Breathe Easy

Where has the time gone? I can't not believe it is already time for the new year and time to go back to school. I have had one of the the most blessed years ever, full of ups and downs and I can not wait to bring in 2012 with some of my best friends. Friday I'll be jumping on a plane (yes Buck, a plane... not a bus) heading to San Antonio, Texas. Another good friend and I will be visiting one of our best friends from high school and bringing the new year in. I wish I could say we planned the trip just to plan it, but we just needed to get out there. 


There are no words in my mind to describe my friendship with miss Cortney, and when I first met her in the 8th grade we were nothing short of complete opposites. I was the preppy cheerleader all up in your face with school spirit while she had her black fingernails and sweet black converse on. This did not stop us from becoming the best of friends. When I first learned of her disease, Cystic Fibrosis, I had NO IDEA what the heck it was. She had to crack these weird pills after everything she ate, she could never be around smoke, alcohol was a no-no, purple ribbons were pretty cool to her, and when I went to her house she had to do "therapy". The severity of the disease had yet to strike me purely because she kept such a strong heart and a comedic will. 
Cystic Fibrosis:  a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.-- NCBI

CF affects about 30,000 children and adults in the US--

Each time two carriers of the CF gene have a child, the chances are:

• 25% (1 in 4) the child will have CF;
• 50% (1 in 2) the child will carry the CF gene but not have CF; and
• 25% (1 in 4) the child will not carry the gene and not have CF

I am definitely no expert on CF, but the research I have done on it, and well being with Cortney, proves to be the same. Patients tend to have very thick, salty mucous, frequent appetite, wheezing and shortness of breathe. One mom of two kids with CF describes it this way:

“CF is a genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus throughout the body. People with CF, including babies, can have a hard time getting enough nutrition because of problems with the digestion of their food. The mucus also causes lung problems. The average life expectancy is in the mid-30s and climbing fast due to great medical advances. I have a lot of hope that my kids will outlive me. However, their health depends on many things, including how well they take care of themselves. To me, CF is no longer a death sentence; it’s something that our family simply lives with in order to live life well.”

In the back of my mind, I always knew what was going on with her health. Every time she would cough up mucous, every time we would wake up to a cough attack, or the time we went on a cruise and had to lug her 83265983745lb therapy machine with us on the ship. But, none of it mattered... we always managed to ask someone to stop smoking around us or make sure she had what she needed. She was our best friend. The thing that ALWAYS gets me the most is her. While my friends and I sit here and have this huge pity party about our friend having this life-threatening disease, here is Cort, with a smile.




Meet Cortney.

Cortney is an avid Dr. Pepper drinker, chocolate cake eater, McDonald's lover, swam for her neighborhood swim team, and absolutely loved a good Lil Wayne song. Granted the Dr.Pepper most likely is not the best for her lungs, swimming evened it out just nicely. Swimming provided her a great escape. Yeah, most the time Cort hated it, but her lungs thanked her. I remember coming over to her house, her room was BRIGHT PINK (we painted that one summer day haha) and we would sit on AIM instant messenger all day long...... what we talked about, I am not sure. But, hey from 8th-12th grade it must of fulfilled our lives. Her dad drove us around in his expedition and we listened to JAY-Z, we thought we were SO COOL! Ashlee, her sister would talk to us about boys, her mom would cook us the best Italian food and make sure she did her therapy. Sometimes we would sit in her driveway with friends (boys... yeah we were so cool!) and she would laugh till she had a laughing/coughing attack, then we would run inside and make ramen noodles. You would never know she had this disease, ever. She had some sort of invigorating appeal about her that honestly I can not put into words. She never let CF get her down. She was just another 17-year-old girl with boy issues and worried who she was she was going to take to homecoming. Some of my best middle and high school memories are with Cortney. 


When we said our goodbyes for college, she and her family departed for Texas. Her dad has been apart of the Air Force for years now, and San Antonio was there next destination. We all knew she'd be fine there, she was literally the most outgoing girl we knew, she could talk to a tree if need be. 

So, here we come Cort! We will be popping bottles of Dr.Pepper for NYE!! 

Happy Holidays!

