Tag Archives: back pain

Chromium and Your Health

Chromium is an essential mineral for good health. Research has shown that it may be helpful for certain health conditions… and less than helpful for others. There may be a connection between insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes and chromium. For people with type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin effectively — insulin is the stuff that helps the body store and use glucose. A chromium deficiency can also impair the body’s ability to use glucose. Could chromium supplements help diabetics manage their disease? So far, study results have been inconclusive. Only one study out of fifteen … Continue reading →

Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals

I’ve been thinking a lot about canine cancer over the last few days — but dogs aren’t the only pets who can develop cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are some common signs of cancer in small animals: Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow — you may not see an external tumor, but you may be able to see or feel a lump where an internal tumor is located. Sores that do not heal. These may be hard to see on a long-haired pet, but regular grooming sessions can help you stay aware of what’s … Continue reading →

Facts about Canine Cancer

The brochure I picked up for Chase Away K9 Cancer was chock full of interesting information. There were a lot of facts about canine cancer that I wanted to share. Veterinary experts estimate that as many as one out of every three dogs will get some form of cancer. That’s a very high (and scary) percentage. Look at it this way: I’ve had three dogs (Miko, Lally, and Moose). Odds are, one of them will experience cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in dogs. More facts about canine cancer: Approximately HALF of all dogs over the age … Continue reading →

Chase Away K9 Cancer

The last time I was at the vet, I grabbed a flyer for Chase Away K9 Cancer — an effort by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine inspired by one special dog. Chase was a black Lab who had made quite a name for herself in the hunting and dock jumping arenas. She was an AKC Master Hunter and an Elite Jumper in the DockDogs Big Air competition. But when Chase was just six years old, she was diagnosed with cancer and quickly passed away in June 2006. Chase’s owner Cera decided to honor Chase’s memory by raising money … Continue reading →

A Life Weighed Against Euthanasia

Courtney’s blog on Euthanasia stirred this blog. I’ve had situations where I’ve had to have dogs put down because they were in so much pain and know the feelings it aroused in me. It’s a terrible feeling. I can’t imagine what it would feel like with a person. I was upset enough when our pup got hurt last week. Years ago when my Mom was suffering with cancer I remember something on TV at the time about how a person took the situation into their own hands and helped their loved one die. Even though I don’t agree with euthanasia, … Continue reading →

Christina Applegate Has a Double Mastectomy

Yesterday, the headlines read something like “Christina Applegate says she is 100% clear of cancer.” I thought to myself “Wow that is a bit of a bold statement.” I mean, how can she be so sure? Today, the news broke that the “Samantha Who?” star had undergone a double mastectomy. For those that may not know, this means she had both her breasts surgically removed. The 36 year old actress had been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast earlier this month, so why the surgery to remove both breasts, which some may see as radical? In her first interview … Continue reading →

TV Star Diagnosed with Cancer

Kelly Bundy has cancer. Christina Applegate, who is best known for playing sexy Kelly Bundy on the long-running sitcom “Married with Children”, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, according to her rep. The 36-year-old “Samantha Who?” star is reportedly undergoing treatment in Los Angeles and doctors say she should expect a full recovery. Applegate’s rep told news reporters that the actress was fortunate that her cancer was detected very early thanks to a MRI. The rep also noted that Applegate’s cancer is “not life threatening.” The world will get to see how well Applegate is responding to her cancer treatments … Continue reading →

Stars Coming Out for Cancer Telethon

It’s not a major Hollywood awards show, it just looks that way on paper. Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker, Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, America Ferrera, Danica Patrick, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Masi Oka and Lance Armstrong are just a few of the A-list celebrities slated to appear on the upcoming three-network telethon to raise money for cancer research. As I mentioned in a previous blog the hour-long “Stand Up To Cancer” will air live and commercial-free on ABC, CBS and NBC on September 5 and feature performances by big name musicians and emotional appeals from actors, athletes and journalists, … Continue reading →

Lance Armstrong’s Run for the White House?

I willing admit that I find Lance Armstrong attractive. How can I deny it now when I’ve already publicly professed my feelings for him in numerous blogs. However, I have never been keen on the way he handles his love life. From splitting with his wife (and the mother of their three young children) to walking out on his former fiancée Sheryl Crow, then dumping his last celebrity designer girlfriend, hooking up with Hollywood nymph Ashley Olsen and now actress Kate Hudson (who is young enough to be his daughter—okay, I’m exaggerating). All that drama aside the guy is an … Continue reading →

Diabetes Cure for Mice in Toronto

Scientists in Toronto have managed to relieve diabetes in mice… starting with a relatively common food item. Researchers took a look at the similarities between diabetes and multiple sclerosis — a disease of the central nervous system. The pancreas (where insulin is produced) has “islets” that produce insulin that help the body process food and manage blood sugar. However, the researchers saw a large number of pain neurons around these islets. Using the idea that diabetes may be linked to the presence of these pain neurons, researchers injected capsaicin (the thing that makes hot peppers hot) into nerve cells near … Continue reading →