Do you know someone with Alzheimers?

EVERYONE knows someone with dementia of some kind. Alzheimers, one type of dementia is very common in the world's ageing population. There is also a form of Alzheimers dementia which affects a younger population, as early as the late 40's. Billions of dollars are spent every year by so many looking for a cure and more importantly on healthcare, homecare and eldercare for those affected by this debilitating illness. We hear daily of people who have wandered away from their homes because some fading memory told them to walk away, leaving their loved ones panicked until and if they are found.

   Innovators in The Netherlands have taken an awesome approach to providing long term living solutions for those with dementia. "De Hogeweyk" aka Dementia Village, located in a small town in Holland offers families and patrons piece of mind in the form of a self contained village behind well guarded walls and gates. In this village one can find anything anyone would want; a grocery store, movie theater, restaurants, cafes, gardens, pedestrian walks etc. The aim of this village being to re-create a normal (but safe) environment for these patrons to help them to maintain a normal life with a routine. They also live in apartments with 6-8 people, including caretakers who dress like normal people, they are their friends and caregivers. One can even decorate the patron's space in a specific style more akin to their personality.

   I love that the world is seeking and finding more adaptive and innovative ways to approach Alzheimers care. People with this illness can still be normal, in their own way. Isn't that what life is all about, after all? Being normal, in our own way, in a world that is changing way too fast? A cure will come but until then, we adapt.

Any Investors out there??? I NEED to open one of these!

See an article on Hogeweyk here

More Alzheimers adaptations here

Need Alzheimers Information or Support? Click Here

How do you feel about Drug Rooms?

Copenhagen has taken an interesting swing on the drug war. For the past year they have piloted a program offering "drug rooms" to drug addicts. In these rooms, addicts can bring their own drugs and  access clean needles, cleaning solutions, clean areas to inject their drug of choice as well as healthcare professionals they can approach for questions, worries or concerns. Drugs are still considered illegal but those who use these drug rooms are not arrested for possession.While this may seem way out of societal norms we have become used to; they have noted that this approach brings a population in need to healthcare, reducing drug use related infections and negative effects. It also allows them judgement free access to resources they would otherwise not use at all. They have noted a tenfold drop in drug related litter, street fights and burglaries since inception of the drug rooms. It seems this trend may be growing as the UK has tried this approach as well in a few areas. The interesting phenomenon that also has been noted is that in bringing addicts together, subjects such as increased discussion of desire to join rehabilitation programs.

They also note to drug deaths onsite even though they have had over 100 onsite overdoses.

Fascinating? Yes! Sometimes the answer to a problem isn't quite the one we expect it to be. Is this the solution to the war on drugs? Probably not but if it helps, why not embrace it. I can come up with MANY strong arguments for and against this approach to dealing with this particular problem. What are your thoughts? Food for Thought.

See original article here

Funny of the Day

Is Bacon making you less Virile?

A recent Harvard study asks you to consider their findings that men who consume processed meat daily may be at risk of significantly lowering their sperm quality. The study compared the eating habits of 156 men undergoing IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) treatment for infertility issues with their partners. The researchers found that men who ate half a portion (portion size not declared) a day of processed meat had 5.5 percent "normal" shaped sperms compared to 7.2 percent in men who ate less processed meat. Conversely, men who ate more white fish had significantly higher quality normal, active sperm. 156 men is a fairly small study so we will wait for the bigger study that will very likely come. 

Interesting food for thought.....I read somewhere that maybe all we need to do is be wrapping our whitefish in bacon and we'll all be happy. Take what you will from this information and just go forth, be healthy, be happy and make some babies. 

11 Little Known Breast Cancer Facts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is an international annual campaign focused on increasing awareness of the disease to the general public. Breast Cancer affects everyone. Men, Women, Old and Young. No one should be left behind in this fight, no one should think they are exempt. No one should think they are safe. Death from Breast Cancer is preventable, screening exists and is easy.

11 Little Known Breast Cancer Facts (original article by Huffington Post)

1) Breast Cancer can be any of several different "types" of Cancer. Each Cancer has a different and varied mode of treatment to improve outcomes. These treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, medications, surgeries: from lump excisions to radical breast, muscle and lymph node excisions.

2. A lump doesn't always mean cancer: Not all lumps are created equal. One can discover they have a lump and it be incidental or benign (not cancerous).  Get all abnormal lumps checked. If you are not familiar with your breasts, lots of things can feel like lumps. Breasts can feel differently at different times of the month. Get aquainted with your tatas.

3. Breast Cancer does not always present as a lump: However, changes in skin of the breasts, nipple changes or discharge, breast pain, nipple retraction, lumps under the arms can all be signs of cancer as well as lumps. Get them checked ASAP.

4. Men get Breast Cancer too: 200 men in the US yearly are diagnosed with breast cancer. Stay aware.

5. Breast Cancer risk isn't always determined by family history. Many people are aware that types of breast cancer can have genetic links. However, many people with breast cancer have no familial history of breast cancer.

6. Having the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene doesnt always mean cancer is in your future. Having this gene does significantly raise your risk above the general population but does not GUARANTEE you will get breast/ovarian cancer. Risk raises to 50-65% rather than 12% in the general populace.

7. Not all women have the same risk to develop Breast Cancer: Risk is based on several factors, some modifiable and some you have no ability to modify. Unchangeable: Family history, Age, Ethnic Background.

8. You can impact some risk factors: You cant prevent breast cancer but you can play some role in lowering some elements of your personal risk: Maintaining a healthy weight, Exercising, lowering Alcohol consumption to less than 2 alcoholic beverages daily and trying to avoid hormone supplementation post menopause.

9. Mammograms aren't foolproof but they sure are helpful: Mammograms are 83% effective in women over 50 and 79% effective in women younger than that. As with any tests, false positives and false negatives exist but are not common. Positives are always followed up with additional testing such as a more invasive mammogram, ultrasound +/- Biopsy.

10. Fertility Treatments don't raise your Breast Cancer Risk: Post-Menopause Hormone Replacement can be associated with breast cancer development. This is not the same as Fertility treatments which are generally not associated with elevated breast cancer risk.

11. Most women survive breast cancer: Breast Cancer 5 year survival rates are generally higher than 80% in the USA. This is due to early diagnosis and treatment. Cancer is scary but not a death sentence! It is treatable with early diagnosis and current technologies.

Below please see some links to interesting sites and articles relevant to this topic


National Breast Cancer Foundation

All you need to start Fundraisers to donate Mammograms to those who cant afford them

Create an Early Detection Plan for yourself and your loved ones

11 Little Known Breast Cancer Facts (Huffington Post) 

Beyond The Shock: A Breast Cancer Educational Resource

Who's Molly?

Who's Molly you may ask? Well, she may the the girl next door or it may be the drug the girl next door is thinking about trying tonight at the club with her friends. Remember when I told you knowledge is power? This is chapter 2 in "common drugs today 101". Buckle your seat belts.

Molly aka MDMA is also known as Ecstasy but sold in crystal or powder form which is generally a purer form of the drug as opposed to the pressed pill form of ecstasy which can be mixed with fillers. Herein lies the problem.

MDMA is a stimulant and a psychedelic (alters your reality). It is man made. It can frequently be found mixed with caffeine, PCP, cough syrup, amphetamines or cocaine. It starts working within 15 minutes but can last up to 6 hours. Users may feel very alert or hyper vigilant and have altered perception and senses. Negative effects include anxiety, agitation, sweating, chills and dizziness/fainting. Muscle tension, nausea, blurry vision can also occur. Severe side effects include irregular heartbeat, temperature dysregulation, seizures and death. Long term emotional side effects such as depression,  mood instability and memory loss has been noted.

MDMA has been used in studies recently on subjects with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it allows them to relax and alters their perception enough to allow psychologists to effect positive changes on thought processes through psychotherapy.

Funny of the Day