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Ben Affleck's Charitable Weekend

PopSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:03:00 -0700

While Father's Day with his own number one girl was probably on his mind, Ben Affleck spent his Saturday night with a few other cute kids. He hosted the ONEXONE Calgary Gala in Canada, a charity event for impoverished children around the world. Besides raising money, the event also helped Ben to be thankful, saying, "All of this (work for OneXOne) has kind of served to remind me of how lucky that I have been, how much I've kind of benefited and how much I owe . . . to the world to try to give back as much as I can." While the cause is pretty heavy, it looks like there were still plenty of laughs and presents for Ben like a cowboy hat and a hockey jersey for Violet.

More of Ben doing good if you just read more

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How-To: Design Smart in Small Spaces

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:00:27 -0700

Recently, I gave you a glimpse of a Calgary apartment that interior deisign firm Corea Sotropa renovated. One of the firm's specialties is designing for small spaces. Corea Sotropa was kind enough to share some tips for designing for small spaces. Want to see all of the firm's great advice? Then read more.

Here are a few tips from Corea Sotropa on designing for small spaces:

Choose common materials, fabrics and colour palette throughout all the rooms to bring unity to a small condo or house.
Fresh flower arrangements are a quick and inexpensive way to add luxury to a small space.
Ensure there is a place for everything - if there is not appropriate storage for everyday necessities like magazines or CDs a small space will quickly look messy.
Place accessories sparingly - overloading a small space with accessories will look cluttered.
Choose furniture pieces to suit the scale of the space. When down-sizing from a house to condo it is unlikely that you will be able to re-use many of your existing upholstered pieces due to this change in scale.

Corea Sotropa’s Coral Suite Apartment

CasaSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:00:35 -0700

Canadian interior design firm Corea Sotropa recently renovated this Calgary apartment, imbuing it with a freshness that it had previously lacked. Inspired by a signature fabric embroidered with coral, the apartment now glows with color and energy.

Before Corea Sotropa stepped in, this apartment's open-concept kitchen and living room, hallway and bathroom were dreary and lacked architectural detail. Additionally, the apartment's flow was interrupted with room-defining walls. Removing the partitions between the kitchen and the living room flooded the suite with natural light and provided the ideal backdrop to the custom furniture, draperies, and mill work, which were all done in a fresh, crisp color scheme.

For additional photos, read more.

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Upcoming Marathons For Walkers

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

So you're not a runner - that doesn't mean you can't fulfill your dream of finishing a marathon. Many races allow and greatly encourage walkers. Here's a huge list of upcoming marathons to choose from, brought to you by Runner's World.

A1A Marathon: Feb. 21, 2010
Austin Marathon: Feb. 14, 2010
Baltimore Marathon: Oct. 10, 2009
Big-D Texas Marathon: April 5, 2009
Buffalo Marathon: May 24, 2009

There are a whole bunch more, so read more.

