“The two most important things you can do to prevent cervical cancer are to get the HPV vaccine if you are eligible, and to be tested regularly according to American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines. These can be found in The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer.

The most common form of cervical cancer starts with pre-cancerous changes and there are ways to stop this from developing. The first way is to find and treat pre-cancers before they become invasive cancers, and the second is to prevent the pre-cancers.”

American Cancer Society (Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented | Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer | American Cancer Society)

National Folic Acid Awareness of Month, which was in the beginning of this month!  For those who may have missed the info on it don’t fret striveforgoodhealth  is covering Folic acid today and its especially important to women who might become pregnant, as it can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain, neck and spine. Recent studies suggest that it can also help lower the risk of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts (cleft lip and palate). Notably, folic acid has been shown to lower the risk of anencephaly (the absence of a large part of the brain and skull) and spina bifida (an opening in the spinal column) by 50 to 70%.

Much of the baby’s growth and development happens very early in pregnancy, even before most women know they’re pregnant. Experts estimate that women need to start taking folic acid at least one month before they become pregnant for it to prevent birth defects, so it’s important to make folic acid-enriched foods and vitamins a part of your daily routine.

The benefits aren’t limited to your baby: your body needs folic acid, too. The acid helps to create healthy new cells in the body, from hair to nails to skin and blood cells. Without it, blood cells become unstable, and the body is susceptible to disease. The vitamin also protects your liver, allowing it to continue purifying your body. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that your body cannot store, so it should be taken every day to replenish your body’s supply.

Many foods are now being fortified with more folic acid, such as grains, pastas and breakfast cereals. Check the nutritional facts label on your favorite products to see how much they contain. Many cereals now contain as much as 100% of the recommended daily value. Additionally, prenatal vitamins typically contain folic acid. If you’re not yet taking a prenatal vitamin, you can also look for multivitamins with added acid, or buy folic acid pills.

Birth defects are common, costly, and critical conditions that affect one in every 33 U.S. newborns annually. Women can reduce their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect by making healthy choices and adopting healthy habits before and during pregnancy.

Health care providers can encourage parents-to-be to make a PACT for birth defects prevention by taking the following steps: Planning ahead for pregnancy; Avoiding harmful substances like chemicals in the home or workplace (2); Choosing a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet (3); and Talking with their health care provider before and during pregnancy, particularly about medication use.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages health care providers to become active participants in National Birth Defects Prevention Month by joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness of birth defects, their causes, and their impact.

CDC urges all women of childbearing age who can become pregnant to get 400 µg of folic acid every day to help reduce the risk for neural tube defects. Health care providers should encourage women of childbearing age to consume folic acid in fortified foods or supplements, or a combination of the two, in addition to a diet rich in folate CDC urges all women of childbearing age who can become pregnant to get 400 µg of folic acid every day to help reduce the risk for neural tube defects. Health care providers should encourage women of childbearing age to consume folic acid in fortified foods or supplements, or a combination of the two, in addition to a diet rich in folate.

An easy way to be sure you’re getting enough folic acid is to take a daily multivitamin with folic acid in it. Most multivitamins have all the folic acid you need. If you get an upset stomach from taking a multivitamin, try taking it with meals or just before bed. If you have trouble taking pills, you can try a multivitamin that is gummy or chewable. Also be sure to take it with a full glass of water.

Folic acid has been added to foods such as enriched breads, pastas, rice and cereals. Check the Nutrition Facts label on the food packaging. A serving of some cereals has 100% of the folic acid that you need each day.

In addition to getting 400 mcg of folic acid from supplements and fortified foods, you can eat a diet rich in folate. You can get food folate from beans, peas and lentils, oranges and orange juice, asparagus and broccoli, and dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, and mustard greens.

Nutritional habits

Although all enriched cereals and grain products in the U.S. are fortified with the B-vitamin folic acid, only one-third of U.S. women of childbearing age consume the recommended amount from their diet. Taking a multivitamin with folic acid every day is a key way that women can get the recommended amount of 400 mcg.

Be prepared before pregnancy

Women need folic acid, even if not planning to become pregnant, since 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned. Taking folic acid before pregnancy reduces the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine, called neural tube defects (NTDs), by up to 70%.

