A second chance: one woman's life mission to be healthy.

After a career in corporate America and a tragic accident, local nutrition and fitness enthusiast, Susan Gazerro inspires others to get well and stay well.

Sue's passion for pursuing a healthy lifestyle began in her early twenties. She started her path to health by simply running a quarter mile everyday and eventually reaching 3 miles per day. Even though physical exercise is an important aspect of healthy living, Susan also began to incorporate balanced eating and a positive attitude to her daily activities.

Her exposure to the busy lifestyle that many Americans lead made her realize that not having enough time for yourself can have a negative affect on your overall health and well-being. After seeing so many people in an unhealthy situation, at the young age of 35, Sue became a fitness instructor in order to inspire others to attain cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

In June of 2007, she was involved in a life-threatening automobile accident that left her in a coma with severe brain injuries. Physicians said that had she not been at her peak level of health and fitness her recovery process would have been much more difficult if not impossible. Susan attributes much of her successful recovery to the help of her friends and family and to her desire to pursue a life as a fitness and health educator.

Susan focuses on eating all-natural and healthy foods on a daily basis and believes that all the health that we need can come from consuming organic and balanced meals. Additionally, incorporating movement and exercise is important in attaining and maintaining a naturally healthy lifestyle. Gazerro states that "exercise and natural, healthy foods are not only part of [her] everyday routine-- they are a priority."

When asked to summarize her life mission in relation to health and fitness, Gazerro stated that she wants to show others how to be "as active as your body allows, to eat as healthy as possible without depriving yourself, and to simply feel good so you can enjoy life."

Additionally, physical health and fitness go hand-in-hand with mental health. Susan believes that it is important for individuals to use a healthy lifestyle to build a sound mind and body so that you can endure the "ups and downs" of life.

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Susan Gazerro has been a fitness instructor for over 10 years and is certified by the National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC). If you would like to learn more about her passion and mission, click here.

Susan currently teaches classes at Five Alarm Fitness in Johnston, Rhode Island and is offering a promotional personal training session for new members. Click here for more details about the promotion.

Photos: Courtesy of Susan Gazerro and Five Alarm Fitness

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A local on-line fitness and health endeavor: "AHappierHealthierCommunity.com"

Local nutrition and fitness enthusiast, Susan Gazerro, helped to launch an on-line community to educate and inspire others to pursue a healthy and physically fit lifestyle.

When asked what inspires her to inform others about fitness and well-being, Gazerro said, "the pleasure I get from seeing people improve their overall well-being. When I know that I have contributed to someone's outlook on life, it fulfills me."

Recently, A Happier Healthier Community (AHHC) was launched to offer support in attaining and maintainng a healthy lifestyle---naturally. AHHC provides workout videos, support, motivation, and information on nutritional and health issues that enable people to build strong minds and healthy bodies.

The website was developed to bring together health experts with those interested in health-related topics and physical fitness. Everyone can benefit from joining the AHHC. For instance, members of AHHC have access to Sue Gazerro's weekly webcasts with workouts and various special guests that provide information on topics related to health and fitness. Suegazerrolive.com offers free live, weekly workouts every Saturday at 12:00pm EST that are added to her blog on AHHC each week.

Members have access to a variety of exercise routines without going to a gym. Additionally, the workouts are pre-recorded on the blog at AHHC so that if you are unable to watch it live you still have an opportunity to workout. Also, there are special guests every few weeks that discuss different health topics prior to the workout. The show is one hour and it begins with a health-related discussion followed by a fun, full body workout. For example, on November 14th Sue hosted a local massage therapist that spoke about the importance of massage therapy when you are leading an active lifestyle.

AHHC encourages individuals to a find well-being in body and soul. Susan believes that attitude is important in achieving your physical and mental fitness goals. She states that "the mind controls everything including your physical being. When you have your mind set on doing something everything else follows."

To join, go to ahappierhealthiercommunity.com and click on Become a Member--It is FREE!

