Connect with us

Health

Ohio woman pushes past breast cancer, won’t let diagnosis slow her down

Published

on

Ohio woman pushes past breast cancer, won’t let diagnosis slow her down

There’s loads of proof that train can assist forestall most cancers — however what about exercising after a prognosis? 

Is it secure for most cancers sufferers to have interaction in common bodily exercise?

Not solely is it secure, it’s useful. Train can alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of therapy, increase vitality ranges and enhance high quality of life — and will even assist preserve most cancers from returning, in line with the American Most cancers Society. 

MILITARY PILOTS AND GROUND CREWS SHOWING HIGH RATES OF CANCER, PENTAGON STUDY REVEALS

Erin Gratsch, a 51-year-old mom and health teacher who lives in Loveland, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, had been an avid runner for 16 years when she was first recognized with breast most cancers in 2016. 

Advertisement

Over the course of her seven-year journey — by means of a number of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation, setbacks and triumphs — train was considered one of her saving graces.

Not too long ago, Gratsch ran 13.1 miles within the Coronary heart Mini-Marathon in downtown Cincinnati, considered one of her favourite races. The following day, she had radiation therapy — which she’s at the moment doing 5 days every week.

‘I received’t let most cancers gradual me down’

Gratsch has accomplished a complete of 54 marathons within the 22 years she’s been working — together with quite a few miles logged in shorter races and coaching runs.

Erin Gratsch, who has been battling breast most cancers, triumphantly completed the Queen Bee Half Marathon in October 2022. (Ben Garvin / Marathon Moment2022 Queen Bee Half Marathon)

Simply earlier than Gratsch’s breast most cancers prognosis, she ran the Boston Marathon and the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. 

Advertisement

“I used to be 45 years previous, in one of the best form of my life and had no household historical past of breast most cancers,” she informed Fox Information Digital in an interview. 

She additionally didn’t have the genetic mutation that will increase the chance of the illness.

Erin Gratsch still teaches spin classes at Power Ryde, a local indoor cycling studio. She is pictured here in 2016, shortly before her first breast cancer diagnosis. 

Erin Gratsch nonetheless teaches spin lessons at Energy Ryde, a neighborhood indoor biking studio. She is pictured right here in 2016, shortly earlier than her first breast most cancers prognosis.  (Denise F Images/Denise Haney)

Whereas performing some errands sooner or later, Gratsch got here throughout a cell mammography unit. 

On a whim, she went inside. 

“I had no signs and no cause to fret — however I simply felt compelled to get examined,” she stated.

Advertisement

“If you must get breast most cancers, it’s one of the best type you will get.”

Days later, she was recognized with ductal carcinoma, a non-invasive breast most cancers within the milk ducts. 

“If you must get breast most cancers, it’s one of the best type you will get,” she stated.

After a single mastectomy, Gratsch thought she was within the clear, and targeted her efforts on elevating consciousness of early detection as one of the best technique of breast most cancers prevention.

FDA ISSUES NEW MAMMOGRAM REGULATIONS AIMED AT FURTHER BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

Advertisement

However then in July 2022, she discovered a lump in her breast. The most cancers had returned — however this time it was HER2-positive, a extra aggressive type.

Gratsch confronted a extra daunting therapy cycle. However by means of aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and several other surgical procedures, her oncologists agreed she ought to proceed together with her train program.

“I imagine working has saved my life.”

All through her therapy, Gratsch has maintained about 5 marathons per 12 months. 

“Working helps with the fatigue and has made my coronary heart and lungs stronger,” she stated. She considers it considered one of her most necessary weapons in preventing most cancers, even going as far as to say it’s helped to save lots of her life.

Advertisement

Physician tells most cancers sufferers to maintain shifting

Dr. Monique Gary, breast surgical oncologist and medical director of the Grand View Well being most cancers program in Pennsylvania, stated there may be rising proof supporting train throughout most cancers therapy.

Erin Gratsch, shown here, has completed nine Boston Marathons, including in 2013. 