Message to the Hispanic community

Hispanic babies are 1.5 to 2 times more likely than others in the U.S. to be born with an NTD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Latinas in the U.S. consume the least amount of folic acid and have the least knowledge about folic acid among racial or ethnic groups.

“You’ve got something rare to share! You are a rare blood donor. Your blood type is present in less than 1/1000 people. That’s a big deal and we want to be sure you to know it.

• • Having rare blood means that your blood is either missing one very common antigen that is present in most of the general population or it’s missing a combination of antigens. An antigen is a substance on your red cells like a protein.
  • Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. And people with rare blood depend on one another to be sure there’s an abundant supply of blood available when needed.
  • Rare blood may run in your family. If you have biological siblings, tell them about your rare blood. They have a chance of having rare blood too. You can make donation a family event!”

American Red Cross (Rare Blood Types Donor | Red Cross Blood)

Blood type (also called blood group) is genetically determined. Blood is primarily categorised based on the presence and/or absence of antigens on the surface of our red blood cells (RBCs). Antigens are distinct molecules or substances capable of coaxing an immune response. Our immune system sends out mini soldiers called antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins), which are special proteins that recognise and bind to these antigens.

If our antibodies recognise these antigens as allies or naturally part of our body, our immune system happily leaves it alone.  But if they detect enemy or foreign antigens, our immune system will go on an all-out war to destroy them. This is the reason you need give the blood type and Rh factor (positive or negative) that a patient is if they need blood transfusions to prevent this destructive action to take place unless your the universal donor type O with no antibodies.  Unfortunately, our immune system isn’t perfect. In rare cases, it does attack ‘self’ antigens, as seen in some cases of autoimmune blood disorders.

You might be familiar with the ABO blood group system. When you ask someone what blood type they are, they might respond with “AB”. They are referring to this most important blood group system in human-blood transfusion. It comprises of only two antigens (antigen A and antigen B), but it can produce these four ABO blood types: A, B, AB or O.  At present, the International Society of Blood Transfusion recognises 36 human blood group systems and more than 300 different antigens.  The most common are type ABO and AB blood types.

Why does Rh positive or negative matter in knowing for your blood type?

The Rh blood group system has a colourful history. It consists of 61 blood group antigens (Rh antigens), which are expressed as part of a protein complex found only in RBC membranes. Rh antigens are believed to be essential for maintaining the integrity of RBCs.

Briefly going back to ABO blood group system, some people might tell you that they’re “O negative” or “A positive”. The negative/positive part refers to the absence or presence of one Rh antigen: the Rh(D) antigen. It’s the main Rh antigen considered for human-blood transfusion.

So what is Rh Null?

People who have the ‘golden blood’ type lack these Rh antigens. Their DNA lacks the genes responsible for building those RBC protein complexes. These people don’t just lack one, two or three of these 61 Rh antigens, they actually lack all of them. Yes, you read that right: all of them. As you might have guessed, people with Rh Null blood type have abnormal RBCs. They have deformed shapes, leaky membranes and shorter lifespans, which sometimes result in mild anaemia for the individual. Still, the absence of all Rh antigens makes Rh null the ‘golden blood’, which is highly admired for its rarity and medical purposes.

Rare blood types within the Rh blood type system can make it difficult or even impossible to get a blood transfusion. This makes Rh Null blood as the ‘universal’ life-saving blood for the Rh blood type system (especially if the donor has an ABO blood type O too).

But rarity comes at a price. If people with Rh Null blood type requires a blood transfusion, they can only receive Rh_null blood themselves. Even if they receive an O-negative blood, the presence of other Rh antigens on the RBCs may trigger a severe immune response. Therefore, these ‘golden blood’ carriers are solely dependent on other Rh Null donors, but only a few of them regularly donate and they are all spread out across the world.

This is why Rh Null blood is considered as the ‘golden blood’, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for those people who carry it. Still, we can’t deny the life-saving properties of this rare blood type and we can deeply appreciate the generosity of those selfless donors.

Ever heard the phrase 60 is the new 40? While that maybe an exaggeration, it’s meant to highlight the very real phenomenon of our ever increasing health and longer lifespans.

For the average person who turned 60 in 1970, they could expect to retire at age 64 and live to age 70.8. For someone who turned 60 in 2010, they can very easily work throughout their entire 60’s and expect to live to at least 78.7 years old.

With the advances in modern medicine, lower rates of smoking and generally healthier lifestyles, our active and productive years can expand well into our 70’s and beyond.

How we choose to use this “extra” time will be determined by our current situation and our priorities for the future.

For some, their 60’s are a time to kick back and relax. They have worked for 30+ years, lived below their means and diligently saved money for retirement. They may also have sold a successful business, or been able to retire from a (increasing scarce) job that had a good pension.

For others, the prospect of retirement isn’t even a thought. Whether it’s a case of financial reality or just the psychological need to be productive, a continuing presence in the workforce is a reality for more and more of the 60+ crowd.

So how to change your life at 60 years old and feel proud of yourself?

• Is It Possible To Start Over in Your Life At 60?
• Finding Meaning in Life at 60 Years Old
• Is 60 Too Late To Change Your Life?
• How to Change Your Life at 60 Years Old and Feel Proud of Yourself
  • 1. Changing Priorities
  • 2. Understanding the Psychological Challenges
  • 3. Dealing With the Financial Challenges
  • 4. Make New Friends
  • 5. Give Back To the Community
  • 6. Set Achievable Goals

So start over in your life at 60!

Starting over at 60 should not come as a surprise. Now that you have come to understand the psychological and financial challenges associated with reaching that age, let’s take a look at how to regain control over your life. In popular opinion, by the time you reach 60 you have achieved all you had to in life. This isn’t true, just because we are comfortable doesn’t mean to stop ourselves from growing.

It is important to shift attention away from things that took the most part of your life like work and children and move towards yourself and how you impact the world and not put your life on stagnation till you pass on.  You are starting a new life or just adding to what you have depending on the individual.  Their are many factors that determine that:

Are you healthy?  If so, take advantage of it than, its your life!

Are you with less family and or friends in your life?  If so can involved in groups, the community, but don’t introvert yourself home and especially by yourself!

YOU CAN START LIFE OVER AT 60 IF YOU WANT; IT IS ALL UP TO WHAT YOU CHOOSE DO WITH YOUR LIFE!

Most people would think their life’s meaning and purpose is one thing and remains the same forever. However, that is far from the truth. In fact, the meaning in life changes with every stage of life because we as human beings change so many times in our lives.

By the time one reaches 60 they have experienced all sorts of things in life, especially long-lasting impacts of loss, bereavement, retirement and so much more. Sometimes the meaning of our lives is lost along with loved ones and things. However, this is also a period of transformation where in one way or another we have to re-evaluate our life and priorities.

Your own goals can change, from wanting to live longer, to lose weight, and be healthy to spending time with family and friends or like-minded people. Everyone has something or the other that they need to do at this age, and each of their goals is equally as important. Therefore, finding meaning in life at 60 years old is something most people do.

Is 60 Too Late To Change Your Life?

No time in life is too late to change. As previously discussed, the 60s and 70s are key years in an individual’s life. Everything around a person at that age is changing and there is no one stopping them from changing as well.

Some people work hard their entire lives and retire in their 60s. They want a chance to enjoy life and relax. Others see it as a time to plan out their family’s future and look into life insurances. Some are given unexpected medical advice diagnosis or treatment and they need to make changes to live a healthy life.

Turning 60 gives you a chance to start over, and it’s up to you whether you want to take it or not. Psychologically, after living an entire life you are presented with various options. Being 60 means you have a lifetime of knowledge and skill to impart to others around you, the ability to turn your hobbies into happiness, and do the things you have always wanted to do.

“AAA estimates that during this Christmas and New Year’s season, nearly 95 million Americans will hit the road, traveling long distances to visit friends and family. Unfortunately, during the end-of-year holiday travel period, nearly 27,900 Americans will be seriously injured in auto accidents, and more than 250 will die.

The National Safety Council (NSC) has released reports estimating the number of traffic accidents and fatalities that occur on major holidays, including Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day. According to the NSC, the deadliest holiday this year will likely be the Fourth of July, which saw an estimated 540 motorists die during the travel period, which spans roughly four days. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the NSC’s most recent estimates of motor vehicle accidents and casualties for the six big holidays.”

USA Today (24/7 Wall St.: The most dangerous holidays)