Look Good...Feel Better Announces 'Women of Hope is Beautiful' Honorees

/PRNewswire/ -- Look Good...Feel Better, a national public service program that helps women cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment, proudly announces the honorees from its Women of Hope is Beautiful campaign, a nationwide search to identify five women who embody the core values of the Look Good...Feel Better program -- courage, confidence, control, community and caring -- and inspire others with their spirit.

The five Women of Hope is Beautiful will be honored at the DreamBall, an annual black-tie charity gala at the Waldorf=Astoria, held on September 24, that supports the Look Good...Feel Better program and celebrates its 20th anniversary. The women will also receive complementary makeovers with hairstyling by Anthony Barrow, Avon Global Stylist and Advisor, and makeup application by Ida Abruzzi.

"We received so many compelling stories of strength and determination, and it was very challenging to select just five women," says Louanne Roark, executive director, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Look Good...Feel Better program. "These women have all experienced the tremendous impact a Look Good...Feel Better session can have on a woman's emotional and physical wellbeing, and they each serve as an inspiration to other women undergoing cancer treatment." The five finalists were chosen from more than 150 submissions to the Look Good...Feel Better blog at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

The Women of Hope is Beautiful hail from all across the country - from Washington state to South Carolina to New York. They are mothers and wives, sisters and daughters, and while they each fought an individual battle against cancer, they have all benefited from attending a Look Good...Feel Better session, and are connected by their positive outlook and remarkable determination in the face of this disease. The honorees include:

Lesley Bonner, who began her battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma this year, the same week as her 39th birthday. She attended a Look Good...Feel Better session to learn how to deal with her new wigs and head scarves, and makeup application tips. "The best part of the workshop was getting to meet so many beautiful women, all dealing with many of the same issues as myself. I am not alone; I am not different," she says.

Andrea Brown Buford, 52, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and attended a Look Good...Feel Better session. "When I did lose my hair, that first day as I prepared to step out into the world among people that knew me with a head full of hair, I took the time to apply what I had learned on my face, but also, that which I had experienced was in my heart," says Andrea. "I stepped out knowing I walked in pure radiance."

Vicki Everhart, 59, a typically strong and independent woman whose breast cancer diagnosis left her frightened and reeling with uncertainty. Vicki calls her Look Good...Feel Better session a "turning point" in her cancer treatment. As she says, "I was so tired and drained from treatments and really only wanted to curl up in a corner...When I left, I felt like I had gotten a new lease on life, and felt pretty for the first time in months!"

Aarika Johnson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year on her 25th birthday. As a cosmetology student, Aarika wondered who would want to get their hair cut by the "bald chic." The Look Good...Feel Better workshop was a turning point: "Someday, I was going to have a woman in my chair getting her last haircut before her treatment begins, and maybe I will be of some comfort to her that she will get through the obstacles ahead."

Michele VonGerichten, 46, who is a breast cancer survivor. Michele made the decision to get chemotherapy as an aggressive, preventive measure and immediately made the decision to enroll in a Look Good...Feel Better session. She attended the class excited that it was "something just for us women to help build our self-esteem." She says that she felt a kindred spirit with the other women in the session, and "returned home feeling like I could stay beautiful, and that I was not alone!"

The Women of Hope is Beautiful will be introduced on stage at the DreamBall by Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of the Today show and a breast cancer survivor. Kotb is being honored as this year's "DreamGirl" for her courage in openly sharing her cancer treatment and recovery with millions of viewers on the Today show.

"Hoda and the Women of Hope is Beautiful are such an inspiration - they have shared their remarkable journey with cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery to encourage and inspire others," says Roark. "We are thrilled to celebrate them at this year's DreamBall as their stories are representative of all the women who have gone through the Look Good...Feel Better program over the past 20 years."

Since 1989, Look Good...Feel Better has helped 650,000 women with cancer look good, improve their self-esteem and thereby manage their cancer treatment and recovery with greater confidence through free workshops, practical tips and guidance. Look Good...Feel Better is a collaboration between the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association.

The DreamBall is jointly sponsored by the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the American Cancer Society, bringing together nearly 700 executives in the cosmetic industry for the largest Look Good...Feel Better fundraiser of the year.

Look Good...Feel Better is a collaboration between the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, one of the nation's largest voluntary health organizations, and the National Cosmetology Association, a national organization of more than 25,000 hairstylists, wig experts, estheticians, makeup artists and nail technicians. Visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call 1-800-395-LOOK to learn more about the program, to find a program in your area, or for information on how to volunteer.

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Going Gray In This Economy? Forget It

(NAPSI)-In this job market, gray definitely isn't the new black--at least when it comes to women's hair.

"When you're competing for a job with someone who's 10 years younger or 20 years younger than you are, being gray is the equivalent of wearing a necklace that says '57,'" Charla Krupp, author of the book "How Not to Look Old," has bluntly observed. "Would you do that? You have to convey the message that you're still in the game."

You won't be alone. About 55 percent of women color their hair at least occasionally. According to Margaret Voelker-Ferrier of the University of Cincinnati, who specializes in studying aging trends, "Society is changing but it hasn't gotten to the point that older, gray-haired women are considered distinguished looking."

How to deal with that without paying hundreds of dollars, however, has become almost an obsession among many women. Here's what experts say are the savviest ways to keep the gray away if you're in frugality mode:

• Do Your Own Coloring--Try an at-home hair dye or highlights.

• Make It Last--Sulfate-free shampoos are known for making color last and for keeping hair shinier and healthier in general. One favorite: The new VitaminShampoo line, which is also at the forefront of the "superfruits" trend. Superfruits are a category of fruits that have been called "the future of healthy living." They're rich in vitamins and antioxidants, according to studies conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, and nutritionists, medical researchers and other scientists are taking them very seriously.

Shampoo "flavors" such as pomegranate blackberry, noni berry lemongrass and acai berry guava are made with high-potency fruits, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. The fruits come from around the world, including Tahiti and Brazil's Amazon Rain Forest.

• Find Deals--Some beauty schools will color your hair at a discount if you're willing to let a student work on you. Even better, total freebies can sometimes be found at salons holding employee-training sessions.

• Don't Hesitate To Ask--Finally, if you've lost your job and have a good relationship with your stylist, ask her to cut you a break to keep your business--especially when your situation improves. She may be happy to help you out. Just don't ask for the favor more than once.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.vitaminshampoo.com.

