If you just can't bring yourself to believe in "Death Panels," you have to read this post on the Catholic Fire Blog today.
Be sure to watch the video of Amelia, who, after a groundswell of support, might now be reconsidered by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for a transplant.
Those blessed with Multiple Myeloma might have reason to celebrate the discovery of JQ1, a molecule that can make cancer cells forget they're cancer cells, and turn into normal cells. This talk by Dr. Jay Bradner of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to TED Boston is a must see for anyone inflicted with cancer of any kind. Perhaps the most important thing about this scientific discovery is that it was not kept a secret or patented, which would have tremendously slowed the delivery of this possible life saving molecule.
From The TED website about the above video: "How does cancer know it's cancer? At Jay Bradner's lab, they found a molecule that might hold the answer, JQ1 -- and instead of patenting JQ1, they published their findings and mailed samples to 40 other labs to work on. An inspiring look at the open-source future of medical research."
(Please share this with everyone you know who is blessed with cancer: blessed in the sense that God has given them the chance to prepare for their next life.)
Very interesting article by Dr. Mark Hyman yesterday discussing food as medicine. A link is HERE.
After a lengthy discussion of what he learned about food as medicine in China, Dr. Hyman provides advice for those of us who shop for our food here in America. Here's a clip:
"Remember eat the rainbow!
Red Group (tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon)
These contain the carotenoid lycopene, which helps rid the body of free radicals that damage genes. Lycopene seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease. Processed juices contain a lot of the beneficial ingredients. One glass of tomato juice gives you 50 percent of the recommended lycopene.
Yellow/Green Group (spinach greens, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, yellow corn, green peas, avocado, honeydew melon)
These are sources of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These are believed to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Lutein is a yellow-green substance that concentrates in the back of your eye. It may also reduce atherosclerosis.
These contain alpha carotene, which protects against cancer. They also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. It protects the skin against free-radical damage and helps repair damaged DNA. Beta-carotene is also good for night vision. It's important to note that these beneficial nutrients can be received from other foods, too. For instance, vitamins found in dairy products and meat. But it's not as beneficial because you get high calories and fat along with it.
Orange/Yellow Group (pineapple, orange juice, oranges, tangerines, peaches, papayas, nectarines)
These contain beta cryptothanxin, which helps cells in the body communicate and may help prevent heart disease. In addition, a single orange contains 170 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C. It's interesting to note that the skin of an orange is high in a protective fat that has been found to kill cancer cells in humans and animals, which highlights the fact that two-thirds of all drugs come from the plant world.
Red/Purple Group (beets, eggplant, purple grapes, red wine, grape juice, prunes, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, red apples)
These are loaded with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots. They may also delay the aging of cells in the body. There is some evidence they may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Green Group (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage or bok choi, kale)
These contain the chemicals sulforaphane and isocyanate, and they also contain indoles, all of which help ward off cancer by inhibiting carcinogens. It's a fact that 10 percent of the population -- like George Bush Sr. -- doesn't like broccoli. But it is important in diets because of the beneficial chemicals it contains.
White/Green Group (leeks, scallions, garlic, onions, celery, pears, white wine, endive, chives)
The onion family contains allicin, which has anti-tumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol."
