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Show Lifestyle Friday,May 10, 1996 The Dally Herald Help mothers Stay on top of their health With this being Mother's Day weekend, we need to talk about mothers” heaith, Too many of our mothers need our encouragement to receive vital cancer screening which could give them many more productive years oflife. Breast cancer is still the most common cause of cancer death in women in Utah County. But with regular examinations, the prema- ture death rate from this cause could be decreased significantly. Laughteris a vital elementin raising a family By LAURA GOLDEN Assistant Li after their dis- Editor The Daily Herai One of the key ingredients in raising a family and keeping one’s sanity is laughter. That was the message given by three mothers last week during a session of the Women’s Confer- aren't always quick fixes to Janene Woolsey Baadsgaard, Lori Boyer and Louise Durhamall had women rolling in the aisles with laughter and flying paperair- handle —challenges —_lightheartedly without being lightminded can help. Lori Boyer, a homemaker, community volunteer and motherofeight children, said humor is the “W-D 40" in life, adding that it serves many different pur- planes at the de Jong Concert Hall in the Harris Fine Arts Center as they shared tales of how humorhas eascd the troubles of raising modem-day families. “If you suppress your laughter. it will suck back into your body and spread out at your hips,” said Baadsgaard, who is an English and Public Healthline All adult women should do breast self examinaiions each month. Every one to three years, wemen under 40 should also receive a clinical breast exam by their health provider. An initial mammogram is usually obtained between 35 and 40 years of age. Besides the monthly breast self exam and annualclinical exams, women between the ages of 41 and 49 should receive a mammogram every one to two years. And all women who are 50 or over should get a mammogram every year. ‘The mammogramcan frequenily detect breast cancers when they are less than a 1/4-inch in diameter and at this very small size, there is a very good chance of curing the cancer without removing the breast. Thougha self breast examination is also very important, it will usually not detect a cancer until it is at least a 1/2-inch in diameter. Thisis still a relatively early stage of the disease and has a high cure rate. Even though most breast cancers appear on mammography before they are found by examina- tion, occasionally a breast cancer lumpis detectable on self or clinieal breast examination when the Mammogramstill appears normal. Therefore. ail suspicious breast lumps should be evaluated, usually with needle biopsies or surgical biopsies, even when the mammogramshows no abnormality. Another relatively common women’s cancer which is a much less common cause of death is cancer of the uterine cervix. Thankstothe long proven Papani- literature teacher at Utah Valley State College. “If raising you're family is a pain in the neck, then you" re probably not doingit right,” she added. on a little more serious note. Humoris an effective way to prevent stress and burnout, she continued.it can also help a person deal with a problem or even adjust the way he or she thinks about things that cannot be changed. Baadsgaard, whois a mother of eight children, said she’s learned that “catastrophe plus time equals humor.” She shared the story of a little old lady who kept losing her glasses. Although the carrying case had her name and number on them, people failed to promptly return them. Sofinally, on a new giasses case, the woman wrote: “You have these glasses..and 1 don’t. They are owned by a sweet, little old lady who can’t see and is driving home with your loved ones.” That message did the trick and her glasses were returned quickly All women who have been sex» ually active in their lives should ¢ get an annual Pap smear. Their : risk of cervical cancer increases = proportionately to the number of S sexual partners they have fad. + Exposure tothe humanpapilloma : virus (HPV) which causes veneresal warts, increases the risk of cer‘vical cancer even more significantly Women are frequently *tnaware if they have been + exposed to HPV. Because breast exams, mam- mography and pap smears are pre) ventive screening tests for early » diagnosis, women usually feel * well. Therefore, it is very easy for them to fet denial, embarrassment . and expenses keep them from get- ting these vital tests. This is whyit » takes encouragement from, chil- dren, husbands, parents, Brothers and sisters to motivate them to take care ofthemselves. As a way to help make cancer screening easier for women who do not have a provider or who are Peck the Utah County alth Department and the Utah Departmentof Health hold regular screeningclinics around the County. The examinations are performed by public health nurses. For women over 50 with moderate income or less, the Pap smear, breast exam and mammogsaphy are all free. Appointinents for these neseey can be made by calli 10-8738 or |- 800-717-1811. under age 50 are charged a fee which varies based on income and family size. This month, the clinic at the Health Department office in Provo will be giving special Mother’s Day to the first 50 women who schedule at that clinic. Dr. Mineris executive di ite Comey Health OSES. Humor diffuses tension, Boyer said, relating a story of her husband and a date he had during his teenage years, before she had ever met him. Onthe date, Richard was invited to meet the girl's parents and have dinner with her family Full ofnerves, he seated himself at the table and joined with the family in a blessing over the meal Oncethey said “amen,” the father asked Richard to pass the salt. “He picked up the salt shaker and prayed that no one would realize how muchhis hand was shaking — he was so nervous.” Boyer recounted. “And of course, he dropped the salt shaker in his glass ofice water. “The glass of ice water broke and wentall over the table and he sat there in an endless moment, just wishing he could disappear,” she continued. “But her fathersaid, without missing a beat, “Richard, would you please pass the salt wate Boyertold other storiestoillustrate how humorhas been an atten, tion-getter, an alternative to nagging. an anxiety soother and has kept the attitude light around her home She shared a story of her sister and her husband who were helping each other prepare dinner in order for the sister to makeit to herfirst back-to-school night as a new Booklists numbers to help stressed parents Government approves two ‘There are a vast number of child tearing problems, particularly health related, that have the potential to disrupt a family’s normal routine. Where can 8 concerned parent took for he!o The Parent’s Helper: Who to Call on Health and Family Issues can point a hard-pressed parent in the right direction. Written by Dr. Christine Williams, director of the Child Health and Dr. John Connoliy, this 441-page book lists more than 1,200 organizations that offer nationwide information and support on a host of issues via the phone, fax, mail and the Internet The book is a comprehensive guide of organizations that provide assistance with childhood diseases and also lead parents to help on family issues such as day care, bed wetting, teenage pregnancy and problemsaffecting children from infancy to early childhood. The Parent’s Helper serves more than just the needs of parents. Manyofthe listed organizations also offer help to adults who contracted diseases that followed them into adulthood. The book also can be an important aid to doctors. family counselors, school personnel, social and nursery school workers and anyone who provides care to children. The Parent's Helper is $15.95 and is available in most major bookstore or can be ordered by calling (800) 888-4741. Gene blueprint discovered Knight-Ridder Newspapers By JEANE DIXON colaou test or “Pap” smear, health providers can detect this cancer at a very early, curable stage. life’s problems, ence at Brigham Young University. but learning to teacher. The wife ately had made chicken Louise Durham, an Englist pot pies and was a teacher at Timpview High Schoo nervous wreck as and the mother of four childres she went to go get said she learned to laugh at an ready for the ly age. while traveling in a statior school event, while wagon with nine siblings, espec her husband took ly when one of her sisters becarm over the duty of car sick on the trip pulling the pies out She described laughter as of the oven when “astringent that occasionally they were done stings.” “a sap that soothes.” ar As she contin- overall, “serious business. ued to get ready in She said as a mother, she ha the other room learned children are sensitive Boyer’s sister her a even slight changes in an adult loud CRASH! from countenance. She said one of the the kitchen and most important things adults car warned her hus- dois to teach children what t band, “That better matters in life. coating all of the not have beenall of trials with laughter whenever pos the chicken pot sible. pies!” In the Durham household. the Boyer said it got children know their mother didn't really quiet in the make the Pep Squad when sh house and so her tried out during her high scho: sister figured years. She said because her kids everything was have this knowledge. a standard fine. When she joke in her home is “If mom Ca entered the kitchen deal with failure, so can we.” a few minutes later, “Laughter bridges the gay there were the between the realization of a demolished chick- and acceptance.” Durham noted. en pot pies on the “With humo. fr shortcoming