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Women, Stress And Heart Disease

(NAPSI)-When it comes to heart health and women, the role played by stress can't be stressed enough. This is in addition to other factors, such as diet, physical activity, and genetics that are known to contribute to heart disease in women.

According to the American Psychological Association's (APA) 2008 Stress in America survey, women report experiencing higher levels of stress than men-33 percent of women report an average stress level of 8 or above on a 10-point scale (vs. 27 percent of men).

"The link between high levels of stress and heart disease is well known and very real," says Katherine Nordal, Ph.D., executive director for professional practice at the American Psychological Association. "The good news is that by being proactive in their health care decisions and making healthy lifestyle choices, women can successfully manage their levels of stress and minimize their risk of heart disease."

In fact, the tools used to prevent stress are also those often employed to prevent heart disease. A healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as regular physical activity such as walking, yoga or dance, all contribute to a healthy mind and body.

APA offers the following tips on how to manage your stress:

• Understand how you experience stress. Everyone experiences stress differently. How do you know when you are stressed?

• Identify your sources of stress. What events or situations trigger stressful feelings? Is there anything you can do to change the situation or reduce your stress?

• Learn your own stress signals. People experience stress in different ways. Learn to gauge your stress signals.

• Recognize how you deal with stress. Determine if you are using unhealthy behaviors (such as smoking, drinking alcohol and over/undereating) to cope.

• Find healthy ways to manage stress. Consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercising or talking things over with friends or family.

• Take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity, such as yoga, taking a short walk, going to the gym or playing sports.

• Reach out for support. Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behaviors.

To learn more about stress and mind/body health, visit the American Psychological Association's Help Center at www.apahelpcenter.org.

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Tips To Help Women Keep Their Cool

(NAPSI)-Making a few lifestyle changes can help millions of women prevent or minimize the effects of hot flashes.

Women may experience hot flashes for several years, with some women feeling just a little warmer than usual on occasion and others experiencing several uncomfortable episodes throughout the day and even night sweats.

Here are a few steps you can take to reduce them:

• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

• Dress in layers so it's easy to cool yourself off.

• Try to pinpoint what triggers your hot flashes. For some women it's coffee, spicy foods or alcohol.

• Soy might help. According to The North American Menopause Society, 40 to 80 mg of isoflavones daily may help relieve symptoms.

• Be sure you get enough sleep. If hot flashes disturb your sleep, talk to your doctor about ways to get adequate rest.

• Don't smoke. Smoking can increase hot flashes.

• If hot flashes are really uncomfortable and nothing you do helps, talk to your doctor.

"If hot flashes are severe and interrupting your life and you are not responding to common remedies or lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, then perhaps it is time to discuss with your physician prescription options such as low-dose estrogen therapies," says Dr. James Simon, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University.

Low-dose estrogen therapies are recommended by many experts in the fields of gynecology and estrogen therapy, including The North American Menopause Society and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

"Most physicians recommend that estrogen should be prescribed in the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time to manage a patient's symptom," Dr. Simon adds.

One of the newest ways to deliver estrogen is a fast-drying colorless gel that can be applied to a woman's upper arm or shoulder. One low-dose, prescription-only gel indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hot flashes is called Elestrin.

Another problem associated with menopause is a lack of interest in intimacy. Currently, clinical trials are being carried out on a product called LibiGel, which, if it's approved, may be indicated for low sexual desire in women.

Visit www.BioSantepharma.com for more information on both these medications.

If lifestyle changes do not help alleviate your symptoms, talk to your doctor about the possibility of treatment.

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'Go Red for Women' Gets Stronger by the Week

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tomorrow, millions of Americans will wear red to highlight women's risk of dying from heart disease. About ten times as many women die from heart disease as breast cancer in the United States each year,[1] yet an astonishing 90 percent of primary care doctors still don't know that heart attacks kill more women than men.[2] That's why this year Healthy Monday is urging women to continue wearing red once a week, to help sound the alarm all year long.

"By wearing something red every Monday, women can signal their commitment to their own heart health" says Sid Lerner, Chairman of the Healthy Monday Campaign. "By sharing the reason they're wearing red with women they meet, that lifesaving information becomes viral. If every Monday a woman tells two friends, and they tell two friends, pretty soon women all over the country will have this crucial information. It's just like compounding interest, but it's about saving lives."

"Go Red for Women is about getting vital information into every community and every home," says Michael Weamer, Executive Vice President for the American Heart Association's Founders Affiliate. "Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States - far greater than all forms of cancer combined, but women aren't taking action to protect their hearts because they just aren't aware of the risks."

Dr. Lori Mosca, Director, Preventive Cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, says, "My research shows that doctors often don't feel very effective in helping their patients reduce their risk of heart disease. That's why public awareness and education programs are so important."

"Preventing deaths from heart disease means getting millions of women to change their habits, week after week, year round, but first they need to be convinced of the urgency and the benefits," says Dr. Thomas Kottke, who in January published a study showing that high-quality preventive treatment could postpone or prevent a third of all deaths, and an even higher proportion of deaths from heart disease. "We need to let women know that preemptive intervention can dramatically reduce the danger."

Wear something red every Monday and help get the word out each week. Visit Go Red for Women and The Heart Truth for more information and to order your red dress pins and accessories. Then make your own Monday Checklist.

Healthy Monday is a project of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications. Healthy Monday uses weekly recommitment campaigns to help people stop smoking, lose weight, stick with an exercise program and adopt other healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes.

[1] "The Heart Truth: Women and Heart Disease." The Heart Truth. 2004. National Heart Lung Blood Institute. Jan. 2009.

[2] "Heart Disease Education, Analysis and Research, and Treatment for Women Act." American Heart Association. Jan. 2009.

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Diet Coke and Heidi Klum Use Their 'Charm' to Raise Awareness of Women's Heart Health

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the second straight year, Diet Coke has tapped Heidi Klum as its heart health ambassador in support of The Heart Truth campaign, a national effort sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to educate women about the risks of heart disease. This year, Diet Coke's involvement in The Heart Truth will include sponsorship of The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection fashion show on February 13th at Fashion Week 2009. Diet Coke also will debut a targeted print, television and digital advertising campaign featuring Heidi Klum; unveil packaging featuring The Heart Truth's Red Dress logo; and launch an updated Web site with consumer education about heart health as well as a traveling exhibit.

