Unhealthy Indoor Air Quality ... MUST MOVE ... HELP!

    

The air quality in my current apartment is terrible! I clean all the time but can't get rid of the excessive blue coloured dust and sand-like particles that are coming through the cracks in the windows. This has affected my health. The building is old and the landlord does nothing to control or eliminate the problem.  I really MUST move for health reasons. 

I just started a three-month treatment and recently secured a new apartment for August 1st and need help with moving expenses. The new place is not near any road construction to affect the air quality and has a clean-air system in place.

Click here to donate ... thank you.

In return for your generosity, I will supply you with a personal signed 5" x 7" of one of my favourite art pieces. If you're not able to donate, can you please share. 

Thank you. ~ Gloria

In Response ... Facebook Posts

My ‪#‎Response‬ to some unbelievable 'stupid' posts this morning: AIDS is NOT a white gay man's disease; it is not something you can get from the rainbow app; and it is definitely NOT a joke! The world has lost too many men, women and children to this horrible disease. Jokes about AIDS is an insult and shows disrespect to people living with & who have died from it. And it's pure ignorance to think it's funny to associate AIDS with being gay or with the Rainbow app. - Gloria

Dr. Mai Heath

Dr. Mai Heath is a Doctor of naturopathic medicine, and a Doula who is currently serving clients in the Toronto, Ontario area. She is a wellness and birth advocate, who uses her charming personality and sharp wit to “bridge art and science” for her clients.

http://dearestdoula.com/2015/06/01/dr-mai/

Please ... HELP Find a Liver Donor ...

Delfina Budziak was diagnosed with biliary atresia two months into her short life.

Biliary atresia is a rare disease that begins in early infancy, according to the Canadian Liver Foundation. The bile duct that leads from the liver to the intestine becomes damaged, preventing bile from leaving the liver. This can lead to a build-up of bile in the liver. The cause of the disease is not known.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/i-feel-like-i-can-t-save-my-own-daughter-ont-infant-needs-liver-donation-1.2394888

Living Liver Donor Needed ... Winnipeg

By Jim Bender, Winnipeg Sun

Courageous 11 year old, Allexis Siebrecht, needs a liver transplant.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2015/04/01/living-liver-donor-needed

Carlos Morgan Family Fund

Carlos Morgan is a 41 year old husband and devoted father of 3 beautiful young children. He is also a brother, son, friend, drywall installer and entrepreneur.  In December 2014, we found out that that he is now a cancer fighter.  Carlos was diagnosed with stage 4 of a rare and aggressive form of paranasal sinus cancer. In the last few weeks, a large tumor behind his left eye has grown quickly (taking his vision in that eye), another tumor has grown in lymphnodes in his neck, and the cancer has spread to his lungs. He is undergoing radiation, with surgery and chemotherapy both planned for the upcoming months.  

Carlos has always worked very hard to support his family through his own drywall business, and the cancer has made it impossible for him to work.  This, and the numerous out-of-pocket medical expenses, are adding to the burden and stress on Carlos and his family.  Any donation, large or small, is appreciated more than words can express.  100% of the money raised on this site will go directly to the Morgan family to help with their expenses while Carlos battles cancer.

Carlos is a fighter, and he will not be defeated by this disease, but he needs your help.

http://www.youcaring.com/family-fundraiser/the-carlos-morgan-family-fund/289520

The "Healthy Food Hot List

Raspberries
The Power:  Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These berries are also packed with vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup has only 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. Top plain low-fat yogurt or oatmeal (another high fiber food) with fresh berries.

Cranberry Juice
The Power:  Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Buy 100 percent juice concentrate and use it to spice up your daily H20 without adding sugar

Click the link below to see a "healthy food hot list" that consist of the 29 food that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

http://www.bellybytes.com

Downsview Services for Seniors

Downsview Services for Seniors works to extend the quality years of older adults through a seamless network of day programs and services. We are a source of social activities, transportation, meal delivery and home support. It is our number one goal to foster the independent living of our aging population.

http://www.downsviewservices.com/

What's New in Hep C

Learn about new Hep C research and clinical practices relevant to front-line workers and people living with Hep C. This presentation shares key findings from the 2^nd Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus, The Canadian Association of Hepatology Nurses Education Day and the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver Meeting.

http://www.catie.ca

National Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Today is National Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

The annual Caribbean-American Health/AIDS Awareness Day was created to provide Caribbean-Americans with resources, HIV/AIDS health education, evaluation, and opportunities for involvement. The goal is to beat the odds and to ensure that we cultivate a health conscious atmosphere within our communities. This day is a part of a National effort to get Caribbean-Americans to get educated, get evaluated, get treated and get involved with their health decisions, as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular diseases continues to negatively affect the Caribbean communities resulting in premature deaths.

To learn more about National Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, click here Caribbean Health Aids Day

ORGAN/TISSUE DONORS Wanted!

Here are examples of organs, in addition to the liver, that can be used: heart, intestines, kidneys, lungs and pancreas. In addition, certain tissues can also be used: bones, corneas, sclerae, tendons and certain veins.

One (1) organ donor can save eight (8) lives.

