By Stroke Association
Afraid of eating too many unhealthy foods this season? Have no fear. The 46 Healthy Soul Food Recipes cookbook has an array of alternative recipes that are delicious — and healthy. The cookbook puts a healthy spin on 46 traditional recipes such as Three-Cheese Macaroni Bake, Cornbread Dressing, Chicken Jambalaya and Warm Peach Bread Pudding, and is available on ShopPower.org for only $3.99. Each recipe in this cookbook is lower in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium than the normal recipes of the same foods.
QUIT SMOKING
Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable death in the United States. Among blacks, 27 percent of men and 18.5 percent of women smoke. If you smoke, your risk of heart disease and stroke is more than twice that of nonsmokers. Constant exposure to other people's tobacco smoke increases your risk even if you don't smoke.
PTES - FAMILY REUNION TOOL KIT
Family reunions are a wonderful way to stay connected, and to learn and teach about your family heritage and traditions. It is also a great time to inform and remind family members that stroke is a major health threat.
CONDUCT POWER SUNDAY AT YOUR CHURCH
We are asking churches across the nation to participate in their own Power Sunday—any Sunday of the year—by discussing stroke awareness with their congregations.
DO I HAVE FLYS OR PIMPLES OR SOMETHING STRANGE?
MY DOG FLUFFY AND THE RAIN
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS
By: Stroke Association Web page.
Excerpted from "What's New with Your Blood Pressure?", Stroke Connection Magazine September/October 2003 When diet and exercise aren’t enough to control high blood pressure, doctors prescribe one or more types of medicines. Doctors choose medications carefully to match patients’ profiles.
The major types of high blood pressure medicines include:
Diuretics Lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess fluid.
Generally the doctor’s first choice and the least expensive. Often used in combination with other medicines.
Beta-Blockers
Block adrenaline from binding to heart muscle, lowering the pulse. Also used to treat heart disease, migraine headaches and heart palpitations.
Alpha-Blockers
Work much like beta-blockers to reduce adrenaline’s effect on heart muscle. Used for other medical conditions such as prostate problems.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Open blood vessels by reducing the flow of calcium ions into vessel walls, allowing blood to flow more easily.
ACE Inhibitors
Relax your arteries by neutralizing a hormone that constricts vascular walls. Help control congestive heart failure, other heart problems and diabetes.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Work similarly to ACE inhibitors by blocking angiotensin, but don’t produce a persistent, dry cough, a side effect of ACE inhibitors.
Vasodilators
Open the blood vessels and allows blood to flow more easily
Recent Studies
The PROGRESS study showed that an ACE inhibitor called perindopril reduced the rate of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke by about one-third in patients who’ve already had strokes. On average, systolic blood pressure (top number) went down by 10 to 12 mm Hg and diastolic was reduced by 5 to 6 mm Hg. A combination of indapamide (a diuretic) and perindopril was even more effective. An NHLBI study that involved more than 42,000 people with hypertension (not just stroke survivors) found that diuretics, the oldest and cheapest high blood pressure medication, were more effective than newer, more expensive drugs.
The study concluded that:
Because thiazide-type diuretics are more effective and cost less, they should be the drugs of choice for first-step antihypertensive therapy. For the unusual circumstance when a patient cannot take a diuretic, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors may be considered. Most hypertensive patients require more than one drug. Diuretics should generally be part of the antihypertensive regimen that includes lifestyle changes, such as a modified diet and regular exercise.
Excerpted from "What's New with Your Blood Pressure?", Stroke Connection Magazine September/October 2003 When diet and exercise aren’t enough to control high blood pressure, doctors prescribe one or more types of medicines. Doctors choose medications carefully to match patients’ profiles.
The major types of high blood pressure medicines include:
Diuretics Lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess fluid.
Generally the doctor’s first choice and the least expensive. Often used in combination with other medicines.
Beta-Blockers
Block adrenaline from binding to heart muscle, lowering the pulse. Also used to treat heart disease, migraine headaches and heart palpitations.
Alpha-Blockers
Work much like beta-blockers to reduce adrenaline’s effect on heart muscle. Used for other medical conditions such as prostate problems.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Open blood vessels by reducing the flow of calcium ions into vessel walls, allowing blood to flow more easily.
