500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in the US – that's 182,460 new cases in the US every year. Through research, they've discovered that 38% of all breast cancer cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes alone. Imagine preventing 69,335 cases of breast cancer a year. Not only saving women's lives, but also saving thousands of women the agony of treatment and surgery!!!

Research also shows we can prevent over a third of many other common cancers, including 45 percent of all colon cancers.

It is hoped that future generations may never know the pain and suffering of cancer. Recommendations:

• Choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and avoid processed meat.
• Be physically active every day in any way for 30-minutes or more.
• Aim for a healthy weight throughout life.
• And always remember…do not smoke!

- American Institute for Cancer Research

The Herb Gardening website contains a directory of 20 favorite herbs with planting and care information and helpful ideas about preserving herbs. Go to: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/herbs/

While we often think of milk as a food for growing young children, many of us forget that we, as adults, need to consume adequate amounts of milk and calcium-rich foods. It is true that by age 20 most of the bone-building has been done; our bodies need a continuous supply of calcium to keep strong, healthy bones throughout life.

Our bones change constantly. Calcium is taken out or the bone and used for various functions in our bodies. Calcium is put back into the bones from the foods we eat. In order for our bodies to use the calcium we consume, we also need other nutrients including vitamin D and phosphorus.

If we do not consume calcium-rich foods, the calcium that is taken from the bone can result in "brittle bone disease" or osteoporosis. Individuals who have osteoporosis are at risk for broken bones which can be life-threatening as we age.

Both men and women are at risk for osteoporosis.

For men age 25-65 and women age 25-50, consuming 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day is recommended. For all adults over age 65 the amount goes up to 1,200 milligrams per day.

Besides consuming enough calcium, weight-bearing exercises such as walking can help keep bones strong. Remember though, before you begin any type of physical activity, check with your physician to make sure that the exercise is appropriate for you.

So how do you get 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day?

• One 8-ounce glass of milk (skim, 2%, or whole) contains about 300 milligrams of calcium.
• One cup of plain yogurt, low-fat has about 415 milligrams; fruit flavored has about 315 milligrams
• One cup of calcium fortified soy-milk has 250-300 milligrams of calcium
• One ounce (about a 1" square cube) of cheddar cheese has 205 milligrams of calcium
• Three-fourths cup of calcium-fortified orange juice has 225 milligrams of calcium
• Three ounces of salmon canned with edible bones has about 205 milligrams of calcium
• One-half cup of pudding has about 150 milligrams of calcium
• One-half cup of broccoli or kale has 45 milligrams of calcium
• Other foods have varying amounts of calcium, so you can see that if you eat a variety of foods from all of the food groups, you should be able to meet your calcium needs every day!

A word or two about calcium supplements:

• Not all supplements are the same – read the labels.
• Do not buy supplements with dolomite or bone meal – they may contain lead.
• Remember they are a supplement – not intended to replace all food sources.
• If you take more than one tablet a day – take them at different times.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not take calcium and iron supplements at the same time.

- Shirley Camp, Extension Educator

Do you ever notice how some people always seem get the best tables, the most helpful sales people and that nobody ever messes up their food order?
Is it just good karma? Or are they doing something different than the rest of us who find ourselves dealing with distracted desk clerks and surly wait staff.
Animate: Model the attitude you want. If you want a happy ride, get in happy. Most riders are rushed and curt, so simply showing up with a smile will differentiate you.
Appreciate: Express gratitude right up front. Start off saying, "Thank you for being my driver." This sets the stage for a more professional interaction.
Affirm: After you've thanked your driver say, "Here's where I'm going; do you know where that is?" And when the driver says yes, say "Terrific, I'm dealing with a professional."
Elevate: Raise the transaction to a partnership by saying, "I bet you've seen some incredible things as a driver."
This approach can be used in restaurants, hotels and even gas stations. Remember to praise people in advance, and model the attitude you want back. You will get better meals, cleaner rooms, and even eager-to-please taxi drivers!
HINT: If you're surly and not talking, that's exactly how people are going to treat you. If companies are too short-sighted to train their people how to approach us, we'll have to show them how we want it done.