1,500 Ontarians are on the waiting list for organ transplants.

Click to learn more, Be A Donor

 

Liver Health

Liver disease does not need to be a death sentence. Without a coordinated effort involving investment and resources for prevention, screening, treatment, patient care and research however, the prevalence of liver diseases like hepatitis B and C, liver cancer, fatty liver disease and others will continue to rise taking their toll both on individuals and families and the health care system. – Dr. Morris Sherman, lead author

This report shows that over a period of only eight years, the death rate from liver disease has risen nearly 30%. And yet, unlike other major diseases, there has been no national strategy put in place for a public health response to liver disease.

It is estimated that one in 10 Canadians, or more than three million people, has some form of liver disease.

http://www.liver.ca

BlackCAP (HIV/AIDS)

The fastest growing group for the transmission of HIV/AIDS within the Black community is young women between the ages of 24-36. To help break the silence, workshops on self-image, health and HIV/AIDS prevention and education are held by our Outreach Coordinator. Our Men2gether program provides outreach and education (through the provision of condoms, brochures) to men who have sex with men and the community in barbershops, bathhouses and nightclubs. ~ BlackCap

 -----------------------

At Black CAP we know that contracting HIV does not mean that your life is going to end. Many of the clients, staff and volunteers involved in Black CAP have been living with HIV and AIDS for many, many years. These days most people living with HIV/AIDS can stay healthy for a long period of time when taking appropriate treatment and medication, in most cases we’re talking decades, not months or years. The best way to live a long and healthy life with HIV is to seek support and find information. The reality is that the best defense against HIV requires three things, community support, information and good healthcare and treatment.


We totally recognize that finding out that you are HIV positive can be both stressful and overwhelming. Many people feel that it is the end of their life, many of us at Black CAP would say that it is the beginning of a new life though. Finding the appropriate support systems in a good friend, a Black CAP counselor, a doctor or a family member in whom you personally feel you can rely on, is a good way to start and a good way to live with HIV.

 

 

To date, the majority of HIV/AIDS prevention projects targeting Black communities in Toronto have focused on those who are not yet infected. The prevention programs delivered by groups such as Black CAP, ACCHO and APAA have yet to specifically identify or promote the ways that people living with HIV or AIDS (PHAs) can reduce and identify risk. Also with more successful HIV treatments our clients are living longer and healthier lives, our prevention activities must recognize this shift. AIDS mortality is reducing and people are living longer and are more likely to seek healthy, active and pleasurable sex lives and meaningful relationships.

 

 

Black CAP is an organization that works to reduce HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s Black, African and Caribbean communities and enhance the quality of life of Black people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is spreading quickly in Toronto’s Black communities and we believe that our work is more important than ever. At this time, Black, African and Caribbean people account for more than one-fifth of all new HIV infections in Toronto, in the early nineties we made up only one-tenth of new HIV infections. Issues of HIV related stigma and discrimination, homophobia, anti-Black racism, immigration, poverty, and barriers to social inclusion also continue to make our work harder.

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention
20 Victoria St. 4th floor
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2N8
Main: (416) 977 - 9955
Fax: (416) 977 - 7664

www.blackcap.ca

Until You Have Walked . . .

Week six and I’m still dealing with the inconveniences of Diverticulitis (which involves the formation of pouches on the outside of the intestines that become inflamed).

This morning, in the blood lab of my specialist’s office, the technician took eight (8) tubes of blood for mandatory annual tests required to monitor, yet another, chronic illness.  There is no cure but research is ongoing. Because I have a history with anxiety (depression), I am not a candidate for the new and improved treatment that could possibly help me.

I was shocked to learn that I had to pay $35.00 for a specific blood test not covered by OHIP, which I did pay, but was unable to complete a required scan because it cost eighty-five dollars (also not covered by OHIP).

On my way out while putting on my coat, I started a conversation with a nice young man who overheard my conversation regarding not being able to take the scan. He looked at me and said, “You know, you’re lucky.”

“Not really because I can’t afford the test,” I responded.

With bright eyes and a big smile, he said, “It could be worst, you could have AIDS.”

At that moment, I realized he was so right. I sat next to him and we talked for a while, he told me he was HIV positive.  He was a delightful young man and I was glad to have met him; we talked about shopping, his partner, his love of art and his passion for life.

Before leaving the lab, I reached out and shook his hand and thanked him for reminding me that we each have battles and wished him luck in his fight.

I’m not sure why the people in the room became so quiet while watching the two of us interact. Was it because two strangers were talking and laughing like old friends?

Painfully (because of an unexpected flare up of fibromyalgia) making my way down the stairs to the train station, I attempted to put my troubles behind me and tried to share my joy by making a little joke with two TTC workers in the booth. Apparently they weren’t amused with my light humour because I was wearing earphones which weren’t turned on and they, no doubt, thought I couldn’t hear them but as I walked away, I heard one say to the other, “Crazy!”

I wanted to yell out,”I’m not crazy . . . just trying to be happy,” but chose not to respond.

