Tag: #symptoms

CANCER: WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

karenringalls6 Comments

There are over 200 types of cancers, which can be grouped into 5 categories: carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as brain and spinal cord cancer.

The term “cancer” originated from the Greek word “karkinoma” which means “crab”. It was named so because tumors were observed to resemble the shape of a crab, with a central body and extending “legs”.

Approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022.

Approximately 609,360 individuals are estimated to die from cancer in the United States in 2022.

Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern. In September, we raise awareness about this disease. The number of new cases is 10.3 per 100,000 women each year, with a death rate of 6.3 per 100,000 women. Unfortunately, these numbers haven’t improved much over time. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 19,710 new cases and 13,270 deaths due to ovarian cancer. These statistics are quite alarming.

The reasons behind this issue are:

  1. Insufficient funding for research.
  2. Lack of education for doctors and nurses.
  3. Lack of awareness among women and girls about the warning signs, which can be subtle.

I want to raise awareness about this dangerous cancer. Women and girls, please pay attention to your bodies, know the signs, and see a doctor. You can support research by donating to organizations like OCRA or NOCC. You can also donate to our local fundraiser (bidpal.net/teal).

Day 2: Awareness/Knowledge

karenringalls4 Comments

One purpose of National Gynecologic Cancer Month is to spread awareness, which is defined as the knowledge that something exists. There is a sense of vagueness to the word, awareness.

Instead of awareness, I choose the word knowledge: acts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education.

This morning there was a warning about a railroad crossing in my path ahead. I did not ignore the sign painted on the pavement. I paid attention to where I was walking and stopped at the railroad tracks to be sure there was no train coming.

I made a conscious decision. We, humans, choose our behaviors, actions, and how we do or do not listen to our body’s warning signs. I challenge you to seek medical advice if any of these persist for 2 weeks. Insist on getting an ultrasound or a CT scan.

  • Unusual or bloody discharge (seek medical advice immediately)
  • Bloating
  • Change in bowel or bladder habits
  • Suddenly feeling full from eating even a small portion
  • Painful intercourse
  • Extreme fatigue every day
  • Back or pelvic pain

I hope my Teal Takeover walk each day will inspire you to do the same. If you want to donate to my team or form your own, just go to https://www.classy.org/team/446017. Every penny goes to promoting knowledge and funds for research.

“Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.“

EINSTEIN, DICKINSON, AND AYKROYD…

karenringalls17 Comments

What do these three famous people have in common?

They are just a few of MANY who have or had autism. The symptoms vary and each individual adapts to their condition differently. Their education, the parent’s acceptance and understanding, the type and severity of symptoms, and society’s reaction are all important in how those with autism adjust and adapt.

According to the DSM-V, this condition is now called Autism Spectrum Disorder, though many of us just say autism. It has clearly been determined that it is NOT related to schizophrenia.

The symptoms are poor eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and poor social interaction skills. Some have few or no spoken words, while others do not respond to their names when called.

Famous people who have been diagnosed with ASD:

  • Steve Jobs
  • Susan Boyle
  • Andy Warhol
  • Jerry Seinfeld
  • Sir Anthony Hopkins
  • Hans Christian Anderson
  • and many more.

The cause(s) of ASD has not been scientifically proven. Through MRI’s it has been determined that certain areas of the brain are different for those with autism versus the general population.

  • DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?
  • INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW ONE WOMAN HELPED START THE FIRST CHARTER SCHOOL FOR AUTISM IN FLORIDA?
  • DO YOU KNOW WHAT ARE CONSIDERED THE BEST TEACHING METHODS?

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF AUTISM, EDUCATING AND RAISING A CHILD WITH AUTISM, AND WHAT ARE SOME RESOURCES, LISTEN TO THE PODCAST FROM FRESH INK GROUP ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 8:00 PM ET.