Oncologist Offers 7 Tips for Increasing Awareness

Not too long ago - just after World War II - few people in the United States brushed their teeth with any regularity. Now, the mere thought of going an entire day or night without brushing one's teeth is simply out of the question for most.

Hopefully, someday in the near future, a similar attitude will prevail regarding mental well-being, says Dr. Matt Mumber, an oncologist and author of "Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Spirit," (www.sustainablewellnessonline.com), coauthored by Yoga therapist Heather Reed.

"Human happiness and well-being are rudderless without awareness, which I define as the quality of paying attention to what's going on in the present moment from an inquisitive, nonjudgmental and focused perspective," he says.

An easy way to think of optimal wellbeing might be to envision a three-legged stool, says Reed.

"The three legs include physical activity, nutrition and that underappreciated component missing from too many Americans' lives - stress management, or a healthy mental state," she says.

After checking off a healthy diet and exercise from the list, how does one go about ensuring a healthy mind? Mumber and Reed say the key is mindfulness, which they define as paying attention on purpose, non-judgmentally and as though your life depended on it. Framed another way, mindfulness means focusing on something without trying to change it, like the sky holding passing clouds without clinging to them.

They describe the states necessary for attaining mindfulness:

• Beginner's mind is the ability to see things with new eyes. The Bible warns against putting new wine in old wine skins - doing so risks tainting the new stock. A beginner's mind opens people to the world of possibilities that exist in the present moment. That does not mean throwing away good ideas from the past; rather, it means to entertain new ideas with a truly open sensibility.

• Trust: Believe in your authority to know your own body, thoughts and feelings. We need to have the confidence necessary to trust that our thoughts and feelings at any given moment have value.

• Non-judging is the ability to see things for what they are, to hold an open and neutral place for whatever comes up within and around you, without thinking of anything as categorically better or worse than anything else.

• Patience is a willingness to continue with the process of paying attention on purpose even when it appears that no progress is being made. Learning and growing through mindful practice happens with time, and we can't force the outcome.

• Acceptance refers to allowing whatever comes up in the moment to be held in our field of awareness. This is not the same as giving up or being passive; acceptance is merely acknowledgement.

• Letting go is refusing to attach to specific thoughts, feelings or behaviors. This can feel like losing something, but every time we let go, we open ourselves to something new and, potentially, deeper.

• Non-striving: In our goal-oriented society, this may seem counterintuitive. However, non-striving refers only to practicing mindfulness without expectation of some future goal or dream, which helps us better live in the now.

"By having our three-legged stool firmly planted in awareness, we can drop into what we typically call a sense of spiritual wellbeing,' says Mumber.

About Matt Mumber, MD & Heather Reed

Matt Mumber, MD, is a practicing board-certified radiation oncologist with the Harbin Clinic in Rome, Ga. He completed his radiation oncology residency at Wake Forest University Bowman Gray School of Medicine and graduated from the Associate Fellowship Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Mumber is past president of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. He founded Cancer Navigators Inc, a non-profit organization offering cancer patients access to nurse navigation, social services and educational programs to support and augment the clinical care they receive. Dr. Mumber received the Hamilton Jordan Founders Award for involvement in statewide oncology activities and in 2008 he was named a Health Care Hero by Georgia Trend magazine.

Heather Reed has been teaching Yoga since 1996. She expresses an integrative, adaptive approach and specializes in using Yoga and meditation techniques for people living with cancer, post-polio syndrome and other chronic illnesses. Heather received an Experienced Teacher Certification from Esther Myers Yoga Teacher Training Program and has had extensive training with senior staff of the Commonweal Cancer Help program and Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease. She developed Yoga classes for cancer patients at The Wellness Community, Atlanta. Since 2008, she has been Yoga teacher and co-facilitator for the Residential Retreat Program for Cancer Navigators of Rome, Ga.

Make plans now to attend the Annual Spring Flea Market, Antique, and Collectible Show held on Sunday, April 28th at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Maquoketa, Iowa.

The show has been in existence for 26 years and is one of Iowa's largest shows with over 150 sellers both inside the Pearson Memorial Center and outside on the fairgrounds.

The hours of the show are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  Admission is only $3, with anyone 10 years
and under free.  Parking is also free.  For buyers wanting to get an early start, early bird shoppers are welcome between the hours of 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM for an admission of $10 per person.

The Jackson County Fairgrounds is located at 1212 East Quarry Street on the far east side of
Maquoketa.  For more information on the show, please call 319-462-0135.

