The Blonde Runner

Recently my husband was diagnosed with skin cancer. It is basal cell carcinoma which is the most common form of skin cancer and is rarely fatal. It has come to my attention how common skin cancer is and how much awareness is needed. It is hard to believe that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer; it is not only the fair skinned blondes that get it. I urge everyone to be checked. Skin cancer is a far too common of a problem that can be treated successfully when caught early. If you live in the Davis County area, I suggest Dr. John Robison in Bountiful, Utah. Make your appointment today 801-299-9050.

Review the Facts:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are BCCs. BCCs are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
• BCC and SCC are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
• In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion.
• About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
• Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.

*Based on a 78 year lifespan

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation http://www.skincancer.org/

Links:

American Academy of Dermatology
Body Mole Map

Let’s face it, losing weight and getting fit is no picnic or a walk in the park (although that does help). It takes consistent effort and hard work to lose extra weight that has lingered. For many, that weight has taken years to put on, and it doesn’t come off over night (no matter how much we would like it to). Most people that find success in losing weight, do it by utilizing fitness equipment, taking health classes, and by finding adequate help and support.
There are so many avenues to find support to reach your goals. Many of them include: inviting a friend to go to fitness classes regularly with, joining a local group or club and getting involved in fitness. If you like to swim you might consider joining a local master’s swim team or if you enjoy running you may find the support you need by joining a club. If you live in the Davis County, Utah area you may want to meet up on a Saturday morning with the South Davis Road Runners. Many people have found success and support from taking local health classes through schools, fitness centers and hospitals (Free diabetes classes are offered at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful,Utah every month).
As many of you know I love to teach and offer several classes in the community. I strive to improve and offer new and interesting information each year. I am excited to announce that I will be offering several new classes in the 2009 year including: Indoor Fitness, Weight Loss, Provident Living (include budgeting, gardening and food storage tips) and an ever growing Beginner Triathlon Training Program for Women. The truth is, we all need each other! Without you I have no class to teach or group to help achieve their running goals. Utilize the support you need on your journey to healthy living. I am here to help. Achieve your goals this year - you can do it! Then maybe your 2010 goal might read: Qualify for the World Championship Ironman Triathlon (or not).
Sign-up for the Winter Newsletter scheduled to come out in January. It will be full of helpful nutrition, health and fitness tips.

Five Keys to Weight Loss Success

Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year!

Lora

It has always been a dream to create an adult running group that provides support to help each other to achieve their goals, no matter what level of runner. Beginners are just as important as the elite runners and everyone has something to contribute. Everyone belongs and has a role and can help each other stay motivated, grow and learn. That is why the South Davis Road Runners group was created. There are many exciting things that go on in the group such as weekly group runs, socials, relay races, and education clinics. I hope you would consider supporting this group in the new year.

Join us for a Mingle on Jan. 10 at 9 a.m.  Check the above link for details.

If you are still looking for a meaningful gift for a loved one or friend in your life, consider giving the gift of fitness with Blonde Runner training gear, fitness equipment or a class pass or program gift certificate. All items are available for immediate pick-up (Bountiful, Utah). Gift certificates can be customized. View available items Help someone meet their health and fitness goals this holiday season!

by Shalyn Roberts

Dec 11, 2008 | Davis County Clipper

DAVIS COUNTY — Patients typically have concerns about gaining weight when starting on a new medication, but pharmacists say weight gain is not typically an issue on newer medications.

According to representatives at Lakeview Hospital, studies have not been done nor documented to really prove or disprove large amounts of weight gain with any given medication. Individuals react differently and although a person can gain between five and 10 pounds on a long-term basis while taking certain medications, it does not mean everyone taking that same pill will gain weight.

“In some animal studies, they have found an increase of enzymes in the brain directly related to appetite,” said Lakeview Hospital pharmacist, Mike Shurtz.