New this year, Klum is taking on the dual role of jewelry designer and model. She has created a Diet Coke Red Dress Charm, inspired by the Red Dress symbol, encrusted in rubies and diamonds and shaped like an hourglass to remind women it is time to get educated about heart disease, the #1 killer of women in America today. On February 22, 2009, Klum will wear the Diet Coke Red Dress Charm on the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards(R) to help raise awareness for women's heart health.

For a chance to share Klum's new look for the Red Dress, consumers are invited to enter to win a limited-edition version of the charm by entering the Red Dress Charm Sweepstakes at DietCoke.com.

"For more than 25 years, Diet Coke has played an integral role in consumers' lives. We know that women today, now more than ever, are interested in taking care of their health, and with heart disease being the #1 women's health issue, Diet Coke is committed to spreading the message about good heart health," said Caren Pasquale Seckler, Group Director, Low-Calorie Colas, Coca-Cola North America. "Heidi Klum's star-power helped The Heart Truth message reach millions of women last year, and with Heidi's help, we hope to continue to keep the spotlight on this crucial issue, reaching even more women and their families with information and resources for healthier hearts."

Diet Coke Heart Truth Road Show

Diet Coke and the NHLBI will be taking The Heart Truth message directly to women in cities across the United States with The Heart Truth Road Show - a traveling national exhibit about women's heart health. Co-presented by Diet Coke, The Heart Truth Road Show will travel to six cities and each free event will showcase the one-of-a-kind red dresses worn on the runway at the Red Dress Collection fashion show during Fashion Week, and provide free heart health screenings and educational materials. Starting in Minneapolis (3/6-3/8), The Heart Truth Road show will stop in Houston (3/13-3/15), Los Angeles (3/20-3/22), Charlotte (4/3-4/5), New York City (4/16-4/18) and Atlanta (4/24-4/26).

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Women Focus On Controlling A Common Problem

(NAPSI)-According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one in four women suffers from some type of bladder weakness. Many women think that bladder weakness is an inevitable reality of pregnancy or getting older, but by building a strong pelvic floor-the group of muscles located on the underside of the pelvis that are responsible for bladder control-women can stay in control of their bodies and live an active lifestyle.

Having strong pelvic floor muscles improves posture and tummy tone and is an integral part of preventing bladder weakness and improving bladder control. Through a program of simple, gentle exercises, women can vastly improve the symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor.

"Little time is spent explaining to women the role of their pelvic floor and the impact of neglect or damage," says Kari Bo, an international expert in exercise science and physiotherapy. "Even more important, women don't realize that they can train these muscles to prevent future problems or reduce current symptoms."

Bo is the designer of the PELVICORE Technique, an at-home program that helps women of all ages and levels of ability improve the tone and control of their pelvic floor muscles. The quick and easy 20-minute routine is produced by Core Wellness, an international pelvic fitness campaign sponsored by TENA® (formerly known as Serenity®), a leading provider of incontinence management products and services. The PELVICORE Technique is proven to both prevent and, in 60 to 70 percent of women with stress incontinence, cure bladder weakness.

Following are some tips from TENA for achieving optimal pelvic health:

• Don't Sweat It: More than 70 percent of mild bladder incontinence can be improved through simple muscle exercises that contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises require minimal effort and can be done anywhere-in the office, on the subway or while at home watching TV-no gym clothes required.

• Maintain a Normal Weight: Carrying excess weight increases the likelihood of weak pelvic floor muscles and can also worsen bladder weakness.

• Let Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can weaken your pelvic floor. Lift heavy objects carefully by bending your knees and using your leg muscles.

• The Pelvic Health Diet: Certain foods, such as those that are spicy or tomato based, can irritate the bladder. Caffeine and alcoholic beverages can also contribute to leakage, so stick to bladder-friendly liquids such as water, apple juice, grape juice and cranberry juice.

• Don't Let Bladder Weakness Hold You Back: Bladder weakness affects one out of four women. You are not alone in this condition and it doesn't have to control your life. Pelvic floor exercises can greatly improve your pelvic health, but if you're still hesitant to stray too far from a bathroom, consider a discreet liner or pad to help give you confidence through the day. Visit www.tena.us for more tips and to check out all your available options.

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Take Control Of Your Heart Health With Four Simple Steps

(NAPSI)-You have tremendous power to prevent heart disease--the #1 killer of women--and you can start right now.

One-third of women underestimate their own risk for heart disease and most fail to make the connection between risk factors and their chance of developing heart disease. In fact, if you have just one risk factor--such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or being overweight--your risk of heart disease doubles.

The good news is that you can lower your risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent by leading a healthier lifestyle. The Heart Truth, a national awareness campaign for women, has four simple weekly activities to help you take action to control your heart health. This month, get serious about your heart health by doing one of these suggested activities per week:

Week 1: Eat for heart health. Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat. Prevent and control high blood pressure by cutting down on salt and other forms of sodium. In cooking and at the table, flavor foods with herbs, spices, wine, lemon, lime, vinegar or saltfree seasoning blends instead.

Week 2: Get moving. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most--preferably all--days of the week. Take a walk or dance to your favorite music. A little activity goes a long way in maintaining a healthy weight.

Week 3: Spread the word. Spread the heart health message to three women in your life. One in four American women dies of heart disease. Help those closest to you know their personal risk for heart disease by urging them to talk to their doctor about their blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index numbers.

Week 4: Set a heart health goal. Set one specific, achievable heart health goal for yourself to help keep up the good work throughout the year. It could be walking more, eating more foods high in fiber or quitting smoking.

The Heart Truth is a national campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The campaign introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.

To learn more about women and heart disease, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

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Find the Perfect Pearls For Your Wedding Ensemble

(ARA) – Pearls are the perfect wedding companion. Known by some as the “Queen of Gems,” the classic elegance of pearls transcends centuries and style fads. Nothing looks more beautiful with a bridal gown than a single strand of flawless pearls.

But pearls are not just for the bride -- they’re the perfect accessory for bridesmaids as well. Today, you can find pearls in shades ranging from the traditional white all the way through the color spectrum, including pink, green and even black, so they will coordinate with the wedding party’s dresses.

If you’re confused by the different types of pearls on the market, you’re not alone. “Pearls are classified according to their origin and their shape,” says Natalie Parman, vice president of merchandising at Jewelry TV. “Because of the wide variety of pearls available, you can choose a look and a price that is right for you.”

