Shop and Support

I use Amazon.com for a majority of my purchases. From bakeware to back to school, I'm frequently comparing prices and checking out.

Now you can shop and support the CF Foundation. Go to smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com. When you enter through the new gateway, you will be prompted to select an organization that .5% of your purchase will go to. You can also search "Cystic Fibrosis Foundation" and select it that way. The Amazon Smile page is the exact same site- same prices, selection, etc. The only exception is that eligible products are marked on the details page.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation doesn't receive government funding, so this is an excellent way to increase funds and awareness.

More info here. 

Shop on!

Rebecca

Bones

Normal bone density- left, 
Osteoporosis bone density- right

People with Cystic Fibrosis are prone to developing osteoporosis and osteopenia. Bones play a variety of roles in the body such as providing structure, protecting organs, storing calcium, and more. Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue that results in an increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Minerals that build strong bones are calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, and magnesium. Osteopenia develops when the bones have insufficient amounts of these minerals. Bones become brittle and weak.

There are a number of factors that can affect bone health

• calcium deficiency- diminishes bone density, increases risk of fractures
• physical activity- inactive people have an increased risk of osteoporosis
• certain medications- prednisone,  SSRIs, anti-seizure medications 
• alcohol and tobacco use- alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium

In CF, these bone diseases can happen at any age and as you get older, the risk increases. 

The malabsorption caused by CF affects the amount of vitamins and mineral the body is able to absorb. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is vital to bone health in addition to calcium. It is important to take the correct amount of enzymes and maintain a nutritious diet to ensure healthy bones. 

Bone Density Scan- the most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan. DXA uses low-dose x-rays. (a chest x-ray has more radiation)

2 types of DXA 

• Central DXA- lie on a soft table and the scanner passes over your lower spine and hip. This scan is the best test to predict your risk of fractures.
• Peripheral DXA (p-DXA)- The smaller machines measure the bone density of smaller bones like wrists, fingers, legs.

Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDAs) for Calcium

a few foods high in calcium *values are approximate and vary based off of flavor, freshness, serving size, etc

• 1 c whole milk 290 mg
• 1/2 c almonds 190 mg
• 1 c spinach 240 mg
• 6 oz calcium fortified orange juice 261 mg
• 3 oz canned salmon 181 mg
• 1 c plain yogurt 415 mg

*It is important that you discuss any changes in your vitamin regimen, dosage, and frequency with your doctor and/or dietitian. Blood work ordered by your physician and help determine whether or not you are deficient in vitamins.

More Info

Disability Resources

Disability resource look up by state

The American Disabilities Act online 

To file discrimination charges against an employer EEOC

Cystic Fibrosis Patient Assistance Foundation

For more information about government benefits contact CFLegal@sufianpassamano.com or call (800) 622-0385

Tips for applying for social security disability: 

• Find out if your personal physician will support your disability case. Your doctor may fill out an RFC form stating your medical condition and why you are unable to work.
• Submit copies of your most recent medical records and provide copies each time you submit an appeal.
• Promptly respond to correspondence regarding your case (phone calls, mail), call DDS for updates
• Remember your deadlines

Vitamin D

Routine blood work can show a deficiency in vitamin D, which is a very common problem. Often times, we lack adequate exposure to natural sunlight which plays a crucial role in maintaining proper vitamin D levels. Another cause of deficiency is an abnormal digestive process, like malabsorption caused by CF.

Deficiency of vitamin D can cause  hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia. It can also negatively impact cell growth, bone growth, hormone regulation, affect the nervous and immune systems.

Sunlight is important in maintaining normal  levels because the sun synthesizes vitamin D from natural UV rays. It's converted to an active form by the kidneys and liver. About 10-15 minutes of sunlight is enough to absorb a daily dose.

Vitamin D enhances the immune system's functioning, aids in strengthening muscles, teeth, and bones, and facilitates the absorption of other vitamins.

The CF Clinic in Dallas requests labs (blood work) every visit. My vitamin D levels have always been low, despite taking a supplement daily.

