Schaefer's Blog

I don't know about you.... but lately, I've had some "sleep issues."  The more busy life becomes, the more exhausted I am... but when it comes time to finally get some sleep.... I can't settle down and fall asleep.  I find sometimes my mind can't "turn off."  I have all these  things I need to do running through my mind.  I now keep a pen and notepad by my bed - that seems to help... but not all the time.

Lately, I can't read enough information about sleep disturbances.... and came across something I thought was interesting. 

Do you keep your cell phone or portable phone by your bed at night.... that might be the reason for your sleep disturbances.  There is information coming out now about the radiation from your phone while you sleep.  Doctors believe that slight radiation is enough to disrupt the body's production of melatonin.  Melatonin - as you might know is the natural chemical our brains produce to help us sleep.  Many people take melatonin supplements when they travel in different time zones.

There have been a few reports out about this.  The most recent one I came across is from Wayne State University.  They found that talking on your cell phone right before you go to sleep actually creates a disturbance with melatonin and suggests not using your cell phone before bed time.

Another report I read suggests you keep your cell phone or portable phone at least 10 feet from your head at night.

I keep mine downstairs - away from me, Roger, the kids and even the pets.

Something to consider! I hope this little bit of information leads to sweet dreams! 

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

have a great day!

stef

I don't know about you.... but along with the beauty of fall comes real work.  When Roger and I bought our home 10 years ago.... we loved all the trees that filled the yard.... until that first fall... when the piles of leaves seemed endless.

So here we are ten years later.. spending the fall battling those leaves.  BUT... there is a bright side.  So folks, if you're like us and your find yourself spending countless hours raking leaves... consider this... in just 20 minutes of raking.... you take 2,400 steps.  And that of course can lead to a great workout.  And think of all the muscles you're using ....

Ok.... I know it's a stretch.... but I'm trying to find the good in all that work! 

Enjoy your day!

stefani

Thank you for your support these last several weeks as I blogged about breast cancer awareness.  I was thrilled to be able to get some added information out about some of the latest reports regarding the disease and the fight against breast cancer.   Many thanks to those of you who shared your heroic stories with me. Your strength inspires me.

I've also had many emails these last few days asking what my kiddos went as for Halloween..... I wanted to share some of the photos from last Friday night with you.

For WEEKS, wait, make that MONTHS, Race knew he wanted to be a Storm Trooper from Star Wars.... but not just any Storm Trooper - it had to be THIS one!

Siena on the other hand.... set out to be Hanna Montana.  But once she spotted this BLUE dress from High School Musical... it was all over!  She went as Sharpay... and Bop Bop Bopped her way down the street for candy!!  

As we do every year.... we celebrated Halloween with my Mother-In-Law.... and all of my husbands childhood friends.  It was a wonderful time!   I am always so impressed with all the decorations!

this guy was pretty scary.... Siena had to be "strongly encouraged" to go up to his house! 

Race ran into fellow Storm Troopers..... together... they created a Storm Trooper family!  He was in heaven!!

This family did a wonderful job with their display!! WOW!!!  And what a nice family!  We enjoyed chatting with them!   You should see their Christmas decorations!  We usually put them on the news... they even have the lights timed to music!

Saing Hello to the police officers!  They had treats for the kids too!  (notice Race's Speed Racer shirt under his costume - Kenny Crumpton would be proud)!!

I appreciate all of you who have taken time out of your schedules to read my blogs this month based on breast cancer.

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed talking with many of you - through phone calls... and emails.  Thank you for sharing your stories with me... there are so many amazing women out there.... you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

One side of breast cancer we don't talk aften enough about - is what happens AFTER treatment.  I've heard so many women say, losing their hair was as terrible as losing their breasts.     This month, a co-worker brought to my attention a business who is helping women get their self esteem back - through one of a kind hair replacements.

For 20 years, Sam Fratantonio and Marilyn Lacy have been specializing in hair replacements for men and women. Their business is called Advanced Hair Center and is located in Beachwood.

They develope hair prosthetics that duplicate women's real hair - style, color, curl, thickness and texture.  They can meet their clients at home - or at the hospital - making every step easy and comfortable.  They even offer private styling rooms.

Sam and Marilyn also offer solutions for eyelash and eyebrow loss.

As any doctor will tell you.... a healthy self image and positive attitude can be key in day to day life  - as well as in healing.  These hair prosthesis might be covered by your insurance.

here's their information:

Advanced Hair Center

Sam Fratantonio and Marilyn Lacy

216-292-0224

24800 Chagrin Blvd.  Suite 212

Beachwood, Ohio 44122

I'd like to thank one of our viewers - Marlene from Sandusky - for sending me an email about my coverage on breast cancer this month. I appreciate your kindness! (I've been covering it in health news in the 5PM newscast and on my blog all this month).

She also suggested I share with you some information about one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer- called inflammatory Breast Cancer.

I've read quite a bit about IBC over the last  couple of years - but unfortunately, we don't hear enough about it.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a speedy type of cancer - that can come on very quickly - and require aggressive and immediate treatment. Perhaps the most frightening thing about IBC is that most often it can not be picked up or seen on a mammogram or ultrasound.  We've  been told for years to go to the doctor if we should ever find a lump ... well, IBC usually doesn't present itself in that way either. (it usually grows in "nests" or "sheets" rather than in a mass or lump) This is not your traditional form of breast cancer.

Marlene suggested the website www.ibsresearch.org.  After spending some time on their site, I agree that it is a great place to go for more information.  Also, the American Cancer Society has a great deal of information on their site - and suggest contacting the IBC Research Foundation at 877-786-7422 or visiting www.ibcresearch.org.

On the websites, you'll find a list of symptoms, latest treatments and research.

Remember, knowledge is power.... we have to arm ourselves with that knowledge... and be ready.... just in case.

Enjoy your day.....  HUG SOMEONE TODAY.

Of course we hear so much about the importance of those monthly self breast exams.

Many women have dense breasts and aren't really sure what to look for when performing those self exams.

There's a little tool called the Liv Aid that might help. It's an ingenious breast self-exam tool that greatly enhances a woman's ability to detect something abnormal.  It's a heart shaped device filled with gel and when placed on the breasts might help find lumps.

This month, many of our local Curves Centers (the fitness centers for women) have been offering special events in honor of breast cancer awareness month.... and now Curves in Aurora is offering anyone the opportunity to purchase one of these Liv Aid breast detection tools at their center.  They are $10 and you don't have to be a member of the club to buy one.

For more information, call Pennie Sangston at Curves in Aurora at 330-562-6500 or contact her at auroracurves@aol.com.  They are located at  14 New Hudson Road, Aurora, Ohio  44202.

Of course, using this tool does not replace the need of having  a mammogram performed - or a doctor visit.  They can though assist you with your monthly self breast exams.  Also, if you notice ANYTHING unusual.... always get it checked out by a doctor right away.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Next week, a few more things about breast cancer... including information about Avanced Hair Center in Beachwood.  They are changing the way breast cancer survivors look and feel after surgery.

We've heard so much these days about the health benefits of losing weight - specifically when it comes to heart health.  But rarely do we hear about weight and breast cancer.

Now, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, women with the lowest amount of trans fat in their blood had half the risk of developing breast cancer compared with those who have the highest levels.

Experts suggest to shop for the majority of your food on the outer aisles of your supermarket.  Those typically house the most healthy choices - that are fresh and trans fat free.

I'm sure you've noticed more and more products that advertise "NO TRANS FAT"  or  "TRANS-FAT FREE."  Don't always assume there is - ZERO grams.  The FDA is getting more strict - but they do allow food manufacturers to print those claims if they contain less than half a gram of trans fat per serving.  So.... a half a gram here... a half a gram there... and before you know it.... it's not really trans fat free.  Be wary of some claims!

Most doctors suggest maintaining a two-grams-per-day limit. (this is for all of us... breast cancer or not)

Hope you are enjoying your week.

Love and hugs! Stef

A BIG thank you to all the wonderful folks who showed up the event to help two exceptional Cleveland police officers.  I understand there was a great turnout on Sunday.  Thank you so much for lending a helping hand to those families!

My family had planned to attend that event, but instead spent time with fellow co-workers at the calling hours for our beloved Tony Rizzo's father - who passed away last week.  This is a tremendous loss to our community... and especially to Tony's family - as you might imagine.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends.   What a great great loss.