Pearls are formed when a foreign object enters the shell of a mollusk and triggers the release of nacre, which builds layer upon layer until a pearl is formed. Most pearls in retail stores today are cultured pearls. They are less expensive than natural pearls because they are mass-produced with the aid of technology. Instead of waiting for nature to take its course, pearl farmers insert an irritant and a nucleus (often a mother of pearl bead) into an oyster to speed up the process. Cultured pearls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and many are dyed, which means you can find a wide range of colors.

Akoya cultured pearls are produced by the Akoya oyster found in the waters surrounding Japan. They are almost perfectly round and are well known for their high luster and rich color, which can range from white to cream, pink, green, silver and gold. These pearls can vary in size from between 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters. “Cultured Akoya pearls are the quintessential ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ strand in a creamy white color,” says Parman. “Multiple strands or choker styles are hot wedding trends.” Because they are affordable, cultured Akoya pearls also make great bridesmaids and mothers’ gifts.

South Sea cultured pearls are larger than Akoyas, usually more than 10 millimeters. Produced in the warm waters of the South Seas, they come mainly from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. These pearls are usually white, yellow or gold. Due to their size and rarity, South Sea pearls are expensive. Exotic golden South Sea pearls in particular have gained popularity in the United States in recent years. “If you’re choosing a special strand of pearls for your wedding, this can be a good jewelry investment,” says Parman.

Tahitian pearls are produced in Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Mexico. They range in color from black, to aubergine, pistachio and many other colors, often with overtones of blue, pink or green. These pearls range between 8 and 15 millimeters and are highly valued because of their rarity. “Wear Tahitian pearls to your rehearsal dinner, or pack them as part of your honeymoon wardrobe,” says Parman.

When choosing pearls, look for nacre thickness and quality. Nacre quality determines how long the pearl will last as well as how light reflects through the pearls. Check for any cracks or peeling in the nacre. Also, look for how the pearls on a strand are matched. Pearl matching affects the value of the piece, as mismatched pearls are not as aesthetically pleasing. Finally, look for pearls that are individually knotted between each pearl instead of just strung one after the other -- that’s a sign of quality.

Whatever your jewelry wish for your wedding day, visit www.jtv.com for a great selection of pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Financial Woes Can Add To Health Concerns

GBB Note: Part of women's beauty comes from taking care of themselves.

(NAPSI)-Financial problems may have an effect on the health of women and their families.

That's one of the key findings of a new survey that indicates many women have failed to seek health care for themselves or their families to save money. Findings also indicate that many women say their health has gotten worse over the past five years and that the primary cause women cite for this decline is stress.

"Today's financial crisis and increasing health costs are clearly impacting women's decisions around health care, and their physical and emotional well-being," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), which commissioned the survey. "It's hard to stay calm and relaxed given our hectic lives-even in the best of times. But women need to understand that skimping on health care to save them money may cost them more in the long run."

Conducted by Harris Interactive, the fourth annual, national Women T.A.L.K. survey found a significant number of women report making sacrifices in order to reduce their expenditures on health care and that their health is declining.

• Nearly half of women have failed to seek medical care in the past year because the cost was too high. This includes skipping doctor's visits, recommended medical procedures and medication for themselves or their families.

The study also showed that while women were most likely to put off doctor visits for themselves, they were least likely to put off doctor visits for their children.

• Hispanic women were most likely to have skipped health care in the past year.

• More than 40 percent of women report their health has declined over the past five years and the most common reasons given for this were stress and weight gain.

• At the same time, a solid majority of women reported a willingness to make lifestyle changes -such as improving their diet, exercising or eliminating smoking-if it would help lower their health care costs.

"Long-term stress and weight gain can significantly increase women's risk for other health problems," said Battaglino Cahill. "Women need help in managing stress and part of that equation is good nutrition and regular exercise. There are many simple, no-cost steps they can take to manage stress, including eating better, exercising, deep breathing, meditation and organizing and prioritizing activities."

For more tips on managing stress, visit www.healthywomen.org/wellness.

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Why Joint Pain "Loves" Women

(NAPSI)-One thing that women do faster than men actually puts them at a higher risk for joint pain. And it all has to do with collagen.

"Women naturally lose joint collagen-which makes up 70 percent of the cartilage that provides cushion, strength and smoothness to joints-at a faster rate than men," says Len Smith, CEO of BSP Pharma. "And because women have less cartilage than men to begin with, any loss they experience affects them with more intensity."

Smith explains that this effect is further compounded after menopause, when levels of estrogen-which has a cartilage-protecting effect-drop. That's why doctors say it's especially important for women to take steps to protect against cartilage degradation.

These tips can help:

• Exercise--It only takes 30 minutes a day, but exercising energizes you, lifts your mood and helps relieve pain and stiffness. Walking, swimming and stretching are all great ways to get moving.

• Hydrate--Drinking water keeps joints mobile, so don't wait until you're thirsty to start hydrating.

• Eat Wisely--Foods like carrots, cauliflower, apples, almonds and cinnamon can neutralize the acid in your body that can increase joint pain. On the flip side, acidic foods-like coffee, soda, wine and citrus-should be reduced.

• Consider A Supplement--A new product for women's joint health, called SheaFlex70, has been shown to help dramatically reduce joint pain, joint-specific inflammation and joint-collagen breakdown. Clinically proven to be safe, it was specifically developed to stabilize type II collagen, the kind most abundant in joint cartilage. Plus, it can be taken in partnership with glucosamine, a commonly recommended supplement for joint pain.

• The Great Outdoors--The more fresh air you get-including when exercising-the more oxygen your body gets. And since more oxygen means increased energy, that allows you to be more active-thus helping to reduce joint pain.

One last thing: Connecting with others who are fighting joint pain may help you cope with your situation. You can find an online community of women protecting their joint health, along with tips and news, at www.sheaflex70.com. The site also lets you order the supplement over the Web.

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Announcing Soothe Natural Progesterone Cream for Natural, Chemical-Free Relief of Insomnia and Other Menopause Symptoms

GBB Note: Most women really don't know a whole lot about menopause or progesterone. This seems like an interesting product, although we have no clue as to whether it helps with the symptoms. If anyone in Fayette County tries it and likes it, be sure to let us know.

24-7 -- Nutrition Breakthroughs of Glendale, CA. has introduced the newest addition to their product line - "Soothe Natural Progesterone Cream". The product is a drug-free, chemical-free skin cream for women who are seeking relief from sleepless nights and other uncomfortable symptoms of premenopause, menopause and PMS.

