Dear Edmund,
I understand that your uncle is dying from lung cancer. Lung cancer is, quite obviously, “cancer in the lungs”. Essentially, uncontrolled cell growth happens in the lungs, and if left untreated, it would spread to other parts of the body. It’s a real silent killer, with symptoms, such as a constant cough and coughing up blood, only showing in advanced stages, but its main cause would be smoking. Man was not made to smoke, and most cigarettes contain cancer causing substances. It’s the number one cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. The risk of lung cancer increases with every cigarette you smoke; likewise, once you stop, the risk would significantly decrease. But even non-smokers can get it. Being exposed to second hand smoke, or smoke that comes out of the smoker’s mouth, would increase your chances of lung cancer. In essence, if you inhale second hand smoke on a regular basis, you’re no better off than a smoker! The continued exposure to smoke would blacken your lungs and deprive your blood of oxygen, as well as continuously exposing your lungs to cancerous chemicals. Then there’s the issue of smoking related diseases. Some diseases, such as emphysema, may be precursor to lung cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption, over a drink a day for women, two for men, may worsen your chances ever so slightly. There are other ways, though. Inhaling substance particles like asbestos, nickel, arsenic, and chromium would also increase your chances in obtaining lung cancer. If one is a smoker, then exposure to the aforementioned chemicals would increase your chances even more. Even if you manage to avoid that grey veil, there’s always radon gas. It’s released in the natural decomposition of most rocks and soil, and since it’s practically undetectable to the senses, you’ll need some inexpensive testing, with some inexpensive remedies. And then, there’s always the risk of obtaining the risks from parents, siblings, or even your children!
Well, the only way to prevent this disease is to stay away from all that smoke! Be conscious of your everyday environment. Observe the sidewalk, the location of your home, and workplace; do you see a lot of people smoking? How about the air quality? Also be aware of your surroundings; do you work with metals such as the above? Do everyday object you use contain any asbestos, arsenic, nickel… etc.? Does your house have a radon gas detector? Consciousness is the key.
As for your uncle, I understand your loss. He lived his life; ask yourself what he would want you to do. Death is natural, and is inevitable. Everyone meets their maker sometime in their life. I believe restraining your emotions is unhealthy; you should release them. One thing you shouldn’t do, however, is to dwell on them infinitely. Remember, you are a strong person, and even if think you’re not, you will make it through, simply steel yourself if necessary. Now, I believe everyone dies for a reason; do not let your uncle die in vain. Keep him alive in your memory, let him live on. Spread the awareness, you may save quite a few lives.
The editor, fellow Poet and Friend,
Paolo Noel Coronel La’O
Monday, 5 December 2011
Some More Healthy Eating
Bet every now and then you feel hungry between meals. Well the good news is that it’s ok to have a healthy snack! If you deprive yourself, it’s going to be harder to make a good choice come lunch or dinner. But, we can risk over eating snacks depending on our appetite for something, and risk missing out on important nutrients. So here’s the recommendation for a healthy alternative:
-Complex Carbs: Take longer to digest: a more “even” release of blood sugars, instead of the sugar rush from refined Carbs. You’ll stay full for a lot longer
-Low fat dairy: Like Complex Carbs: slower to digest, more consistent regarding blood sugar.
-Low fat protein: Protein does various things in your body, including cell maintenance and repair and blood sugar stabilization
Here’s what I recommend:
-Apple slices spread with peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins.
Complex Carbs all ‘round! They complement each other quite nicely in regards to taste.
-Banana sliced in half and spread lightly with peanut butter.
A somewhat lighter option than the above.
-Turkey and low-fat cheese sandwich on whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato.
Some nice lean meat and some filling diary and carbs; for those who aren’t easily satisfied
-Trail mix (measure one serving).
Homemade or store bought- for you hiker types!
-Complex Carbs: Take longer to digest: a more “even” release of blood sugars, instead of the sugar rush from refined Carbs. You’ll stay full for a lot longer
-Low fat dairy: Like Complex Carbs: slower to digest, more consistent regarding blood sugar.
-Low fat protein: Protein does various things in your body, including cell maintenance and repair and blood sugar stabilization
Here’s what I recommend:
-Apple slices spread with peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins.
Complex Carbs all ‘round! They complement each other quite nicely in regards to taste.
-Banana sliced in half and spread lightly with peanut butter.
A somewhat lighter option than the above.
 |
| The sandwich version! http://cookingfortwoonwaterloo.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/dsc_0084.jpg |
-Cheese toast (whole grain bread with low-fat cheese).
Low fat dairy and some carbs; The simplest of snacks.
Low fat dairy and some carbs; The simplest of snacks.
 |
| http://snacktime.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/img_0069.jpg |
-Turkey and low-fat cheese sandwich on whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato.
Some nice lean meat and some filling diary and carbs; for those who aren’t easily satisfied
 |
| http://images.meredith.com/fc/images/2010/07/ss_101596599_sandwich.jpg |
-Trail mix (measure one serving).
Homemade or store bought- for you hiker types!
 |
| http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Planters-Trail-Mix.jpg/280px-Planters-Trail-Mix.jpg |
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