Please Help Lamont Beat Cancer!

Dear Readers...
My family has once again been touched by Cancer. My Husband Lamont was diagnosed with Liver Cancer on July 28, 2010. We need your prayers and support to help with the huge medical expenses we will incur for his Cancer Treatment and Medical Costs.
No amount is too small. A Special Cancer Fundraiser Account has been set up and all Donations and Love Gifts can be claimed as tax write offs at the end of the year.

All online Donors will receive a FREE MedTrakker E-Book. The Cancer E-Book will be the default E-Book donors will receive. Donors can substitute with any other MedTrakker E-Book by contacting me directly via email ab-bowden@hotmail.com with there specific preference. i.e. Diabetes or Cardiac.
E-Books are downloaded to print out each section as often as needed. This enables you to create your own record keeping system and tailor it to fit your individual needs.

For those who may not know that I founded MedTrakker.com...MedTrakker offers specialized Medical Organizers for specific health conditions and treatment stages that go well beyond basic emergency care information. Track, Document, Monitor and share your Personal Health Record for better quality of care.
Specific Organizers are available for diagnosis of Cancer (All Types)-Diabetes (All Types)-Cardiac (All related conditions). Available in Hard-Copy Notebook, or as E-Book.

My Husband Lamont and I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support through this difficult time.

Donations can be made online through Paypal

or Donations can be sent to...

L. Bowden Cancer Fund
P. O. Box 1470
Winchester, VA 22604

p.s. A Facebook group has been created where you can join and follow Lamont's progress, post encouraging words and share the Group's Link with your network.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=121348801246599&ref=mf

Save the date October 30, 2010 at 5:00 PM. Live Halloween/Cancer Benefit will be held for Lamont. Sponsored by Rivendell Retreat and Edge Hill Recovery Retreat Center in Winchester VA. Haunted Hayrides, Live Bands, Dinner, Live and Silent Auctions, Best Costume Contest, Fun Activities and more planned. We hope you can come out to show your support. Event to be held at Rivendell Retreat Center 96 Marsh Lane, White Post VA.

Tickets are on Sale now at EdgeHill Recovery Center or can be purchased at the gate on the night of Event. Tickets are $10.00 each or 5 for $40.00. Each ticket will have the potential to win a 1987 Chevy Convertible Corvette. Drawing will be held at midnight, need not be present to win.

Organizing Your Medical Records Is Key For Patients With Chronic Health Conditions.

Patients with Chronic Conditions see many health providers that may not have access to a shared network. Specialists are not up to date in your basic primary care health issues. Primary care providers may not know enough about treatment options to advise their patients. Patients who are pro-active in managing their complete health care and medical records have better quality of care.

Patients that are dealing with a chronic health condition will most likely interact with many health care providers. Because your medical history is spread out among your entire medical team, keeping your own updated medical record will help you play an active, informed role in your care. Every time you visit your Doctor or pay a visit to a clinic or hospital, they may require you to complete forms. Writing the same information over and over again. This is Frustrating, time consuming and may not necessarily be accurate because you have forgotten important details about your medical history, such as Surgeries, Medications and dates for all these vital pieces of data about you. Knowing your medical history allows you to share accurate information with new doctors.

When first collecting all your medical information you should start by asking for a copy of your most recent records every time you visit a health provider or a medical facility. Most medical offices charge a fee for copies of your medical record. So it’s best to ask for copies of reports, doctor notes, test results and all relevant records during your medical appointment. By asking for your records while you are at your appointment is likely you will not be charged.

Here are just some of the benefits of managing and organizing your own medical records.

•Stress reduction when filling out hospital and medical forms - saving time, frustration and costly mistakes.
•Quality health information readily available at all points of care, reducing delays in treatment.
•Providing health professionals a consistent and complete understanding of your health condition, avoiding unnecessary treatments and adverse reactions, such as harmful prescription drug interactions.
•Reducing unnecessary duplication of expensive diagnostic tests, including lab work.