Vitamin D enriched foods include:
(IU- International Units)

1 lg egg- 44 IU
raw white mushrooms- 164IU
1/2 fillet sockeye salmon- 1,400IU
camembert cheese- 44IU
1c of whole milk 124 IU 
 4 pieces of sushi 14 IU 
1 serving of tofu 157 IU 
1 serving of canned salmon 547 IU
1 packet of oatmeal 154 IU
1 serving canned tuna 234 IU 
1 c vanilla yogurt 122 IU
1 serving swordfish 566 IU

Always check with your doctor before you make any changes in your diet or the vitamins you take. While you don't want to be deficient, you don't want to have an overload either.


NIH

Always,

B.

Facts About Ebola

Transmission

Because the natural reservoir of ebolaviruses has not yet been proven, the manner in which the virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak is unknown. However, researchers have hypothesized that the first patient becomes infected through contact with an infected animal.
When an infection does occur in humans, there are several ways in which the virus can be transmitted to others. These include:

-direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected person

-exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected secretions

The viruses that cause Ebola HF are often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with infectious secretions when caring for ill persons.

During outbreaks of Ebola HF, the disease can spread quickly within health care settings (such as a clinic or hospital). Exposure to ebolaviruses can occur in health care settings where hospital staff are not wearing appropriate protective equipment, such as masks, gowns, and gloves.

Proper cleaning and disposal of instruments, such as needles and syringes, is also important. If instruments are not disposable, they must be sterilized before being used again. Without adequate sterilization of the instruments, virus transmission can continue and amplify an outbreak. 

Symptoms of Ebola HF typically include:

Fever
Headache
Joint and muscle aches
Weakness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Lack of appetite 

Some patients may experience:

A Rash
Red Eyes
Hiccups
Cough
Sore throat
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Bleeding inside and outside of the body 

Prevention

0. The prevention of Ebola HF presents many challenges. Because it is still unknown how exactly people are infected with Ebola HF, there are few established primary prevention measures.
   When cases of the disease do appear, there is increased risk of transmission within health care settings. Therefore, health care workers must be able to recognize a case of Ebola HF and be ready to employ practical viral hemorrhagic fever isolation precautions or barrier nursing techniques. They should also have the capability to request diagnostic tests or prepare samples for shipping and testing elsewhere.
   Barrier nursing techniques include:
   
   
   • wearing of protective clothing (such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles)
   • the use of infection-control measures (such as complete equipment sterilization and routine use of disinfectant)
   • isolation of Ebola HF patients from contact with unprotected persons
     The aim of all of these techniques is to avoid contact with the blood or secretions of an infected patient. If a patient with Ebola HF dies, it is equally important that direct contact with the body of the deceased patient be prevented.
     CDC, in conjunction with the World Health Organization, has developed a set of guidelines to help prevent and control the spread of Ebola HF. Entitled Infection Control for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers In the African Health Care Setting, the manual describes how to:
   • recognize cases of viral hemorrhagic fever (such as Ebola HF)
   • prevent further transmission in health care setting by using locally available materials and minimal financial
     resources 
     
     
     CDC Factsheet

Chicken Alfredo- High Calorie Recipe

Loaded Chicken Alfredo

From the kitchen of Rebecca Mia

Ingredients:

Barilla Angel hair pasta 16oz

Stick of butter

7 chicken breast

1 bag frozen peas 12oz

3 cups sliced mushrooms

1 small red onion

Weber garlic & herb seasoning

Salt & pepper

Garlic

Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Pasta: Bring 4 - 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add salt to taste. Add pasta. Stir gently. Return to a boil. Remove from heat. Drain well. Meanwhile, sauté onions, mushrooms and peas in butter

Chicken: Sprinkle Weber's seasoning to taste, preheat grill for medium heat, & lightly oil grate.

Cook chicken on grill until meat is no longer pink & juices run clear.

Sauce: Melt ½ stick butter in a medium saucepan over medium/low heat. Add the garlic, cream, pepper & salt, bring mixture to a simmer. Low heat- do not boil. Add the 1/2 c cheese, & continue to simmer sauce for 8 minutes or until thick.

Slice chicken; mix with sauce, pasta, & veggies

click here for a Downloadable recipe card 

Nutritional values are approximate.
0 values were not calculated
Serving size is 1.5 cups cooked, 1 chicken breast



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