Responsible Art

 

Breast cancer has received huge amounts of publicity and public awareness as different organizations struggle to fight to educate people as to the facts and realities of breast cancer. Even so, many people are content to simply wait for it to enter their lives before actually learning about it, and as such many don’t know the truth or their options should breast cancer enter their lives. What are the current facts on breast cancer, and what do you need to know in order to make an educated and informed decision about it should it enter your life?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women, and the second most common cause of death for women after lung cancer. As such it is clearly and logically a huge concern for half the population, but the fears that go with it are not necessarily accurate. The fear of breast cancer can lead women to avoid going to screenings for fear of bad news, or to undergo unnecessary mastectomies in order to avoid the development of the cancer.

Instead of reacting in this manner, doctors urge women to place the cancer in perspective since a lot of options are now available to them.

Your odds of developing breast cancer increase as you become older, and especially if you have a family history of the disease. This is because genetic mutations have become strongly linked with breast cancer. White women have a greater chance of contracting this disease than African American women, though African Women are more likely to die as a result of breast cancer. Earlier chest radiation, developing menstruation before the age of twelve, too much alcohol or obesity can also lead to higher chances of developing breast cancer.

The best thing you can do in order to prevent breast cancer is to seek to be as healthy as possible.

This means controlling your weight, ensuring that you are active and healthy, that you don’t smoke or drink, and to keep in close contact with your doctor. Remember, frequent screenings is the best way to survive breast cancer, because catching it early on allows you to fight it with greater chances of success. Too many women refuse to see doctors due to the fear of being positively diagnosed, and thus live in fear and insecurity which allows the disease to flourish when it could be caught and dealt with early on to their great advantage.

 

If selling real estate is all about location, location, location, then when making healthy recipes for kids, it’s all about presentation, presentation, presentation. You can talk all you want about all the essential vitamins and minerals and complex carbohydrates, etc, etc that a food contains, but when a child is looking at a mixed bowl of fruit, all they see is ‘yuck’.
 
 The key to getting children to try healthy foods is to present it in a fun and imaginative way. You are the only one who needs to know that what they’re eating is healthy and nutritious. For the kids, it is simply a fun, interesting and imaginative way to eat food. For example, is a child more likely to eat a bowl filled with banana, red grapes, kiwi, star fruit, cantaloupe and strawberry, or a “Happy Snack Face” (bunch of red grapes for hair, kiwi slices for eyes, strawberry for nose, cantaloupe slices for ears, banana for mouth and star fruit for cheeks – all served on a brightly colored round plate).
 
All you need to do is take the healthy foods you want to introduce and present them so that:

It has a cool name kids can relate to, like Happy Snack Face. So before your child even sees what it is, they are curious to find out.
It is colorful – red grapes & strawberry, green kiwi, yellow star fruit & banana, orange cantaloupe.
It is arranged in a shape or pattern that kids can identify with – Happy Face.
It has kid friendly textures (in this case juicy fruits, but just as easily made from crisp or crunchy vegetables).

By arranging the foods into patterns that kids can recognize, you also have the opportunity to get them involved in the preparation.

After you child devours the Happy Snack Face, you might suggest that for snack tomorrow, he prepare a Scary Snack Face. You cut up the fruits and he can arrange them on the plate.  The more involved a child is in the selection and preparation of their meals, the more likely they will eat it, enjoy it, and want to have it again. Not only does this start to get them interested in what they are eating, but it also lays the foundation for healthy eating habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
 
In order for a healthy recipe to be a hit with kids, it needs to be appealing, so give them what they want. Use recipes that combine imaginative names, bright colors, and kid friendly shapes for a sure fire hit. So like I said before, it’s all about presentation.