As I took a seat on the train, I started another friendly conversation with a very nice lady which made me forget about the negative experience with the TTC workers. She was only on the train for two stops but in that short time, Sheila (her real name) re-confirmed my belief that there are still kind people in this world.

In short . . . until you have walked in a person’s shoes . . . you do not know their journey; so be kind to one another.                         

                                      

                                                                                                     ~ gLoRiA

For more on Diverticulitis, check out my blog post on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Talk!

WTH! Diverticulitis

After spending three days, in extreme pain in the fetal position, on my sofa; I was finally able to stand up straight (with lower stomach pain) and walk to the local clinic whereby they sent me to, yet, a second clinic. WTH!?!

My Diagnosis: After routine blood work; urine analysis; and an ultrasound, it was confirmed as acute diverticulitis . . . a common digestive disease particularly found in the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches (diverticula) on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed.

My Treatment (during a six and a half hour stay nested in the back corner of the emergency room): consisted of fluid for dehydration; gravol for nausea; morphine for pain; and the one and only . . . antibiotics for infection.

Now home, back on my faithful sofa, I am happy to say there is less pain; no solid food intake for a few days; lots of rest and a healthy twenty-one day supply of meds, I'm looking forward to a full recovery (fingers crossed).

Things I learnt about Diverticulitis include, but not limited to:

1. Mild episodes usually respond to antibiotics;

2. Patients with repeated episodes or a severe attack may need surgery;

3. Surgery is usually not necessary but is sometimes performed in patients with severe or frequent complications. Often the bowel can be joined together immediately. If there is an infection a temporary connection between the bowel and the skin (colostomy) is formed to avoid connecting infected bowel. This surgery can be reversed at a later operation when the bowel is reconnected. The long term outlook is good; and

4. In general, increasing the amount of fibre in the diet is recommended with adequate fluid intake. While this will not cause the diverticula present to become smaller or go away, the high fibre diet may reduce the formation of other diverticula. There is no evidence that avoiding foods such as popcorn or those with small seeds such as strawberries or tomatoes is useful, although this has been recommended in the past.

Click here for more information about Diverticulitis . . . Living With Diverticulitis

Foods for the Liver

Although the immune system protects our body from many dangers, it is the liver that protects the immune system from becoming overloaded.
 

A functioning liver works as the bodies' fat-burning organ by converting nutrients from our food into essential blood components, storing vitamins and minerals and producing proteins and enzymes to maintain hormone balances in our bodies. The liver also helps our immune system fight infections, remove bacteria from the blood and make bile, which is essential for digesting our meals.

Excessive consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and white sugar should be avoided and adding in low impact exercises (like daily walks) and drinking lots of water are all ways to ensure good liver health.

Some foods can help the liver:

Garlic helps your liver activate enzymes that can flush out toxins. It also has a high amount of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

Grapefruit juice can help your liver flush out carcinogens and toxins. This fruit is also high in both vitamin C and antioxidant properties.

Beets are high in plant-based flavonoids, which can improve the overall functions of your liver.

Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce have the ability to neutralize metals, chemicals and pesticides that may be in our foods, and act as a protective mechanism for the liver.

Green tea is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, which have been known to improve the functions of our liver.

Adding more avocados to your diet can help your body produce a type of antioxidant called glutathione, which is needed for our livers to filter out harmful materials.

Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts also increase the amount of glucosinolate (organic compounds) in our bodies that helps create enzyme production for digestion.

Citrus fruits like lemons are full of vitamin C, but lemons also help our bodies cleanse out toxic materials and aid the digestion process.

Tumeric (used as a spice) has been known to help our bodies digest fats and stimulate the production of bile. It can also act as a natural form of detox for your liver.

Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support our liver through its cleansing process.
To read entire article, click this link.

YorkU Health & Wellness Project

The Faculty of Health at York University showcased its Connected Health and Wellness Project on Thursday, November 15th.
 
As noted on the website (http://chwp.org), the Connected Health and Wellness Project is a development of a new connected suite of technologies designed to better support delivery of people-centered health and wellness services is expected to transform health and healthcare locally to globally.

The Connected Health and Wellness Project (CHWP) connects prominent industry, academic and healthcare organizations based out of Southern Ontario to form a world-leading and innovative collaborative cluster. This initiative will create jobs, create a new health-economy, give people and populations the tools to improve their own health, enhance patient safety, and offer new solutions to increase the quality and lower the cost of services. The project is a collaborative effort of York University, a leader in producing a new 'Health Coach' profession, McMaster University, the originator and lead vendor of the open-source OSCAR Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and the MyOSCAR Personal Health Record (PHR), NexJ Systems Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based solutions including the NexJ Connected Wellness Platform, and other academic, and industry partners.

Early Detection

If you were born during 1945-1965, talk to your doctor about getting tested for Hepatitis C. The only way to know if you have Hepatitis C is to get tested. Early detection can save lives.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus. For some people, the disease can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, and even death. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading reason for liver transplants.
People with Hepatitis C:

• Often have no symptoms
• Can live for decades without feeling sick
• Can be successfully treated with medications

http://www.cdc.gov/features/HepatitisCTesting/?s_cid=tw_cdc1632