floor — they had are no longer debilitating, but are slid off of the cookie sheet as he the ties that bond us together.” she had been pulling them from the commented. “Humor in a family oven. says ‘all is well.” or at least, “even But there. around the chicken tually it will be."” pot pie heaps, were place mats and “Children ought to know that table settings and her husband. being a mother is an enjoyable smiling nervously. Boyer said her experience. They deserve to heat sister couldn't be mad when she it, but they ought to be able to saw her husband's desperate it in our faces as well.” Du efforts to save what could have said. adding that her husb: been a mealdisaster. grandfather used to ask, “Are 5 She added laughing at fears is a happy Then notify your face ‘aughter says. “I'm happy way to cope with them “Laughter makes us fun to be like what I'm doing. I love you with in a world of awful stuff.” she added. “If we're joyful mot Boyer summarized. “It can be tru- ers, we need to notify our fac ly God-like to use humor appropri- our children will For May 11 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Friendship and community activities mix well today. Be open to the surprising direction in which love leads you. Affection flourishes between parent and child. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A partner ship could be unsettied by a suggestion that you change your lifestyle or residence. You have good ideas. Look for practical applicaons for them. GEMINE (May 21-June 20): Doing our home helps you unwind @ sense of accomplishment ores are done, Avoid arguing mide: (une 21-July 22): Hard-tosolve problems can be handled effectively with the help of neighbors. friends and fami- ly. Sensitive subjects can be discussed if you aare patient and receptive LEO (July 23-Aug, 22): A love relation: ship may hit a snag. Be considerate and avoid Mitring Up negative memories. Friends have a great idea for you to pursue. Let thementer tain you for a change. VIRGO(Aug. 23-Sepi. 22): One-on-one relationships thrive, A shared effort provides a desirable and useful focus. You gain from cooperating with someone whohas your best interests at heart LIBRA(Sept, 23-Oct. 22): The nesting instinct is stronger than in the recent past Heme improvements may require & enous clean-up effort. Love comesto you in a new way. Proceed slowly, Greater family harmony is possible SCORPHO(Oct. 23-Now. 21): Organize Your space in a more practical way. A romance undergoes a few strains but will sur vive micely. Social activities can be fun withcut breaking the hank. A come-as-you-are party sounds great! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dee, 21) Tread lightly when soci with new friends. Avoid joking about sad or disturbing lopies. A trip OF movie somehow relates 10 your work. giving you food for thought, Examine the wisdom of staying put CAPRICORN (Dee. 22-Jan Friendship depends on glerance. Leam to express your Views without causing offense Travel enjoys favorable influence. Puzzling over a mystery related to.2Guar pay's past vould prove revealing, See as they really are, AQUARIUS (Jan, 20-Fet 18): Putter. ing around the house keeps you busy and content, Family members are supportive in spite of previous disagreements. In fact, you something sew about love. A approach will keep tension PISCES (Fen 19-March 20):Your memBe extra considerate of ‘ones. Offer to ae eee eee nee ahd you can to help. aiid . You could say genetic knowledge is really on the rise. An international team of scientists has identified all of the more than 6,000 genes that control reproduction, life and death in yeast cells. I's the first time researchers have spelled out the entire genetic blueprint of any organism so closely related to humancells. Sci- entists predict it will deepen their understanding of several diseases, including cancer, and a development of new medical treat- ments. Adding by subtracting: Emphysema victims take note Cutting out 20 to 30 percent of the lung tissue can help such people breathe easier, at least in the short term, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine: Long-termstudies will be necessary to determine how long the beneficial effects last Mixed results: Eighty percent of you say you exercise regularly, although only half get the amount of strenuous exercise recommended for cardiovascular fitness. And 68 of Americans surveyed for Prevention Magazine reported they are overweight. up from 58 percent in 1983. Prevention also says its survey found that Americans who smoke, 27 percent of adults, have a hard ume quitting. new drugs for osteoporosis By OR. BRUCE M. SOLITAR New York University Medica! Center Government approval of two new drugs for osteoporosis has given clinicians new options for the treatmentof this bone-weakening condition, which