Calgary Marathon: May 31, 2009
Carlsbad Marathon: January 24, 2010
Cleveland Marathon: May 17, 2009
Columbus Marathon: Oct. 18, 2009
Country Music Marathon: April 25, 2009
Dallas White Rock Marathon: Dec. 13, 2009
Des Moines Marathon: Oct. 18, 2009
First Light Marathon: TBD
Gasparilla Distance Classic: Was on March 1, 2009
Grand Rapids Marathon: Oct. 18, 2009
Green Bay Marathon: May 17, 2009
Honolulu Marathon: Dec. 13, 2009
Indianapolis Marathon: Oct. 17, 2009
Lake Tahoe Marathon: Sept. 23-27, 2009
Lewis & Clark Marathon: Sept. 13, 2009
Little Rock Marathon: Was on March 15, 2009
Long Beach Marathon: Oct. 11, 2009
Los Angeles Marathon: May 25, 2009
MDI (Mount Desert Island) Marathon: Oct. 18, 2009
Mad City Marathon: May 24, 2009
Maine Marathon: Oct. 4, 2009
Mardi Gras Marathon: February 28, 2010
Marine Corps Marathon: Oct. 25, 2009
Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon: June 20, 2009
Melbourne and Beaches Marathon: Feb. 7, 2010
Mercedes Marathon: TBD
Miami Marathon: Jan. 31, 2010
Mississippi Blues Marathon: TBD
Missoula Marathon: July 12, 2009
Myrtle Beach Marathon: Feb. 11-14, 2010
New Jersey Marathon: May 3, 2009
Nike Women's Marathon: Oct. 18, 2009
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: April 26, 2009
Philadelphia Marathon: Nov. 22, 2009
Pittsburgh Marathon: May 3, 2009
Portland Marathon: Oct. 4, 2009
Richmond Marathon: Nov 14, 2009
Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon: Jan. 17, 2010
Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon: Nov. 15, 2009
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon: May 31, 2009
Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon: June 27, 2009
Sacramento Cowtown Marathon: Oct. 4, 2009
Salt Lake City Marathon: April 18, 2009
San Francisco Marathon: July 26, 2009
Seattle Marathon: Nov. 29, 2009
Shamrock Marathon: March 21-22, 2009
Surf City Marathon: Feb. 7, 2010
Tucson Marathon: Dec. 13, 2009
Vancouver Marathon: May 3, 2009
Walt Disney World Marathon: Jan. 7-10, 2010
Windermere Marathon: May 16, 2009

Bush to Speak in Canada - Would You Pay to Listen?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:01:16 -0800

Former president Bush has come back on the radar, but this time north of the border. The retired leader will deliver his first public appearance since leaving office in Calgary, Canada on March 17. Bush has taken life pretty easy since Jan. 20, hanging around the ranch to focus on what he calls his "new domestic agenda."

The upcoming private event, billed as "A conversation with George W. Bush" will highlight his "eight momentous years in the Oval Office." Bush will also discuss “the challenges facing the world in the 21st century."

The group sponsoring the event reportedly paid Bill Clinton $150,000 for a speech in 2006. Do you think Bush's speeches will be as lucrative? Would you pay to hear what he had to say?

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TLC = Touch Look Check

FitSugar — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

The more I write about breast cancer, the more I realize the face of the disease is getting younger and younger. Women under 30 are regularly diagnosed with breast cancer – it is no longer a post menopausal disease. I just found the Canadian organization Rethink Breast Cancer. Their focus is not only fundraising for research, but creating awareness about the disease, and their target demographic is women under 40.

As a fundraising event RBC just hosted The Boobyball and on October 26 they are hosting the Rethink Romp in Calgary. If the events were as fun as their names, I am sure they raised a lot of dough.

Here is a PSA they have produced to remind you to check your girls. It will definitely give you a feel for the organization.

Remember: TLC = Touch. Look. Check. When was the last time you did a self-breast exam?

Skin cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:04 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Skin cancer is generally a result of too much exposure to the sun. While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, many types are both preventable and treatable. Skin cancer is classified into five different types:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form and accounts for 90% of all skin cancers. It originates in the basal cells, at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer), and is caused by long-term exposure to sunlight.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type. It originates in the epidermis, eventually penetrating the underlying tissue if not treated. In a small percentage of cases, this cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.
Malignant melanoma (MM) is a form of skin cancer that currently is affecting an more and more people. Each year, more than 53,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. MM is a very serious type of skin cancer, but the cure rate is quite good if it is diagnosed and removed early. Melanoma originates in moles or other growths on normal skin.
Paget's disease (PD) is a rare type of skin cancer. It generally appears on the nipple, and is associated with an underlying breast cancer. It may also appear in the groin or near the anus, possibly originating in the sweat glands.
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is caused by a virus in the herpes family. An aggressive AIDS-related form affects about one third of AIDS patients. A more slow growing form occurs in elderly men of Italian or Jewish ancestry.