Back in one piece from NYC and must I say that place is one-of-a-kind. For a first trip, I definitely seen it all and tasted even more. From the numerous street vendors with kabobs and honey roasted nuts to the cheese-filled eggplant in Little Italy, New York City seems to have it all. I am nothing short of exhausted from this trip! We packed everyday FULL! We even made it on The Today Show! (Thanks to my boss for that picture!!) It was absolutely freezing, most people could not understand our accents, people walked faster than we do on the treadmill at CRI, and BTW there are NO POWER OUTLETS IN TIME SQUARE if youre wondering. But, I'd go back in a second :) I returned "home" to the boro one day short of Christmas eve and packed as fast as I could so I could race home and see my family and pups! It sure feels good to be home and relaxing!

Today, at lunch, my family and I started to talk about the Christmas spirit and well, what we were thankful for. I am not even sure what brought it up. Christmas time can become so over-whelming with all the giving and spending, things have become so materialized that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost. Even if you are not religious, the holidays are most certainly a time for family and friends, not a time to spend and make sure you get the most expensive gifts, right? I think there is a huge difference in giving from your heart then just buying to buy. I guess something clicked with me as I was taking a tour through NYC and we were in driving through Harlem, notoriously known to contrast the streets of 5th Avenue or Manhattan. I saw a young girl, about age 5, with her mother closely following her. The little girl had a plastic baby cart with what looked like a new purchase in it, frolicking away, looking like she owned the world, not a care in the world and grinning from ear-to-ear. It made me appreciate everything just a little bit more.

So... thank you to everyone who is in my life, deals with the bickering, reads by blogs, helps me with my homework, and just EVERYTHING! I love you all, and EVERYTHING you do. I am so appreciative of it all. Happy Holidays everyone! My mom gave me an early Christmas gift-- a huge cookbook. So lots of recipes to come!

SANTA COMES TONIGHT!

And I'm Off...

In about 4 hours, 99 GSU students and I will be heading to NYC! So, with that being said, I will most likely be away from a computer for about a week. I have never been to the city, so this will mark my first time! I know NOTHING about the subway, how to get around the city, or where anything is... so this should make for an eventful trip. Hopefully the southern hospitality will help a little? (And yes Mr. West, I do have a little common sense to get around, regardless of past events!!) We have tickets to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, which I have wanted to see since I was a little girl. Also, on Tuesday morning we will be on the Today Show! So, turn it on and look for us GSU kids! Other than that, we have the norm planned and I'm sure by the end of the trip I will be nothing short of exhausted. Can't wait to take lots of pictures and eat lots of food!

Be back soon with pictures, wish us luck!!

--Brianna

Can Coffee Really Prevent Some Medications From Working?

Ran across this while I was taking a study break-- Can Coffee Really Prevent Some Medications From Working? It sparked my interest because this summer I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and I began taking levothyroxine to regulate my levels. When beginning this, I had to be very careful with what vitamins I was supplementing with because I also learned that things such as Vitamin D can block the absorption of this drug... something that many women will add to their daily vitamin regiment. Being an avid coffee drinker (THANKS MOM),  I was very interested to read this article. Well, it knocked my medications right on the head. 


It's said that coffee and espresso can have effects on up to 15 different medications! Whether it be inhibiting or enhancing them-- make sure you are aware! Some of the drugs the article highlighted were: levothyroxine, which experienced up to a 55% reduction in absorption (GREAT!!...), alendronate, which is a drug used for osteoporosis, which experienced a drop in absorption, and finally it was found in women coffee drinkers to lower estrogen and other hormones. "A number of these drugs, including some antidepressants,antibiotics and birth control pills, block an enzyme known as CYP1A2, which helps metabolize caffeine."-- NY Times. One study showed that caffeine remained in the body much longer in women who took birth control then women who did not.


I am not knocking caffeine by any means-- I love my coffee in the morning! But, it is just good to be aware how things interact with your medications! Especially now that we are ingesting a lot with finals! Knowledge is power! This will make me think a little more of when I take in my daily cup of Starbucks :) Stay happy and healthy!

Happy Monday! Good Luck with F I N A L S!

Be a Positive Patty!!! De-Stress yourself!

I can't believe the fall semester is coming to a end-- it went by before I could even really appreciate what happen. WHERE DID TIME GO????? But, in honor of the semester concluding, teachers have blessed us with the ever so frightening things we like to call, finals. Along with with finals comes a boat-load of stress, self-doubt, pity-parties, and numerous break downs about your life/major (all in about a two week span might I add). Of course stress is a part of everyday life and learning to deal with it is something we learn as we go, but I thought with the extra amounts this week, I would research the topic and look over some healthy stress relievers. :)

Naturally, exercise was number one on just about everything I could read. Taking time to release those happy endorphins is one of the best things we can do. Not only will you be able to step away from the books for a little, but it will help relieve your mind, get your body moving, and your heart pumping. The APA says, “Biologically, exercise seems to give the body a chance to practice dealing with stress. It forces the body's physiological systems--all of which are involved in the stress response--to communicate much more closely than usual: The cardiovascular system communicates with the renal system, which communicates with the muscular system. And all of these are controlled by the central and sympathetic nervous systems, which also must communicate with each other.”


So how about something we all love... food. Starting out with carbohydrates-- which prompt our brain to produce more levels of serotonin. We always want to choose complex carbs, because they take longer to digest! They also can stabilize your blood sugar which can help avoid spikes or crashes. So, how about adding some Magnesium to your diet? Magnesium helps you avoid headaches and fatigue (common things that happen when I study!). Spinach, edamame, or salmon are all good sources! Try some blueberries, which are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help with stress-related oxidation that occurs in your body... aka: it will help fight off the bad guys!


Take a break. I know its hard for me to do much less write! But, just taking a break sometimes when you feel overwhelmed with a task is the best thing to do. Surrounding yourself with people you love, and people that make you laugh helps as well. Laughter really is the best medicine. Studies have been shown that it improves blood flow to the heart while at same time lowering overall tension. So grab a funny movie and your best friend, and take a break!


F R E S H AIR! What is worse than being cooped up in the library all day, or sitting in an office while life passes you by outside? Just taking a second to step outside, breathe the F R E S H air can really make a difference!

ZZZZZZ!!! Sleep does wonders for the body. So hard to come by these days, yet so good for the body. How great do you feel after you got in a nap? Or got to sleep for 10 hours? Sleeping lets the body and mind rest. I can't be hypocritical here and say I have never pulled an all-nighter to study, because I definitely have... but I 100% feel awful the next day. "Neuroscientists now believe sleep is not only crucial to brain development, but is also necessary to help consolidate the effects of waking experience – by converting memory into more permanent and/or enhanced forms."-- The Franklin Institute


Most of all, believe in your self. I'm not sure how many times I have said, "I'm gonna fail this test," or "They would never even consider me for that position." It is all about removing anything negative in your life, having faith in yourself, and being thankful for what has been done that day. In one day alone, you have to think about ALL the tasks we as college students, mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives get done. If you believe you'll fail, then indeed you will... so be the best you can be, with the biggest smile on your face. Today is the day.


Yah know, it is amazing to me how much stress can affect our bodies. Two things come to my mind-- Siesta in Italy and Blue Zones. While studying abroad in Italy I learned about a little thing call "Siesta". Pretty much the whole country shuts down for about 2 or 3 hours in the middle of the day. The citizens take this time to do whatever they would like- whether it be have a long lunch, shop, nap, or do absolutely nothing. Another factor contributing to their overall health. Also, something I did not touch on in the blog, because it is so huge, is meditation. If you read my blog, you previously read about Blue Zones. In just about every blue zone, meditation was a part of life. Possibly contributing to their longer life? I would answer yes, but that's just me.

Stay happy and healthy-- now it is time for me to go to bed!

Good luck with the first day of finals everyone!

Sunshine

I feel like it has been some time since I have written. Well, I am still alive... I am not sure if I am making it, BUT I'M ALIVE. Finals are nothing short but killing me, and I am A/B border in 2 or 3 of my classes which does not make me happy. But, I guess that is life and you learn to deal with it. This week, a good friend told me I reminded him of sunshine, made me feel good. It reminded me that my actions influence people, so why be negative? Having a smile and a positive attitude is always best!

I wish I could tell you I was going to write this amazing post about a healthy topic, and to be quite honest... I started one, then I forgot my book at home. FAIL. It has been one of those weeks where my head just seems to be in another place. But, if you quizzed me on the male/female reproductive system or how to calculate carbohydrate exchanges, I'd sure know how to do that! I hope everyone is getting through and staying strong! I love all of you, we can do this! :) It is almost the best time of the year! We can go home, be stress-free, be with our friends and family... and the best part of it all is that there will be NO SCHOOL for one month.

Stay focused! Most of all, stay happy and healthy! 

LOVE YOU ALL!

Arsenic... in my juice??

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Proud to be a Georgia Southern Eagle! With another win, we will be heading to the third round of playoffs! It was a good friend of mine, Emmy's, 21st birthday!  But, on a more serious note... I found this article this morning and thought I would share. I am always so interested in what the FDA will allow in our food and drink. This time, Arsenic, in our fruit juices, specially apple juice.
Various brands of apple juice and apple sauce were tested and unfortunately one sample of Mott’s Apple Juice registered 55 parts per billion of arsenic. What is the big deal you ask? 55 parts per billion is more than five times the level of arsenic that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows in drinking water. Read on...
Originally on Dr. Oz, this issue has sparked quite the controversy. Catching heat from the FDA after he announced the high levels of Arsenic in apple juice, the FDA has said they will now regulate this more. After this was announced, a consumer group by the name of Consumer Union, published a report on more than 80 juices (most being apple juice). They found that more than 10% had higher levels of arsenic that the FDA had approved, and that one-fourth of the samples had higher levels of arsenic in it that bottled water.
"Arsenic levels in apple juice reached as high as 14 parts per billion, or ppb, and the highest level in grape juices hit nearly 25 ppb. The tap water standard is 10 ppb and bottled water is 5 ppb. No FDA limit currently exists for juice — there's only a "level of concern" set at 23 ppb."-- The Salt


"We calculated that level so that if a child drank 4 to 6 ounces of juice daily, they would be under the daily limit of arsenic intake," Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union. "It would give them a one in 1000 risk for skin, bladder and lung cancer."

Okay, well I'm not sure what child drinks 4-6 ounces of juice per day... that's not even equivalent to 1 CUP (8 oz). In the case that children drink way more juice then recommended, where is the FDA in regulating these levels of arsenic?

How is this stuff getting in our juice?

"It could be from pesticides lingering in the soil or the water used throughout the juice-making process," according to Denise Wilson, associate professor at the University of Washington. "Arsenic is like ice cream to apple trees." 
Being that now most of our concentrate for juices comes from China, where pesticide regulation is far less than anywhere else, could this be the culprit? We are importing more than ever from China, with only 2% being inspected. With a majority of these products going straight to our children, do you want to take the risk?

YAY FDA, yet again, no surprise in what your regulating.#MAJORLETDOWN.

Hey, ladies and gents, its almost break! I know this week is going to be tough, but lets buckle down and get through it!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Burn Out

So, last night marks my first complete breakdown about my internship. I don't know if it is finals coming up, or calculating my grades to find out that I'm not going to get the A I wanted... something about yesterday just set me off. My good friend and fellow nutrition major wrote about this in her blog just the other day. I walked in to class to find her not as cheery, and not with her typical big beautiful smile. It is this time of the year all of us nutrition majors (well, and every major for that matter) start to freak out about our grades. Our teachers can never emphasize enough how important your grades and resume will look to an internship. The competition between ourselves and other students is not something you think would be in our major. "Oh you're nutrition, you deal with celery and carrots, carbs, and sugars all day... right?" Yeah, that is what I thought too, till I reached my biochemistry class, scheduled my metabolic and medical nutrition therapy classes, not all fun and games anymore.

Our ultimate goal as dietetics students is to get the acceptance letter saying that we have received an internship. The internship most likely unpaid and we will actually pay them. I know Emory is around 30,000 to intern. THEN, if we get the internship and finish it with our heads still attached, THEN we can sit for our RD exam. Hopefully at this point we would pass, and head on out into the grown-up world. Brianna Dumas, MS, RD, LD <---- I'll take that any day!

Last night it hit me that in one semester I am going to making these decisions, where will I go, and will I even get an internship? I can not tell you how much I love what I do, of course it gets stressful at times, but when I sit down and think about it, I wouldn't do anything else. I want to help people for the rest of my life. Whether it be in a small way or something as big as joining the Peace Corp. I want to help and I will stop at nothing to do this. These are the times I get down about things but I know my ultimate goal and I know I need to get there. Also, I need to remember that I am not alone... every person in my major and well every nutrition student around the country, feels the exact same way.
"Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery." -Anne Frank 

Maybe I need to get a massage, go on a run, or just simply take some time for myself. I need to quit doubting myself and realize this is my passion, it definitely shines though.

On a good note-- I have blessed to be given the opportunity of joining the 2012 SOAR team here at Georgia Southern. Our football team will be in the second round of playoffs tomorrow and I'll be heading to NYC soon with some good friends. Learning to see what we are most thankful for and appreciating those things is something I cant thank my mom enough for teaching me. I CAN DO THIS!

Carpe Diem. TGIF!!