Women in the pre-menopause and menopause years are more and more finding themselves experiencing symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, chronic insomnia, headaches, anxiety, mood swings, depression, and weight gain. John R. Lee, M.D., author of "What Your Doctor May Not Tell you About Premenopause", says, "With progesterone as a precursor to so many other hormones, it's easy to see why a progesterone deficiency can cause such a wide range of problems."

What distinguishes "Soothe Natural Progesterone Cream" from other similar products is that it contains no artificial chemicals, colors, preservatives, fragrances, or mineral oil. Dr. John Lee says: "Even when a cream contains progesterone, it will not be effective if it isn't suspended in the proper medium. Products containing mineral oil will prevent the progesterone from being absorbed into the skin. Other products haven't properly stabilized the progesterone, so it deteriorates over time with exposure to oxygen."

Soothe Natural Progesterone Cream provides the same exact progesterone molecule that is produced by the female body, and due to its effective delivery medium, its effectiveness lasts all the way down to the bottom of the jar.

Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common menopause symptoms. The results of a placebo-controlled study on progesterone cream were published recently in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study, which lasted for one year, evaluated the effectiveness of progesterone cream in relieving menopausal hot flashes.

In the treatment group, 25 of the 30 women (or 83 percent) noted improvement or resolution of hot flashes and night sweats. Only 5 of the 26 women in the placebo group (or 19 percent) reported any improvement in their symptoms. The researchers concluded that progesterone cream provides effective relief for hot flashes and night sweats.

Jobee Knight, a nutritional researcher and founder of Nutrition Breakthroughs in Glendale, CA., is someone who fought her own battle against premenopause symptoms, including chronic insomnia. She decided to put her background to use by searching out effective natural solutions. After trying five different brands of progesterone cream, "Soothe" became her choice for both personal use and sale to her customers. She says: "This cream makes me feel physically sound and complete. It turns the roughest sleepless nights into deep, relaxing slumber."

E.D. of Denmark says: "I am doing very well. I apply progesterone cream every morning and evening, and it really "fills in the holes in my body"-- that's what it feels like at least. I can handle restless sleep, insomnia, and aches with it. I had a big migraine a couple of weeks ago, but since then I have adjusted the amount I apply and I believe that has bettered it."

Susan of Los Angeles, CA. says: "I have been using one-fourth teaspoon of progesterone cream twice a day for fourteen days now and notice the night sweats have disappeared and I don't feel so warm all the time."

M.S. of Clearwater, FL. says: "I was experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, mood shifts, loss of energy, dizziness, and had no strength at all. I had gone for many tests and still couldn't figure out what was wrong. I was at my wits end. I tried the progesterone cream inside my arms and it was like waving a magic wand over my body. I actually felt something shift immediately. I was full of energy. I couldn't believe how good I felt so quickly."

"Soothe Natural Progesterone Cream" is available from Nutrition Breakthroughs.

References:

1. Leonetti H.B., "Transdermal progesterone cream for hot flash symptoms and postmenopausal bone loss." Obstetrics & Gynecology, August 1999.

2. "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause -- The Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone" by John R. Lee, M.D. and Virginia Hopkins.

3. "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause -- Balance Your Hormones and Your Life From Thirty to Fifty" by John R. Lee, M.D., Jesse Hanley, M.D., and Virginia Hopkins.

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Wake Up, Women: Blood Pressure Not Just A "Man's Problem"

(NAPSI)-Here's heartening news: More women are paying attention to their hearts in recent years, thanks perhaps to public awareness campaigns that emphasize a woman's risk for heart disease. Too many, however, may not recognize the critical role blood pressure plays in heart health. In fact, women are less likely than men to make lifestyle changes to meet target goals for healthy blood pressure. Forty percent of women are not controlling their high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to a study published in a recent issue of Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Altogether, high blood pressure affects more than 100 million adults in the U.S., putting them at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. Yet, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center, 30 percent don't know they have it.

A new recommendation by the American Heart Association (AHA) and other leading health organizations emphasizes the importance of regular home blood pressure monitoring in conjunction with a doctor's supervision. This is especially important for pregnant women, as high blood pressure during pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal and infant deaths.

"It's critical for women to make the connection between blood pressure and heart health. Especially when certain lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise or a specific life stage such as pregnancy or menopause can put women at greater risk for high blood pressure," said Dr. Annabelle Volgman, medical director of the Rush University Heart Center for Women. "With heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women, women should make home blood pressure monitoring a part of their daily routine at all stages of life."

The AHA suggests it's important to get a monitor that has been clinically validated to accurately measure blood pressure by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British Hypertension Society or the International Protocol from The European Society of Hypertension.

Dr. Volgman offers the following tips for home blood pressure monitoring:

• Make sure the cuff fits: Measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff. For example, Omron blood pressure monitors come with two cuff sizes or have expandable cuffs to fit both regular and large-size arms.

• Don't smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within the 30 minutes of measuring your blood pressure.

• Sit with your back straight and supported--for example, choose a dining chair rather than a stool.

• Put your feet flat on the floor; don't cross your legs.

• Your arm should be supported on a flat surface, such as a table, with your upper arm at heart level.

• Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly over your brachial artery--down the middle of your arm. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record all the results. Some monitors automatically take consecutive readings, display the average and even store the readings in memory.

• Vary the times of day and situations in which you take your blood presure, knowing that it can be elevated in the morning, if you're stressed, or after drinking coffee and/or smoking. Track your readings over time and share them with your doctor.

Dr. Volgman urges women to make the connection between blood pressure and heart health. For more information on blood pressure management and a free informational brochure, visit www.bpnumbers.com.

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Get The Facts About Your Risk For Women's Cancers

(NAPSI)-New findings of an independent survey conducted by Woman's Day magazine showed that too few women know their risk for women's cancers has sparked a call to action for women to learn about reducing cancer risks.

"What You Do Matters" is a call to action from sanofi-aventis to urge women to get the facts about cancer, share their feelings and experiences and prepare for the future learning about how to lower their cancer risks today.

Beyond Breast Cancer

"What You Do Matters" aims to inspire women to learn all they can about early detection, prevention and treatment of women's cancers. In addition to breast cancer, five other types of cancers affecting primarily women are ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulva, and vaginal. In 2008, it is estimated that 260,950 women will be diagnosed with one of these cancers. Just this year, it is estimated that 40,000 American women will die of breast cancer alone.