He said that some people may be more susceptible to weight gain than others, but in general, people don’t need to worry about gaining too much weight on medication. Newer technology and research has also found ways around impacting weight, resulting in new drugs that don’t have a high risk of side effects.

“The newer anti-depressants and anti-psychotics don’t have as high a risk on weight gain as they used to,” said Shurtz.

However, Shurtz does agree that for some people, weight gain can still be a problem with medication. “You have to make priorities in that case,” he said. “Do I want to take the medication and risk gaining weight or feel the way I do all the time?’

He said diabetics tend to gain weight anyway, and the other two categories of highest risk are anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. A table is typically provided to doctors and pharmacists with details on just how high the risk of gaining weight — and other side effects — really is.

“I don’t think anyone would argue that it is not an issue,” said Shurtz. But, he said changing life-style and eating habits will always help a person to be more healthy.

“It’s just harder for some than others, and medication affects everyone differently.”

Shurtz did say that in trials that have been run, large groups of people taking these medications have been able to loose some weight simply by changing their eating habits. He said it is true that some people don’t realize medication doesn’t necessarily make a person gain weight, it simply increases a person’s appetite. “It just depends on the individual.” 

During winter the days seem so short. It gets dark so fast and I find myself running in the dark all too often. This is the time of year that safety is on my mind. I know first hand how difficult it can be to see a runner at night and often the little reflection that their shoes provide is the only sign of them in the dark. Think about it, how many people have you barely seen?

I urge those people who enjoy exercising outside (yes, even in the winter) to wear reflective clothing, have a blinking light and carry ID. If you were hit and knocked unconscious how would anyone know who you are? A cell phone doesn’t provide the paramedics with any information on who you are. Nobody expects an “accident” so carrying ID could help them contact a loved one in time to say goodbye (let’s hope this never happens. ever!). It may help them learn that the person has a medical condition that would effect their treatment (ie. diabetes, heart condition). This list goes on and on.

I am sure many of you have seen the little red velcro ID badge I wear on my shoe. It is made by Road ID and stays on my shoe. I also have a pink one for my ankle when I am on my road bike (it is even more important to have ID on a bike!). You can choose your color and design it yourself. They cost about $20, but are well worth the peace of mind to me. They make a great gift and as an extra incentive you can save yourself a buck. Just click on the link below and use the coupon number: ThanksLora439398 (expires Jan. 8, 2009)

Warning: This is graphic and not for young children’s eyes. The symptoms of IBC include enlarged breast tissue, inverted nipple, and “bug bites” on the breasts. This cancer has been called a silent killer and regular mammograms do not detect it; there are no lumps. IBC is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Please let other women know about the symptoms of IBC, it could save their life!

www.ibcresearch.org

IBC hotline: 1-866-447-3467

Diabetes is a life changing disease that takes constant management and education. There is much to learn about the disease. If you have it or know someone that does, please come and learn how you can help those you love manage it or better manage it yourself. These lectures are no-cost.

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, except December at 7 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital, 630 East Medical Drive, Bountiful, Utah. Meet in the Community Room on the first floor. A lecture will be presented first, with a support group meeting after. All lecture topics will be diabetes related, given by professionals in the field.  If you have questions please call Mesha at 801-299-6868.

Click here for a the 2009 topic list. Downloadable Schedule

Support a local race to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation:

www.jb5K.org

On-line sign up is still available.

I read an interesting article from a local newspaper recently. It talked about how often times people within a normal weight range have too much body fat (for men 20 % and 30% or more for women). I think many people think that they are “safe” when they are within the healthy range, but this is not always the case. According to the Mayo clinic research referred to in the article “They defined normal weight obesity as a condition of having a normal body mass index (BMI) with high body fat percentage.” So, the real definition of obesity is excess body fat; making normal weight people with excess body fat at risk for metabolic abnormalities, diabetes and increased risk of heart disease.

I love this article because it emphasizes the importance of having a healthy body composition. It is important to keep our body fat in check and exercise to maintain muscle. Here’s the article