It made debut weekend box-office records and surprised people: the new romantic comedy The Proposal. It features 44-year old Sandra Bullock in the starring role, and her on-screen love interest is 32-year old Ryan Reynolds. Bullock even has her first nude scene, something she did not do in any of her on-screen roles during her 20s and 30s. The message is that “even” in her 40s, a woman is “hot”. The publicity around the film, however, makes no mention of Bullock’s and Reynold’s age difference and the studio would not talk about it in an interview.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins. These are a few of the more prominent (and successful) real-life known pairings of midlife women and younger men. The women in these real-life relationships are now being labelled as “cougars”.

A New Label for Women
Labeling people and putting them in categories is a common way of dehumanizing them, of not seeing them as human beings, of objectifying them.

Once you have an animal or object labeled, especially as an animal or mythical/fantasy entity, then you have them under control and contained. They are simple, not complex as are real humans. Now, you can decide what to do with them and you need not treat them with the respect and consideration you would give a human. Women have historically been categorized as in generalizations such as the symbolic triumvirate of The Virgin/Saint, The Mother and the (Bad Woman).

Cougars do not fit into the first two categories. That leaves (Bad Woman).

Defining the Cougar
But what IS a cougar? A cougar is generally considered to be a woman of 35 or older who seeks out romantic or sexual relationships with younger men. She is supposed to be an overtly sexual woman over 35 who seeks out men for sex – but doesn’t want commitment, cohabitation or children. The term “cougar” implies predation, manipulation, cunning behavior, sneakiness, and attacking. It implies a woman is an animal with sharp claws, a deceitful nature and a creature who is sex-starved or over-sexed.

Some related definitions I came across are “cougar-juiced” and “cougar dens”.

“Cougar-juiced” is a term men use to describe having been (successfully) preyed upon by a midlife woman..and “juicing” her is the euphemism for the man’s sexual conquest of her

“Cougar dens” are parties arranged for the purpose of putting together midlife women and younger men for sexual hookups.

Looking at these common definitions and ascriptions, is the “cougar” what women 35 and older want to be — not a human being with a life, but a sexually predatory animal who is driven by sexual organs and desires and having sex that she “should not be having”?

There are no special terms for single, sexual men. They’re usually just called men. If a man meets a woman and has sex with her he is praised as “lucky”. Single, sexual men tend to be categorized and praised in terms of their job status, their income, their sexual power and their sports achievements. If a 47-year old man is dating or having sex with a 28-year old woman he is lauded for sexual virility and power.

Single, sexual women are labeled derogatorily in terms of their sexuality. The labels infer that for midlife women being sexual is not societally acceptable and normal. It is inferred to be an aberration, unnatural, and not something positive, healthy and human. Midlife women are viewed in terms of a negative sexuality. It is not so long ago that women were considered to be sexually dried up, void, unsatisfying, unsatisfied and dysfunctional by the time she reached the age of 40 and/or was unable to bear children. She was likely someone’s wife and if she was having a fulfilling sex life she was not fulfilling the expected role of Virgin/Saint or Mother. She was left with the (Bad Woman) label, whether spoken or unspoken.

The Midlife Woman in the Media
Is the “cougar” a media-created and media-driven trend that will fade from view? Could the “cougar” be extinct by Summer 2010?

Popular television shows like Sex and the City, Brothers and Sisters, Damages and The Closer portray midlife women as confident, intelligent, attractive working women with personal and professional lives. There is a new television show called Cougartown, in which Courtney Cox portrays a sex-starved housewife (although the media whisper is a prediction of early cancellation). There is also an upcoming reality dating show called The Cougar.

The Hollywood film industry jumped on the bandwagon last year, opening Summer 2008 with Sex and the City: The Movie, a film which garnered the largest opening in history for a film centered solely on women. This seems to be continuing with several films for Summer 2009: In My Life in Ruins, there is no mention of age difference as Nia Vardalos (46) seduces Alexis Georgoulis (34), In Cheri, Michelle Pfeiffer (51) enjoys a romantic and sexual relationship with a man, Rupert Friend (27), who is nearly half her age. The film The Rebound, centers on a May-September dating relationship between Catherine Zeta-Jones (39) and a 25 year old man. In Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep (60) plays real-life culinary superstar Julia Child while the younger Stanley Tucci (49), portrays her husband.