If you are interested in learning more about Susan Gazerro click here. She is also offering a promotional personal training session with new memberships at Five Alarm Fitness in Johnston, Rhode Island. Find out more about this promotion by visiting clicking here.

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Photo and Video: AHappierHealthierCommunity.com

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): look for more than a lump.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Women and even men with an IBC diagnosis have a higher mortality rate than those with other types of breast cancer. Therefore, it is important that IBC is diagnosed rapidly and accurately in order for treatment to have a significant effect. IBC does not present the same way in every case. It is imperative that individuals and practitioners not dismiss any abnormal female or male breast symptom(s).



One or more of the following are typical symptom(s) of IBC:

• Swelling,which may come suddenly, sometimes a cup size in a few days
• Itching
• Pink, red, or dark colored area (called erythema) sometimes with texture similar to the skin of an orange (called peau d’orange)
• Ridges and thickened areas of the skin
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge, may or may not be bloody
• Breast is warm to the touch and radiates heat
• Breast pain (from a constant ache to stabbing pains)
• Change in color and texture of the areola

You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. It is importatant that individuals seek various interpretations of their mammograms and/or ultrasounds. Inflammatory breast cancer can grow in nests or sheets, rather than a solid tumor. Most often, IBC is not visible in either mammography or ultrasonography.

For more information: Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation http://www.ibcresearch.org
Photo: Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation

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Levine PH, Steinhorn SC, Ries LG, Levine AJ: Inflammatory breast cancer: The experience of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. J Natl Cancer Inst 1985;74:291-297.

Chang, S., Parker, S. L., Pham, T., Buzdar, A., and Hursting, S. D. Trends and patterns of inflammatory breast cancer: The experience of the National Cancer Institute’s SEER Program from 1975 to 1992. Cancer 82(12), 2366-2372. 1998.

Genetic link to a rare but deadly form of breast cancer.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) was first seen in 1924 and continues to perplex researchers, geneticists, and oncologist. Only recently have genetic markers been linked to this rare form of breast cancer. IBC is one of the most atypical and hard-hitting forms of breast cancer. Oftentimes it is misdiagnosed as mastitis, a rash, or localized bacterial infection. Women may dismiss the signs of IBC as it does not present as a lump like most women are told to look for in other forms of breast cancer. IBC has a higher mortality rate and increased rate of metastases. IBC is typically seen with some sypmptoms like inflammation in the breast tissue with radiating heat and sometimes a skin rash. The inflammation is a result of cancer cells and tumors blocking lymphatic ducts in the surrounding breast tissue.

More research specific to IBC has been conducted in the past ten years than ever before but IBC continues to be a medical anomaly. Yet, there has been promising genetic research in recent news. Researcher Sofia Merjerver, M.D., PhD., codirector of a breast cancer research program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her team located two genes that present one way in IBC versus other cells.

Furthermore, at the New York University Cancer Institute, researchers have identified a new gene called eIF4G1 that may be a potential genetic marker in those affected by IBC. Drs. Schneider and Silvera found that in the 37 IBC tumors biopsied “over 80% of the IBC tumors” had an over expression of this gene (Rowan 2009). Investigators continue to look for genetic changes linked specfically to IBC.

For more information: Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation http://www.ibcresearch.org/ ; More than a lump:IBC

(Rowan. JNCI. 7 October 2009.)

Government halting production of natural thyroid drugs.

Recently, Major Pharmaceuticals issued a press release stating that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required them to cease production of a century old treatment option, a naturally dessicated thyroid drug , due to a change in FDA regulatory procedures.

Under their "Unapproved Drugs Campaign", the FDA is eliminating the regulations that previously allowed the production and distribution of these effective drugs. It has been reported that this action could have caused the shut down of manufacturing at two other firms. Additionally, the bioidentical hormone medications, which include Armour Thyroid and Nature-Throid, are on back-order at several other distributors. Ironically, there's also been a report of a national shortage of the Thyroid USP, the porcine desiccated thyroid raw material used to create the pills. No official information has been released by the FDA about the future of these prescriptions.