In continuing my blog discussion on breast cancer awareness this month of October, I wanted to share a bit of news coming from researchers at Brooke Army Medical Center is San Antonio.  They studied data on NeuVax (E75) and found that the drug cut the risk of death by half.  The NeuVax is an experimental vaccine developed to treat women with HER2 tumors (that's the most common form of breast cancer).

What's also interesting... and promising... is that in those who were vaccinated - only 8-percent of the cancer returned.

Many women are also opting to have a lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.  In helping to arm doctors with the best defense, many are choosing to use adjuvant chemotherapy - a single BOOST of radiation - and / or  treatment with the  aromatase inhibitor Femara.

There are so many more resources available - and treatment options these days than ever before.  But these medicines are not miracle cures.  Doctors can only do so much with what they have.  As I've stated over and over again.... the key to treating - and curing breast cancer - and most cancers - is EARLY DETECTION.

If you haven't made the appointment for your mammogram.... today is he day.  Don't wait.

Have a good day..... oh... haven't been able to read my Fox emails for a few days - technical problems are forbidding to log in.... sorry if I haven't responded to your emails!! Let's talk soon! Stef

If you are looking for breast cancer awareness information.... you'll find it in several of my previous posts.

But equally as important is a local family that needs your help!

Recently one of Cleveland's finest -Police Officer Joe Hess was diagnosed with cancer.  Now, the officers of the Cleveland Police Motorcycle Unit are holding a benefit for Officer Hess and Officer Chuck Lipscomb - who was critically wounded in a work related motorcycle accident.

HERE'S THE INFORMATION:

DATE and TIME: Sunday, October 19 - beginning at 1 P.M. (come and watch the Browns beat the Redskins!)

PLACE: The Corner Alley, 402 Euclid Ave.  Cleveland (216)298-4070.  (FREE parking)

COST: $20, this includes food and discounted prices on beer and alcohol - and bowling specials.

LOTS OF PRIZES:  DJ, raffles, 50/50, sideboards, and GREAT auction items.

All Proceeds benefit the officers and their families.

If you can't attend but would like to help .... donations and contributions for the CPD Motorcycle Officers Fund can be made at any Charter One Financial Institution.

Thank you for reading this.... I really hope you can make it.... and help these families who have gone through so much.  They need our help!

For More information... please contact Dave at 216-214-0357 or Andy at 216-390-2069.

WHAT COULD BE MORE DELICIOUS?

ALL IN AN EFFORT TO RAISE MONEY - AND AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER THIS MONTH, SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CHOCOLATE'S HAVE GONE PINK!

AND ... THEY ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO HELP PARTICIPATE.... I NOW HAVE YOUR ATTENTION - RIGHT???   THEY HAD MINE AT "CHOCOLATE!"

Here are the Juicy DETAILS...

Those delicious York Peppermint Patties will not only be dressed in pink wrappers - but they will also have pink centers too!

Hershey's is donating $300,000 to the Young Survival Coalition.

And my absolute FAVORITES - Dove Promises - will feature inspiring messages - written from breast cancer survivors.  They are donating $250,000 to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

Up to 1-million dollars through Mars Snackfood benefits the Komen Foundation.

You can also get involved... by writing your own message at MyDoveChocolate.com

(I have to personally add... Dove's caramel chocolates... are THE BEST)

Now THATS chocolate WITHOUT the GUILT!!!  Just a little something that all of us can do to get involved in the fight against breast cancer!

have a good day! Stef

We are keeping up with our PINK theme this month... talking about breast cancer awareness month.

Today, I wanted to tell you about a wonderful support center - called YOUR SHOES. 

YOUR SHOES is the country's only 24/7 toll-free hotline staffed exclusively by trained peer counselors who are ALL breast cancer survivors!

Not only will you be connected to a breast cancer survivor - but they can even connect a person to a survivor who had a similar diagnosis or life experience.

They can handle all sorts of questions - everything from breast cancer related questions - to personal thoughts, feelings and concerns.

The YOUR SHOES Support Center has interpreters in 150 languages available for the hotline. 

Share this information with your family and friends!

The YOUR SHOES Hotline number is 1-800-221-2141.

have a good day everyone!

stef

More on Breast Cancer

Especially this month you will be hearing a lot about breast cancer - all this information can be confusing and overwhelming.