While electronic medical records are useful and being used more widely in Physician and hospital settings. You cannot carry them with you. Most Electronic Medical Records that are in place today can only be accessed by the individual Physician’s or Hospital facility, not across a shared network of physicians. And until such time that patient’s personal medical information can be shared over a secure network platform, it is up to the patient to be responsible for there own health care, and to take an active role in there overall medical record and treatment care.

Travel Safe This Summer Chronic Condition Patients Don’t Have To Be Confined

Just because a person has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition such as Cancer, Diabetes or a Cardiac related illness doesn’t mean they have to stay confined to their home. Patients need to see variation in their environment and be able to relax.

Before traveling, always ask your physician if it is safe for you to travel. Patients should always plan there trips where they will not miss any scheduled treatments.

Patients should always bring enough supply of medications for the entire travel duration. Patients should also keep in mind that certain drug’s pharmacological name is always the same but brand name may change depending on the country they are visiting. With this in mind, it is always important to keep the medication in their original bottle or packaging to make it easier to find a similar drug in case of needing to buy more.

If a patient has an alert bracelet or a necklace with an inscription of their medical condition, it is always wise to wear it every time on there trip. This bracelet is usually given to patients with diabetes and allergies as well.

When planning travel destinations, patients should call their insurance agent to check if their policy covers medical costs in other states or overseas. You may need to pay a minor extra premium. Find out what documentation will be needed should the patient or a family member need to seek medical attention while traveling.

Carrying your medical records with you on your trip in a Medical Organizer will help in the case an emergency. Having a Medical Organizer filled in with up-to-date medical information will aid physicians on how to proceed with your case, as it serves as a vital source of information regarding your current health condition and any related treatment process the patient is currently under.

Specific Medical Organizer Is More Than A Medical Record Keeping System.

Specific Medical Organizer Is More Than A Medical Record Keeping System.

By giving patients control over their health care, offers more selectivity in sharing of personal health information. Correcting inaccuracies and encouraging better medical record keeping and improving patient-physician communication, better quality care and increasing trust.

Tracking and monitoring one’s own Personal health records offer a number of potential benefits to patients, their physicians and everyone involved in the patient’s medical care.

To avert unnecessary tests, procedures, and avoidable complications, patients should keep their own medical records through the use of a personal medical organizer. Patients need to be informed about their own health; more importantly, if any mistake is made, the patient is the one that suffers! So it behooves the patient to reduce the chances of that happening by ensuring everyone involved in their healthcare has full and complete information.

Benefits of using a Specialized Medical Organizer include...

• Medical Organizers that are tailored specifically to a chronic health condition empowers patients to verify the information in their medical record and monitor health data about themselves.

• Medical Organizers improve communication between patients and health care providers, allows documentation of interactions with patients and convey timely explanations of test results.

• Medical Organizers track a patient’s current medications, and potential drug interactions can be considered if current medications are known. Adverse reactions need not be repeated if they are made known to your doctor.

• Medical Organizers give patients and health care providers current access to updated care plans.

• Medical Organizers allow continuous, comprehensive care with better coordination between patients, physicians and other providers.

• Medical Organizers provide more efficient and quality delivery of care. Decreases duplicate testing and unnecessary services.

With our ever evolving health care system patients are encouraged to be more pro-active in monitoring their medical care. Medical records that are accurate and up-to-date must be a shared responsibility.

For Specialized Medical Organizers related to Cancer, Diabetes or Cardiac illnesses. Please visit http://www.MedTrakker.com for complete details.

Specialized Medical Organizers for Health Condiions & Treatment Stages

Medical Organizers For Disease Management & Treatment Stages

Amber Bowden, Owner of MedTrakker™, a home based business for publishing and distributing, has once again taken my creative, innovative, entrepreneurial spirit, and created more than the 'Cancer Medical Organizer'. I have created several more organizers specific to many different areas of health concerns that seem to plague our population, as well as one that is universal and can be used by anyone.

After a person hears the news that they have a terminal health condition, their life is turned into a whirlwind of lab tests, procedures, possible surgeries, doctor appointments, medical claims and pharmacy runs. Thus, the first version of the MedTrakker©Cancer Organizer came into existence.

Since then, I developed an expertise on what is currently required in the area of medical records. My experiences from caring for family members with Cancer, Diabetes and Heart related illnesses have contributed to my proficiency. I have consulted with Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Business Professionals and Patients, all of whom made suggestions for the individual organizers.

MedTrakker offers three Specialized Medical Organizers for Specific Health Conditions… Additionally we also offer A Universal Medical Organizer for consumers that are not dealing with a special health condition but would find this Trakker adaptable for managing their Medical history.

●Cancer Trakker ●Diabetes Trakker ●Cardiac Trakker ●Universal Trakker

What are the benefits of having a MedTrakker...

• Offers the convenience of having relevant medical details centralized in one location.

• Manage information relating to conditions, allergies, emergency information, provider visits, procedures, medications, and more.

• Having up-to-date information in your medical organizer provides current and accurate information to health providers and their care givers.

• Potential drug interactions can be considered if current medications are known, and previous adverse reactions need not be repeated if they are made known to your doctor.

• Make emergency information available to medical providers by carrying it with you.

• If you are traveling and have to go to a hospital in an emergency, a physician can more quickly assess a patient when provided with relevant medical details.

Consumers can customize their MedTrakker Medical Organizer by choosing from a variety of picture categories for the front of their MedTrakker.

Specific Health Condition Trakkers are available in Hard-Copy Notebooks for $25.95

Also available in e-Book PDF for $7.99
Allows the Purchaser to create their own record keeping system and tailor it to fit there individual needs.

The Universal Trakker is only available in Hard-Copy Notebook for $15.95

Visit us online at:

http://www.MedTrakker.com

Facebook Business Page: Join us to share your experience, strength & hope with others. Stay up to date on relevant medical news, events and promotional offerings.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winchester-VA/httpwwwMedTrakkercom/82652496882?v=wall&ref=mf

More than just a medical record keeping system. Begin today to take an active role in your healthcare!

MedTrakker.com Releases Additional Specific Medical Organizers For Health Conditions & Treatment Stages. - Free-Press-Release.com

MedTrakker.com Releases Additional Specific Medical Organizers For Health Conditions & Treatment Stages. - Free-Press-Release.com

Combating Cancer Related Fatigue & Weakness

Combating Cancer Related Fatigue & Weakness

Fatigue, tiredness and weakness are common side effects, which may be associated with cancer or occur after receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Anxiety, pain, stress, depression, lack of sleep, poor diet, or having low hemoglobin may contribute to fatigue. An abnormal hemoglobin is 8.0 or below. If these suggestions to minimize fatigue do not help, please contact your healthcare provider.




Minimizing Fatigue, Tiredness or Weakness

• Rest during the day and when you are feeling tired. Rest prior to an activity to ensure energy. Ask family members and friends to help with daily household chores when needed.
  

• Eat high protein, high carbohydrate foods such as: cereals, meats, breads, nuts, beans and seafood.
  

• Use vitamins and mineral supplements prescribed by your physician.

• Sexual desire may diminish during your course of treatment. Plan time for intimacy.

• Use the four “Ps” to practice energy conservation and work simplified:

Planning – Try to plan out your day’s activity in advance. Plan to “not” start activities that cannot be stopped in the middle in case you become tired.
Priorities – Decide what tasks or activities are most important and what is optional.
Plan accordingly and distinguish those activities that must be done by you from those that can be done by others. It is OK to ask for help when you need it.
Pacing – Pace yourself as you complete each task. Take breaks or naps as needed.
Balance activities with rest and relaxation.
Positioning – Use good body mechanics while working. Sit if you can, while doing a task. Push instead of carry. An occupational therapist can help you with additional ways to conserve energy.

Energy Conservation Principles
Work – Rest – Work – Rest

• A slow steady rate of work with short rest periods is best – never work so hard that you experience fatigue.

Heavy – Light – Heavy – Light

• Consider the best time to perform the activity – if the morning is your best time, plan a heavy activity andthen a lighter activity in the afternoon.
  

Organize work areas

• Keep areas neat and tidy to eliminate heavy cleaning and time looking for lost or misplaced items.