Olympian Shawn Johnson Speaks Out

"What You Do Matters" speaks to the importance for all women, regardless of age, to get the facts about their risks for cancer.

The company is joined in this effort by Shawn Johnson, 2008 Olympic Champion and a spokesperson for "What You Do Matters." "This cause means a lot to me and my family because when my grandma battled breast cancer 11 years ago, I believe "what we did mattered" to help her get through it," said Shawn. My grandmother and my parents asked a million questions to help her make choices about treatment. She came to live with us, and I did whatever a little girl could to help out. Now as a young adult, I feel I can help make a difference by urging women of all ages to get the facts on their personal cancer history, share their concerns with their doctors and act now to prepare for the future. Because what you do now really does matter."

Survey Results Surprising

In 2008, it is estimated that 260,950 women will be diagnosed, and an estimated 68,970 will die from one of the cancers affecting primarily women. Yet, a recent independent survey conducted by Woman's Day magazine of 7,361 women readers found that too few women have all the information they need about women's cancers. Only one out of two women talked to their doctor about cancer risks. Yet, half of respondents wished they knew where to find credible and reliable information about cancer, and just one fifth feel very knowledgeable about risk factors for women's cancers. The six cancers affecting mostly women are breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar and vaginal.

Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families, sanofi-aventis urges women to get the facts, share the feelings and look to the future. To learn more about women's cancer risk, visit www.cancerinfo.net. For details on the Woman's Day survey, visit womansday.com.

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Pretty In Pink--And Blue

(NAPSI)-You can help change some heartbreaking statistics: In the U.S. there is a new diagnosis of breast cancer every three minutes, and every nine seconds a women is assaulted or beaten. Men can suffer from breast cancer and domestic violence, too. Many concerned citizens are raising funds and awareness.

An easy way to get involved is to purchase, wear and use fundraising products that support these causes. One source is the Avon Foundation, one of the few organizations to tackle both breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Foundation offers unique, affordable fundraising products year-round, but the breast cancer and domestic violence messages are especially meaningful in October, which has been designated Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Products to support both the Breast Cancer Crusade and Speak Out Against Domestic Violence are available through dedicated Avon sales representatives and at avonfoundation.org.

New in the Breast Cancer Crusade collection are Pink Ribbon Bubble Bath, a sparkling tennis bracelet, a water bottle and pink fleece-lined clogs, which join a large collection of jewelry, accessories and cosmetics. To support the domestic violence cause, Avon offers bracelets, a key ring and more, including the Women's Empowerment Bracelet, which was launched by award-winning actress and Avon Foundation Honorary Chairwoman Reese Witherspoon.

The donation to the cause varies per item and is as high as 80 percent of the purchase price. So far, Avon global philanthropy raised more than $660 million through programs in over 50 countries, making the company a leader in the breast cancer and domestic violence causes.

Where does the money go? The Avon Foundation awards grants to organizations and institutions to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved, and to help end the cycle of domestic violence, with a special focus on helping children.

Contact an Avon sales representative or visit www.avonfoundation.org to view the collection of fundraising products, see how the money is used and download free printable literature on both breast cancer and domestic violence. You can take action to help save lives.

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Big Waistline in Women Could Lead to Heart Trouble

A heart expert at Johns Hopkins is calling for all women with a waistline measuring more than 35 inches to get an annual check-up and detailed risk assessment for heart problems because excess abdominal fat, even in the mildly obese and overweight, leads more than a third of women to underestimate their lifetime risk of having a heart attack, stroke or chest pain (angina.)

Cardiologist Erin Michos, M.D., M.H.S., who plans to make her pitch Sept. 23 directly to colleagues during a special lecture at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, says the recommendation is based on a national, multicity screening of 8,936 women, ages 35 to 63, for heart disease risk factors. The screening, she says, found a strikingly high number of overweight American women whose stretched girth was tied to a serious underestimation of risk using traditional tools to assess heart health.

In a report published in the August issue of the Journal of Women’s Health, the research team showed that 39 percent of women screened were overweight (having a body mass index between 25 and 30) and 35 percent were obese (having a body mass index over 30, often overweight by more than 30 pounds.) And when waistlines 35 inches and larger were factored into the risk assessment, 55 percent of these women were found to have hearts at increased risk of disease.

“It is time for physicians and patients to pull out their measuring tapes and for overweight women in particular to start shedding some pounds,” says Michos, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart and Vascular Institute.

She points out that traditional risk-factor scoring leaves out waist size, taking into account only such other factors as age, blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, smoking and diabetes. These measures have long been used as part of the Framingham Risk Assessment, which only assesses people’s 10-year risk of heart disease.

But the team’s latest assessments – drawn from a 2006 annual public screening in 14 communities across the United States, in which women were asked to undergo a short physical check-up and fill out a health questionnaire – changed significantly when expanded waistlines were factored into their calculations.

More than half (59 percent) of the 85 percent of women originally thought to be at low risk of heart trouble were now found to have one or two additional risk factors. And 19 percent of those at low risk and nearly half (41 percent) of the women originally ranked at intermediate risk actually had three or more risk factors.

“These women have a high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease even though their 10-year risk may be predicted as low,” says Michos, who points out that the presence of a single, major risk factor for heart disease by the age of 50 cuts back on women’s median lifespan compared to women with no risk factors.

“Our results really emphasize the growing epidemic of obesity in America and showcase its potential for misreading or masking future harm to women’s heart health,” she says. “Even if they are not experiencing immediate problems, they could soon be in trouble. Overweight people are more likely to develop risk factors that lead to cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances and excess blood lipid levels. And the reverse is also true: Losing weight, especially abdominal fat, is the first step in lowering blood pressure and getting blood cholesterol levels under control.”

Michos notes that other research has shown a loss of just five pounds lowers people’s risk of pre-diabetes by 31 percent. Losing 10 pounds lowers blood pressure by 5 millimeters of mercury.

Michos says she has started her campaign with local physicians because it will take a few years to amass the necessary additional evidence to change national clinical guidelines. Results from the 2007 screenings, coordinated by the Maryland-based Sister to Sister, Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, will not be ready until later this year.

“Physicians and others have unfortunately become too accustomed to seeing heavy- set people, and there is a risk that we overlook or dismiss being overweight and obesity as a potential and future source of heart problems,” says Michos. “Even if the problems are not evident now, it is more important to start screening women at a younger age to forego heart problems later in life.