Today, I wanted to talk a little bit about the signs and symptoms - things to look for when it comes to breast cancer.

Of course, if you experience any changes, see your doctor right away.  These are just a few symptoms doctors say to watch out for...

*a lump (according to the experts, most lumps are NOT cancerous.... but still have to be checked out)

*a change in size or shape of your breast

*any flattening or even an indentation on the breast

*redness or a change in the skin that is pitting (like the skin of an orange)

*a change in the BLEEP (retraction or indentation)

*any kind of discharge from the BLEEP.

As I mentioned above, these are some signs that alert doctors most... please know that breast cancer comes in many different forms - and types.  AND, also note that there are a variety of conditions - other than breast cancer - that can take on these same symptoms.  That's why it's always a  good idea to get yourself checked out! It may be nothing to worry about!

Even if you've had a clear mammogram - and soon after notice any of these changes, you still need to get it checked out right away.

We are hoping to save lives with this important information!  Thanks for reading my blog!

Stefani

Continuing with our Breast Cancer Awareness theme, today,  I have information to share with you about online support - it's support you can trust.

As we all know... the online world can be a wonderful resource - when it's accurate and not meant to terrify!

According to a new study in the journal CANCER, 95-percent of web pages devoted to breast cancer does indeed have correct information.  But, it is always good to find the most reliable sources.

On Fox 8 News in the Morning, we had Sophie Sureau on the show - she is the Executive Director of the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  If you missed the interview, we'll have it posted for a few days.  Click on Morning Show to find the interview.

In fact, the Koman site is one of the most reputable websites for breast cancer and a great resource for thousands of women.

Check out these other great sites:

Komen.org

Breastcancer.org

Cancer.org AND  Cancer.gov

Remember, breast cancer will strike more than 180,000 women in the United States JUST THIS YEAR ALONE!   Early detection as we talked about in the interview is KEY!

I wanted to thank all of you for taking time to read this important information on my blog and thank you for your feedback.  Soon, I'll be posting information about a wonderful organization  that provides a hotline and is staffed 24/7 with trained peer counselors - who are ALL breast cancer survivors!

If you want to contact me... email me at stefani.schaefer@channel8wjw.com

The month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month... and all month long, I will be blogging about some of the latest information that is available on breast cancer. Some of the latest research, tests, treatments and even ways to prevent breast cancer.

I hope you read and share this vital information with family and friends.

I want to start with the importance of getting a mammogram. Too often, women put off this test until they discover something - even then, putting off gettting the tests.  While the reasons are many, the fact is - mammograms SAVE lives.

Many women are afraid of the price. If you are paying out of pocket - mammograms run between $50 and $150 - (always check with your provider first).  Most women with insurance won't likely pay more than $12.  There are countless places women can go for low cost and even FREE mammograms.  For more information on that.... you can contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

Secondly, the fear of pain may stand in the way of getting a mammogram.  I can honestly say, sure, they are not the most comfortable tests in the world... but painful - no - especially when you put into prospective that the test just might save your life.  The little bit of pain or discomfort is worth that.

Your doctor might suggest an ultrasound to go along with a mammogram.  This was the case for me about two years ago. (I had some calcifications that needed further testing).

 When given along with a mammogram, ultrasounds can find 28-percent more cancers in women than mammography alone.  This is usually given to women who have dense breast tissue and are premenopausal. (note that not all insurers as of now cover the extra test)

Many doctors are also using MRI's as a third tool in the breast cancer detection arsonal. MRI's detect about 91-percent of cancers and are best for women who are at high risk for the disease - and who carry the hereditary gene mutation BRCA-1 and BRCA-2.

Again... no matter what the excuse - if you are over 40, ladies, PLEASE, I urge you to make the appointment.  And if you are 35 or older, make an appointment to get your initial mammogram - they call it a baseline - and this give doctors a foundation to compare your future tests with.

Thank you for reading this... and I hope you continue to check out my blog all this month, for important information on breast cancer. Of course, In addition to this topic, I'll also be sharing photos from Woollybear - next week - promise!

have a great - and healthy day!

stefani

It's Never too late

for a Fresh Start.

I came across these words this week.... and it really hit... whether it's a job or career, a relationship, a belief... a fresh start isn't impossible or insurmountable.  I say, Go for it!