ACE Inhibitors
Relax your arteries by neutralizing a hormone that constricts vascular walls. Help control congestive heart failure, other heart problems and diabetes.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Work similarly to ACE inhibitors by blocking angiotensin, but don’t produce a persistent, dry cough, a side effect of ACE inhibitors.
Vasodilators
Open the blood vessels and allows blood to flow more easily
Recent Studies
The PROGRESS study showed that an ACE inhibitor called perindopril reduced the rate of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke by about one-third in patients who’ve already had strokes. On average, systolic blood pressure (top number) went down by 10 to 12 mm Hg and diastolic was reduced by 5 to 6 mm Hg. A combination of indapamide (a diuretic) and perindopril was even more effective. An NHLBI study that involved more than 42,000 people with hypertension (not just stroke survivors) found that diuretics, the oldest and cheapest high blood pressure medication, were more effective than newer, more expensive drugs.
The study concluded that:
Because thiazide-type diuretics are more effective and cost less, they should be the drugs of choice for first-step antihypertensive therapy. For the unusual circumstance when a patient cannot take a diuretic, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors may be considered. Most hypertensive patients require more than one drug. Diuretics should generally be part of the antihypertensive regimen that includes lifestyle changes, such as a modified diet and regular exercise.
Friday, March 14, 2008
PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMAN
By Author unknown--a friend sent this to me via email
I personally know what these kids are going through. I am a Vet of V.N. and also served in the Armed Forces before I had my strokes.
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood, and now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
Prayer Wheel
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."
When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq.
There is nothing attached... This can be very powerful...Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine, or Airman, prayer is the very best one.
I personally know what these kids are going through. I am a Vet of V.N. and also served in the Armed Forces before I had my strokes.
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood, and now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
Prayer Wheel
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."
When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq.
There is nothing attached... This can be very powerful...Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine, or Airman, prayer is the very best one.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
VATIAN ANNOUNCES SEVERAL NEW SINS
By: Taken off the Front Page of Yahoo News--Philip Pullella Posted Mon Mar 10, 2008 6:00am PDT
In reading this article it said that the Vatican had listed several "new sins," that includes polluting our environment. I agree with the Vatican that polluting our environment is a sin. I don’t know if it is really a deadly sin, in that, one would go to Hell, but I believe it is a sin and a slap in God the creator’s face.
This article said that the Vatican had added one more social sin to the already 10 Commandments found in scriptures. The new sin reads: “Thou shall not pollute the Earth”. Then the article then goes on to say, “Thou shall beware genetic manipulation”. I again agree this is a sin of murder in a more social acceptable thinking.
I again agree for these two sins point to our modern times and the failing morality of mankind. I think whether Roman Catholic or Protestant we must stand together to voice our strong opinions again the sins of the environment and the human race. Yet we as “the people” remain silent and don’t place the responsibility for these sins upon us as individuals. We are all guilty parties for not voicing our moral beliefs to the Federal Government, for its turning a blind eye upon the medical/scientific community and big business in desecrating our fragile environment, and not being more compassionate towards mankind.
The reporters of the world questioned the Vatican about their stance on bioethics and I love the Vatican’s come back. They agree that bioethics is uncharted territory, but we are violating the fundamental rights of human nature through experiments and genetic manipulation. I wish the Vatican would ask all Christian Church leaders to join them in this immoral act toward the human race. For I totally agree that as we go down this road we can not predict or control bioethics. I believe that all Religious leaders of the world equally oppose stem cell research that involves the destruction of embryos and the prospect of human cloning
I am calling out to all religions of the world to come alongside Pope Benedict and together make a strong appeal to protect our environment and oppose bioethics of stem cell experimentation.
In reading this article it said that the Vatican had listed several "new sins," that includes polluting our environment. I agree with the Vatican that polluting our environment is a sin. I don’t know if it is really a deadly sin, in that, one would go to Hell, but I believe it is a sin and a slap in God the creator’s face.
This article said that the Vatican had added one more social sin to the already 10 Commandments found in scriptures. The new sin reads: “Thou shall not pollute the Earth”. Then the article then goes on to say, “Thou shall beware genetic manipulation”. I again agree this is a sin of murder in a more social acceptable thinking.
I again agree for these two sins point to our modern times and the failing morality of mankind. I think whether Roman Catholic or Protestant we must stand together to voice our strong opinions again the sins of the environment and the human race. Yet we as “the people” remain silent and don’t place the responsibility for these sins upon us as individuals. We are all guilty parties for not voicing our moral beliefs to the Federal Government, for its turning a blind eye upon the medical/scientific community and big business in desecrating our fragile environment, and not being more compassionate towards mankind.
The reporters of the world questioned the Vatican about their stance on bioethics and I love the Vatican’s come back. They agree that bioethics is uncharted territory, but we are violating the fundamental rights of human nature through experiments and genetic manipulation. I wish the Vatican would ask all Christian Church leaders to join them in this immoral act toward the human race. For I totally agree that as we go down this road we can not predict or control bioethics. I believe that all Religious leaders of the world equally oppose stem cell research that involves the destruction of embryos and the prospect of human cloning
I am calling out to all religions of the world to come alongside Pope Benedict and together make a strong appeal to protect our environment and oppose bioethics of stem cell experimentation.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?
By: Aan Orthopedic Surgeon............
This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's preprogrammedin your brain!
1. While sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air withyour right Hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You andI both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you aregoing to try it again, if you've not already done so. Send it to your buddies to frustrate them too.
This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's preprogrammedin your brain!
1. While sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air withyour right Hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You andI both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you aregoing to try it again, if you've not already done so. Send it to your buddies to frustrate them too.
Monday, March 10, 2008
BREAST CANCER A REAL KILLER
By: taken from the Breast Cancer Foundation's web page
As a pastor for almost 36 years I have seen many families toren apart by this terrible affliction. I also have several very close friends of mine including my own sister-in-law who are survivors of this specific deadly cancer. That is why I whole heartly support this organization.
Visit the Breast Cancer site and find out how you can partner with them in aiding needy woman throughout our Nation. Give some needy woman real help--and hope in their hour of need.
Seattle - 50 screenings: Polly's Place
Portland - 500 screenings: Adventist Medical Center
Denver - 78 screenings: Denver Mission Serving the Homeless
Bakersfield - 500 screenings: San Joachin Community Hospital
Los Angeles - 760 screenings: White Memorial Hospital, LA Mission, Watts Health Foundation
San Diego - 900 screenings: Council of Community Clinics: 31 centers in San Diego County
Pheonix - 300 screenings: Mayo Clinic Serving Southern Arizona
Houston - 1,250 screenings: M.D. Anderson Medical Center Good Neighbor Screening Program
Little Rock - 1,000 screenings: Baptist Health Breast Center Serving Northeast Arkansas
State of Mississippi - 1,500 screenings: Mississippi Department of Health Serving all major hospitals in the entire state
Rochester - 400 screenings: Mayo Clinic Serving Southern Minnesota
Omaha - 500 screenings: Nebraska Medical Center Serving the Omaha-Lincoln Area
Grand Rapids - 500 screenings: Spectrum Health Foundation
Chicago - 3,050 screenings: St. Alexius Medical Centers, Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, Swedish Covenant Hospital
Indianapolis - 500 screenings: St. Vincent's Medical Center Serving Central Indiana
St. Louis - 1,000 screenings: St. Anthony's Medical Center Serving Missouri Lexington - 500 screenings: University of Kentucky Hospital Serving Appalacia
Orlando - 100 screenings: Florida Homeless Council Serving Central Florida
Jacksonville - 300 screenings: Mayo Clinic Serving Northern Florida
Cincinnati - 320 screenings: Bethesda Foundation
Columbus - 750 screenings: Ohio Health Foundation, Mt. Carmel Foundation
Cleveland - 1,500 screenings: Cleveland Clinic Serving Northern Ohio
Detroit - 750 screenings: St. John Hospital Foundation, Pontiac Hospital
New York City - 2,700 screenings: American-Italian Cancer Foundation & Sloan-Kettering
Boston - 1,750 screenings: Massachusetts General Hospital Serving all New England
Maui - 500 screenings: Maui Health Foundation Serving the Hawaiian Islands
Puerto Rico - 72 screenings: Hospital San Pablo del Este Fajarido
Serving San Juan Area
National Breast Cancer Foundation
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
The Breast Cancer Site is proud to be partnered with the nonprofit National Breast Cancer Foundation in its mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and providing mammograms for those in need.
