Breast Cancer Fact & Fiction

October is known as breast cancer awareness month. This tradition began back in 1984 between several organizations aspiring to help bring awareness and education to the general public about breast cancer. Many companies, organizations, athletic leagues and even federal departments all support this cause by sporting pink ribbons. However, too many people remain confused to certain myths and facts concerning breast cancer. Though there is no cure for breast cancer, the best thing to do is get yourself checked out by a physician and let them be the one to give you a clean bill of health. At First Care of New York we would like to provide you with some facts and fictitious things people think of when it comes to breast cancer.

Only women get breast cancer – Fiction
Though rare, men get breast cancer as well. It is equally as important for men to undergo regular breast self-check techniques for prevention and early diagnosis.

Breast feeding – Fiction
There has been no direct correlation of breast feeding and breast cancer. Some scientists actually believe it might help to fight breast cancer.

Underwire bras causes’ breast cancer – Fiction
The verity is that there is not enough evidence to support this argument

All breast lumps are cancerous – Fiction
Not all breast lumps are malignant or cancerous. However, this does not imply that a person should stop reporting any breast changes that occur to their doctor. In order to determine whether a lump is cancerous or not, further diagnostic procedures like mammogram, biopsy or ultrasound should be done.

Birth control pills can lead to breast cancer – Fiction
It is true that birth control pills do contain a small amount of estrogen. Nonetheless; there is no substantial proof to authenticate this statement.

Breast cancer is contagious – Fiction
Breast cancer is not contagious, contradictory to what most people believe it to be. This misconception is mainly due to the fact that a number of cases of breast cancer are linked with a family history.

Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer – Fiction
I guess people began to think of this because deodorant is applied near the breast area. The Truth Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any definitive evidence relating the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the development of breast cancer.

Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it – Fiction
Although women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk grouping, most women who have breast cancer have little or none family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should take precautions and have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.

Though there might be other fictitious rumors about how one may get cancer. There is only one way to help manage your health concerning breast cancer. Screening by a licensed professional is the only sure way to help identify and treat cancer if detected. If you should ever detect any changes in your breast area, whether you are male or female, you should have yourself checked out. Early detection may be the difference between recovery or the need for treatments.

Using the 5 senses to determine if you or your loved one needs care and assistance

Every day people forget things, fall or just do something that is out of the norm. Most of us do it because of lack of paying attention, being in a hurry or just because we did something foolish without thinking of the consequences. Over time people give off many clues as to their mental and/or physical condition. For people or seniors with mental or physical difficulties, these incidences can be the first clue that things might be becoming more challenging for them. A good way to tell if someone might need care or assistance is by using all of our senses.

Use your eyes – With a visual inspection of someone or their living condition, we can pick up many signs that things are not going well.

• Look to see if their place is a mess or becoming more messy than usual.
• See if their clothes are dirty, stained or if they are wearing the same clothing for several days at a time.

Use your nose – Your nasal senses are very powerful especially in picking up foul odors.

• Sniff around their living quarters to see if it smells like an old gym locker or if the trash has not been taken out in some time.
• Smell the individual to see if they have taken a bath.
• Smell their breath as well to check if they are brushing their teeth and doing everyday activities.

Use your hands – Your hands are the best tools to maneuver through many things.

• Wipe a finger/hand around areas that should generally be clean to check for dust or other dirty conditions
• Bathroom areas – such as the sink and toilet area
• Kitchen – touch to see if things have spilled and the fridge is all sticky
• Living room – Check the TV for excessive dust on it, making it hard to view the screen.

Use your taste buds – Your tongue can distinguish between four basic taste of salty, sweet, bitter and sour.

• Not everything smells like it is spoiled. So give several items in the fridge a small taste test to see if they are good or spoiled. But use caution, because you don’t want to end up being the one that needs care for food poisoning.

Use your ears – Giving people the opportunity to be heard is one of the greatest ways to find out what is going on with them. Listening to how people speak can tell you a lot about their current mental status.

• Listen for clues of repeated events – Such as I fall often, I forget to take my medication; I forgot another doctor’s appointment.
• Listen for signs of sadness, disorientation or confusion.
• Listen to see if their speech is slurred or impaired, as this can signify mental problems.

If you sense that you or your loved one is having these issues, do not hesitate to get them care now. Being proactive can be the difference between them getting hurt and ending up in the hospital or having a safe, happier and healthier life.

For any aspect of care or information on care-giving, please feel free to contact First Care of New York. At First Care of New York we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience, a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost to you, if they participate in our program. The nurse will also be able to evaluate the home to make you aware of any potential hazards that might cause harm to your family member. They will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We employ highly trained and caring home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. Services provided include: help with bathing, cooking, toileting, grooming, medicine reminder, laundry and cleaning services. First Care of New York is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality care to all our clients.

Labor Day weekend happiness!

According to the U.S Department of Labor, “Labor Day”, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Though this stands true for most people it also means a long weekend for most of us to enjoy and celebrate with our families with backyard barbeques and other activities.
If you are doing the good old barbeque don’t forget to plan accordingly for this weekend. Scores of people will be doing the same thing. There are a few things to have smooth BBQ especially if you are the one hosting the event.

• Make a list of all your supplies you will need for your BBQ – Don’t forget the extra napkins
• Go shopping and pick up all your supplies – Or you might end up going to the store 22 times during the BBQ.
• Prepare the BBQ area the day before if possible – This will make it easier to notice what is missing or give you ides for things you can improve.
• If you are going to a park or some other place – You will want to leave as early as possible to get a “good spot”
• During the event – be a good host and check on all your guests to see if they are enjoying themselves
• Lastly the cleanup – Be sure to clean up the area and recycle all that you can. BBQ grease stuck on your backyard furniture will become a nightmare if you let it sit for a few days.

Once you have enjoyed yourself with friends and family it is time to go out and enjoy the events around town. Below is a brief list of things to do in different boroughs.

Bronx – Check out the baseball game at Yankee Stadium as they are playing against the Baltimore Orioles. Prices vary depending on seats.

Brooklyn – Habana Outpost’s Back to School Bash – Fort Greene

Brooklyn’s eco-eatery sends summer out with a bang. Arts and crafts, stilt walkers, clowns, dancing, face painting and lots more to entertain the crowds. Plus there will be free notebooks and pencils while supplies last, and a concert by Jeremy Plays Guitar. FREE

Manhattan – Holiday Monday at the Met – Upper East Side
The Met is usually closed on Mondays but today it opens for the holiday and offers fun family programs for kids ages 5-12 and their parents. Explore the masterpieces, then sketch and discuss. FREE with museum admission.

Queens – West Indian American Day Jr. Carnival – Crown Heights
All the excitement of Carnival for the smaller set: Catch the festive parade of kids donning colorful garb as they travel from Kingston Avenue and St. Johns Place to Franklin Avenue South, to President Street, into the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum for a costume competition. $2

At First Care of New York we want to keep everyone safe, secure and comfortable during Labor Day weekend. As a leading license home care agency we provide the best possible home care services in New York City. With our highly trained personal care aides and skilled home health aides we provide the adequate care you and your loved ones may need. Our aides provide such services as: grooming, bathing, toileting, dressing and feeding to name a few items. We provide services in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

First Care of NY Health and Wellness Event with Wellcare of NY

Be a part a truly special event.  On Saturday, July 17th, 2010, First Care of NY and WellCare of NY, will team up to present a unique event that will allow you to listen, receive and take part in instruction that will help you improve your health both in the short and long term.  This will not be your typical information meet, we will have screenings, tests, and demonstrations of movements that can help those of you, that struggle with arthritis.  We will also be giving you first hand knowledge of Homecare, and the services that First Care of NY provides which will allow you to simply select and receive the care you want, your way, your time, while First Care devises the plan.  All brought to you by First Care of NY and WellCare of NY, be a part of a unique experience and improve your health.

Where:
Jehova Shalom Church
1723 Boston Rd. 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10460

Date:  Saturday, July 17th, 2010 from 10am- 4pm.