“Community screening events have confirmed that many women are unaware of their risk factors and the screenings have proven effective at identifying those women at risk and, hopefully, we will be able to expand these programs in the future,” she adds, noting that 48 percent of women with high cholesterol levels were newly diagnosed with the condition, as were 7 percent of women with hypertension. “Awareness is the first step to implementing heart-healthy lifestyle changes to reduce their risk,” says Michos. The next Sister to Sister community screening event will take place in February 2009.

Furthermore, Michos says annual survey results, though specific to women, also bear significance for men, for whom a waistline greater than 40 inches is considered obese.
Researchers say their next steps are to monitor screened women to see how well follow-up treatments worked at not only lowering risk, but also in lowering actual heart problems and whether or not this stretches out lifespan.

Of 150 women who were screened as high risk in 2006, 71 percent followed up with a visit to their physician, 64 percent changed diet, 47 percent lost weight, 61 percent monitored their blood pressure levels, 6 percent stopped smoking, and 23 percent checked their waistline against the 35-inch benchmark.

According to the latest statistics from the American Heart Association, one in three American women has some form of cardiovascular disease. Sixty-nine million women are overweight, including more than 36 million who are obese.

Funding for this study was provided by the Sister to Sister, Everyone Has a Heart Foundation. Besides Michos, other researchers from the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center involved in this study and the Sister to Sister annual screenings were Brian Kral, M.D., M.P.H.; Catherine Campbell, M.D.; M. Dominique Ashen, Ph.D., C.R.N.P.; and Roger Blumenthal, M.D. Other researchers included Irene Pollin, Ph.D., M.S.W., and Laurene McKillop, Ph.D., from Sister to Sister; Teresa Shattuck, Ph.D., Michele Debarthe Sadler, Ph.D., and Karen Boyle, Ph.D., from Shattuck & Assoc.; Khurram Nasir, M.D., M.P.H., from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston; Rita Redberg, M.D., from the University of California San Francisco; and Karlynn Brintzenhofeszoc, Ph.D., M.S.W., from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

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Time-saving Fixes for Hectic Mornings

(ARA) - From taking the kids to school to packing your husband’s bag for his overnight business trip, women often find that they don’t have enough time to take care of their own beauty and health needs. With so many things on their plate, it can be easy to let personal hygiene and fashion fall by the wayside. However, despite a jam-packed schedule, there are plenty of time-saving fixes that busy moms and women can incorporate to indulge themselves, while still getting the kids to school on time.

* Plan Ahead: Set up tomorrow’s breakfast and bagged lunch before going to sleep tonight. Setting out fruit and cereal or packing up leftovers can be done easily following dinner cleanup. Evening preparations will give you a few extra minutes in the morning to actually sit down and enjoy a healthy start to your day, rather than eating in a rush over the counter.

* Wardrobe Ready: One of the most common reasons for being rushed in the mornings is figuring out what to wear to work. Stop standing aimlessly in the closet for 20 minutes by taking time on Sunday to pick out your outfits for the rest of the week. This will give you time to indulge your fashionista on Sunday rather than rushing your choices in the mornings. Also, buy a fabric steamer instead of an iron for quick and easy wrinkle relief. It releases wrinkles faster, and is actually one of the safest, gentlest ways to remove wrinkles from your clothes.

* Get Pick-y: You don’t have to neglect your oral care regimen when you’re in a hurry. New Oral-B Advantage Floss Picks are designed with an easy-to-grip handle and TextureSlide fiber so you can incorporate daily flossing easily and comfortably. If you’re crunched for time during the morning rush, toss a couple of Picks in your purse for on-the-go oral care. If you want a great minty taste following your morning coffee, try the Cool Mint flavor.

* Double-Duty: Being busy isn’t an excuse for not looking presentable. Two-in-one beauty products that simplify morning routines will save time and space in the medicine cabinet or shower. Shampoo-plus-conditioner combinations and daily facial moisturizer with SPF will streamline the time between waking and work.

* Accessorize: Even the most basic of outfits can look dressier when you accessorize the right way. If you don’t have time to pull together a fabulous outfit, throw on some fancy earrings or a nice belt and instantly dress your outfit. The small details can make it look like you took the time to dress up in the morning.

Saving a couple of minutes here and there definitely adds up! Incorporating time-saving fixes into daily routines allows for added “me” time, alleviating stress and boosting self confidence.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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In Honor of National Menopause Awareness Month, SleepBetter.org Offers Practical Tips to Millions of Menopausal Women

BUSINESS WIRE --September is “National Menopause Awareness Month” and SleepBetter.org, an educational Web site dedicated to helping people sleep better, is offering the 40 million American women of menopausal age – and the more than 1 million more joining their ranks annually – helpful tips for obtaining a more restful night’s sleep during this time in their lives.

“Sleep difficulties are a hallmark complaint during and after menopause. In fact, trouble falling asleep and staying asleep are two of the most frequent concerns I hear from women in mid-life,” says Rebecca Hulem, RN, RNP, CNM, CMC, author of “Feelin’ Hot? A Humorous, Informative and Truthful Look at Menopause” and a recognized menopause expert. “A good night’s sleep is so incredibly important to a woman’s health and well-being, and fortunately, there are a number of ways a woman can curtail sleep disturbances during menopause.”

Tips for Achieving Sweet Dreams During Menopause and Beyond

Hulem and SleepBetter.org offer the following easy-to-implement tips for minimizing hot flashes and sleep disturbances during menopause, and optimizing critical sleep cycles:

* Keep room temperature cool. Warmer room temperatures and elevated core body temperatures increase the chances of having hot flashes. Ideal room temperatures for sleeping are between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Establish a relaxing ritual to wind down before bed, such as taking a bath or practicing relaxation techniques.
* Limit caffeine intake, especially after 2 p.m.
* Exercise regularly, but not within three hours of bedtime.
* Stop smoking or, at minimum, limit nicotine intake within two hours of bedtime.
* Don’t use alcohol as a sleep aid, and limit the drinking of alcohol within two hours of bedtime.
* Keep the bedroom cool, dark and as quiet as possible.

In addition to the aforementioned tips, SleepBetter.org suggests using products which can help provide relief from hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. Carpenter Co.’s Isotonic® Iso•Cool™ pillows and mattress toppers both adjust to the body’s changing temperature. The products absorb heat, regulate body warmth and create a cooling sensation providing a cool night of sleep.

