The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten - Drinking Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

The Camp Lejeune water contamination problem occurred at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from 1957 to 1987. During that time, servicemembers and their families living at the base bathed in and ingested water that was contaminated with toxic chemicals.

Many former base residents later developed cancer or other ailments, which may be linked to the contaminated drinking water. Victims claim that USMC leaders concealed knowledge of the problem and did not act properly in trying to resolve it or notify former base residents that their health might be at risk. In 2009 and 2010 the US federal government initiated investigations into the allegations of contaminated water and failures by US Marine officials to act on the issue.

After his nine-year-old daughter died of leukemia, Marine Corps drill instructor Jerry Ensminger wanted to know why. His search for answers is revieled in this documentry as he uncovers one of the largest water contamination incidents in American History.

15 Year Old Discovers an Early Detection Test for Pancreatic Cancer

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), is the world's largest international pre-college science competition.  More than 1,500 high school students from about 70 countries, regions, and territories showcase their independent research as they compete for over $3 million.

This years first place winner was Jack Andraka 15 of Crownsville, Md. Jack developed a method to detect pancreatic cancer based on diabetic test paper.   Jack created a simple dip-stick sensor to test blood or urine to determine whether or not a patient has early-stage pancreatic cancer. His study resulted in over 90 percent accuracy and showed his patent-pending sensor to be 28 times faster, 28 times less expensive and over 100 times more sensitive than current tests. Jack received the Gordon E. Moore Award, of $75,000, named in honor of Intel co-founder and retired chairman and CEO.

Support The California Cancer Research Act

SUMMARY OF PROP 29


Imposes additional $1.00 per pack tax on cigarettes and an equivalent tax increase on other tobacco products. Revenues fund research for cancer and tobacco-related diseases. Fiscal Impact: Net increase in cigarette excise tax revenues of about $735 million annually by 2013–14 for certain research and tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Other state and local revenue increases amounting to tens of millions of dollars annually.


WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS

A YES vote on this measure means: State excise taxes on cigarettes would increase by $1 per pack to a total of $1.87 per pack. These additional revenues would be dedicated to fund cancer and tobacco-related disease research and tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

NO vote on this measure means: State excise taxes on cigarettes would remain at the current level of 87 cents per pack and would continue to be used for existing purposes, including childhood development programs and various health and tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and American Lung Association wrote Prop. 29 to save lives, stop kids from smoking, and fund cancer research. Big Tobacco opposes Prop. 29 because they know it will reduce smoking in California. Prop. 29 saves lives, but only with a YES vote.

The election for the California Proposition 29, the Tobacco Tax for Cancer Research Act is on the June 5, 2012 presidential primary ballot in California .

Say It Isn't True Betsey!

It is true, Betsey Johnson is closing her retail store doors after opening her first store in NYC over 30 years ago. Fashion Mogul and breast cancer survivor is closing the doors to her retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Get Betsey's Products While They Last!

Stronger Seattle Childrens Hospital

Domino's Gluten-Free Pizza

Domino's Pizza joining the ever-growing gluten-free movement, saying it will start offering pizzas with glutenless crusts in most of its U.S. stores.

The crust, Domino's said in a press release, is "appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity," but it's not recommended for people who have celiac disease. Domino's consulted with National Foundation for Celiac Awareness on the new recipe, which will be available on the small, 10-inch pizzas and cost about $3 more than the “regular” pizza.

The NFCA says that one out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease, or about 3 million in all. Another 18 million have a less serious "sensitivity" to gluten, the organization says. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is a condition in which the immune system responds to gluten intake by damaging the small intestine. In turn, that can inhibit the absorption of various nutrients.

Gluten avoiders should be aware that the crust will be prepared in the same kitchen as the regular, gluten-containing crusts, so some risk of gluten exposure will remain.

The Domino's Gluten Free Crust is a huge win for much of the gluten free community who can now get pizza delivered to their door and according to many customers they “couldn’t believe they're eating a pizza made on a gluten free crust”, when they try it.

In addition to Domino's, several other chains have at least a few options for diners who want to avoid gluten, including Carrabba's Italian Grill, P.F. Chang's and Legal Sea Foods, and even at independent restaurants it's becoming more common to see menu sections detailing gluten-free meals.

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning,  The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee, a medical oncologist, has written a definitive history of cancer.  While it is likely that humans have lived with cancer for millennia it wasn't until recently that we began learing about it.

In just a short period we have learned a lot about cancer.  Some developments, such as vaccines for cervical cancer, are now established; others, such as experimental therapies using viruses, are still very much experimental. We also know now that restraint in diagnosing and treating cancer can be better than aggressive therapies that carry harmful side effects.

Complex but simple in terms of understanding, Dr Mukherjee has laid out a timeline of a cancer and those fought against it.  For example in 1600 BC the first case of probable breast cancer was documented and thousands of years later it has become the disease of our time.

I highley recommend this book! The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer