Supermom’s kryptonite

Recently an article caught my attention it was entitled “Supermom’s kryptonite is lack of self-care.”  The author shares her recent illness and frequent sickness….

“I think that my ‘Mom Immunity’ is weaker as a result of my not taking care of myself. I’m pretty good at monitoring my children’s diet to ensure that they get a proper balance of fruits, vegetables and proteins. I limit their junk food intake. However, my diet consists of quick, grab-and-go junk. I make sure that my children go to bed at a reasonable time so they can be alert and ready for home school lessons. Meanwhile, I’m up into the wee hours trying to cram in as much as possible before going to bed. As a caretaker, it is so easy to get into the cycle of putting the needs of others before your own. Sooner or later, we are forced to assess our own needs when our bodies become weak and unable to meet our demands.” 

I loved to see an article like this because I have all too often seen mothers take better care of others than themselves.  We need to give ourselves the same quality care we give children or others.  “After all, when we are at our best, then we can give our best to others.”

plant seeds of kindness

It is about this time of year that I really hope for spring to come early so I can plant my garden. But this experience will have to do for now. Last week I had a sweet dear friend surprise me with a gift. She brought me a single potted hyacinth in a little golden pot she painted. She proceeded to explain that she potted it last fall and she told me how fragrant it will be as it bloomed. I smiled realizing it was a purple flower (which is one of my favorite colors) and I love the smell of flowers. I immediately placed it on the window seal above the sink in the kitchen, so I would be sure and see it bloom.

Over the next several days, I watched each bud pop open releasing it sweet aroma. Each little bud is so delicate and beautiful. It is amazing to me that such a simple act of kindness has brought me such continued joy. What a nice and thoughtful person she was to have cared for and nurtured this plant to brighten my day many months later.

I often think about how rushed and fast we speed through life and forget to “stop and smell the roses.” I challenge each of you to take time to slow down and enjoy life, and plant seeds of kindness to share with others to brighten their day. For me I often scheduled in time to relax, mediate, reflect on life and find ways to help others. It really brings me so much joy to take even just a few moments everyday…and to think what even a few more moments could do for my health.

Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness

Photo Credit:  Robin Johnson

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.

Lifetime UV Exposure in the United States
Ages	Average Accumulated Exposure*
1-18	22.73 percent
19-40	46.53 percent
41-59	73.7 percent
60-78	100 percent

*Based on a 78 year lifespan

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

Links:

American Academy of Dermatology
Body Mole Map

Save Your Skin 10K Race

& 2 mile awareness fun walk

(this is an annual event)

September 17, 2011

Come help us promote skin cancer prevention.

Location:  Davis County, Utah

click here to learn more about the event

Area Training Groups:

Local Running Club:  South Davis Road Runners

Triathlon Club:  Northern Utah Triathletes

TBR (Coached Coed Teams – running & triathlon):  Team Blonde Runner

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Alert

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

Road ID – Be safe, be identified.

Last spring I was contacted by a local paper and interviewed about safety and running. You see, four months earlier a woman was struck by a car and killed while out exercising, then again another runner was killed just a few months later. Both victims did not have identification on them and their family members went days before knowing of their respective tragedy. How many times do you go out for a walk, hike, run, or bikeride without carrying identification?

Nobody plans on getting hit by a car or suffering a stroke/heart attack, or diabetic seizure while out exercising? (This is how many people that don’t know they have diabetes find out that they do). It just happens, so I urge you take identification with you. I know it is not practical to carry a driver’s license in your hand while you are running, and shorts pockets aren’t often big enough. The best solution I have found is an ID type Velcro shoe clip or a band worn around the ankle or wrist. They are not bulky and they can stay right on you and never be forgotten. They are produced by a company called Road ID. Just click on the logo link below and you can see what they have to offer. I think $20 is well worth the information that can potentially save a life or keep family members informed in the event of an accident. Be safe, be identified.

Just click on the link below and use the coupon code RID546483  to save $1. Run safe, get your RoadID!

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