Monday, 9 November 2009

Request for Loretta Agates to be Interviewed for Sky TV

Hello Loretta

How lovely to speak to you and thank you so much for your help with this.

A bit of background...
Tern TV is producing a new 10 part series for Sky Real Lives entitled The Secret Guide to Women's Health. It is a studio based show discussing various aspects of women's health, hosted by Coleen Nolan and due for transmission early next year.
Within the studio format the show features some VT inserts. One of these is our Secret Surgery with Dr Rosemary Leonard, a very well known medical face on television [BBC Breakfast News]. The Secret Surgery (in the shape of a motorhome which is our mobile studio) is touring the country and we would like to invite you to meet with Dr Leonard and share your health stories with her.

Nicki Young
Series Producer - 'The Secret Guide to Women's Health'

E-mail received from Nikki Young on 16th October prior to my interview at 15.30 Sunday 18th in Milton Keynes

New Kind of Breast Cancer

Please advise to all of the women in your lives Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, etc.

In November, a rare kind of breast cancer was found. A lady developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who are nursing.

Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections. After 2 rounds, it continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram. This time it showed a mass.

A biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy was performed; then a full round of Chemo; then radiation. After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health.

She had one year of living each day to its fullest. Then the cancer returned to the liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life, not the after effects of Chemo. She had 5 great months and she planned each detail of the final days. After a few days of needing morphine, she died. She left this message to be delivered to women everywhere:

Women, PLEASE be alert to anything that is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.

Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole. It appeared as a rash, which later became a lesion with a crusty outer edge. I would not have ever suspected it to be breast cancer but it was. My nipple never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went to the doctor for that. Sometimes, it itched and was sore, but other than that it didn't bother me. It was just ugly and a nuisance, and could not be cleared up with all the creams prescribed by my doctor and dermatologist for the dermatitis on my eyes just prior to this outbreak. They seemed a little concerned but did not warn me it could be cancerous.

Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or rash on the nipple or aureole can be breast cancer. (Mine started out as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.)

What are the symptoms?

1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn (As I stated, mine did not itch or burn much, and had no oozing I was aware of, but it did have a crust along the outer edge on one side.)

2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick looking area in center of nipple).

3. Usually only one nipple is effected. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will do a physical exam and should suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately. Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.

This message should be taken seriously and passed on to as many of your relatives and friends as possible; it could save someone's life.

My breast cancer has spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and taking Tamaxofin. If this had been diagnosed as breast cancer in the beginning, perhaps it would not have spread...

TO ALL READERS:

This is sad as women are not aware of Paget's disease. If, by passing this around, we can make others aware of it and its potential danger, we are helping women everywhere.

This information was sent to me by my friend Shirley

New Sign of a Stroke

STROKE:Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.
If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some lives.
Seriously...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics)she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die, they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher..

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

www.agatetherapies.co.uk tel: 01604 879246

WARNING PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Please be aware that especially at this time of year. If you have flu like symptoms ie tight chest; hot and cold sweats; cough; upset stomache; general malaise for more than two weeks then PLEASE see your doctor.

Over Christmas last year I thought I had a dreadful cold/flu that I could not shake off. I did all the right things.. stayed in the warm, drank plenty of liquids, home made soups; took night nurse and a cough mixture, avoided contact with people... all very usual and normal you would think.

On Valentines Day 14th Feburary 2009 I was fighting for my life! I had what appeared the symptoms of a heart attack and was very fortunate when the Paramedics from Northampton General Hospital saved my life. Just a few years earlier my daughters mother in law was not so fortunate and died.

I had not had a heart attack, I had a Pulmonary Embolism, blood clots in my right lung. Becuase of the blood clots I had lost 60% use of that lung.

The moral of this story is any more than 2 or 3 weeks is not a cold and must be investigated by a doctor. As therapist I work with the medical profession NOT agains it.

Please keep safe this Winter.

www.agatetherapis.co.uk tel: 01604 879246

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Suffering from Eczema?

Attributed to Holland & Barrett Reference Guides

Please note: The information presented below is for information purposes only and should not be recorded as a substitute for medical advice. Always seek advice from your doctor for a health problem before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications


Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory skin condition. It is usually found on the face, wrists and insides of elbows and knees. The skin becomes reddened, dry and thickened and it can weep and become crusted. Eczema is a very common condition, which affects 2.4% to 7% of the population [1]. Even though it can occur at any age, it is most common in infants and young children. Often eczema is the result of an allergic reaction, especially in children. Atopic eczema is a hereditary condition that develops in young infants with a family history of allergies or asthma.

What supplements may help to relieve the condition?

Research has indicated that eczema sufferers are unable to process fatty acids normally, which can lead to low levels or a deficiency of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)[2]. GLA is found in Evening Primrose Oil, Starflower Oil and Blackcurrant Seed Oil. GLA helps to control the immune system and therefore allergic responses. The majority of research has shown that Evening Primrose Oil may help to overcome the inability to process GLA in eczema suffers [3,4,5].

Fish Oils are also an important source of essential fatty acids. One study in which eczema sufferers were given Fish Oils found that after twelve weeks, those using the Fish Oil showed improvement [6,7].

The B complex nutrients may play a supportive role in the control of eczema. Several of the B vitamins are needed to maintain healthy skin and proper circulation and deficiencies of some B vitamins, particularly Biotin and Inositol, have been linked to skin disorders [8].

Vitamin A and Zinc are two other important skin nutrients. Vitamin A is critical to the proper development and maintenance of the skin and Zinc aids healing and enhances immune function [8].

What herbs may help and relieve the condition?

Several herbal remedies have traditionally been used by people suffering from eczema. Liquorice root contains glycyrrhetinic acid; this has been associated with helping to reduce the symptoms of eczema, either used internally or topically.

There is good research to support the use of Burdock root in eczema because its primary active component (inulin) tends to correct the underlying defects in the inflammatory mechanism and immune system commonly found in eczema sufferers [1].

Sarsaparilla may be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory actions. Traditionally in herbal folklore, Red Clover is considered to be beneficial for dealing with several different chronic conditions, especially those that affect the skin.

The role of diet and lifestyle

Eczema can often be caused by allergies. All major allergens should be identified and eliminated from the diet that will then help to control the eczema. A nutritionist can help to determine whether allergies are a cause of the eczema. Elimination of the allergen can result in significant improvement [9]. Researchers from one study estimated that eliminating cow’s milk, eggs, tomatoes artificial colours and food preservatives could help up to three-quarters of children suffering from eczema [10]. Eczema can also be made worse by stress and sufferers should try to avoid stressful situations. Herbs such as Kava Kava may be useful especially when stress is a problem.

Chemicals and detergents found in many household products can irritate the skin and worsen the eczema. Sufferers should try to use sensitive skin products when ever possible.

[1] Murray M and Pizzormo J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing 1991
[2] Manku MS, Horrobin DF, Morse NL, et al. Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 1984
[3] Schalin-Kamila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT et al. Evening Primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholiphid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol 1987
[4] Lovell CR, Burton JL, Horrobin DF. Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil. Lancet 1981
[5] Wright S, Burton JL. Oral evening primrose oil improves atopic eczema. Lancet 1982
[6] Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GE et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 1987
[7] Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GE et al. Effect of n-3 fatty acid supplement to patients with atopic dermatitis. J Intern Med Suppl 1989
[8] Balch JF and Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd edition) Avery Publishing Group 1997
[9] Atherton DJ. Diet and atopic eczema. Clin Allerg 1988
[10] Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Prima Publishing 1995

Monday, 29 September 2008

A date for your Diary! Colds, their Prevention and Treatment

I’ve had Anna from the Chronicle and Echo newspaper on the telephone to ask me about an article she is doing about colds, their prevention and treatment which is going to be in their Thursday, 2nd October issue.

Be sure to get your copy so that you can get my advice on having a healthier winter this year!

It's my birthday!

Hello! It’s Loretta!!

It’s my birthday on Wednesday, 1st October. I thought I would like to do a little something for you...a little treat so you will feel as if you have had a birthday too!

Let me entice you to an hour of bliss - just £20.00! Booked, taken and paid for in October 2008.

Why not put some time in your diary for you?

Let me give you some "me time" with soft glowing candles ... gentle music ... soft comfy pillows ... and such amazing relaxation you will just enjoy a peaceful sleep ... and wake up refreshed..

All this whilst I gently massage and manipulate your feet without you even having to do anything ... Sounds good? Then let me know a time ... just as soon as you can make it.

I know you are tired ... but you will feel so much better afterwards ... I promise.

It will be so great to see you!

Remember Christmas is coming and I also have great Gift vouchers available. What nicer gift could anyone give or receive!!