Use of these drugs formulations began at the turn of the 20th century, they never went through the various drug application processes that the FDA instituted because the drugs were already on the market. Thyroid patients have anecdotally reported that these prescriptions have fewer side effects and increased efficacy. Research results showed that patients with hypothyroidism may have improved brain activity and overall mood in comparison to those patients on Synthroid (thyroxine), the commonly prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone. (Bunevicius et al., 1999)

Health practitioners and patients have come together to strategize on keeping these much needed drugs on the market. The FDA is threatening a consumer's right to choose a natural treatment option.

Individuals concerned about availability of these drugs or the health of their thyroid should read more from About.com's thyroid expert Mary Shomon and the Save Natural Thyroid Coaltion.

(New England Journal of Medicine;1999;340:424-429)

For more info: Shortage Update

Best local eatery: The Liberty Elm Diner

Photo: urbanspoon

Combining wholesome local farm-fresh food with a cozy at-home feel is a difficult task but has been mastered by The Liberty Elm Diner in Providence, Rhode Island. Not so keen to the naked eye, situated in a lunch car diner turned cafe on the south side of Providence, this fantastic women-owned eatery is by far the epitome of righteous home-cooking.

A part of their mission is to support the use of local and regional products. There's always a thrill of choice that awaits a customer at the ever changing chalkboard of specials which include fresh, healthy and handcrafted items. Your body will thank you after consuming full-bodied fair trade coffee, fresh squeezed juices, delectable soups and salads, various baked goods, and more.

Not only do they buy locally but they also support the surrounding neighborhood in South Providence with the "1% for Trees" program in which 1% of profits go to purchase disease resistant species of Dutch Liberty Elm trees for Elmwood Avenue.

The Liberty Elm Diner is not only a place for those desiring a wholesome meal but is also a local coffee retreat with affordable prices, community inspired art, music, and free wi-fi.

The mantra of this fine establishment encompasses honest and nutritious comfort food coupled with friendly faces and service. If you're looking for a real neighborhood experience chock full of organic, veracious, and local edibles then The Liberty Elm should be number one on the eatery destination list.

Photo: FarmFresh.org - Farm Fresh RI

For more info: urbanspoon; Farm Fresh -The Liberty Elm

The Activator: gentle and effective chiropractic method

From shaking your head, to walking, and sleeping, all of your daily activities are in someway regulated by the spinal column and the body's nervous system. Chiropractors are the only trained and certified health professionals capable of appropriately diagnosing as well as treating spinal misalignment.

Vertebral subluxation, also known as spinal dislocation, is often ignored or misinterpreted by patients and health providers.Oftentimes, treatment is avoided by back-pain suffers for fear that the only solution to their condition is surgery.

The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) was developed in 1967 by Warren Lee, DC and Arlan Fudr, DC as a low-impact instrument based methodology. An AMCT patient will not experience the negative jerking and pulling that people negatively associate with chiropractic care. Patients will experience a gentle and precise low force adjustment with the AMCT research-based tool.

The Activator method is especially great for older patients or those with osteoporosis and arthritis. Even if you're not in this category, AMCT is an ideal option for everyone. Using the Activator tool, AMCT practitioners apply force to vertebrae that are moving improperly. The goal of treatment is to reduce the subluxation in order to decrease nerve pain, muscle spasm, and ultimately increase range of motion.

Chiropractic adjustments are often associated with a cracking which is the release of gas in the spinal and skeletal joints. Many Activator patients will tell you that they do not hear this audible noise because this method is so exact and fast. The handheld Activator instrument was created as an alternative to the twisting, turning, and thrusting of traditional chiropractic sessions.

Just like going to the dentist to prevent tooth decay, seeing a chiropractor addresses the daily stress that your spine withstands. Look for an AMCT trained provider in your area, your vertebrae will thank you.