Month of Cause

February is American Heart Month

Charlene — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 18:47:04 +0000

Red Ribbons are Most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, this ribbon also is a symbol for heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

February is American Heart Month, and with it being Valentine’s Day lets keep with the season and some great RED Vehicle Pictures. While enjoying these Pictures, we will learn more about Heart Disease & Strokes.

PLEASE, PLEASE SHARE THE PICTURES via this link, Facebook (CLICK HERE for post) or any other means. Lets SPREAD Some Awareness!! Our voice is our power!

Race Team Store is supporting this months Information Campaign.

Come back everyday for the Featured RED Vehicle Picture of the day!!

Have a red vehicle you would like to feature? email to charlene@bowermedia.com

IF You Would Like to Donate, please feel free to pick an organization that we highlight that catches your heart. Let them know you heard about them from this campaign…We are not associated or endorsing any specific group.

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Feb 1:

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer for Americans. One in three deaths is caused by heart attack or stroke, amounting to about 800,000 fatalities each year. Even if one survives a heart attack or stroke, the condition often leads to disabilities and loads of expenses. “Fortunately, there are many simple steps we can take to prevent heart disease, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and not smoking,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius in a statement today. The HHS department aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2016 in a program aptly named “Million Hearts,” which launched in September 2011. And just how will they pull this off? The program seeks to empower Americans to make healthy choices, by avoiding tobacco and reducing red meat and sodium intake, as well as improving care for people who already need treatment, by teaching them the ABCs. A: Aspirin for folks at risk; B: Blood Pressure Control; C: Cholesterol Control; and S: Smoking Cessation.

The American Heart Association, too, plays a big role in American Heart month. In fact, today is National Wear Red Day, to bring attention to cardiovascular disease and its threat to women.

Source: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2013/02/01/wear-red-and-learn-abcs-for-heart-month

Focus on Lung Cancer Conference

Charlene — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:28:31 +0000

Doesn’t look like the 2013 dates are available yet, but seems as if it historically falls in October. Here is some more information:

“Focus on Lung Cancer Conference is a full day designed to address the personal and medical issues facing those with lung cancer; including those in treatment, survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers. Get information on the latest advances in lung cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues; as well as the opportunity to network and gain support from other lung cancer survivors.”

It can even be viewed via LIVESTREAM.

For more information about all of the Presentations and to watch for the 2013 dates go to: http://www.penncancer.org/patients/media-hub/focus-on-conferences/2012-focus-on-lung-cancer-conference/

Photo from mr_wallace (Pirate4x4): This is awesome for awareness. This hits close to home for me, as I lost my uncle that I was close with due to cancer from smoking. A more recent pic with me and my father, not as much snow.

(I really like the footsteps in the snow~Charlene)

EILEEN WARD’S STORY OF STRENGTH

Charlene — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 06:15:09 +0000

Lets look for some inspirational words from someone that is more challenged than us…

“…I hate the disease (and hate all cancer). I find it offensive that at this time, and century it is such a struggle to obtain funds for continued research, that people are ashamed, feel we deserved it! We need to fight, to educate, and inform people and legislators. This has been too long in my family (I am the third direct generation) and in the world. We need to defeat lung cancer and I want to be a part of it. When I walked through the balloon arch last year at the finish line, with all those people cheering, I knew we can BEAT this.

By year three after diagnosis, I started to see life differently. Very much aware of the chances for recurrence, since no one in my family had survived long in the past. I began to see that regardless of cancer we never know when our life will end and we should live it as if our last day is tomorrow. So our Free to Breathe team name is Dance…Sing…Live! This is shortened from “Dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening, and live every day as if it were your last!”

As section of a story as posted on http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/t-blog/blog-entry/pa-story-eileen-wards-story-of-strength

Photo from Filthy McChevy (Pirate4x4) from South Park, CO. This is his 1947 Willis Truck

What’s the difference between emphysema and lung cancer?

Charlene — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 05:47:40 +0000

Emphysema is a disease of the lung tissue where the elastic nature of the lungs gets destroyed by the irritating effects of cigarette smoke. This causes the lungs to lose the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the normal way and makes it harder for you to breath. Emphysema is often accompanied by chronic bronchitis which together is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD for short).

Lung cancer is also a complication of smoking, but is a different disease entirely. Lung cancer occurs when one of the lung cells decides to begin growing and dividing out of control. It does this because of damage done to its DNA by the cigarette smoke.

Both lung cancer and emphysema can be deadly and are often irreversible and difficult to treat. I suggest that you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. He or she can review some of the more common health issues that arise because of smoking. In addition, you can get information and help to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health. It won’t be easy, but it is something you can accomplish if you decide you are going to do it.

Source: http://www.zocdoc.com/answers/9711/whats-the-difference-between-emphysema-and-lung-cancer

Photo by Jason Scherer, an old school picture of him riding his snowmobile in the Tahoe Mountains.

Mesothelioma Video

Charlene — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 07:35:28 +0000

Sometimes you just don’t want to read, and tonight is one of those nights. Here is a vary simple YouTube Video on Mesothelioma. Enjoy!

Photo by Deep South Cruisers (Pirate4x4) who say’s “Hey, it’s Alabama. We don’t get much of the white stuff.

Lung Transplant for Emphysema

Charlene — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 06:14:58 +0000

Did you know?

While lung transplantation was initially used as a treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, the indications have evolved such that emphysema is the most common diagnosis leading to transplantation, accounting for 39% of transplants worldwide. Approximately 50% of lung transplant recipients are older than 50 years, which is the age group characteristic of COPD and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Read the Full Article: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/502203_6

Photo by Matt Hall on the Rubicon Trail

What Is a Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)?

Charlene — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:24:58 +0000

When the muscles of the chest and diaphragm contract they expand the chest, causing the lungs to inflate. Like a balloon, the lungs stretch as they inflate. When you exhale, the muscles relax, and like a balloon that’s been released the lungs spring back. But if the air escapes from the lung and into the chest around the lung, the lung can collapse inside the chest. This can occur from the bursting of a weak spot of the lung, either from another medical condition, infection, or cancer. Or it could be caused by a puncture of the lung such as from a fractured rib.

Another condition called atelectasis is like a collapse of the lung, but the air doesn’t escape into the chest. Rather the air sacs in the lung don’t adequately expand when taking a breath. This can be caused by mucus plugging or a tumor blocking the airway. Or more commonly it can occur after an operation or by lying immobile for long periods.

To help prevent atelectasis, stop smoking six to eight weeks before surgery. Breathe deeply and cough often after a surgery. Also follow directions about moving, exercising, and changing positions after surgery.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/lung/lung-injuries

Photo by Christopher Smith: “I shared a link to show support for lung cancer on my page. Those who know our family know that my father-in-law has been in a battle with this type of cancer and today he passed on. He was one of my true heros and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I do believe with all my heart that he is in a better place now. Godspeed Mike Clark.”

I Believe in the Power of Information

Charlene — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:36:28 +0000

Yesterday I posted some information about the future of this project….

“2. Month of… Since October 1st I (Charlene) haven’t missed a day of posting a Vehicle and a speck of information about a particular disease or cause. On January 1st, after over 130 posts, I had a chat with myself about the commitment to this project. It was a perfect time to either Stop or Make a Further Commitment to Take it to the Next Level. Well, as you have seen with the Month of Snow, I am still posting and committed…but some may tell that it is a ‘little different’ as I have been making slight adjustments all month.

My commitment to these posts are because of you and the response that I have had from complete strangers to best friends who have somehow been impacted, learned something, or just enjoyed the vehicles!

The Next Level is pretty awesome. I can hardly wait to share it with you! Soon, I promise, Soon!”

Read Full post here: http://bowermedia.com/2013/01/bower-media-launches-2013-calendar-and-releases-information-about-2013/

Shortly after I released this information, my Facebook Alert goes off and leads me to a comment that was added to Wednesdays Post:

“Charlene, tonight my father-in-law is losing his battle with lung cancer. He is a good man and one of my heros. I am thankful for your support.” Chris from Indiana

My prayers are with Chris and his entire family, and others that are going through the same struggles. There have been many vehicles submitted this month that have ‘in honor of’ statements next to them. Everyone in our circle is struggling with something, although they may not make it apparent to you.

One of my favorite Post-It-Note reminders that I put in the 2013 calendar, and ask you to keep in mind in your upcoming days…
“Anyone who reaches out for help is entitled to your Compassion and Attention”

The economy is hard right now and we may not have Money, but we have the Power of Information and Compassion at our finger tips all the time. You may not be able to financially support an organization or person, but you can support with a kind ear and by Learning & Sharing. That is what I am doing. Learning and Sharing, and hoping that you learn and share too.

I fully realize that you probably don’t look at these posts everyday. I hope that at some point you feel inspired to submit your vehicle to share. And, I hope that you check in occasionally to learn and share what you like and feel is important. You Hold the Power of Information!

You. You! That is why I share!
~Charlene

Photo by Barlow Jeep Rentals & School in Sedona, AZ

Free to Breathe Lung Cancer Awareness Events

Charlene — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 02:37:16 +0000

It is always nice to find a way to support and it seems like most of the core organizations utilize walks to raise money and awareness. When looking for that opportunity in the Lung Cancer group, I found “Free to Breathe”

“The Free to Breathe event series unites people who are passionate about creating public awareness of lung cancer and raising vital funding for research.

Join thousands of lung cancer survivors, family, friends and advocates to create change for lung cancer. Form your team now to positively impact the lives of those affected by this disease.

Free to Breathe events create a community by joining survivors, advocates and others touched by lung cancer with those who just want to participate in a run, walk, yogathon or golf tournament for a good cause. We are excited that you are interested in joining us!”

CLICK HERE FOR THE LOCATIONS of all the events across the country: http://www.freetobreathe.com/register.html

Photo by Kevin Carey

Top 10 Ways to Know You are a Cancer Survivor

Charlene — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:41:21 +0000

I ran across this lighthearted list while reading some Lung Cancer Survivor Stories tonight. It made me smile, so I thought I would share it…

Top 10 Ways to Know You are a Cancer Survivor

10 Your alarm clock goes off at 6 a.m. and you’re glad to hear it.

9. Your mother-in-law invites you to lunch and you just say NO.

8. You’re back in the family rotation to take out the garbage.

7. When you no longer have an urge to choke the person who says,
“all you need to beat cancer is the right attitude.”

6. When your dental floss runs out and you buy 1000 yards.

5. When you use your toothbrush to brush your teeth and not comb your hair.

4. You have a chance to buy additional life insurance but you buy a new
convertible car instead.

3. Your doctor tells you to lose weight and do something about your
cholesterol and you actually listen.

2. When your biggest annual celebration is again your birthday, and not
the day you were diagnosed.

1. When you use your Visa card more than your hospital parking pass.

Source: http://www.inspire.com/groups/lung-cancer-survivors/discussion/do-you-qualify-as-a-cancer-survivor/

Photo submitted by Suzy Duff