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NEW ARTICLE

News releases regarding a recent study done by the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) which was first convened by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1984 certainly has women confused. The USPSTF is said to conduct impartial assessments of the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of a broad range of clinical preventive services, including screening, counseling, and preventive medications, and then makes "recommended suggestions". The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 - 49 years. The USPSTF also concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harm of clinical breast examination beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or over. The USPSTF also recommends against teaching breast self-exam.
Otis W. Brawley, MD, Chief Medical Officer The American Cancer Society responded to the study with the following:
"The American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. Our experts make this recommendation having reviewed virtually all the same data reviewed by the USPSTF, but also additional data that the USPSTF did not consider. When recommendations are based on judgments about the balance of risks and benefits, reasonable experts can look at the same data and reach different conclusions.....We specifically noted that the overall effectiveness of mammography increases with increasing age. But the limitations do not change the fact that breast cancer screening using mammography starting at age 40 saves lives. "As someone who has long been a critic of those overstating the benefits of screening, I use these words advisedly: this is one screening test I recommend unequivocally, and would recommend to any woman 40 and over, be she a patient, a stranger, or a family member."
In my work with breast cancer survivors since 2001 as a teacher and trainer for the Healthy Steps Program with the Lebed Method, and my more recent experience as a breast cancer educator with the Check Your Boobies organization I have seen many, many women under forty who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Both breast self exam and mammography have saved their lives. Unfortunately breast cancer in young women is on the rise. The disease also seems to be more aggressive in younger women as well as in African American women. Both breast self exam and mammography can assuredly save many of their lives as well.
Certainly it is imperative that more accurate and cost effective screening methods for both younger and older women be developed. Until that occurs mammography screening for women beginning at the age of 40, and all-important education for women about risk factors, the importance of checking our breasts, knowing the proper method to do so, awareness of our family health histories, our bodies, and finding a confident voice with which to be proactive when taking action finding a health care provider is paramount
By: Claudia Cheyne Cook, CLM

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From the American Diabetes Association:

Regular exercise is important for everyone-but it is especially important if you have diabetes. Regular exercise helps control the amount of sugar in the blood and increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. It also burns excess calories and fat to help you achieve optimal weight. Keeping a healthy weight is an important part of taking care of your diabetes. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Exercise works the same way. Taking that first step can be hard, especially if you've been diagnosed with diabetes. Remember - it's never too late. You can always improve your level of fitness.

Doctors

Healthy-Steps is a great program for those with diabetes as it is easy, fun, slow and can be done sitting or standing. It is a wonderful program to get started with regardless of your fitness level. You need to exercise to keep your sugar level under control it cannot all be done with just diet and/or medication. Visit us for classes in your area today!

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