Category Archives: Uncategorized

ProActive Breast Health

Breast cancer has become a potentially survivable disease, but it remains the second leading cause of death for women (heart disease is slightly higher) and the leading cause of death for Hispanic women. Breast cancer can occur at any age, but prevalence increases with age. Breast cancer rates increase starting at age 30 and then again at age 40.

Breast Cancer in Men.  It is important to remember that men also have small amount of breast tissue under the nipples, including fatty tissue, ducts, and lymph nodes. Male breast tissue can increase during adolescence and adulthood, especially for men over 50.  1 out of 100 diagnosed breast cancers occur in men. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.htm)

Reducing cancer risks

The Center for Disease control has suggestions to reduce the risks of breast cancer including:

  • Maintain a healthy weight and exercising regularly.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol.
  • If taking oral hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, consult with your doctor about your level of risk factors
  • Learn about the BRCA gene risk factors.[ii] This is important for both women and men.

Additional Proactive Lifestyle Choices

Chose plastic alternatives as much as possible. Plastic compounds such as phthalates are linked to hormone disruption and may be linked to breast cancer. Plastic containers or plastic wrap may leach chemicals into food and liquids.  The more flexible the plastic, the more leaching occurs.

Apply Healthy. Know what is in your personal care products.  Click HERE to learn more about common toxic chemicals and how to avoid them. Skin applications of cosmetics, lotions, and perfumes can contain chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. Repetitive application of products containing chemicals may cause cellular toxicity over time.

Plastic Alternatives

  • Reusable silicone bags: sandwich bags
  • Pyrex-like glass containers: Leftover food storage:
  • Glass or stainless-steel bottles: water bottles
  • Dr. Rodgers does not endorse any specific products or companies, but This Article is helpful to see what the market has to offer in plastic product alternatives.

Relaxation. Constant stress can cause an increase in inflammation and blood sugars. Laughter, relaxation, meditation, yoga, and healthy sleep patterns can help reduce cortisol levels and maintain a healthier you.

Avoid synthetic Fragrance.  A full ingredient list is usually not included under the term “Fragrance”.  There may be dozens of chemicals not listed on the label.  Some products do disclose when referring fragrance as essential oils. If you are not sure what is in the product, leave the product on the shelf, or see the next point below.

Know your ingredients. The Breast Cancer Prevention Partners has a great page to help you decipher what those chemical names are.  Click HERE to learn more about common toxic chemicals and how to avoid them.

Choose organic foods and Be vigilant of other daily exposures to chemicals. Simple solutions can be found at Easy ways to maintain a healthy home and reduce your exposure to chemicals

Move daily. You may already be doing more exercise than you think. The key to exercise is to move in any way you can. Cleaning the house, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or chopping wood may not be part of a hard-core exercise program, but they do contribute to moving. The key to exercise is to move your whole body daily. If you don’t like to exercise, consider the concept of moving and figure out what activities you can do in your day that make you move more.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines  The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends breast cancer screening.

  • Women 50-74 years old with average risk for cancer: mammogram every 2 years.
  • Women less than 40-49 or those with higher risk of cancer should discuss screening schedules with their primary physician.
  • Other medical organizations have different but similar guidelines. Click HERE to see guidelines.

[i] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm

[ii]https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/hereditary_breast_cancer/brca_gene_mutations.htm

[i] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/index.htm

[ii]https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/#/Prevalence/

[iii] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.htm

Wheel of Health Immune Basics

Each piece contributes to health.

How many pieces are strong in your life?

   Strengthen HealthWeaken Health
ExerciseExercise 5-6 x per week, at least 30 minutes. Find activities that you like to do. Exercise to the level you are not exhausted immediately or hours after your activity.Sit all day without breaks.
SleepGo to bed at the same time nightly. Obtain 8 hours sleep/night
Strategies if sleep disturbance occurs.
Go to bed after midnight. Use electronics and screens in the bedroom.
DietEat colors of the rainbow in fruits/vegetables daily. Eat organic foods.   Drink clean, filtered water. Choose immune supportive foods. Identify and avoid food sensitivities.Fast foods food, processed foods. Colors, additives, preservatives. Partially hydrogenated oils. Sugary foods. Drink pop/cola, sugary drinks.
Social InteractionsSpend time with friends and loved ones.Continue toxic relationships. Isolate oneself.
Relaxation/SpiritFind quiet time daily such as with prayer, meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc. Mindful Breathing.   Find ways to minimize stress. [i]Fill the day with screens and external, busy, and loud influences.
DetoxificationReduce toxins in your homeAvoid Fragrance and other personal care toxins.. Make your home a healthy sanctuary. Avoid EMF exposure. Consider HEPA air filtration. Avoid pesticides inside and outside home. Consider a guided detoxification program.  Choose synthetic fragrance in personal care products, candle. Apply insecticides and herbicides in and around the home.    Wi-Fi in the home.
SupplementationChoose quality supplements. Choose targeted immune support supplements. Handout:  Staying Healthy during the Cold and Flu Season and Wet Sock technique.Caffeinated products.

[i] Morey, J et al. Curr Opin Psychol. 2015 Oct 1; 5: 13–17. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.03.007

Will you get Vaccinated?

The Covid Vaccine is finally here. Click HERE for Idaho and HERE for Oregon to determine if you are eligible for the vaccine now.

Recently, I’ve been answering questions about the vaccine and if people should get vaccinated.

First, let me reveal that I decided to get vaccinated. The first shot was painless, but my arm did hurt for a day. I suffered no other side effects.

The biggest benefit of these vaccines is the head start they give our immune systems to combat the virus before symptoms arise. The two FDA approved vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) have 94-95% effectiveness after 2 doses are provided. This means that, in clinical trials, vaccinated individuals had 95% less risk than control group participants of developing symptoms or being tested positive for the virus. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is also currently FDA approved; it has 66% effectiveness after one dose.

Importantly, no participants in any of the 3 vaccine vaccinated groups needed to be hospitalized or died from Covid-19 after the vaccine took full affect. Even one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines showed protectiveness against serious illness 6-7 weeks after one dose. Read an article about these vaccines HERE.

Because the Covid-19 virus is here to stay, including with new variants, we will need to remain vigilant and compliant about social distancing and wearing masks, even after being vaccinated. Another reason to stay vigilant about masking is that current vaccinations have not been tested on children and infection rates are climbing in the pediatric population.

In my assessment, vaccination is probably one of the major tools that will allow us to reduce chronic illness, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19.

Who should NOT get the vaccine: Anyone who has significant reactions to the ingredients, specifically polyethylene glycol. One other nice thing about the vaccine is that, unlike many traditional vaccines, it is NOT grown on eggs. To read more about the currently approved vaccines, please read my article HERE.

For more fun, a February 20, 2021 New York Times interactive article provides some insight on when we may get to herd immunity and reduce mortality, depending on vaccination rates and preventative measures. See article HERE. Be sure to play with the interactive tabs!

Resources for Helping Children Cope During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Prepared by Kelsy Newton, Psy.D.

St. Luke’s Children’s Neuro- and Behavioral Psychology

Books:

  • Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman
  • How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talkby Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
  • The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Overcome Self-Criticism and Embrace Who You Are by Karen Bluth, PhD
  • Self-Compassion for Parents: Nurture Your Child by Caring for Yourself by Susan Pollak
  • Mindful Games for Kids by Kristina Marcelli-Sargent

Apps:

  • Smiling Mind: Free mindful app developed by psychologists and educators
  • Breathe App: free app for phone or watch that will guide inhalation and exhalation.
  • Breathe Kids: has both a free and subscription version and includes kid friendly mediation/relaxation videos
  • Headspace: requires subscription fee but offers a library of guided mediations
  • Calm: subscription fee required and included a variety of mediations and sleep stories

Websites/Videos: