MALE BREAST CANCER-ARE YOU AWARE?

“Sir- You have BreastCancer”! You don’t hear these words very often and most people don’t even know that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most men don’t even think they have breast- they’re pecks aren’t they!?

Breast tissue and ducts in a male begins to form during puberty with the on set of hormones including estrogen important for bones; another surprise to men, yes, they do have estrogen. It’s not just women who have to deal with this hormone and hot flashes! The growth of breast tissue shortly subsides as testosterone suppresses the tissue growth leaving predominantly small, undeveloped ducts and a small amount of fat and tissue. However if breast tissue continues to develop medical attention may be needed for a diagnosis of Gynecomastia.

So why doesn’t a man at his yearly check up (hopefully you are having one!) while being checked for prostate cancer, or recommended for a colonoscopy, receive a breast exam? Or be taught how to perform a male self-breast examination? The same reason I suppose that many people in the health fields don’t even know that men can be diagnosed with this “woman’s” disease. The sad part is that because no one is looking, often men receive a diagnosis that is too far progressed and is often fatal. Most doctors’ offices take a medical history, so they know if there is a family history of breast cancer. Men need to be informed of their risk factors just like a sister or daughter would be. In 2012 there were over 2200 cases of male breast cancer and over 400 deaths. Most cases of male breast cancer are detected between the ages of 60-70 although the condition can develop in men of any age. The risk of a man developing breast cancer is approximately 1/10 of 1%, or one in 1,000.  The numbers may be small in comparison to women, but this should not make them any less important!  The statistics may actually be skewed as it is likely cancer found elsewhere in men may have begun in the breast however it had already spread to another area before being diagnosed.

Symptoms in men can include an onset of a mass; Skin dimpling or puckering, Nipple retraction, Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin or Nipple discharge. Most men might ignore some of these symptoms not even thinking they could have breast cancer. It’s important to be aware of any changes in your body and consult your physician should you have any concerns. A Mammogram, Breast MRI, Ultrasound or Biopsy would be the next steps to determine if you have Male breast cancer.

My brother, a Male BreastCancer Survivor, received this diagnosis and could not believe how little information there was available for him. Even his oncologist and the medical staff he came in contact with were not sure of the best ways to treat him, so they treated him like a woman. The technologist was shocked when he arrived for his mammogram, a man? !! And most people in the doctor’s offices thought he was there for his wife, instead of his wife being there to support him! Between us we have 5 sons and knew we had to do something to make a change.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was founded to help bring education and awareness of Male Breast Cancer. HIS has been an outlet for men to discuss their diagnosis, share their journey and to learn they are not alone with this disease.  Most importantly, we have brought awareness to men, wives, sisters, girlfriends and some of the medical world to watch, perform breast examinations, make choices in their lifestyle knowing their risk, and hopefully save some lives.

Modah Ani- I am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

DO YOU OWN YOUR ILLNESS?

Do you own your illness? Does it define who you are or what you are about? Do you think about the diagnosis you received, battle and hopefully have won as part of your daily life?
I hope there is more to a person than a diagnosis received.  Yes, it is a part of our life, but it is not who or what we are.  Speaking (writing) as a person who received a diagnosis of breast cancer 4 times, I know this is not ‘who’ I am or ‘what’ I am! It was a diagnosis! It was something in my body that I have removed, destroyed and will live my life everyday to the best of my ability to make sure it does not return. Do I think about it? Of course, often! Do I worry about it? I choose not to, what good will it do anyway? Thinking and worrying are two very different things.

We can put much of our energy into worrying but this is only negative energy and is not healthy, and will not change anything for the better. It has been proven that negative energy can have a negative effect on your health by lowering the immune system.  If we look into the future with positive thoughts, live for today and make plans for the future, then we are telling our bodies we will not accept disease- go find somewhere else to live! You are not welcome here!

This is how I choose to live my life. I take my health seriously. I do what is needed to be pro-active by getting checked twice a year (with Mammogram and MRI) along with self checks. I do my best to make healthy choices in the foods that I eat (organic when possible), the supplements  I take (many) to support a healthy environment and healthy cells. I exercise, I meditate as needed, surround myself with like minded-positive thinking people, take time for myself and I plan. I plan for the future because I ‘expect’ to be here, to do things and live my life the best that I can with my friends and of course, my wonderful family.  I find it difficult to be around people who focus on the negative, the “woe is me” person.  We all at some point in our life have or will experience difficult times. No one goes through life unscathed. Some maybe more than others  feel like they have more crap, but maybe that is just what is needed to appreciate the high times in life.  Whatever the reason is, we cannot question.  I believe no matter how much we may not understand when it happens, things do happen for a reason and something good will come from something bad. This is just how life works. One of my favorite books is When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner.

The past couple of weeks I was surrounded by a great deal of illness of people who I care about. A girlfriend diagnosed with Stage 2-3 Breast Cancer, my brother hospitalized for a week, and a high school girlfriend who passed away. My girlfriend with breast cancer, 37 years ago I watched her battle Ovarian Cancer and today has a beautiful husband and adopted son who will be there along with her friends to support her through this and she has remained strong and steadfast.I am very proud of her!  Our high school girlfriend who has dealt with illness for many years, spent her days, enjoying life with her family, and hopefully it will be those wonderful memories that her daughter will hold on to now.   And my brother, who will rise again and find his strength, because that is what we do. Illness is all around us, there is no escape from it and there is way too much of it. It is a part of our life, but it does not have to define our life.

I believe it is ‘a choice’ one makes to live this way. Others who worry, will my disease return or what will be the next illness, they are not living life. They are living death; waiting for the next bad thing to happen.  I knew people who lived like this, and in the end, what they thought would be their demise, ended up to be something completely different, sometimes not even illness related but an accident.  The hours, days and energy spent worrying, is wasted, useless time and would be better off spent being put to positive use such as planning your next day off or vacation, or out for a fine dinner or shopping day, or spending time with someone you care about, anything that brings pleasure.

So how does one bring them-self to take away those negative thoughts and not become or own their disease, to take charge of their body and mind? There are so many options to list; Support Groups, Personal Therapist, Inspirational Reading or Audio Books, Humor Books, Friends, Family, a Pet, a Hobby, Exercise, Meditation, Travel, etc. Each person must find what works for them, sometimes a combination of the above, with trial and error and keep on trying. It takes great strength to control our minds, but you are strong, you have fought your disease, now you can fight for your life and your happiness.
You choose-your choice! I am not my disease. I am me, a positive, fun loving person with much more to offer to myself, my family, this world.  I am alive and so I am going to live. I invite you to join me.

Modah Ani-I Am Thankful
Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder
In memory of Michelle (Shelli) 

Jamie shares his story on Male Breast Cancer with HIS

We want you to never feel alone or ashamed with a diagnosis of Male Breast Cancer. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is here to help and hopefully make changes. Read Jamie’s story as our Guest Blogger.
We welcome others to share their story regarding Breast Cancer in Men as well. 

Modah Ani-I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf Co-Founder

Spreading the awareness of breast cancer is near and dear to my heart.  In May of 2009, while showering, I noticed a lump next to my left nipple and did not think much about it.  I thought that whatever it was would go away, sort of like a bruise.  The following week, I had a routine medical exam by my primary physician.  At the conclusion of the examination, my primary asked if their was anything else that was of concern.  I told her about the lump that had not gone away.  After she examined the area, the physician said:  “If you were a woman I would say you had breast cancer” At this time I advised her of my long family history with breast cancer on my mother’s side of the family.  
The primary referred me and within a week I had completed all of test and was scheduled for a radical mastectomy.  The surgery went very well as did the healing and after treatment with one exception; working with the insurance company.  


Two days after being discharged from the hospital, I received a call from my insurance company informing me that their were 27 criteria that had to be met for them to approve payment and that I had met 26 of the criteria, all but being a female.  After many phone calls back and forth, they finally approved payment to cover my expenses.  I have two years remaining on my hormone therapy and at that point I should be clear.  


 I am still surprised as to the reaction of many who learn that I am a breastcancer survivor.  Many are still unaware that men do and can develop breast cancer.  I firmly believe that education and awareness are the most important thing we can do as survivors.

Thank You,

Jamie

Update by Jamie on 9/6/12

Follow up on my experiences with Male Breast Cancer.

This past June, My Oncologist requested a three year mammogram. After the mammogram, which did go well, I received a bill from the imaging company. I contacted the company and explained that this was the first time I had received a bill in the three years I have been going through the exams. They advised me to call my insurance company, BC/BS of MA. I contacted them and explained my situation. Her reaction was: “What would make a man think he needed a mammogram?” (Laughing as she made the statement). I responded by informing that male breast cancer is a reality in men and that I was appalled that she would even ask when she had all of my medical records and should have known better. I than asked to speak to her supervisor at which time the incident was resolved and the bill did eventually get paid to the imaging company. It is unfortunate that we still have to go through all of this when our cancer is a reality and increasing in numbers. 

Bob shares his story with HIS

We want you to never feel alone or ashamed with a diagnosis of Male Breast Cancer. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is here to help and hopefully make changes. Read Bob's story as our Guest Blogger.
We welcome others to share their story regarding Breast Cancer in Men as well. 

Modah Ani-I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf Co-Founder

TO:   HIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 

For at least a year before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, every time I would put something in my left shirt pocket, e.g., glasses, business cards, etc. my left nipple would hurt.  There wasn’t any discharge nor did I feel any lumps.

There is no history ofbreast cancer in my family.  However, my son died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 46 a few years earlier.

Finally, in December 2008, I went to my doctor who immediately ordered a mammogram.  The experience in the office waiting room described by Harvey was almost exactly as I experienced.  The embarrassment of patients looking at me thinking this old guy is in the wrong doctor’s office.

The next step was a pet scan at which time the doctor said things did not look good.  He then recommended a Surgeon and an Oncologist.  The Surgeon scheduled a biopsy.  The biopsy came back positive for breast cancer.   The surgeon scheduled the surgery for a mastectomy of my left breast.

This all happened in a very short time frame.  My wife and I were just plain numb, then fear started to set in.  I was 76 years old and definitely was not ready to pack it in!

The Surgeon performed a mastectomy on my left breast and also removed 17 lymph nodes of which 9 where malignant.  I had stage 3A cancer.

My Oncologist explained to us that I had done nothing to cause this cancer, as smokers can cause lung cancer, etc.  However, he felt I waited too long after noticing the nipple discomfort before seeing a Doctor.  After this visit he started me on chemo treatment.  The day after my first treatment, I was so weak that I went back to his office.  At which time he ordered some blood work, which showed my white cell count, was very low (so no immunity).  He immediately called for an ambulance to take me to the hospital where I was placed in isolation.  They gave me an injection of Neupogen and ordered an injection for the next 4 days.

I had 8 chemo treatments each followed with 5 days of Neupogen injections.  It completely sapped all of my strength.  My wife set up chairs to the bathroom to help me walk.  Was I scared of course!  However, I was determined to fight this disease, but more importantly fight mentally.  Thinking positively and fighting despair are two very powerful weapons as well as keeping your since of humor.

As Vice President and Dock Master of a 318 unit condominium with 53 dock slips I had significant responsibilities.  I made myself go to the office everyday.  Just walking the 100 or so yards was extremely exhausting and painful. Driving would have been easier, but so would sitting in my easy chair or lying in bed been easier.

I lost all of my hair, eyebrows and mustache.  However, living in a 55 year or older community bald was the norm.  At an owners Board of Directors meeting I announced that I was being treated for male breast cancer, but I was not ready to resign and would do everything in my power to fulfill my duties, which I did.  This was educational to most because they believed men do not get breast cancer; just like men don’t cry.

After the chemo treatments I had 33 radiation treatments.  The Oncologist put me on the drug Tamoxifen (a female hormone), which I need to take daily for at least 5 years because the doctors know so little about male breast cancer.

I have a daughter and two granddaughters so felt it very important to have the BRCA analysis test to make sure I had not passed on any bad genes to them.  Thankfully it was negative, but we did send the results to her doctor as a precaution.

My greatest weapon was the love and support of my wife, Deanna, friends and family.  I am a lousy patient as well as short tempered, you guessed it she was an easy target and deserves Sainthood.

I have a pet scan every year and have been cancer free for 4 years and pray that I stay that way.

Thank you for allowing me to tell my story.  If you can use all or part to help educate others I would feel I contributed something to this very worthwhile project.

Thank you,

Robert (Bob) Rae

  

 


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Yes, Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too!

Now available on the HIS Breast Cancer Awareness web site our new brochure in PDF format so you can download, print and share.  This brochure is filled with great information to assist with Education and Awareness of Male Breast Cancer.

Even if the percentage of men diagnosed with male breast cancer is small, it is often more fatal for a large percentage of the men diagnosed. Since most men don’t know to look for it, the disease is usually found after it has progress to a more dangerous level.   

Now you too can help spread the awareness by printing the brochure and making available in your work place, local gym, nearby retailer, doctors office, or share with friends and family in your life.  Or if you would like to order brochures from His Breast Cancer Awareness Inc. (on nice glossy paper) for bulk quantity, please email us.  Included inside the brochure is a; How to Perform a Male Self Breast Exam and together we can hopefully save lives with early detection!

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness web site continually adds updates so be sure to visit and share the web site for new information.  So Print, Share & Post and let men (and women) know they can be diagnosed with this disease and there is a place for them to turn for Insight and Education.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf Co-founder

DAILY ASPIRIN FOR CANCER PREVENTION?

You could get a headache over all the latest information on the recent studies released regarding Aspirin and its possible benefits against cancers.  Well, it appears a low-dose aspirin just might help you with both of these health issues in addition to heart disease.

University of Oxford’s Peter Rothwell and his colleagues looked at eight studies that included more than 25,000 patients and cut the risk of death from certain cancers by 20%. However, this was not the initial purpose of the studies.  The initial trials compared men (only 1/3 of people were women) who took a daily dose of at least 75 milligrams of aspirin for heart related problems to people who took a placebo or another drug. This study lasted on an average of four years. The reduction in deaths from esophageal, pancreatic, brain and lung cancer showed up within five years of the study and further reductions in colorectal, prostate and stomach cancer showed up later.  Since this study did not include a high number of women, breast cancer and aspirin did not reveal a reduction in breast cancer deaths. 

I wonder what it would be like if they considered breast cancer in men with this study?

There were 20 fewer cancer deaths among the 12,785 study participants who were on low-dose aspirin for almost six years, compared with those not taking aspirin (the remaining placebo group). It’s now speculated the reason the aspirin helps with the prevention is it achieves this by affecting blood platelets to reduce inflammation.  As we have often mentioned with information regarding breast cancer, natural anti-inflammatory products may assist with prevention.

But 100 more serious bleeding incidents occurred in the low-dose aspirin group, compared to those in the placebo group. This means, you should not just begin taking a low-dose aspirin regimen on your own but should discuss this with your doctor first.

There is much more research that needs to take place and this includes an ongoing trial that will evaluate the effectiveness of Aspirin and prevention which is due to be reported sometime next year. However as always, any information is hopeful for the prevention of all cancers.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful
Editor: Vicki Singer Wolf Co-Founder

October is "MALE" Breast Cancer Awareness and Education

It’s the end of September already! This can mean many different things to different people; summer is now officially over, survival of the first month into the new school year, time to prepare for Halloween, time to rake those beautiful yellow and orange leaves, apples, apples and more apples or time to start thinking about the holidays! But if you are watching the television, listening to the radio or reading the print ads, you know that after September, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

How many advertisements will you view or hear that talk about the loss or the survival (HOPEFULLY)of someone's wife, mother, sister or friend to breast cancer? I know there’s a slim chance you will hear one for someone’s father, brother, husband or boy friend. Face it! We all know how prevalent BreastCancer in women is and that it is one of the highest percentage of female deaths, however that doesn’t mean because Breast Cancer in men is a lower percentage, that it doesn’t or shouldn’t matter!  Equally as important, we must educate and bring awareness that men can be diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Throughout the month of October you will hear and receive by mail, email, etc many, many request to support finding the cure for breastcancer. This month, HIS Breast Cancer Awareness also has a request; help us inform men they are not alone when diagnosed with this “women’s “ disease.  Make a contribution to HIS Breast CancerAwareness so we too can help spread this information through television, radio, print, etc.  With your support, we can help educate people that men DO have breast! That men should be self examiningtheir breast since no one else is looking to teach them how it should be done for early detection and which just might save their life!

Unfortunately there are many men who know they have had women in their lives diagnosed with breast cancer but do not even comprehend that it can affect them as well. It’s important for men to identify their own backgrounds as they may possibly be a BRCA genetic carrier as well with higher risk for breast, colon and prostate cancers. This information is important not only for them, but for their children and grandchildren- both sons as well as their daughters.

Information is a valuable tool. What you do with that information is up to you. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is a non -profit organization that is not conducting research for ‘the cure of cancer’ it is here to help educate.  With your help, we can have information available in Doctor’s offices, gyms, educational facilities and shopping malls or radio or even a television ad to help spread the knowledge.  

If you’re a man who thinks ‘this can’t happen to me’, think again! My own brother after knowing his Aunt, Mother, and Sister were all diagnosed with breast cancer, thought that way until he noticed a lump on his own breast.  No one is excluded by gender or age from this deadly disease and it can happen to you or someone you love; maybe your father, your brother, your husband, your fantasy football player, your rockstar, your actor, so please help support the education and awareness and make October “Male” Breast Cancer Awareness and Education.

Click on the links to SHOP for awareness products or to make your DONATION today. 

Modah Ani-I Am Thankful

Editor: Vicki Singer Wolf Co-Founder

MALE BREAST CANCER; MAN DENIED INSURANCE....

This week through msnbc.com an article about a man diagnosed with breast cancer who was denied coverage by Medicaid was released. The comments below although will have some relative information regarding health insurance, is not meant to discuss or determine what is right or wrong regarding our healthcare system or lack of. This article is written to enlighten us all regarding just another stigmatism of a male diagnosed with breast cancer.

Last month, Raymond Johnson, a 26-year old South Carolina man was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Mr. Johnson worked for $9.00 an hour approximately 30 hours a week, could not afford private insurance and did not qualify for traditional Medicaid because his income was “too high”. Through the hospital, Mr. Johnson was directed to apply for assistance to The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act. Although he met almost all of the criteria of this complex program, there was one factor that would deny him assistance, he was not a woman! In addition, two other men in the past 4 years were also denied coverage through this program because they were-men.

As Mr. Johnson stated “ I didn’t even know men could get breast cancer” and he is not alone. “I just can’t tell you how floored I was when I got that letter saying I didn’t qualify for help”, he says. “The bills are going to be huge. I have breast cancer. I really don’t see how that’s possible.”

There are men, women, medical professionals and teachers who even today are also not aware. Some of the medical staff my brother Harvey came in contact with during his diagnosis were often surprised as to why he was going through the test and treatments. Even they did not understand a male with breast cancer and at times, made him feel uncomfortable as if his diagnosis was unheard of.

Clearly our health care system needs a major overhaul. It does not appear some of our neighboring countries are doing any better right now to follow in their footsteps. In Canada, health care is cheap, but that doesn’t mean it is good. If you have a serious illness, receiving treatment is determined by your rate of survival. In the U.K. you are put on a waiting list to see a specialist and may take months or years in which many do not have this unlimited luxury of time.

Who a disease will affect is not determined by age, race, religion or gender. Insurance coverage should work the same way. It is difficult enough to receive any diagnosis of cancer but to be denied assistance because of its rarity by gender is very wrong. A man with a “woman’s” disease is already traumatized, our government doesn’t need to make it any worse.

Share this article with as many friends, relatives and professionals as you can because everyone needs to be made aware of and educated on Male Breast Cancer. 

To read the original article, you can click the link below;

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44065422/#.TkNItM00idM

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf  Co-Founder

The Best Father's Day Gift You Can Give

On Father’s Day you’re probably thinking about the family of men in your life. In addition to your father or father in law or husband, you probably send wishes to sons, brothers, uncles, friends and neighbors. This Father’s Day would be a great opportunity to help make them all aware that breast cancer is not just a woman’s disease.

How many men are diagnosed with male breast cancer? The percentage is small, but is even a small number not important enough? Because it is few, does this mean we should ignore the possibility? For a large percentage of the men diagnosed, it is often more fatal since no one is looking, it is found much later and more progressed. The first step for HIS is to bring awareness. We talk about different diseases and tragedies all the time with our families, so why not discuss Male Breast Cancer? Although it may not appear as such due to its low numbers for men, it’s still equally as difficult when a female has to verbalize they have breast cancer. No matter how you look at it-it’s a life threatening disease and male or female, once diagnosed with breast cancer, your life is never the same.

Do the men in your life conduct self-breast exams? Probably not! So who’s checking? This most likely doesn’t take place at their annual physical examination, no one is suggesting a yearly mammogram, and when was the last time they were given an instruction sheet on how to check them-self?

Looking for the right gift? You might just save a life! So start with a simple gift this Father’s Day. Print the self-breast exam instructions below, laminate on your favorite paper, frame it, or present it with that perfect tie inside the box. At HIS Breast Cancer Awareness you can also shop for Male Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts, wristbands, lapel pins or send a donation card in honor of those special people in your life.

Make Father’s Day the perfect reminder time for all men to take a minute out of their day, right after breakfast in bed, to examine their breast (yes men do have breast). It just may be the best Father's Day gift they'll ever receive because it shows how much you really care.

Thinking of you and missing you always but especially on Father's Day Dad. We love you xoxo

Modah Ani- I am Thankful 

Editor; Vicki Wolf, Co-Founder

How To: Male Self Breast Exam

Step 1: Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your arms on your hips to tighten your chest muscles and inspect yourself.  Watch for any changes such as dimpling, swelling and areas around the nipple. Raise your arms above your head and continue to examine your breast and arm pit areas.

Step 2: Move around the breast in a circular motion with the fingertips.  You can perform this in either an up and down method, a circular or a wedge pattern, but try to be consistent using the same method each time. In addition, check the nipple area for any discharge. Complete on both breast.

Step 3: In addition to standing, you can also examine your breast lying down. To do so, place a pillow under your right shoulder and bend your right arm over your head.  Then with your fingertips on your left hand, begin checking by pressing all areas of the breast and armpit.  Once completed on the right, move the pillow to under your left shoulder and repeat the same process.

www.hisbreastcancerawareness.org

offering insight and education on male breast cancer

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Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

Is your glass half full or half empty? Do you find something positive no matter what or only have negative thoughts? Does the way you think have an effect on your health?  POSITIVELY!

This is an easy question for me to answer personally. I have always been a “glass half full” kind of person.  No matter how bad you think things are or can be, there is always something good if you search hard enough. I may not always like what is going on around me, but I know deep down, there is also something good.

Being a pessimistic thinker can affect your over -all health and well being starting with your outlook on life. If you see partly cloudy skies, then you expect it to rain and maybe even cancel your plans. Then you might feel depressed that you can’t go outside. Studies have shown that pessimism has been linked to a decrease in physical functioning, mental health problems, pains and chronic illnesses.  With feelings of low self esteem this can lead to depression which can spiral to hostility, a poor diet, loss of sleep, weight gain, high blood pressure and ultimately a lower immune system.

When you view your glass half full, as an optimist, people tend to have a better outlook on life and work to take better care both physically and emotionally. This positive outlook will then assist with regular exercise, healthier diets, a lower risk of heart disease and better preventive care.  The overall benefits can include lower rates of depression, better immune system, better coping skills, lower stress levels and better overall psychological and physical well-being. A better immune system may assist in the prevention or treatment of Male Breast Cancer or any illness.

So how do you change or become an optimist? The first step is to create positive thoughts which can be assisted through meditation or spiritual guide books. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a realist, but how you approach a situation, the thoughts you have to identify and resolve life’s difficulties will make the difference. Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania has even gone so far as to create an optimism test and believes the re-thinking process to be as easy as ABCDE.

In order to make changes to the way you think, you must first identify what areas of negative thoughts you need to make the most changes to; is it work, relationships or your own self esteem? Check in with yourself and be aware of your (negative) thought and how you can change it to be a positive one. Surround yourself with positive people as they will be more helpful, offer good advice and be supportive. Most importantly, remember to laugh, especially during challenging times. You’ll feel less stressed!

So are the skies partly cloudy and you’re expecting rain or partly sunny with a day filled with sunshine? Is any percentage of rain a reason not to plan an outdoor activity or do you plan and hope the weather holds out? I choose to plan and hope for the best, and if it rains while I’m outside, then I might get a little wet, but hopefully I also brought my umbrella, just in case!

Modah Ani- I am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Wolf, Co-Founder