Erin Gratsch, proven right here, has accomplished 9 Boston Marathons, together with in 2013.  (Erin Gratsch)

“From the second a affected person is recognized, I ask them about their degree of bodily exercise and talk about methods to each enhance their well-being throughout therapy and scale back the chance of recurrence after therapy,” she informed Fox Information Digital in an interview.

Dr. Gary cited an extended record of advantages of train throughout most cancers therapies, together with optimizing coronary heart well being, sustaining muscle mass, and constructing power throughout a time of potential breakdown because of the results of medicines like chemotherapy. 

She has come to embrace resting on the sofa when her physique wants it. 

She added that train can even assist the affected person preserve mobility throughout post-surgical restoration, enhance high quality of sleep, scale back nervousness and misery, and lead to an general enchancment of high quality of life.

Advertisement

MAN RUNS A MARATHON EVERY DAY FOR A YEAR IN HONOR OF HIS LATE FATHER: ‘OFF THE SCALE’ SELFLESSNESS

“A affected person may theoretically run a marathon relying on their baseline functioning and the sort and toxicities of the therapies they’re receiving,” Dr. Gary stated. 

“If somebody was a marathon runner previous to most cancers, it’s much more possible. Lots of my sufferers are avid cyclers and joggers, and I encourage them to proceed and never let most cancers cease them.”

Sufferers ought to take heed to their our bodies — and their docs

Gratsch is the primary to confess that not day by day is a stroll within the park, actually or figuratively.

“There have been days and even weeks, through the hardest chemotherapy days, once I could not stroll up the steps and even raise the TV distant,” she stated. 

Advertisement

Some days, she would drive previous her favourite park and cry as a result of she wasn’t feeling sturdy or effectively sufficient to go mountaineering or path working.

However at any time when she feels as much as it, train is Gratsch’s go-to remedy

Relying on her vitality degree, she would possibly go for a three-mile run, do a spin class or take a gradual stroll — and he or she has come to embrace resting on the sofa when her physique wants it. 

"Cancer takes a lot from you — but running was one thing I could do to feel good about myself," Gratsch said.

“Most cancers takes quite a bit from you — however working was one factor I may do to be ok with myself,” Gratsch stated. (Ben Garvin / Marathon Moment2022 Queen Bee Half Marathon)

“Fatigue is a serious facet impact of most cancers therapy at each level within the journey,” Dr. Gary identified. “Sufferers must be conscious that relaxation is useful in therapeutic and wellness.”

Earlier than considered one of her sufferers begins a brand new train program, Dr. Gary opinions many various elements — together with their bloodwork, general situation and any latest surgical procedure or radiation — to ensure the exercise is secure for them.

Advertisement

“A sedentary life-style is without doubt one of the biggest preventable threat elements for most cancers.” 

“Most cancers therapies can have an effect on the center and lungs, the fluid dynamics and the protein shops within the physique, and nice care must be taken if a affected person wishes to start a brand new train routine,” she informed Fox Information Digital. 

“The typical particular person wasn’t working marathons earlier than breast most cancers, and so whereas I encourage my sufferers to discover train and see what works for them, they need to start a routine slowly and escalate fastidiously,” the physician went on. “Pushing too far can result in setbacks and harm.”

Train as long-term prevention

One of many largest take-home messages Dr. Grey offers sufferers is that elevated motion and health ought to turn into a lifestyle, together with dietary help and sufficient, high quality sleep.

BREAST CANCER AND MAMMOGRAMS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE, SCREENING AND MORE

Advertisement

“A sedentary life-style is without doubt one of the biggest preventable threat elements for most cancers growth and recurrence,” she stated.

“Sufferers really feel empowered after they can transfer their our bodies and do one thing to assist themselves whereas feeling like they’re on an countless carousel of docs and drugs.”

Right now, Gratsch continues to show spin lessons at Energy Ryde, an indoor biking studio in Loveland. She is lively in native fundraising efforts for most cancers charities — and serves as an envoy for native marathons, serving to different individuals obtain their health targets.