Plan work and storage heights

• In order to eliminate excess bending, stooping and reaching – when storing items, store them at point of use; for example: items used on a frequent basis should not be stored in very high or very low cabinets.

Inactivity
Consequences of Inactivity in Cancer Patients

• Fatigue

• Physical deconditioning / weakness

• Muscle wasting

• Joint stiffness/soreness

• Blood clots

• Poor posture

• Immobility

• Pain

• Depression

• Hopelessness

Stress Management

Managing stress can play an important role in combating fatigue. The following are some suggestions:

• Adjust your expectations. For example, if you have a list of 10 things you want to accomplish today, pare it down to two and leave the rest for other days. A sense of accomplishment goes a long way to reducing stress.

• Help others understand and support you. Family and friends can be helpful if they can "put themselves in your shoes" and understand what fatigue means to you. Cancer support groups can be a source of support as well. Other people with cancer understand what you are going through.

Relaxation techniques such as audio tapes that teach deep breathing or visualization can help reduce stress.

Activities that divert your attention away from fatigue can also be helpful. For example, activities such as knitting, reading, or listening to music require little physical energy but require attention.

If your stress seems out of control, talk to a health care professional. They are there to help.

What can I do to minimize and cope with mouth sores?

Chemo & Mouth Sores

Symptoms of mucositis/stomatitus may include: mouth sores, white patches on the tongue, redness or irritation of the mouth and throat, pain when swallowing or the sensation of a lump in the throat, dryness of the mouth, tenderness or burning when eating spicy or acidic foods.

If these suggestions do not control your mouth sores, please contact your healthcare provider.

What can I do to minimize and cope with mouth sores?

• Eating a high protein diet will provide nutrients which may prevent and help repair mouth sores.
  

• Drink high protein liquid drinks such as: Carnation Instant Breakfast, Health Shake, Ensure Plus or Ensure High Protein.
  

• Drink eight glasses of liquids each day. A straw may make drinking easier.

• Eat soft foods such as: puddings, soups, frozen desserts, mashed potatoes, noodles and pasta.
  

• Frequently rinse your mouth with cool water, mint-flavored water, a mild solution of baking soda and water or Aloe Vera mouthwash.
  

• The following medications may be ordered by your physician to help heal and soothe your mouth: Stomatitus Cocktail, Xylocaine Viscous, Mycistatin, Mycelex Troche, Glycgel.
  

• You may want to apply pure liquid Vitamin E directly to mouth sores.

• Carefully prick the end of a Vitamin E capsule, and apply directly to the affected areas. This is sometimes helpful.
  

• Use a soft bristle toothbrush or swab to clean your mouth and teeth. Do not use mouthwashes which contain alcohol.
  

• Do not eat hot, spicy or fried foods. Avoid foods which have acid content, such as: oranges, lemons, grapefruit juice, V-8 Juice, orange juice, pickles.
  

• Limit alcohol, caffeine and chocolate .

Avoid foods which are difficult to chew such as: crackers, apples, toast, and nuts.


Mouth Soreness Smoothie
Smooth Protein Power Shake
Preparation time: 10 minutes .
Serves one.



Ingredients

• 1 cup any liquid (milk , soy milk , rice milk, Boost, Ensure, Boost Plus, or Ensure Plus, or a generic version of one of these products); use more than 1 cup if needed to blend.
  

• ½ cup low-fat, plain yogurt or soy yogurt

• 2 tablespoons protein powder (any type)

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butt er

• 1 tablespoon canola, almond, or olive oil

• 1 banana

• Crushed ice (optional; can be added if a colder smoothie is desired )

Instructions

• Measure and prepare solid ingredients.

• Place these ingredients in the blender .

• Add liquid ingredients to the blender.

• Blend all of the ingredients together to your desired consistency.

Add additional liquid to the blender if needed to thin out consistency for better
blending. Depending on the strength of your blender, you may need more or less liquid to make the mixture blend.

