluttering flies. They are common in all
ages and rarely cause harm. There is another type of floater and an event that leads to that type of floater that must be given great
attention. This subject is covered in greater detail in another article but warrants a brief description and warning.
More common to a person fifty years old or older, the vitreous humor (the jellylike liquid filling the cavity of the eye starts to loosen
and begins to liquify. There is often a sudden event of awareness of a large floater accompanied by flashes of light. That is because
the vitreous has partially collapsed. The collapsed vitreous forms the floater and with movement of the eye, the strands of vitreous
that are still attached to the eye stimulate the nerves resulting in the sensation of a flash of light. This type of floater or floaters that
are changing, increasing, or just do not seem right need immediate attention as they may be the signs of a retinal tear or detachment
that is about to happen. The purpose of this post, however, is to illustrate two types of floaters that generally pose no immediate threat
or harm. Though harmless, the floaters can be extremely annoying to the person who has them. Treatment is usually not necessary
but in some cases, a vitrectomy may be needed. A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the clear liquid from the eye. It
is not a casual procedure and therefore is used only when necessary.
The Publisher: I have been experiencing a spider like floater in my right eye for over a month now. It is quite annoying, but harmless.

Our Motto is...we will survive...

BERMUDA CANCER & HEALTH CENTER HOME PAGE

Calendar of Events
October 1

(Thursday) Launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 2

(Friday) Wear it PINK Denim Day

Opening Ceremony at 46 Point Finger Road 12 noon; all are welcome to attend
Get your organization or school involved, wear it pink or denim and make a donation. To participate
email BCAMarketing@chc.bm

October 7

(Wednesday) Gorhams THINK PINK Ladies Night Out

Gorhams shopping night for ladies ONLY 6:30 - 9pm. $10 entry donation and receive 20% o
merchandise store wide - 100% donation proceeds go to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre

October 8

(Thursday) A.S. Coopers Pink Sale

Save 20% o on regular priced merchandise when you purchase a $5 shoppping pass - 100% donation
proceeds go to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre

October 21

(Wednesday) BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Barrs Bay Park - 5pm Health Fair - 6pm Walk Start. Rain Date October 26th. Registration is $30. Visit
Bermuda Cancer and Health Center, BF&M or Sportseller to register/pick up walk pack

October 30

(Friday) Annual Fish Fry

Christ Church, Warwick 4:40 - 8:30pm - Take Out or Eat In $20pp. Purchase tickets in advance from
Keiths Kitchen at BAA Parking Lot, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre or online www.chc.bm

Our goal during 2015 Breast

Cancer Awareness Month is to
raise $250,000
All funds raised will support our
charitable outreach initiatives which
include our Equal Access Fund.
For more information & registration
go to www.chc.bm

All Month Long

Girls Night In
What better excuse than to gather your girlfriends together and host an event to celebrate friendship in the ght
against breast cancer!? To register your event please email BCAMarketing@chc.bm

Free Mammogram Screenings

Are you 40 years or older? Have you delayed having your annual mammogram due to the cost? For uninsured and
underinsured women, we cover the cost for you. Call 236-1001 for more information or to book your mammogram
today! 236-1001

Faces of Breast Cancer

Display at @ City Hall. View the many faces of breast cancer and learn about the disease through the experiences of
fellow Bermudians

Girls
Night In

Our Motto is...we will survive...

There's Always Hope By Shaaron Wismer

When I felt a lump in the fall of 2005, I thought "no big deal". I was 58 years old and I had already gone through the process
of having a half dozen cysts removed over the years and figured this was just another one and 15 minutes in the doctor's
office, I would be done. When he sent me for a mammogram and then a biopsy, I was still worried. I was sent for a second
mammogram in two weeks and even I could see the size increase. I was still thinking it was just a cyst so when the results
of the biopsy came back as positive for cancer, I was in complete shock. To this day I am not sure how I made it home
without crashing the car.
I spent the next two weeks undergoing all kinds of tests, full body MRI, ultra sounds, x-rays etc. It was a whirlwind. All
these tests were to make sure that the breast cancer had not come from some other site or progressed to another site
before they would operate.
At that time, the standard treatment was radiation and/or chemotherapy to shrink the cancer before operating and to
help prevent the spread but mine had been shown to be very aggressive and was growing rapidly. Only two weeks after
getting the news, I found myself in the hospital undergoing surgery.
They removed two lumps about the size of a Canadian 'toonie'. One was benign, the other was cancerous and they also
found cancer cells in five of the eleven lymph nodes they removed. I was sent home that same day.
The oncologist I met with several days later told me my cancer was classed as 3B, and that I had only a 30-60% chance
of surviving five years. When asked what made the difference, he explained it was how aggressively they treated it. I
told him to get aggressive so he checked around and found a new drug that was being tried as well as a clinical trial
for a new radiation treatment.
I spent the next six months undergoing chemo that left me tired and prone to every virus out there but I wore a surgical
mask even when I went shopping once a week. That was followed by twenty-five treatments of radiation and monthly
trips to the oncologist. Finally after one year, I was told the cancer was in remission and I need only go back semiannually for check-ups.
After living under this cloud and holding my breath at each check-up, the day came when five years were up and the
doctor said follow-up appointments were over.
That was more than ten years ago now and except for the usual aches and pains of growing older, I am fairly healthy
and enjoy an active social life. In fact I just returned from a one week trip to Bermuda to visit relatives.

The Publisher: Thank you Shaaron for your story. I'm sure it will inspire other women to have hope.

Inside Out Wellness Center

Our Motto is...we will survive...

By Dr. Danielle Marr

Joint Pain and Menopause - How to Manage the Two

Fact: Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones - a loss of bone mass and, thus, bone strength as well. There is
a direct relationship between the lack of estrogen after menopause and the development of osteoporosis. Simply put,
after menopause, bone breakdown surpasses bone growth.
Fact: Weight training, or resistance training, is one of the best ways to stimulate bone growth. Wolff's law states that
bone will adapt to the loads under which it is placed, ie: if there is pressure on a bone, it will "grow" (think bunions!).
Fact: Some of the most common musculoskeletal complaints from women with menopause:
> Low Back Pain
> Knee Pain
> Generalized Joint Pain
> Joint Stiffness and/or swelling
Coincidentally, these are also some of the most common reasons people find to avoid exercise.
Now not only is the lack of estrogen impacting osteoporosis, but the lack of exercise doesn't help either. The combination
of the two acts like a double negative.
So how does all of this tie in together from a chiropractic point of view?
If you have said or thought anything similar to: "I can't do (insert exercise), because it hurts (insert body part)," than
you NEED to sort that out for the sake of your health.
Chiropractors are neuromusculkskeletal specialists; meaning most conditions relating to the nerves, joints, muscles,
and bones - if you are suffering from pain, there is likely something we can do to help not only decrease your pain, but
maximize joint function (flexibility and strength). If for some reason, chiropractic care might not be the best option for
you, a Chiropractor will let you know what options you do have.Even if there is a certain amount of pain still present after
treatment, almost every single exercise can be modified for your specific needs.
Do not let pain be one of the reasons why you don't make exercise a priority. This is one of the many ways chiropractic
care can indirectly help you manage symptoms of menopause. Also keep in mind that osteoporosis is one of the many
benefits of adding exercise to your list of menopause management options.
Danielle Marr: After her undergraduate studies in the Honours Kinesiology program at Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Marr went on
to obtain her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. She furthered her education
by obtaining her diploma in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University and has been certified as an ART (Active
Release Techniques) provider. As an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition coach, Dr. Marr is a strong advocate for healthy
living. She currently practices out of Inside Out Wellness Centre in Hamilton, Bermuda Contact: 296-2225 Inside Out Wellness
Centre 4th Floor Dallas Building, 7Victoria Street, Hamilton HM11

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Bermuda Diabetes Association Page

