The Skinny on Ovarian Cancer

In the midst of everything else going on in September (back to school, fall sales, etc.), it’s important to take some time and think about your health. Especially since September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Even though you probably hear a lot more about other types of cancer, the American Cancer Society actually ranks ovarian cancer fifth in cancer deaths among women. Over 20,000 women are diagnosed with it each year and 15,000 women die from the disease (all of these statistics can be found on the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition website – www.ovarian.org).

One thing you might be wondering is what are the risk factors for ovarian cancer? Getting older, genetic predisposition, and personal family history are all pieces that may play a part in whether or not these cells ever develop.

Let’s also talk about some of the symptoms. If you experience any of the these things daily for more than two weeks, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition says it could be time to see a doctor:

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
  • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often

Some other symptoms include fatigue, upset stomach or heartburn, back pain, pain during sex, or constipation or menstrual changes.

Now ovarian cancer rates are highest in women aged 55-64, but 3.7% of the new cases between 2007 and 2011 were in women between the ages of 20 and 34 (Ovarian Cancer National Alliance), so this is still something every woman should know a little bit about. Also, there is no known method for preventing this form of cancer and, because there is no early detection test, most cases aren’t discovered until the later stages when the chances of survival are much lower.

Before you get too worried, just know that (according to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance) a woman’s lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 72. The risk of dying from it is 1 in 100. The American Cancer Society even says there are things you can do to help reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. Eating right, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight are just a few of the steps you can take now that may become a lifesaver in the future. So take September as an opportunity to start exploring new ways to keep your health on the right track.

For more information about ovarian cancer, you can go to www.ovarian.org or visit www.ovariancancer.org.

Credits: Ed Uthman

Stop Misspelling My Name. Please and Thanks.

Hey.

Hope your day is going well. Can I tell you something? It won’t take long. Just lend me five minutes of your time, if that. Thanks!

I just wanted to let you know that my name is Ashleigh. Not Ashley. Not Ashligh. Not Asheligh. Ashleigh. The first three letters are the easiest but the last five is what throws people off. Instead of the traditional “-ley” which is pronounced like “lee”, my parents opted for “-leigh.” You say it the same way. It’s not that hard to spell after you think about it.

And that’s it. I’m telling you this because I noticed you get confused sometimes and want to help. I mean, I get it. My name is spelled differently. This has created many misspellings all my life. Starbucks baristas don’t bother me because I’m used to it from strangers. But you aren’t a stranger at all–you’re my coworker, fellow church member, acquaintance. We interact too often for this to keep occurring. I don’t even know an Asheligh. Chances are, you don’t either.

So you get it now? Great! Just make an attempt actually spell it the right way. I try to do the same for you, so I would appreciate that same level of respect. Thanks so much again.

Sincerely,
Ashleigh

Everyone Needs a Staycation

Or maybe it’s just me.

The end of the fiscal year normally means closing up a lot of projects, figuring out the outlook for the upcoming fiscal, and lots of chaos. That translates into many long days where I just want to keep my office door shut.

Let’s be real. In times like that, work can be draining. So much that when I come home, I don’t want to do anything. I might attempt to start on a few errands or personal projects I wanted to work on but the tiredness overcomes me. I’ll get to that this weekend, I always say. Right.

Then Friday comes and all I want to do is watch Netflix or sleep. Saturday rolls around and it becomes #baeday. Then there is Sunday, the impending dread of returning back to the status quo. Twenty-four hours to try to squeeze in everything I wanted to do in a weekends time. It’s never enough.

But that staycation, though.

Staycations became popular during the recession as folks were “cutting back on discretionary spending.” And I realized they were great opportunities to do whatever I wanted to unbothered. Typical three day weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day are normally packed with things to do and people to see. Taking extra time off when everyone is at work gives me the perfect time to finally get to those things I can’t fit into a weekend or after work. It allows me to recharge too. I feel more refreshed going back to work after a productive, yet relaxing few days away. 

So if you begin to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or need some time to yourself, consider a staycation. You won’t regret it.