“Early Detection Saves Lives”

This is the main message of the Ministry Of Public Health (MOPH) in their breast cancer awareness campaign in Lebanon.

This is also what we, at CML believe in, and what led us to launch our Screening Program which includes early breast cancer detection test.

How does early detection save lives?

• The benefit of early detection is to discover the cancer in its early stages before symptoms start to show which offers a higher chance for the cancer to be cured.
• Breast cancers that are found because they are causing problems tend to be larger and more likely to have already spread beyond the breast.
• According to the latest statistics, screening mammography in women aged 40-70 years decreases breast cancer mortality by 25%. The benefit is higher for older women.
• According to the MOPH, breast cancer currently represents 42% of the total cancer cases affecting women in Lebanon.

The Recommendation in Lebanon

It is recommended for women once they reach 40 years of age to have screening mammography every year.

Tips for having a mammogram

Scheduling your mammogram:

Consider scheduling mammogram 3 to 10 days after your menstrual cycle (period), when the breasts are less sensitive. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. For women who are not menstruating or whose periods are extremely irregular, schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen to help reduce discomfort and to ensure a good picture. On the day of the exam don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant. Some of these contain substances that can interfere with the reading of the mammogram by appearing on the x-ray film as white spots. You may find it easier to wear a skirt or pants, so that you will only need to remove your blouse for the exam.

At the radiology center:

• If you have had mammograms before, bring them with you to the radiology center.
• Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
• Always describe any breast symptoms or problems that you are having to the technologist who is doing the mammogram.
• Be prepared to describe any medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk, such as prior surgery, hormone use, or family history or personal history of breast cancer.
• Always ask about your results.

References

1. American cancer society, Breast cancer: early detection
2. PubMed. Estimating the benefits of mammography screening: the impact of study design. 2007 Jul;18(4):487-92.
3. Ministry of public health, Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2011.
4. Radiology info, Mammography.
5. Emedicinehealth, Breast cancer prevention.
6. National Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Screening.

Summer is behind us, it is time to plan for Autumn, and prepare ourselves and family for the winter.

Autumn is the season of alternating cold and heat; and as the weather starts to change, probably the first thing that crosses our mind is the risk of getting sick.

Below are a few tips to help ensure you get through this Autumn season.

1. Protect your skin

Essential steps should be taken to prevent catching the flu and spreading it to others.

• Get vaccinated against the flu each year in Autumn especially Children, adults of 50 years and older, pregnant women, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions and health workers.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands.
• Stay home if you get sick.

2. Keep your hands clean

• Washing your hands is an important step to take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
• Wash your hands with soap and water; if that is not possible, use alcohol-based hand gels.

3. Stay warm

Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Being cold, depresses the immune system because your body’s resources go toward raising your temperature rather than warding off germs. Stay dry and dress warmly.

4. Dress in layers

A good way to deal with different temperature exposure is to wear layered clothing; this way you can stay warm when exposed to cold and it will be easy to adjust if you go indoors or the weather changes drastically by taking off a layer or two.

5. Rest

When you first come down with a cold or flu, it is important to stay warm and rested to help your body combat against the illness. Drinking fluids also helps prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist.

6. Antibiotics are not always the cure

• Bacterial infections can be cured by antibiotics but not the viral infections.
• Common colds and the flu are viral infections; you should avoid taking antibiotics if you catch them.
• Talk to your doctor to find out if your illness is viral or bacterial.

References

• Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Webmed
• Women's day

We have been hearing lately about Escherichia coli (E.coli) outbreaks all over the news, and we are all concerned about what it is and how we can get contaminated.

Here are some facts about this bacteria and its symptoms.

What is Escherichia coli (E.coli) ?

E.coli is a large group of bacteria. Although most of the strains of E.coli are harmless, others can make you sick.

The E.coli strain causing this last outbreak is the E.coli 0157:H7    

How is the infection spread ?

The most common way to get this infection is by eating contaminated food.

People can contaminate others by not washing their hands well with soap after going to the bathroom.

This strain of E.coli that has caused lethal food poisoning in north Germany was almost certainly carried by bean sprouts. The bacteria have not been found in the food, but epidemiological investigations of what victims ate point towards one German sprout farm.

What are the symptoms ?

• The symptoms of E.coli 0157:H7 infection varies for each person but often include:
  • severe stomach cramps
  • diarrhea (often bloody)
  • vomiting
• If there is fever, it is usually not very high (less than 38.5˚C)
• Symptoms usually start showing 3-4 days after exposure, but may take as short as 1 day or as long as 10 days.
• Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.
• Most people get better within 5-7 days.

How to protect yourself and others ?