Governor's Clean Water Initiative Helped Draw World's Largest Water Pump Manufacturer to Illinois

DOWNERS GROVE - As part of his agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward, Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Grundfos officials to break ground on the global water pump manufacturer's new North American headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. Denmark-based Grundfos, the world's largest water pump producer, will create 40 new jobs at the headquarters. The Illinois Clean Water Initiative - which was launched by Governor Quinn in 2012 to overhaul the state's water infrastructure - was cited by the company as a key reason why they chose Illinois.

"I am pleased that Grundfos has chosen Illinois as the location for their North American headquarters," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois continues to be one of the best places to do business in the world. My Clean Water Initiative has made Illinois a hub for water technology and even more attractive for international businesses like Grundfos. Today's announcement will grow our economy and create jobs."

Governor Quinn and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully joined Grundfos executives Jes Munk Hansen, Grundfos North America president and Søren Sorensen, Grundfos Group Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Grundfos North American Board, to kick-off construction by using sledgehammers to knock down a wall in the existing structure. Grundfos already employs about 100 people at its Aurora location, and the new headquarters will add an additional 40 jobs over the next several years.

Grundfos representatives recently participated in the governor's trade mission to Mexico, along with other Illinois water technology firms. The Mexican market for water technologies is estimated to grow three percent during 2013, and Grundfos may benefit from heightened Mexican demand and the country's strong economic ties with Illinois. In addition, Grundfos is pursuing LEED certification at its new 10,871 square-foot facility, which will utilize Energy Star-rated equipment and the latest technology in lighting and controls, as well as sustainable building materials for the office's furniture, flooring and fixtures.

"The Chicago area is emerging as an important hub for the water industry, and is one of the reasons why we're establishing our North American headquarters here," Hansen said. "The State of Illinois has shown commitment to water infrastructure, most recently through a $1 billion initiative to upgrade water infrastructure across the state, and we anticipate playing a major role in the further development of critical water initiatives in the state and around the country."

Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments facing a critical need to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The initiative is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used. According to the U.S. EPA, it is estimated that total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years will total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects and $15 billion in drinking water projects. To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, please visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov.

With an annual production of more than 16 million pumps, Denmark-based Grundfos is a global leader in advanced pump solutions and a trendsetter in water technology. The company specializes in circulator pumps for heating and air conditioning as well as centrifugal pumps for industrial applications, water supply, sewage and dosing. Grundfos also manufactures standard and submersible motors and state-of-the-art electronics for monitoring and controlling pumps. This year, the company celebrates its 40th anniversary in the United States, where it employs nearly 1,300 people. Grundfos North America maintains operations in Illinois, Kansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Indiana, Canada and Mexico.

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WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Homeowners or anyone interested in learning about planting trees can join arborist Ed Rinderspacher and the staff of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site for an Arbor Day presentation on Friday, April 26. Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. The program is free and begins at 1:00 p.m. at the visitor center. It will last about one hour and may involve about a half-mile of walking to different areas of the park. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. In the case of inclement weather, please call (319) 643-2541 before attending.
Ed Rinderspacher is the owner and operator of Rindy Tree and Turf Care, Inc. and a West Branch, Iowa arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Mr. Rinderspacher will provide a one-hour demonstration as he plants two oak trees-- one packed in ball-and-burlap and one container-grown tree-- that he donated to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The new trees will replace dead trees that park staff cut down. Mr. Rinderspacher will also discuss how to find and buy a healthy tree, and about pruning the tree and its roots.
"There are about a thousand trees in this 187-acre national park commemorating Herbert Hoover's life," said Pete Swisher, superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. "We hope our visitors can see examples of best practices as we pursue excellence in groundskeeping and horticulture. "
April 20 through 28 is National Park Week, the annual week for celebration and recognition of your National Parks. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa 52358
Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS
Rock Island, IL -Christian Care, a local nonprofit charity that provides shelter for homeless men and for women and children who have experienced domestic violence, now offers a support group called Understanding Suicide: ASAP (Awareness, Support, Action, Prevention). The group has been formed to serve individuals who have contemplated or attempted suicide, those coping with the suicide of a loved one and those concerned about a loved one.

The Understanding Suicide group will meet the first and third Wednesday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Christian Care's Rescue Mission located at 2209 3rd Ave in Rock Island. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17 th at 4:00 p.m. Although a mental health professional will facilitate the group, this is not a therapy group.

The group's goal is to provide education, resources, support and an opportunity to share and process thoughts and feelings related to suicide. Participants will be able to share experiences related to suicide, learn suicide's warning signs, understand the process for helping at-risk individuals, and provide information and knowledge about preventing suicide. For more information about this group, call Sharon De Frieze at (309) 737-4658 or visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org. For those in danger, call Christian Care's Crisis Hotline at (309) 788-2273.