For more tips on how to improve sleep during menopause, or to learn about additional products which can enhance sleep, visit www.SleepBetter.org. The site features the exclusive Zzzz Score™ test, which is a science-based personal sleep profile – a guide to getting a better night’s sleep based on individual sleep preferences and problems.

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A Journey With Breast Cancer: Keys To One Woman’s Survival

GBB Note: Did you know that Hispanic women are more at risk for dying from breast cancer than other groups?

Take time for your body. Take time for your family. Take time to have a mammogram. Take time to live.

(NAPSI)-Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. Unfortunately, fewer than 40 percent of Hispanic women age 40 and older have regular breast cancer screenings, which makes them more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage tumors--at which point survival rates are lower.

“Hispanic women with breast cancer tend to be younger and to have larger, more advanced tumors. It is important for women over 40 to have mammograms every year,” Dr. Maurice Berkowitz, of East Valley Hematology/Oncology in Burbank, Calif., said. “The earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances are that the treatment will work.”

Martha Ontiveros, 47, is thankful every day that her breast cancer was caught early. “I am so grateful that I went to the doctor when I did,” Ontiveros said. “If I wasn’t so diligent about my annual mammograms and didn’t pay attention to my body, I might not be here today.”

Ontiveros, who immigrated from Mexico at 15, was determined not to be part of the statistics. An annual mammogram detected a benign lump in Martha’s breast. A few months later, while performing a breast self-exam, Martha realized that the lump had changed. She went to her doctor, and was diagnosed with Stage II, HER2-positive breast cancer.

HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive form of the disease that accounts for approximately 25 percent of all breast cancer cases and is caused by an overexpression of a protein called HER2 in tumor cells. Research has shown that women with HER2-positive breast cancer have a greater likelihood of recurrence, poorer prognosis, and decreased survival compared to women with HER2-negative breast cancer. Special testing is required to identify women who have HER2-positive breast cancer.

“The first couple of days after my diagnosis, I wondered if I needed to say my goodbyes. But I was ready to put up a fight against the cancer,” Ontiveros said.

Through the support of her husband, family, and friends, Ontiveros began the aggressive treatment her doctor recommended. Surgery was scheduled immediately, followed by chemotherapy and Herceptin, a drug that specifically targets HER2-positive cancer cells.

Ontiveros wants other women to be educated about the risk of breast cancer, to know their bodies, and to have open communication with their healthcare providers.

“Early in my diagnosis, I felt uncomfortable with the attention I received, but I soon realized I could take advantage of my situation and educate others,” Ontiveros said. “I started getting phone calls from relatives and friends asking about my health, and I took the opportunity to tell them my story and to encourage them to be diligent with screenings, both monthly self-exams and yearly mammograms.”

Thanks to surgery, targeted therapy, and early diagnosis, Ontiveros has shown no sign of cancer for two years.

Every person who has HER2-positive breast cancer is unique and no cancer treatment works for every person.

Who is Herceptin for?

Herceptin, as part of a treatment regimen containing doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Herceptin as a single agent is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive node-negative (ER/PR negative or with one high-risk feature) or node-positive breast cancer, following multi-modality anthracycline-based therapy.

Herceptin in combination with paclitaxel is indicated for treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Herceptin as a single agent is indicated for treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients who have received one or more chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease.

What important safety information should I know about Herceptin?

Boxed WARNINGS and Additional Important Safety Information

Herceptin treatment can result in heart problems, including those without symptoms (reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (congestive heart failure). Some patients have had serious infusion reactions and lung problems; fatal infusion reactions have been reported. Worsening of low white blood cell counts associated with chemotherapy has also occurred. The most common side effects associated with Herceptin were fever, nausea, vomiting, infusion reactions, diarrhea, infections, increased cough, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, rash, low white and red blood cells, and muscle pain.

Because everyone is different, it is not possible to predict what side effects any one person will have. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor.

For additional prescribing and important safety information, including boxed WARNINGS for Herceptin, please call 800-821-8590 or visit www.herceptin.com.

To connect with another breast cancer survivor, call Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Survivor Helpline at 1-888-753-LBBC (5222) or for additional information visit www.herceptin.com.

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Tips To Help Women Get A Better Night's Sleep

(NAPSI)-Women are often faced with balancing the demands of work, family and household responsibilities, which can interfere with getting a good night's sleep. It's no wonder that sleep problems affect more women than men. When women do sleep, it tends to be light and easily disturbed. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, insomnia affects about 40 percent of women compared to only 30 percent of men.

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, poor sleep quality and impairment of next-day function. Symptoms include waking up feeling tired or not well rested, feeling tired during the day, having trouble focusing on tasks and feeling anxious, depressed or irritable.

Women and Sleep

Many factors can influence the quality of women's sleep, which may change over time. Common factors affecting sleep include:

Lifestyle

• Life events (e.g., loss of a loved one, financial concerns)

• Poor sleep hygiene (sleep hygiene involves practices that are necessary to have normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness)

• Stress

Health

• Medical problems (e.g., acid reflux and asthma)

• Medication use (e.g., antidepressants, antiepileptics, CNS stimulants)

• Pain conditions (migraine, tension headaches and arthritis conditions are more common among women)

Research shows that poor sleep and sleep-related problems are more strongly associated with poor health outcomes in women than in men. Not getting enough sleep may cause:

• Increased accidents

• Increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease

• Poor job performance

• Trouble concentrating

• Weight gain

It's important to note that prescription insomnia treatments have not been shown to impact these consequences.

Getting Help

Many treatment options are available for insomnia. In fact, nearly $15 billion is spent each year on healthcare related to sleep problems. Non-prescription treatment options include practicing good sleep hygiene (see adjacent SLEEP Tips), over-the-counter therapies, natural remedies and behavioral therapy. Prescription insomnia medications are available as well, including benzodiazepines (BZRAs), non-BZRA sedative-hypnotics and melatonin receptor agonists. Each type of medication works differently in the body. For instance, melatonin receptor agonists, the newest class of prescription drugs for sleep-related problems, work with the body's normal sleep-wake cycle to initiate sleep, while BZRAs and non-BZRAs work with GABA receptors in the brain.

Your healthcare provider can help further explain the differences between treatment options and answer questions.

For more information about insomnia or appropriate treatment options, please speak to your healthcare provider.

Speaking with your healthcare provider about prescription insomnia medications can be an important step in finding an appropriate insomnia treatment.