• Always wash your hands with soap after going to the bathroom
• Wash your hands carefully before you start cooking
• Cook ground beef until is it well done (you don’t see any pink inside)
• Don’t drink unpasteurized milk
• Wash vegetables well
• Avoid swimming in lakes and swallowing the water

What to do when symptoms show ?

• Stay well-hydrated: you want to replace the fluid you are losing with water.
• Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection: there is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful and it may increase the risk of complications.
• Contact your doctor if any complications occur.

Where does Lebanon Stand in all this ?

• As far as Lebanon is concerned, the minister of agriculture and the General-Director of the health ministry confirmed that there are no E.coli cases in Lebanon so far up till June 4th.
• On June 14th the minister of agriculture issued a directive announcing the ban on sprouts, and lifted the ban on imported vegetables that has been issued earlier after the outbreak.
• The minister has also ordered that samples be taken of all types of vegetables entering the country, and ordered that he be informed of the results on daily basis.

References

• CDC (Centers of Disease Control and prevention)
• Family Doctor
• Medicine net
• New Scientist Health
• Daily Star Lebanon

1. Protect your skin

• Wear light, loose fitting clothing, and avoid dark colors.
• Avoid going out in the sun in the middle of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
• Apply waterproof sunscreen all year long with SPF 30 or higher to the exposed areas of the body; it will help protect your skin against sunburns, premature aging (wrinkles and age spots) and skin cancer.
  • Reapply every two hours after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors.
  • Apply sunscreen even when you are indoors and on cloudy days: Ultra Violet rays (UV rays) can penetrate the glass and pass through the clouds.
  • Ladies, sunscreens can be applied under make-up, or alternatively there are many available cosmetic products that contain sunscreen for daily use.

2. Treat your sunburns

• First degree sunburns cause redness and possibly some peeling, they will heal within few days. These burns are best treated with cool baths and moisturizers.
• Second degree sunburns are more serious and are considered a medical emergency if a large area is affected. They cause blisters (local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid) and are best treated by a doctor or at the hospital. Do not attempt to rupture them.
• When a burn is severe, accompanied by headache, chills, or fever, seek medical help immediately.

3. Protect your eyes

• Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV radiations. They reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damages.
• Apply eyes sunscreen to protect the skin around your eyes from the sun’s damaging effects.

4. Cover Your Head

Try to wear wide-brimmed hat when in direct sunlight. This offers protection to your eyes and skin by creating a shade around your face.

5. Take care of your Hair

Hair Conditioner can provide some protection against the sun’s UV rays, but it can not repair damaged hair.

6. Water Water Water

• Drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day and more if you are outdoors.
• Carry around with you a small bottle of water; it will help you remember to drink.
• Water drinking makes you feel fresh, keeps you hydrated and helps wash out toxins.

7. Move Move Move

• Take advantage to the summer’s shiny weather to engage in fun dynamic work-outs that help you get rid of toxins and shake off the working days laziness.
• Swimming, walking on the beach, cycling, skate boarding, surfing, beach volley ball, roller skating…pick your favorite, these are all fun summer related activities with great benefits.
• Exercise with people whose company you enjoy; it will be more fun and rewarding.

8. Eat Wisely

• Your body works harder in summer to keep its temperature cool.
• Help keep your body cool by avoiding high calorie and spicy foods.
• Concentrate on fresh summer fruits and vegetables, whole grain and lean protein; they are easier to digest.

Finally

Don’t fall into the summer trap:

• Being out with friends and having fun may lead to over eating and over drinking.
• Keep it balanced and don’t overdo it, stay safe and keep others safe too.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology Recommendations (AAD)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

1. When sneezing: cover your mouth and nose

It starts with an itch: Achoo! When sneezing, cover up with a tissue to avoid spreading flu germs. Then throw the used tissue in the trash.

2. Wash your hands with soap

Scrubbing your hands with soap will help washing out the germs. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand rub.

3. Keep your hands off your face

Avoid rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth. Touching your face continuously is a sure-fire way to get the flu.

4. Healthy lifestyle beats the Flu

It will get your immune system stronger:

• Eat vegetables and fruits. Immune system fueled with natural vitamins and antioxidants is better able to fight off infections. Eat dark-green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits.
• Exercise regularly. A daily 30-minute walk is the minimum you need.
• Get plenty of sleep. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep.
• Reduce stress. Too much stress impairs the immune system. Know when to relax.

5. Try to avoid close contact with sick people 

6. Stay home if you are sick

You need to remain at least 24 hours free of fever before returning to normal activity.

7. While sick, limit contact with others

This will decrease the risk of transmitting the infection to others.