(Erin Gratsch (pictured together with her two sons) received the “Warrior Award” after competing in a dance competitors to lift funds for a neighborhood charity in 2023. )

After ending her present cycle of radiation therapy, Gratsch may have immunotherapy and reconstructive surgical procedures. However most significantly, she is now cancer-free — and he or she credit train as a giant a part of her overcome the illness.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Advertisement

Gratsch can be dedicated to spreading consciousness about early detection and prevention. 

“A mammogram saved me the primary time, and a self-exam saved me the second time,” she stated. “It’s so necessary that girls do each.”

“Sufferers really feel empowered after they can transfer their our bodies.”

“Most cancers takes quite a bit from you — however working and exercising was one factor I may do to be ok with myself,” she stated. 

“It was so empowering to say, OK, I can exit for a run, I can nonetheless do that. It helped me really feel lively and alive.”

Advertisement

Gratsch doesn’t plan on slowing down. 

“There’s an excessive amount of dwelling left to do,” she stated.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Health

Supercharge your immune system with these 10 foods

Published

on

Supercharge your immune system with these 10 foods

Did you know that some foods can help boost your immune system naturally and work to keep you healthy? In this article, learn how to incorporate the best immunity-boosting foods into your diet – and why these foods in particular help protect your health.

Nature’s best illness fighters

Many foods you’ll find at your local grocery store can help keep you healthy throughout the year. These 10 common foods top the list.

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain selenium, deficiency of which may cause increased susceptibility to contracting a virus, as found in a study published in Nutrients journal. The riboflavin and niacin found in mushrooms are also important for a healthy immune system.

FIGHT COLD AND FLU WITH THESE 10 IMMUNE-BOOSTING RECIPES FROM A TEXAS REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Try adding a handful of mushrooms to your pasta sauce, scrambled eggs and omelets, or throw them on top of a homemade pizza. Mushrooms are also delicious, simply sautéed or roasted with a little olive oil and salt and pepper.

Advertisement

2. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes and other orange foods like carrots, squash and pumpkin contain the antioxidant beta-carotene. This is a form of vitamin A that is essential for keeping your skin strong and able to fight off bacteria and viruses.

“Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system and protects you from infections by supporting immune system cells and barriers that keep the bad stuff out,” said Kara Lydon, a dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and author of the e-book Nourish Your Namaste: How Nutrition and Yoga Can Support Digestion, Immunity, Energy and Relaxation. “One sweet potato has over 380% of the daily value for vitamin A.”

Dietitian Kara Lydon says research shows that deficiencies in nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, B, D, selenium, zinc, iron, copper and folic acid can increase your susceptibility to disease. (Food Drink Life)

Try cutting sweet potatoes into strips and baking them coated in a little olive oil, salt and pepper to make a healthy homemade version of French fries.

Or, for a major time-saving hack, learn how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, then simply top it with a little butter and cinnamon for an easy side dish.

Advertisement

3. Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, another antioxidant responsible for supporting the immune system. Grab a handful – 1/4 cup – to get 50% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin E.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt contains live and active cultures called probiotics. These can help stimulate the immune system and keep our gut and intestinal tract healthy and free of disease-causing bacteria.

Any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs. You can see them in the ingredients list as well.

Dairy products, like yogurt, also tend to be good sources of vitamin D; a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of contracting a cold or the flu.

5. Leafy greens

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in a whole host of nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants and folate, which is especially important for immune function, as per a study in The Journal of Immunology.

Advertisement

Both spinach and kale leaves are great tossed into a salad with another lighter, crunchier green, like romaine, for texture variance. Spinach leaves are also an excellent replacement for less nutrient-dense iceberg lettuce on a sandwich.

You can also use spinach and kale in fruit smoothies – just be sure to use only the leaves of the kale, not the bitter stems.

If you’re more a fan of savory, crunchy snacks, give a baked kale chips recipe a try – they are easy to make and surprisingly delicious.