Janelle Hail is a breast cancer survivor and the founder and President of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She is a 26-year breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail, NBCF has a four-star Charity Navigator rating and has funded tens of thousands of free mammograms for working poor, homeless, and uninsured women, and reached many more through its educational initiatives. More than 80 percent of National Breast Cancer Foundation funds go directly to its programs.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation's focus is to save lives now through early breast cancer detection. Mammograms are one of the best methods to catch the disease before it's too late. In fact, if the disease is caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is 96 percent.
The Foundation has forged relationships with hospitals all over the United States, and together they reach out to the surrounding communities, especially to women who might not otherwise have access to mammograms. Learn more about the work we are achieving together by reading the following stories of hope from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
As a pastor for almost 36 years I have seen many families toren apart by this terrible affliction. I also have several very close friends of mine including my own sister-in-law who are survivors of this specific deadly cancer. That is why I whole heartly support this organization.
Visit the Breast Cancer site and find out how you can partner with them in aiding needy woman throughout our Nation. Give some needy woman real help--and hope in their hour of need.
Seattle - 50 screenings: Polly's Place
Portland - 500 screenings: Adventist Medical Center
Denver - 78 screenings: Denver Mission Serving the Homeless
Bakersfield - 500 screenings: San Joachin Community Hospital
Los Angeles - 760 screenings: White Memorial Hospital, LA Mission, Watts Health Foundation
San Diego - 900 screenings: Council of Community Clinics: 31 centers in San Diego County
Pheonix - 300 screenings: Mayo Clinic Serving Southern Arizona
Houston - 1,250 screenings: M.D. Anderson Medical Center Good Neighbor Screening Program
Little Rock - 1,000 screenings: Baptist Health Breast Center Serving Northeast Arkansas
State of Mississippi - 1,500 screenings: Mississippi Department of Health Serving all major hospitals in the entire state
Rochester - 400 screenings: Mayo Clinic Serving Southern Minnesota
Omaha - 500 screenings: Nebraska Medical Center Serving the Omaha-Lincoln Area
Grand Rapids - 500 screenings: Spectrum Health Foundation
Chicago - 3,050 screenings: St. Alexius Medical Centers, Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, Swedish Covenant Hospital
Indianapolis - 500 screenings: St. Vincent's Medical Center Serving Central Indiana
St. Louis - 1,000 screenings: St. Anthony's Medical Center Serving Missouri Lexington - 500 screenings: University of Kentucky Hospital Serving Appalacia
Orlando - 100 screenings: Florida Homeless Council Serving Central Florida
Jacksonville - 300 screenings: Mayo Clinic Serving Northern Florida
Cincinnati - 320 screenings: Bethesda Foundation
Columbus - 750 screenings: Ohio Health Foundation, Mt. Carmel Foundation
Cleveland - 1,500 screenings: Cleveland Clinic Serving Northern Ohio
Detroit - 750 screenings: St. John Hospital Foundation, Pontiac Hospital
New York City - 2,700 screenings: American-Italian Cancer Foundation & Sloan-Kettering
Boston - 1,750 screenings: Massachusetts General Hospital Serving all New England
Maui - 500 screenings: Maui Health Foundation Serving the Hawaiian Islands
Puerto Rico - 72 screenings: Hospital San Pablo del Este Fajarido
Serving San Juan Area
National Breast Cancer Foundation
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
The Breast Cancer Site is proud to be partnered with the nonprofit National Breast Cancer Foundation in its mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and providing mammograms for those in need.
Janelle Hail is a breast cancer survivor and the founder and President of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She is a 26-year breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail, NBCF has a four-star Charity Navigator rating and has funded tens of thousands of free mammograms for working poor, homeless, and uninsured women, and reached many more through its educational initiatives. More than 80 percent of National Breast Cancer Foundation funds go directly to its programs.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation's focus is to save lives now through early breast cancer detection. Mammograms are one of the best methods to catch the disease before it's too late. In fact, if the disease is caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is 96 percent.
The Foundation has forged relationships with hospitals all over the United States, and together they reach out to the surrounding communities, especially to women who might not otherwise have access to mammograms. Learn more about the work we are achieving together by reading the following stories of hope from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
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