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  • Can drinking water help you lose weight? Here are some tips on how to get more water in your day

    Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Water is the driving force of all nature.” I can’t explain to you how true this really is. Water is your body's main chemical component, and makes up about 60% of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water.

    How much water do we really need?

    Eight 8-ounce glasses per day, right?! Well, maybe not. This magical number has no real scientific data behind it. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) did an extensive review of evidence and concluded that the combination of thirst and usual drinking behavior is adequate to maintain normal hydration. However, because water needs vary considerably, and because there is no evidence of chronic dehydration in the general population, a minimum intake of water cannot be set. Based on the average total water intake from U.S. survey data, the IOM set guidelines for an Adequate Intake (AI) for adults aged 19-30 years as follows: Women: approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water each day Men: approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of total water each dayAn individual’s water requirements can fluctuate greatly, even on a day-to-day basis, depending on physical activity, environmental conditions, diet, and medical status. People who are very physically active, or who are exposed to high temperatures, typically require increased fluid intake. Specialty diets may also increase fluid needs in order to lessen the burden on the kidneys and liver by helping to excrete waste products.

  • The Sweet Truth About Sugar Substitutes

    Cakes, pies and cookies, oh my! Did you know that Americans consume 165 pounds of sugar each year? Along with this sweet habit comes an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, and obesity. In 2009, the American Heart Association recommended that women reduce their added sugar intake to less than six teaspoons (25 grams) per day, and men less than nine teaspoons (37 grams) per day. Just to put that in perspective, a 12-ounce can of regular soda contains about eight teaspoons of sugar. With these new recommendations, it’s no wonder sugar substitute use is on the rise. But how do you know which one is the safest for you and your family?

    Artificial sweeteners

    Artificial sweeteners are chemically manufactured molecules, which may be derived from naturally occurring substances (herbs or sugar itself), and added to sweetened foods and beverages in place of table sugar (sucrose). They are sometimes referred to as “intense sweeteners” as they can be thousands of times sweeter than sugar. Because of this, dextrose and/or maltodextrin (easily digested carbohydrates) are added to dilute the sweetness in food products.

  • Are You at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

    Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted repeatedly, sometimes hundreds of times, during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central.

  • How a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspired a Career Change: Ronda’s Story

    In 2002, Ronda Sapache, a 35-year-old maternal homecare nurse, faced the shock of a lifetime. Despite no family history surrounding the disease, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I put off having the mammogram for a few months; I almost didn’t go through with it. But this little voice in my head told me told me to get the exam,” says Ronda of her diagnosis. “I am so glad I did it then. Any sooner and they might not have caught it; any later and I might not be here today.”

  • Don't let breast cancer sneak up on you! You may be at risk for triple-negative breast cancer

    It is safe to say that most women are very aware of their risk of developing breast cancer—we can thank the Susan G. Komen Foundation and their pink ribbons for that one! What some of us may not know, however, is that breast cancer does not take just one form, but actually possesses many different subtypes. Lately, doctors have been alarmed to notice one specific subtype popping up more and more in their patients—in women who didn’t even suspect that they had breast cancer!

  • Finding a second chance at life through surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia: Carol’s story

    One morning in February 2012, Carol Lang awoke as usual at her home in Trenton, Florida, about 30 miles west of Gainesville. Except, something was off.

  • Reducing breast cancer risk with early diet changes

    The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) estimates that 38 percent of all breast cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented with simple changes to diet and exercise. We are also learning that adult breast health is largely determined during the adolescent years, when the breast tissue is developing and is most susceptible to nutritional and environmental influences. Research shows that the consumption of certain foods during the breast development process may actually change its physiology, thereby making it more or less inclined to developing cancer in the future. Although the mechanisms of action are not yet completely understood, clinical evidence has shown that there are a few basic dietary practices that appear to be protective in the development of breast cancer.

  • Personal Prescriptions: Clinical trial explores new targets for treating advanced breast cancer

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States and worldwide. When diagnosed early, it has more than a 90% cure rate. Yet, even when breast cancer spreads outside the breast and becomes metastatic, women may survive many years on effective therapy. When deciding how to treat breast cancer, the breast profile, or “phenotype,” guides oncologists to select the treatment options most likely to control the cancer and maybe even get rid of it altogether.

    So how do we do that?

    Currently, we determine the phenotype by measurement of the presence or absence of Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, and the Her2neu growth factor receptor on cancer cells.  Scientists are also studying other biologic features of cancer cells to look for new “targets” to improve therapy. For patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer that is Estrogen Receptor or Progesterone Receptor positive, our standard of care is to initiate estrogen-blocking or estrogen-lowering treatment called “endocrine therapy.” If the cancer is life threatening, or vital organ function is being compromised, then chemotherapy is often initiated first to get control of the cancer, followed by endocrine therapy.  Examples of endocrine therapy include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, ovarian suppression, fulvestrant and a new drug on the market, everolimus.  In 2012, the FDA approved everolimus (a drug that blocks a critical pathway in cancer cells) after research and clinical trials showed a significant improvement in the response to the combination of exemestane plus everolimus, versus using exemestane alone. This drug is now used for women with advanced estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.

    A new clinical trial at UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health

    We have just started a new clinical trial (research study) at UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health that explores another target, the PI3K pathway. PI3K stands for phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase. This is an important enzyme in normal cells that regulates multiple functions of cells. It appears to play a critical role in the crossroads of the intricate molecular messaging that occurs in cancer cells. In this clinical trial, we are testing BKM120, an oral medication that targets the PI3K pathway. This trial will look at whether or not this oral medication, combined with fulvestrant (another cancer fighting medication), may help to combat a patient's cancer.

    Women are eligible for the trial if they:

    Are 18 years or older with a biopsy proven diagnosis of breast cancer and tumor tissue available for special studies. Have inoperable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer Have Estrogen Receptor or Progesterone Receptor positive phenotype and are Her2neu receptor negative Are postmenopausal Have been treated with aromatase inhibitors (anastrazole, letrozole, or exemustane) and their disease has progressed or recurred Have adequate liver function, good control of blood sugar, and adequate heart function without irregular heart rhythm Have not received more than one type of chemotherapy for metastatic disease and do not have symptoms from central nervous system metastases Do not have significant psychiatric disorder, major depression, major anxiety, or thoughts of suicidePatients who choose to enter clinical trials are given complete information regarding the details of the trial, the safety issues, and the opportunity to withdraw from the trial at any time without consequences. The process of educating patients so that they can decide whether to participate is called the “informed consent process.” Federal guidelines spell out the process for entering patients on clinical trials, the FDA approves and receives reports about the trial, a Safety Committee monitors trial safety, and Institutional Review Boards oversee the protection of the rights and welfare of research patients.

    My Personal Prescription:

    If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, ask your consultant about available clinical trials and your eligibility.

  • As we age, our diets need to change! Dawn Napoli provides dietary recommendations for women by age group

    In your 20s

    It’s important to remember that what you are eating in your 20s can set you up for eating habits throughout your whole adult life.

  • Travel Vaccinations 101: Things to Know Before you Go

    Vaccinations are a highly debated topic among parents and travelers alike. Getting immunized against potential diseases when you are traveling the world is an individual decision that you need to make with the help of a travel medicine professional.