6. Tea

Green and black tea contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help fight disease. In addition, an amino acid that’s responsible for an immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea. Decaf versions have it, too.

Drink several unsweetened cups per day to reap the benefits. To get more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while they brew.

Advertisement

7. Cabbage

This inexpensive winter vegetable is a source of glutamine, which has been noted by many studies, including one in Nutrients journal, to strengthen the immune system. Try it in your winter soups and stews, or throw shredded raw cabbage into your wraps or salads to add a nice crunch that won’t change the flavor profile of the meal.

8. Garlic

In addition to warding off vampires, garlic also contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria with its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Minced garlic is great sautéed with spinach and a little olive oil for a simple side dish, and minced garlic is also a delicious addition to homemade salsa. Tip: buy garlic pre-minced to save time and mess.

9. Barley and oats

These grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities that have been found to stimulate the immune system. According to a study published in Physiology & Behavior, beta-glucan can help prime the immune system and support resistance against invading pathogens.

Barley is a great addition to soups and salads thanks to its wonderfully chewy texture, and oats can make an easy and nutritious breakfast.

Advertisement

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s ready for you when you wake up, give overnight oats with almond milk a try – a few minutes of quick prep the night before will have breakfast ready and waiting by morning.

10. Fish

Selenium, which is especially plentiful in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs and clams, helps white blood cells produce cytokines-proteins that help clear flu viruses out of the body.

In addition, salmon, mackerel and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation and increase airflow, protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

Mix canned salmon with half a mashed avocado, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, and a spoonful of mayonnaise to make a flavorful and nutrient-dense salmon salad that’s great in a wrap, on a sandwich or simply with crackers.

Advertisement

Takeaways

Boosting your immune system with the foods that you eat is more accessible than you might think – and more important, too.

“Research shows that various nutrient deficiencies – vitamins A, C, E, B, D, selenium, zinc, iron, copper and folic acid – can increase your susceptibility to disease,” said Lydon. “In fact, malnutrition is the most common cause of immune-deficiency in the world, so making sure you’re eating adequately is key for immune health.”

Stock up on these natural illness fighters – mushrooms, sweet potatoes, almonds, yogurt, leafy greens, green and black tea, cabbage, garlic, barley and oats and fish – on your next trip to the grocery store.

Continue Reading

Health

These medications could make driving dangerous, the FDA warns

Published

on

These medications could make driving dangerous, the FDA warns

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

Please enter a valid email address.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

Having trouble? Click here.

It’s become common knowledge that drinking and driving don’t mix — but should you get behind the wheel after popping a pill?

It depends on the type of medication, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Advertisement

While most medicines are safe to take on the go, some may cause side effects that can interfere with the ability to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery, the agency warned in a notice on its website.

AMID KRATOM OVERDOSE CLAIMS, GROUPS CALL FOR REGULATION, BETTER TESTING OF DRUG

These side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, lack of coordination, nausea, inability to focus or pay attention, and excitability, the FDA noted.

“Some medicines can affect your driving for a short time after you take them,” the notice stated. “For others, the effects can last for several hours and even into the next day.”

Some medications may cause side effects that can interfere with your ability to operate a vehicle, the FDA warned. (iStock)

Advertisement

Some medicines come with a warning to not operate a vehicle or operate heavy machinery for a certain period of time after taking them.

MAN DIES AFTER CONSUMING TOO MUCH VITAMIN D AS EXPERTS WARN OF RISKS: ‘CASCADE OF PROBLEMS’

“Many different types of medications — such as antipsychotics, anti-epileptic medications, stimulants, muscle relaxants, opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, some antidepressants, and even over-the-counter medications like antihistamines — can cause side effects that impair mental and motor functions, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, delayed reaction times and visual impairment,” Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company, told Fox News Digital. 

“These side effects significantly reduce alertness and clear vision, which are crucial for safely driving and performing everyday tasks,” she added.

pain medication

Some medicines come with a warning to not operate a vehicle or operate heavy machinery for a certain period of time after taking them. (iStock)

Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, noted that central nervous system depressants can be particularly dangerous for driving — as these medications exert their effects by calming the brain. 