Signs and Symptoms

Skin cancer is accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

A new skin lesion or open sores that bleed, ooze, or crust, and fail to heal in an expected time frame
Enlargement of an existing skin lesion
Change in color, size, shape or texture of a mole
A new mole
Reddish patch or irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms, or legs
Shiny bump that is pearly or translucent
Poorly defined borders of a skin lesion

What Causes It?

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. A virus causes Kaposi's sarcoma, while Paget's disease is related to underlying breast cancer.

Who's Most At Risk?

People at risk for developing skin cancer may have the following conditions or characteristics:

Light skin color
Spend a lot of time outdoors in work or leisure activities
History of severe sunburn
Family history of skin cancer
Large dark-colored birthmark known as congenital melanocytic nevus
Certain non-cancerous skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis, which can predispose a person to skin cancer
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) -- a risk for Kaposi's sarcoma specifically

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider will examine your skin for new, changed, or unusual moles. This may involve the use of a dermatoscope, which is used for close examination of skin growths. Your health care provider will take a biopsy of any growths that appear cancerous. This involves removing a small piece of skin for microscopic examination. A biopsy can confirm whether or not you have skin cancer.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Skin cancer is a preventable disease. If you are at high risk, avoid sun exposure. When you have to be in the sun, protect yourself by covering up, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You should also have regular skin cancer screenings with your primary health care provider or a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Treatment Plan

The primary goals of treatment are to remove the cancerous growth and stop the spread of the disease.

Drug Therapies

Melanoma that is deep or has spread and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma may be treated with chemotherapy.

Surgical and Other Procedures

Most skin cancer can be surgically removed.
When surgery is not possible, cryotherapy (freezing), topical chemotherapy, or radiation may be used. If the cancer is on or close to the skin's surface, photodynamic therapy (laser) may be used.
Paget's disease of the nipple usually requires mastectomy (removal of breast tissue).

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Alternative treatments are focused on preventing rather than treating skin cancer. In addition, some CAM treatments may reduce the side effects of conventional treatments. Finally, while many CAM treatments have not yet undergone rigorous scientific research, evidence suggests that some treatments may be useful when applied along with conventional treatments for skin conditions, including skin cancer. You should never rely on alternative therapies alone for treating skin cancer.

Nutrition

Eating certain foods or following therapeutic diets may help prevent skin cancer. It is hard to test the role of nutrients in protecting against various forms of skin cancer, but several studies have investigated the role of antioxidants (including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamin A), folic acid, fats and proteins, and a variety of whole foods. While results are not absolutely clear, there may be some protective effect from antioxidants. There may also be a protective effect from foods such as fish, beans, carrots, chard, pumpkin, cabbage, broccoli, and vegetables containing beta-carotene and vitamin C. Studies on animals suggest that lignans, substances found in foods such as soy and flaxseed, may also help fight cancer in general, including the spread of melanoma from one part of the body to another.

Other substances found in plants may help protect the skin from sun-related damage. These include

Apigenin, a flavanoid in vegetables and fruits, including broccoli, celery, onions, tomatoes, apples, cherries and grapes, and in tea and wine
Curcumin, in the spice turmeric
Resveratrol, in grape skins, red wine, and peanuts
Quercetin, a flavanoid in apples and onions

Selenium has been touted as an antioxidant that might help prevent skin cancer. One study, however, suggests that selenium might actually increase the risk of developing squamous cell cancer.

Therapeutic diets may also help with skin cancer. An example the Gerson diet, which is customized for each patient. This diet may enhance treatment of melanoma. It strives for a low-fat, low-salt diet, hourly feedings of highly concentrated raw fruit and vegetable juice nutrients, and strategies to speed up metabolism (the breakdown and use of food), such as exercise, taking supplements, and restricting calories. Castor oil, administered every other day for several weeks, and coffee enemas given as frequently as every 4 hours over a 24-hour period, are thought to alleviate pain and improve nutritional status.

Herbs

Naturopathic doctors and botanists recommend a number of herbs and herbal combinations to prevent and treat cancer in general. To identify appropriate herbs to use in your treatment for skin cancer, see a trained herbalist, who will consider your condition and may prescribe herbs to support your care.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains polyphenols, compounds that are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, harmful by-products of cells' metabolism that are thought to play a role in cancer. The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea polyphenols may prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.

Other herbs with antioxidant and skin-protecting effects include bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata ).

For Kaposi's sarcoma, some naturopaths recommend a paste made from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cream, several drops of Hoxsey-like formula (a mixture of herbs and potassium iodide thought to be effective against cancer), and powdered turmeric applied to lesions twice a day.

An animal study conducted in China investigated the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on natural killer cells. These are white blood cells that attack cancer and other harmful substances in the body. The study found that Cordyceps sinensis was effective against malignant melanoma by promoting natural killer activity and inhibiting tumor formation.

You should remember that certain herbs and nutrients can alter the way medications, including chemotherapy, act in your body. Make sure you keep your conventional and alternative health care providers informed about all the supplements, therapies, and medications you are using.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is widely used among patients with melanoma, and warrants scientific investigation. An experienced homeopath considers your individual case and recommends treatments that address both your underlying condition andany symptoms you may be having.

Acupuncture

While acupuncture is not used as a treatment for cancer itself, evidence suggests it can be a valuable therapy for cancer-related symptoms (particularly nausea and vomiting that often accompanies chemotherapy treatment). Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help reduce pain and shortness of breath.

Acupressure (pressing on rather than needling acupuncture points) has also proved useful in controlling breathlessness. Acupressure is technique that patients can learn and use to treat themselves.

Some acupuncturists prefer to work with a patient only after they have completed conventional medical cancer therapy. Others will provide acupuncture or herbal therapy during active chemotherapy or radiation. Acupuncturists treat cancer patients based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In many cases of cancer-related symptoms, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians.

Massage

Massage is generally not recommended for those who have been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Prognosis varies depending on the type of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma: generally excellent.
Squamous cell carcinoma: excellent for small lesions removed early and completely.
Malignant melanoma: 5-year survival is almost 100 percent for very superficial lesions removed early. However, thick lesions and melanoma that has spread to other organs have poor prognosis.
Paget's disease: depends on the extent and cell type of the underlying breast cancer.
Kaposi's sarcoma: good for superficial lesions of the slow-growing form in the elderly of Italian or Jewish ancestry. The course of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma depends on the status of the person's immune system.

Following Up

See your provider regularly for screenings to check for a recurrence of skin cancer.

Supporting Research

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Review Date:
6/15/2006
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Would You Stand on This Floor?

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:00:05 -0700

It might not be in every home, but a transparent glass floor is a novelty feature in some high rises. If you visit the The Calgary Tower, you can stand 525 feet above the ground and look straight down to the street below, thanks to the transparent glass floor. Would you do it?
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Online Sale Alert! Up to 50% at Nordstrom

FabSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Thank goodness you have a compu - Nordies is holding an online-only sale right now. They're knocking up to 50 percent off their clothes and accessories. Yours for the taking? These Michael Kors 'Calgary' Sandals ($196, originally $395), straight off the Fall 2007 runway. Now that's what I call fast fashion.

Go Combo to Combat Type 2 Diabetes

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

It is Diabetes Awareness Month and since type 2 diabetes is on the rise nationally, I thought this study about the benefits of exercise on the disease is well worth sharing. Since, you know, I am decidedly pro exercise.

When it comes to managing glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes exercise is a key factor. A new study performed by the University of Calgary found that both aerobic training and weight training improves blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, but combining both kinds of training was even better. Yet, another reason for exercisers to mix it up since in this case the sum is greater than the parts.

Although the blood sugar changes appear small, clinically they resonate loudly. Just a one percent drop in glucose levels can reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack by 15 to 20 percent and blindness, kidney failure, or amputations by 25 to 40 percent. Now those are some numbers that could inspire some exercise!

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