Per serving*: 831 calories; 90 grams of carbohydrates; 39 grams of protein; 35 grams of fat**; 4 grams of fiber ; 527 milligrams of sodium; 1,480 milligrams of potassium ***

* Made with Boost Plus, Ensure Plus, or a generic version of one of these products .
Calories and protein will be somewhat lower if made with milk, soy milk , rice milk, or another liquid.

** This recipe contains healthy fat from the canola, almond, or olive oil and the peanut or almond butter.

*** If you are on a potassium-restricted diet, this recipe may not be right for you. Ask your doctor or dietitian if you are unsure of your dietary potassium limits.

Managing a Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia)

Managing a Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia) Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of rest that give your body time to regain strength and replace healthy cells lost during treatment. However, a low count of infection-fighting white blood cells, or Neutrogena, is a common side effect of certain types of chemotherapy that can disrupt your chemotherapy schedule.

A low white blood cell count means your immune system isn't as strong as it

could be and that you are at increased risk of infection. The fewer white blood

cells you have and the longer you remain without enough, the more at risk you

become for developing a potentially life-threatening infection.

As a result, your doctor may need to delay treatment or reduce your

Chemotherapy dose until your white blood cell count increases and the possibility

of infection is reduced. Under certain circumstances, you may need to be

admitted to the hospital until your infection is cured and your number of white

blood cells returns to levels high enough to fight infections in the future. The good

news is you can prepare for chemotherapy and help lower your risk of infection.

Your doctor has carefully determined your chemotherapy dose and schedule to

produce the best opportunity for a successful outcome. Reducing or altering

either can affect your results. Studies show that for certain types of cancer,

Chemotherapy produces the best results when patients receive the full dose on

schedule.

Diagnosing Infection

Fever is a sign of infection, sometimes the only sign. If you develop a fever

(temperature higher than 100.4°F, or 38°C), notify your doctor immediately.

Infection associated with a low white blood ce lclount can be life-threatening.

An infection can occur in any number of places throughout the body. Specific

symptoms can indicate the site of your infection and help target your treatment.

Location Symptoms

• Bladder Painful urination
• Gastrointestinal tract Diarrhea, cramping
• Rectum Rectal bleeding, pain while defecating
• Respiratory system Cough, congestion, yellow or green sputum (fluid

coughed up from lungs)

• Sinus Sinus pain, congestion, headache
• Skin Redness, pain, tenderness or swelling near a cu t
• Systemic (throughout body) Flu-like symptoms
• 
  

Preventing Infection

Given the option, most patients would prefer to prevent infection rather than have

to deal with its results. Your first line of defense should always be prevention.

Take these simple but effective steps to help protect yourself against infection:

• Always wash your hands with soap and plenty of water. Many infections

are transmitted through hands and things that you touch, such as

doorknobs. Washing your hands thoroughly is the most important thing

you can do to prevent infection .

• Avoid people with colds or the flu .

• Avoid large crowds to reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with

sick people.

• Bathe daily and carefully dry your skin.

• Take steps to prevent cuts or scrapes, as these provide entry points for

Infection.

• Use an electric razor instead of a blade to avoid cuts.

• Use caution with sharp objects.

• Wear gloves when possible.

• If you have a cut or scrape, keep it covered with a clean bandage until it

heals.

• Prevent cracks in your skin by using lotion.

• Cook your food thoroughly to kill any potential microorganisms that may

be on raw food.

Prepare yourself for chemotherapy by lowering your risk for infection .

Be Proactive Against Infection and Treatment Interruptions

http://www.MedTrakker.com

"The Cancer Journey" Essay Contest !!

Essay Contest

In 2006, My beloved mother was diagnosed with Leukemia, which totally changed my life. Suddenly, I became my Mother's primary caregiver, while trying to work a full time job. In addition, I discovered a new challenge in just trying to keep her treatment care information, and appointments organized.
So, one night I decided to create a cancer organizer, which I presented to Mama
as a gift. Mama cried and used this book every day, as she battled this devastating disease. After the heartbreaking death of my mother, I thought that many newly diagnosed cancer patients may also benefit from the Medtrakker (Cancer Treatment Organizer).

In 2010, I decided to sponsor an essay contest called, "The Cancer Journey", which will allow one family every month to win a Medtrakker, who wouldn't normally be able to afford one. In order to enter the contest, patients and/or their family members will be asked to write a 500-1000 word essay about, "Why they or their loved one would benefit from owning a Medtrakker (Cancer Treatment Organizer)."

There will be an entry fee of $3.00 and all entries should be submitted electronically by visiting MedTrakker website and click on Essay Contest link from the home page. Submission of Essay's should be sent to info@medtrakker.com

I believe that a cancer diagnosis is extremely overwhelming for the patient and family members, not only because it brings an onslaught of emotions like fear and panic. However, it also comes with a whirlwind of procedures, tests, Dr. Appointments, Insurance Claims and so much more.
The Medtrakker can be used to eliminate confusion, costly duplicate tests and to keep all of the patient's essential medical information in, just in case they travel. Also, this will become a vital resource during the loved ones journey with cancer and a keepsake for the devastated family.

The essay contest logo.
Credit: Amber Bowden | © Amber Bowden

MedTrakker-Cancer Organizer is now available as an eBook!!

A PDF eBook version of the MedTrakker Cancer Medical Organizer, is available now and can be purchased by visiting MedTrakker.com

The MedTrakker was originally created for my Mother in 2006 when she was battling Leukemia. After the loss of my Mother I made the MedTrakker available to consumers to save them the "Anxiety of Starting from Scratch" trying to manage and keep up with every aspect of treatment care journey.

An essential Cancer Medical Organizer to record your personal Cancer Care information with easy-to-use forms! Record your unique Cancer Diagnosis, Chemo/Radiation regimens, Prescription Information, Doctor's Instructions, Lab Results and More!

Purchasers can download the eBook PDF version and print out each section as often as needed. This allows the Purchaser to design their organizer to fit their individual needs. The MedTrakker eBook Includes Twenty Recordable Medical Forms tailored for every Cancer “Type” diagnosis.

Patients will interact with many health care providers aiding them in there treatment care journey. MedTrakker is a valuable resource tool appreciated by everyone involved in the treatment care process. Each section of the MedTrakker is designed to fit the needs of every Cancer patient and their Care Givers.

A great way to keep your personal Medical Information with you while traveling. If you have to go to the Emergency Room, either locally or when traveling, the Doctor's may not have easy access to your medical information. While electronic medical records are useful, you can't take them with you to your doctor(s) appointments, and you can't take them with you when you are traveling. Having up to date Cancer medical information, could help attending physicians to be able to rapidly diagnose and treat you more accurately.

Included in the eBook pdf version…

1. Important Contacts
a. Forms to manage all of your important contacts.
b. i.e.: Doctors, Radiologists, Pharmacies, Cancer Clinic, Family etc.

2. Health and Treatment History
a. Cancer Characteristics
b. Surgical History
c. Tests & Procedures
d. Radiation History
e. Medication History
f. Allergy Record
g. Medical Devices
h. Medication Record
i. Medication Daily Planner

3. Appointment Calendar

4. Sample Blood Count Chart
a. How to read Blood Count results

5. Progress Blood Count Charts
a. Tracking your test results Weekly Charts
b. Reminder Questions To Ask

6. Insurance Tips
a. Insurance Tips
b. Insurance Discussion Forms

7. Physical Support
a. Activity Recommendation
b. Energy Conservation
c. Inactivity


Order a copy today for yourself; or for someone battling Cancer's touch by visiting the MedTrakker websites Order page. eBook cost $8.99

Print out and place in a 3 Ring Binder, for your personal Cancer Medical Organizer. The eBook pdf version sections can be printed out as often as needed.

MedTrakker Founder Comment: We realize that the current economic times have caused a deeper hardship for some. The eBook version is being offered to consumers as an alternative, to those who would like be able to manage their treatment care, but simply cannot afford the hardcopy.

Note: All of the “Informational Sections” within the MedTrakker Hard Copy are not included in the “MedTrakker eBook”.
Sections Omitted Include: Nutritional Information, Pain Management, Managing Low Blood Counts, and Motivational section.

"Helping To Make Life Easier;
Because you have enough to worry about"!

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