Advertisement

“Side effects associated with this calming include sleepiness, loss of focus and fuzzy thinking,” she told Fox News Digital. 

WHEN SHOULD OLDER DRIVERS HAVE TO STOP DRIVING?

“Common examples of this class are medications for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants), pain (opioids), seizures (anti-seizure medications) and anxiety (benzodiazepines).” 

Two other classes of medications that have sedating effects are antihistamines used for allergy control and anticholinergics used for bladder control and chronic pain, Johnson added.

Medications that don’t mix with driving

The FDA website includes the following list of medications that could make it dangerous to drive.

Advertisement
  • Antipsychotic medicines
  • Anti-seizure medicines (antiepileptic drugs)
  • Diet pills, “stay awake” medicines and other stimulants, including caffeine, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
  • Medicines that treat or control symptoms of diarrhea and urine or bladder control
  • Medicines that treat or prevent symptoms of motion sickness
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Opioids, including some cough suppressants containing codeine and hydrocodone
  • Prescription medicines for anxiety (for example, benzodiazepines)
  • Sleeping pills
  • Some antidepressants
  • Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies and allergy medicines that contain antihistamines, nighttime sleep aids or cough medicines
  • Products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD
Man driving drowsy

Some medication side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, lack of coordination, nausea, inability to focus or pay attention and excitability, the FDA noted. (iStock)

Taking sleep medicines at night can sometimes cause impaired driving the next day, the FDA warned.

“If you take sleep drugs, talk with your health care professional about ways to take the lowest effective dose, when to take the medicines before bedtime, and when it would be safe to drive again after taking a sleep medicine,” the agency advised.

WHY SOME SENIORS SHOULD SIGN ‘DRIVING CONTRACTS’ AND AGREE TO HANG UP THEIR CAR KEYS

Allergy medications may contain antihistamines that can also impede driving ability, the FDA added.

“Antihistamines can slow your reaction time, make it hard to focus or think clearly, and may cause mild confusion even if you don’t feel drowsy.”

Advertisement
Cropped picture of young woman holding a glass with water and pills in her hands

One doctor tells patients to try a new medication when they don’t have plans to drive — so they can see how it affects them and potentially avoid any dangerous situations.  (iStock)

Johnson said the impact of medications on driving abilities may vary from person to person. 

“One person may feel no sleepiness with an antihistamine, while another may feel sleepy the whole day,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“Seeing how a medication affects you is important to know before driving on it.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In her practice, Johnson said she tells her patients to try a new medication when they don’t have plans to drive — so they can see how it affects them and avoid a dangerous situation. 

Advertisement

“The risk of medications impairing driving increases if you are on multiple medications with sedating side effects and with older adults,” she added.

Preventing impaired driving

For those who are taking medications, it’s recommended to consult with a health care professional for guidance related to driving.

For over-the-counter medicines, the agency recommends always following directions for use and reading the warnings on the Drug Facts label. 

Man at doctor

For those taking medications, it’s recommended to consult with a health care professional for guidance related to driving. (iStock)

For prescription medications, the agency recommends following the directions and warnings on packaging, as well as reading the FDA-approved labeling.

“Your health care professional might be able to change your dose, adjust the timing of when you take the medicine, or switch the medicine to one that causes fewer side effects for you,” the FDA stated.

Advertisement

It’s also important to tell your doctor about other medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking, as it’s possible that they could impact any side effects.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Continue Reading

Health

Your Guide to Ozempic and the New Weight-Loss Drugs: Top Experts + Real Women Tell All

Published

on

Your Guide to Ozempic and the New Weight-Loss Drugs: Top Experts + Real Women Tell All



Advertisement


Guide to Ozempic: MD + Real Women on What You Need to Know | Woman’s World
























Advertisement













Advertisement


Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.


Use escape to exit the menu.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending