Letter from the Publisher -The Gift
By Ann Alcock, Founder & Publisher, YHC
December is the month that I set aside for my mammograms. I guess it’s because I like the peace of mind knowing that I can start the next year with calm resolve that everything is fine. Last December I had my mammogram done at the Nancy Regan Breast Center in Simi Valley. A week later I received a letter stating that they had to repeat the screening on the left side.
Okay…stay calm. You are healthy and doing all the right things; healthy diet, exercise, self-examination, and annual screenings. Why are they calling me back? I called immediately and they had a cancellation that allowed me to get in quickly.
The outcome?
Fine.
Now I can get on with the New Year and book my other health screenings.
Out of curiosity, I went online to do some research on women’s health screenings; according to the Harvard School of Public Health Web site, there are six reasons for women not getting their annual mammograms: It hurts, fear of the results, complacency, not affordable, the screening is unreliable, and self-examination is sufficient. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, the rate of screenings from 1987 and 2000 showed a dramatic increase, but from 2000 to the present there is a slow decline in the amount of screenings done. Well ladies, this will not do and I’m afraid that I will have to be tough on you! Yes, sometimes it hurts—the last one had me unexpectedly grabbing the rather surprised technician and gasping in her ear. And she said I surprised her! Yikes! Not affordable? Well, it is expensive, but it depends on your health insurance and frankly, it’s less expensive than the alternative. I think that also covers the fear of results; better to know early and take care of it than ignore it. Monthly self-examination is essential, but cannot detect small masses deep in the breast tissue. Modern science continues to improve technologically, but until then, get the mammograms done!
In this issue, we cover the latest information on inflammatory breast cancer, identifying the symptoms of adrenal exhaustion, how your oral health is an indicator of your basic health, the myths and facts behind BOTOX, and a variety of destinations from healing retreats to fun spots for the entire family.
When reading this issue, I hope you will be reminded of the precious gift you have been given—your body. It is a gift, unique in design, to be experienced with purpose. Please treat yourself well and continue to stay empowered about your health.
By the way, thank you to the friendly and efficient staff at the Nancy Regan Breast Center in Simi Valley; I have always been treated with respect and compassion.
Peace, Blessings, Gratitude, and Love,
Ann