commonly affects women after menopause and leaves them susceptible to tracture ofthe spine and hip One of the drugs is alendronate sodium, marketed with the brandname Fosamax. It acts by preventing the loss of mineral from bone The other drug, marketed as Miacalcein, is a preparation of ca tonin that is administered as a nasal spray. This drug also inhibits the loss of mineral from bone Detection and treatment of osteo- porosis is crucial. At least 1.3 million American women suffer frac tures each year. One in five of them will require long-termcare in a nursing home. Hip fracture. which are clearly associated with osteoporosis, results in 20 percent mortality Until a fracture occurs, osteoporosis Causes no symptoms. Detection and treatment is essentialto avoid fractures. Once a fracture does occur, treatment can prevent further fractures. Prevention of osteoporosis can be accomplished with weightbearing exercise, such as walking and running, proper calgium iptake by diet and calcium supplements and limiting alcohol consumption In addition, careful monitoring is needed for women with ep: demiological characteristic known tobe associated with osteoporosis. These include a small frame and being Caucasian A woman can be evaluated for low bone mass at the ume menopause. Evaluation is done by one of a numberof techniques that measure bone density. A decision on how and if to treat may be based on the results. M women, who decide totake e gens for reasons other than osteo. porosis, (including prevention of coronary heart disease) may not need to have a bone density test Treatment options, in addition to exercise and calcium supple ments, include estrogen and other female hormones, along with drugs such as Fosamax and Mia calcin. These drugs may be used in combination With follow-up bone density measurements, the treatment can be monitored and adjusted as needed The avaiabay of new drugs doesn’t alter the recommendation that postmenopausal women shouldn't smoke. should drink in moderation and should exercise regularly to help preserve bone strength, Wife would be wise to put husband jin nursing home Dear Ann Landers: | feel compelled to respondtothe letter from “Loretta in Michigan,” whose husband suffers from Alzheimer’s, and the kids aren't muchhelp. My father has dementia, also. This disease is undoubtedly the most difficult imaginable for the would be the same as abandoning him. The final straw was the day Dad scared her out of her wits by threatening to shoot my brother-inlaw. My father had always loved my sister's husband, so his behav- person whohas it as well as the Dear Louisiana: You have family. For two years, we knew that Dad wasdifferent, but we just help. ALfirst, Mom refused. She said it would be failing Dad, her faith- fectly manicured and beautifully decorated with unusual nail art Using a jeweler’s drill, I've made tiny holes along the entire length of each nail and inserted little gokd tings. This is my way of express ing my desire to look different. I just wish people would stop acting like | owe them an explana tion. U've heard every possible imagine, some of them quite rude It gets tiresome. Actually, my nails are only about half the length I'd Advice Columnist When it reached the point where Dad thought the closet was the bathroom, put his clothes on backward and went into the kitchen and cooked breakfast at midnight, we knew something had to be done. We suggested to Mom that she put Dad in a nurging home. 3 and expense to keeping themper comment and question you cal marked it up to “crabbiness™ that comes with old age. When we talked to Mom aboutit, she admitted he was getting a bit hard to live with, but she never asked for our Please tell “Loretta” notto feel that she would be deserting her husbandif she put himin a home. Tell her she must doit for his safety as well as her health. There comes a time when loving family members must tum overthe role of main caregiver to professionals. For her, the time is now, Louisiana ior finally-convinced Mom that Dad was the same person and things, beyond her control That was two years ago. Dad is now in a good nursing home. We visit several times a week and are very pleased there is a special wing patients. ‘The staff is cof and caring. ful partner for 60 years, and itit’ They look after him well like them toreach. | realize | don’t have to answer nosy questions just because sorric Dear Ann Landers: | am 19 peopie ask. How do T manage this years old and work in customer and still remain friendly and coutservice at @ major department teousto customers? — Long Nails store, | try to be friendly and courteous to everyone, but sometimes it's hard because of the comments about my fi T have let my nails grow until cach one is over 9 1/2 inches long. | realize peopte are going to notice my nails their Bul a of time |