Real-life Midlife Women
Women ages 35 and older as a group are more confident, pre-occupied with their lives, busy working on their careers and not consumed with giving up their lives to support a man in his pursuit of his goals and dreams. They are more relaxed in their bodies and comfortable with their sexuality, not letting it be dictated by men and men’s fantasies. They are not centered on trying to look like a supermodel or Playboy bunny. They know their bodies and their minds and do not get confused and forget who they are because a man pays attention to them. They generally know not to listen to what a man says rather to, instead, watch what he does.

In real-life, a significant number of men prefer the midlife woman between the ages of 35 and 60 who is somewhere between approximately 10-20 years older. What is appealing to these men is the stability of an older woman and the confidence, the lack of game-playing. The modern midlife woman also tends to be very young at heart because midlife has evolved, and the consequence is women ages 35 and older have better and more life options. Midlife women living in developed nations in today’s world have access to better healthcare, more control over their bodies and their sexuality, and better exercise options

Your Relationship with a Younger Partner
If you are a midlife woman age 35 or older, you understand that you are not an animal, not a mythical or fantasy creature, not driven in life by your sexuality. You understand that you are a complex human adult female with a job/career, family, friends, choices, challenges, opinions, interests, and yes, a sexuality.

Choosing to be with a younger male partner is like choosing ANY male partner, including, what challenges you two might face regarding, for example, financial or healthcare issues; and what roles you allow the media, your family and you friends to play in your relationship.

Two areas I mentioned, namely healthcare and finances, are ones in which you will want to be especially attentive, as you will want to ensure that you remain financially in control of your resources. Women still do not make an equal income compared to men and any assets you have should be protected. Money and love have nothing to do with one another so do not assume the love you feel today will keep your money safe tomorrow. Women live longer than men and more senior citizen women live in poverty than men. Think about your retirement and guard your future. As far as healthcare, remember that as a midlife woman you have special issues and need to take good care of your body as you approach or go through menopause and other related and unrelated aging issues.

Remember, the midlife woman is a human being, not an animal (cougar) and she is in control of her private relationship with a younger man.

And if all indications are true, the “cougar” media-hype trend will be extinct or at least hardly noticeable in the next year or so, and the relationships will endure. Just ask Susan and Tim, Demi and Ashton, and Goldie and Kurt.

To your success in life!

There are seven recommended health screening tests that all men should consider having run in the interest of their own good health and long life.  All seven tests may not apply to all men.  Four of these tests, however, do apply to all men at different ages.

Health Screening Tests for Cholesterol

Most men just don’t believe they have High Cholesterol and don’t take the time to have it checked.

For most men, you should have your cholesterol checked every 5 years starting at 35.

However, if you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, you need to start testing at the early age of 20.

If you are overweight – you need to get that check up now no matter what your age.

Testing Your Blood Pressure

You should have your Blood Pressure checked at least every 2 years.

You need to see your physician for this. The blood pressure machines at the corner drug store may need calibration and are not accurate.
High blood pressure does not have any symptoms and you won’t even know you have a problem until it is too late and a stroke cuts you off at the knees.

Colorectal Cancer Health Screening Tests

Regular Colorectal Cancer testing should begin at 50. There is more than one kind of test available, so don’t chicken out. Just get it done.

Diabetes Screening

If you have high blood pressure and or high cholesterol, your physician is going to test for Diabetes. If you are overweight, your physician is probably going to run this screen at the same time as the cholesterol screening.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening if you are considering having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE).

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

You need to be up front with your physician on this subject. You also need to consider an HIV problem if you have ever had a blood transfusion. Hiding your head in the sands of denial will not change the reality of the situation.

Depression Screening

This is probably the most controversial subject after sexually transmitted diseases. Many men were brought up to “bite the bullet” and keep quiet about any problems they are having. Generations of women have complained that their men just don’t share.