Stop the Sugar Addiction; Get the Sweet Truth on How and Why We Should All Cut Back!
Although most of us were not born with a "sweet tooth" we have come to live in a society where people crave and desire huge amounts
of sweet foods and beverages in their diets. Sugar provides quick energy and is a concentrated source of calories but the reality is
that the over consumption of sugar, most of it hidden, in our diets has contributed to the obesity epidemic affecting almost every
country in the world, resulting in higher than ever rates of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
At least half the sugar we consume comes from sweetened beverages; soda, fruit juices and sports drinks. The rest is present in
foods like cakes, cookies, frozen desserts, sauces and syrups. Some "healthy" foods like breakfast cereals and yogurts can also have
very high amounts of added sugars. As much as 25-35 grams (5-7 tsp) of added sugar can be found in some fruit yogurts.
Dietary guidelines recommend that we limit our daily sugar consumption to 7% or less of our daily caloric intake, which is about 6
tsp (100 calories) for women and 9 tsp (150 calories) for men. This can add up very quickly. Just one 12 ounce can of regular soda
contains beween 8-10 tsp sugar (130-150 calories) and the commonly consumed 20 ounce bottles of sugar sweetened beverages,
fruit juices or ice tea drinks can hide between 15-20 tsp of sugar (250-300 calories) per bottle.
Therefore, it is not difficult to see how not only an excess intake of sugar in the diet can quickly cause pounds to accumulate, but
also to the other health problems linked with obesity; diabetes, high triglyceride levels, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels and heart
disease.
It is a critical step towards better health for everyone, not just those people who live with diabetes, to look for ways in which to reduce
sugar intake. It certainly is possible for anyone, even those claiming to have a massive "sweet tooth" to reduce the threshold or taste
for sweet foods by cutting out sugar over a period of time.
A good start is to try to rid your cupboards and refrigerator of foods high in added sugars. By reading food labels and becoming more
aware of the sugar content of everyday foods, it is easier to identify those foods to eliminate. Food labels list ingredients in order of
amount present in the food, from most to least. If sugar is one of the first three ingredients it is considered to be a high sugar food
or drink. Some foods will contain more than one type of sugar in different forms. Foods like milk, yogurt and fruit contain "natural"
sugars within the food, but look for milk yogurt or fruit products which do not contain any added sugars or syrups in the ingredient
list.
Tips to reduce added sugar intake
In the kitchen:
- Use spices and herbs such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger to enhance the natural flavour of foods.
- Make home made sauces and toppings with less sugar
- Use dried fruit, applesauce, fruit spreads, or frozen fruit juice concentrate to sweeten cereals and baked goods instead of sugar
Shopping:
- Take your time. Read labels not only to reveal hidden sugar, but to assess nutritional content of selected foods
- Buy fresh fruits or fruits packed in water
- Cut out foods high in sugar such as cookies, candies, soft drinks and prepared baked goods
Healthy snacks choices:
- Unsweetened low fat yogurt flavoured with fresh fruit or cinnamon
- Popcorn, raw vegetables or low fat cheese instead of cookies or candy
- Top home made pancakes or desserts with fresh fruit instead of syrup or icing
- DRINK WATER, unsweetened sparkling water or 100% fruit juices instead of sugar sweetened drinks or sodas
After identifying and then eliminating those products high in added sugars, you may choose to replace those products with sugar
free counterparts which may incorporate the use of artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Cont'd on page 10

10

Stop the Sugar Addiction

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Cont'd from page 9

Sugar substitutes are loosely considered any sweetener that is used instead of regular table sugar. Artificial sweeteners are just one
type of sugar substitute, they are also known as non nutritive sweeteners (NNS) because they provide few or little calories and
generally do not raise blood glucose levels. The sweetness of artificial sweeteners is intense, ranging from 30 300 x the sweetness
of sugar (sucrose) so minimal amounts are required to sweeten foods and beverages.
Artificial sweeteners are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as food additives. They must be reviewed and
approved by the FDA. For decades, their safety in products has often been controversial but according to the National Cancer Institute
and numerous other health agencies there is no sound evidence that any of the approved sweeteners cause cancer or other serious
health problems.
There are currently six artificial sweeteners approved for use in the USA, which are found in food or beverages here in Bermuda:
- Acefulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet one)
- Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet)
- Neotame
- Saccharin (Sugar Twin, Sweet n Low)
- Sucralose (Splenda)
- Stevia (Truvia)
The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association have recently issued a joint scientific statement
recommending the use of non nutritive sweeteners in appropriate quantities to benefit those trying to maintain a healthy weight and
for people living with diabetes to assist in achieving good blood sugar control.
The importance of limiting all sources of added sugars in order to support optimal nutrition, healthy weight and good diabetes control
is also reinforced and supported.
Consuming the large amounts of sugar in our diets has set the stage to harm our health in many ways, and it is wise advice to limit
added sugars with or withoout the use of artificial sweeteners.
Moderation is the key in taking responsibility for our health and this message is certainly true of our consumption of sugar, artificial
sweeteners and sugar substitutes. Eating more calories than we burn, even those coming from natural sugars will result in weight
gain. A sensible approach of cutting down on added sugars, decreasing caloric intake with the use of non nutritive sweeteners will
go far to help achieve personal goals of good health, losing or maintaining weight and better diabetes control.

11

Our Motto is...we will survive...

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer by Susan G. Komen

Due to the use of regular mammography screening, most breast cancers in the U.S. are found at an early stage, before signs appear.
However, not all breast cancers are found through mammography. The warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women.
The most common signs are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge.
If you have any of the warning signs described below, see a health care provider. If you do not have a provider, one of the best ways
to find a good one is to get a referral from a trusted family member or friend. If that is not an option, call your health department, a
clinic or a nearby hospital.

In most cases, these changes are not cancer. For example, breast pain is more common with benign breast conditions than with
breast cancer. However, the only way to know for sure is to see a provider. If you have breast cancer, it is best to find it at an early
stage, when the chances of survival are highest.

Breasts Lumps or Lumpiness:

Many women have more lumpiness in their breasts than others. In most cases, this lumpiness is no cause to worry. If the lumpiness
can be felt throughout the breast and feels like your other breast, then it is probably normal breast tissue. Lumps that feel harder or
different from the rest of the breast (or the other breast) or that feel like a change are a concern and should be checked. This type
of lump may be a sign of breast cancer or benign breast condition (such as a cyst or fibroadenoma). Learn more about bening breast
conditions. See a health care provider if you:
- Find a lump (or any change) that feels different from the rest of your breast
- Find a new lump (or any change) that feels different from your other breast
- Feel something that is different from your other breast
It is best to see a provider if you are unsure about a new lump (or any change). Although a lump (or any change) may be nothing
to worry about, you will have the peace of mind that it ws checked. If you have had a benign lump in the past, don't assume a new
lump will be the same. The new lump may not be breast cancer, but is is best to make sure.

Nipple discharge:
Liquid leaking from your nipple (nipple discharge) can be troubling, but it is rarely a sign of breast cancer. Discharge can be your body's
natural reaction when the nipple is squeezed. Signs of a more serious condition (such as breast cancer) include discharge that:
- Occurs without squeezing the nipple
- Occurs in only one breast
- Is bloody or clear (not milky)
Nipple discharge can also be caused by an infection or other condition that needs treatment. If you have any nipple discharge, see
a health care provider. Updated 06/26/15

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Our Motto is...we will survive...

Welcome to Inner Balance Bermuda by Fiona Couper-Smith

Therapeutic Hot Stone Massage
This therapy uses warmed smooth basalt (volcanic) stones in a massage. It can vary between therapy centres
depending on a therapist's level of training, expertise and love of the treatment. It is so much more than just moving the
stones over the body.
I have trained with La Stone Therapy and with Mary Nelson, who created this style of Hot Stone Massage, which has
a Native American influence. This involves looking after our stones. They are washed, seasoned with jojoba oil and
energized before each treatment. Sound therapy using chimes, singing bowls and a rain stick are also used. To be
massaged after the stones have been out in a thunderstorm is amazing.
When using heated stones during a massage the muscles are warmed through making them more pliable enabling
deeper work to be done. Choosing the correctly shaped stone to suit body type and place on the body together with
adjusting the pressure is important to maximize the outcome.
La Stone therapists also use cooled marble stones. This can draw out the heat from overworked or strained muscles.
It is beneficial for reducing headachesor tightening and refreshing the skin on the face. My clients have found that marble
stones helped to bring relief to their hot flushes and after the treatment found they slept better at night. Combining hot
basalt and cool marble stones in a sequence stmulates blood circulation, lymphatic system (good for reducing water
retention) and leaves you feeling energized and relaxed at the same time. Combined with a head massage and
grounding with reflexology on the feet...You will feel like a whole new energized you.

Bio: Fiona is a Bermudian with over 21 years experience as a holistic therapist, trained in Wales and England in various Massage
disciplines, Reflexology, Hot Stones, Nutrition and Reiki. Her practice Inner Balance Bermuda is an oasis of calm providing natural
therapies to support your health and wellbeing.
Contact: 333-5514 www.InnerBalanceBermuda.com

A Few Myths About Breast Cancer by Symptonview Living Healthy

Breast lumps are a sure sign of cancer:
Breast lumps occur for a variety of reasons and in many cases, cancer is not the cause. Lumps may be due to cysts
or benign tumors. Many women also get fibrosis in their breast tissue, which causes firmness in spots and can be
mistaken for lumps. Although in many instances breast lumps are harmless, they should always be checked out by a
doctor.
You only get breast cancer if it runs in your family:
What may surprise some people is that about 85 percent of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history
of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Although women with a close relative with breast cancer do
have a higher risk of developing it, women should be aware you do not have to have a family history to develop breast
cancer.
Large breasts increase your risk of breast cancer:
It is important to understand, breast size has nothing to do with a woman's chance of developing breast cancer. Women
of all breat sizes develop the disease and need proper screening as recommended by their doctor in order to detect
the cancer early.