From chapter thirteen I learned that cancer refers to many different diseases and that they share the common property of abnormal cell growth. I learned that dietary and environmental factors such as smoking and sunlight cause chemical changes that may initiate a tumor, which is a mass of abnormal cells. I also learned that cigarette smoking is the cause of about one third of all cancers, especially lung cancer. Most cancers are largely preventable and only 5 to 10% of cancers are actually caused by genes that have been inherited. Treatment for cancer includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with the goal of removing or the destruction of as many cancer cells as possible. I also learned that the recovery from cancer all depends on a good attitude, good nutrition, healing mental images, medical treatment and an active immune system and that breast and testicular self examinations are an early means of cancer detection. Dietary deficiencies or excesses are responsible for about one half of all cancers while overexposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer. Lastly, I learned that to significantly reduce your risk of cancer, you must change your lifestyle including a healthier diet, limiting your alcohol consumption, eliminating smoking, and reducing your exposure to sunlight and chemical carcinogens.
From chapter fourteen I learned that damage to the heart is called cardiovascular disease and it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heredity, gender, and age are major risk factors that cannot be changed but the elimination of tobacco use, controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing your physical activity, and improving your diet can control cardiovascular disease. Other factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease are obesity, stress, and diabetes. Various surgeries can be performed to repair clogged arteries such as bypass surgery, angioplasty (stenting), and endarterectomy and just one 81mg baby aspirin taken daily may reduce the risk of heart disease for someone at risk. Lastly, I learned that foods such as calcium, soy products, fish oils, coca, and green tea all help to keep the heart healthy.
From the class lecture I learned that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States and that in order to combat it, you must eat a heart healthy diet consisting of eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting animal products that are high in fat and cholesterol, such as meat and cheese. I also learned that limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats is the most important step you can take to reduce your blood cholesterol level and lower your risk of coronary artery disease.
From the discussions with my fellow classmates, we talked about how 90% of all lung cancer is caused by smoking. We learned that there are 599 components of a cigarette and why they are so bad for us. We also learned the statistics of smoking, the dangers of second hand smoke, and tips on how to quit smoking.
Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10566.php
http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/whatsinit.htm
http://www.quitsmokinghub.com/blog/2010/02/2010-smoking-statistics-us-and-worldwide/
http://www.quitguide.com/smoking-facts.html
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/125/5_suppl/86S.full
http://smoking.ygoy.com/smoking-statistics-general-facts/
In a second discussion, we talked about the risk factors of cancer in which I added the dangers of natural sun exposure and well as tanning beds. I also mentioned safe alternatives to tanning and guidelines for the early detection of skin cancer.
Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5104a1.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-are-some-safe-alternatives-to-tanning-beds.html
www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/CancerScreeningGuidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.
Lastly, we had a discussion regarding reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease in which I added that many vitamin supplements as well as fish oils, dark chocolate, and green tea have been proven to reduce heart disease.
Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil
http://www.healthandage.com/dark-chocolate-reduces-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease
http://www.opentalkmagazine.com/health-nutrition/disease-cure/3109-reduce-cholesterol-cardiovascular-disease-fight-cancer-with-green-tea.html
Vocabulary Words:
Mesothelioma: is a form of lung cancer caused by asbestos.
I have seen many commercials advertising the hiring of lawyers in regards to Mesothelioma but I never knew that it was caused by industrial workers being exposed to asbestos fibers that got into the lungs and caused them to get a rare form of lung cancer.
Stenting: A simpler, cheaper, and safer alternative procedure to bypass surgery for clogged arteries; this procedure involves inserting a catheter into the arm or leg and threading it up to the point of blockage in either a coronary artery or the carotid artery in the neck. If a blockage is found, a stent is inserted that props the artery open.
My grandfather had this procedure performed, but I never knew the details involved in it. Unfortunately, this procedure was not effective for him and he eventually needed bypass surgery to repair four blocked arteries.
Participation:
I felt that I put the needed time and effort into this module by following instructions and participating in the readings, discussions, and quiz and as a result I received great grades and comments.
The one thing that I learned during this session that I may be able to learn in the future would be all of the valuable information I learned in regards to the prevention of cancer and heart disease.
Active Link:
I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.
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