Everyone goes through periods of depression occasionally and for most people those periods only last for a few days and it is easy to say the reason why you are depressed. There are certain “acceptable” reasons for depression – losing a job, illness or death of a loved-one, or work stress just to name a few.

However, if you’ve felt sad, or hopeless, or have little interest or pleasure in doing things or if you just want to sleep all the time for a period of 2 weeks straight, talk to your doctor. You might find that with just a little help you can get back to your normal happy self.

Do not allow your physician to just put you on anti-depressants. Taking pills without doing something to change the situation or your attitude will only make it worse in the long run.

Remember guys, Real Men Take Care of Themselves in order to take care of others. Real Men Ask for Help and Directions when necessary. Real Men take steps to insure they will be around to bounce their great-grandchildren on their knee.

Jewellery’s are the best friend of women and so are the watches. Apart from wearing good clothes and nice shoes, a woman loves to carry an elegant piece of jewellery which can give her complete look.

Jewellery can be a necklace, a bracelet, gem rings or stone earrings. Infact today, cufflins and stone beaded belts of women are also considered as a part of their accessories. Women always have an inborn fond for different kind of jewellery items and they have an immense desire for diamond studded rings, earrings or pendants.

Though diamonds are the first ever choice by females but still gold and silver jewellery’s are also loved. They buy silver earrings and neck pieces to provide themselves a silvery and bold look. They go for Gold when they want to add a shiny look to their appearance and for opting Diamonds they don’t have any reason. They just love it for the way diamonds are. A single Diamond on your body adds an extra attraction to your personality. If one is going to purchase a complete diamond set then remember you can get Cheap Diamond Earrings. Its because many of the leading brands give some discount offers on big purchase. One can get Diamonds in Black, Blue, Chocolate and bright white colours.

Today, in this modern age women love to get their naval pierced with gold and silver wire. Naval piercing makes them look really hot and sexy.

One must remember that whenever one is going to show their pierced naval then they should match it with a bold and classy watch. No doubt, a good watch will provide you a different attitude and that will be an addition to your wonderful personality.

When diagnose of breast cancer at an early stage the effects are less damage to the breast tissues, you can be spared of severe treatment and it can bring faster healing. That is why it is always important to remember and notice any alarming signs and should visit a doctor immediately. Below is an overview of the breast cancer symptoms that a woman is more likely prone to experience.

When this condition arrives this is usually characterized by the formation of lumps in the breast. Most of this conditions are usually painless, but can be felt when touch. Another thing is, they sometime create a spiny sensation, even though this is not usually common. The lumps in this condition are hard and are particularly persistent after menstruation. Usually, this can be felt in the breast particularly in the underarm area.

Between the 3rd and 4th stages of the development of the cancerous tumor, the person involve with this deadly disease can feel tenderness in the breast.

Pain is usually present, but the sensation varies from time to time.

Usually there is a change in the size of the breast and this one is another notable breast cancer symptoms. This condition can be notice by an uneven increase in size. Not uncommon is the flattening that occurs in the affected area, even though a lump cannot be felt. Sometimes an indentation can appear, again without a noticeable sign of a lump. Individual who suffers breast cancer feel that they have a small area that resembles marble under the skin. To be safe, if you notice any area that is particularly different, you should consult your doctor.

Altered or change skin texture and temperature are some of the symptoms of breast cancer. Women who suffered with an advanced stage of this kind of cancer experience a significant change in the skin of the affected area. Some tiny dents start to surface and become reddish to resemble orange peel. The area is much warmer to touch which is not normal.

Women who suffer breast cancer experience a change in the nipple. A change in the nipple is one of the widely known breast cancer symptoms. It may become depressed and get an unusual dimpled look. A form of ulceration is also evident. Feeling itchy or burning are some of its symptoms.

When a discharge from the nipple is taking place it can also signal the presence of a tumor. Whatever the color and texture of the discharge is, you must consult your doctor right away. You must remember that this is not normal and even if you do not have a tumor, you might be suffering from another condition.

It is very important for you to consult a physician, if you have any of these breast cancer symptoms