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Davenport, Iowa (April 16, 2013) - The Figge features two musicians this Thursday, April 18 for a FREE night of music.

University of Iowa violinist Katie Wolfe, who has played in eleven countries all over the world, will play in the Figge Lobby at 6 p.m., and will welcome a brief question and answer session following her performance.

Singer-songwriter Abbie Sawyer, the lead singer of soul-rock-Indie band Bermuda Report, will perform a musical tour of five artworks from the Figge's permanent collection and special exhibitions at 7 p.m.

After each performance, Sawyer will discuss the connections between her musical interpretations and the artworks. Come ready to share your own interpretation of both the sights and sounds of this one-night-only experience.

Each Thursday, the Figge offers a different experience to the public, such as a lecture, class, performance or other special activity. Most Thursdays begin at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and light snacks. Museum admission is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

-end-

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Eastern Iowa Community College in Davenport has been awarded $26,518 from the Department of Transportation's National Summer Transportation Institute Program (NSTI). The funding will be used to promote awareness of educational and career opportunities among disadvantaged and at-risk middle and high school students around the country. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee that funds the DOT.

"Job training and educational programs like NSTI provide resources that help prepare young Iowans for good jobs in high-demand industries.  This is an investment that provides opportunity and promotes job growth for local communities," said Harkin.  "I congratulate Eastern Iowa Community College on this award and look forward to the progress these classes will bring."

Specifically, Eastern Iowa Community College will use the funds to host educational classes focusing on transportation careers for Quad Cities area high school students.

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Governor Pat Quinn today issued the below statement in response to today's tragic events in Boston, Massachusetts:

"We are closely monitoring the developments in Boston and the people of Illinois stand with those impacted by today's tragic explosions. As we wait for more details to become available, all of the runners, spectators, loved ones and first responders are in our thoughts and prayers.

"May God bless our emergency responders and the everyday people for their heroic efforts to help the wounded and save lives.

"I have directed all of the state's public safety agencies - including the Illinois State Police, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Military Affairs and Office of the State Fire Marshal - to stand ready to assist and remain vigilant in responding to and reporting suspicious activity. As always, the people of Illinois should be aware of activities around them and report anything suspicious to local law enforcement officials."

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RANTOUL, IL (04/15/2013)(readMedia)-- Illinois National Guard (ILNG) Soldiers and Airmen searched a collapsed building, extracted victims and decontaminated mass casualties during the three-day Prairie North 2013 exercise in Rantoul, April 11 to 13.

The ILNG Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and High Explosive Response Force Package (CERFP) team along with 15 local and state agencies conducted a full-scale exercise to better communicate and enhance their training for a potential manmade or natural disaster.

"There was a lot of hands-on training," said Pvt. Kyle Eldridge of St. Louis, a medic with the 445th Chemical Company out of Shiloh, Ill.

During the exercise, Eldridge cleaned and decontaminated the simulated casualties after they were extracted from the collapsed building.

"(The training) could potentially save a lot of lives," said Eldridge.

Sgt. 1st Class Mike Markham, a noncommissioned officer in charge for CERFP with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., said he was there to support the Soldiers and Airmen when they had questions during the training scenario and to make sure everyone was safe.

Markham of Chatham said he watched over the search and rescue teams as they climbed through the demolished building looking for casualties. He said the scenario included casualties with a range of issues from simulated arm and leg injuries to fatalities.

"The training is very realistic," said Markham. "I don't think we could get a better training area. This is what they would call a dynamic pile. If you mess up you may pay for it."

With approximately 200 Soldiers and Airmen, the ILNG CERFP team helps ensure the Governor and Adjutant General have the means to mitigate risks associated with search and extraction, mass decontamination, and medical triage and stabilization to the casualties.

Capt. Scotty A. Duranceau, a clinical nurse with the 126th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Ill., said his training focused on mass casualty triage treatment. He said his group assessed all patients before sending them on to the next station for further help.

"We stage for all events so we are ready in case a real situation occurs," said Duranceau of St. Louis. "I believe it keeps us honed in on our skills, especially those life support skills."

Duranceau said Illinois is properly preparing for a disaster by conducting these mock training exercises. He said the ILNG is ready to fill any void the civilian sector may need in the event of an emergency.

"It's a great opportunity for us to put that footwork into the local population so they can see we are there and can use us," said Duranceau.

It shows Illinois citizens there is one line of force and they are all there to accomplish the same goal, "get the people the care they need and to get them better," he said.

The CERFP used this exercise as the final preparation for an upcoming external evaluation.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today:

"The events that happened today in Boston are appalling. My thoughts and prayers are with all those injured and the families and loved ones of those who were lost.  I would like to thank the first responders, members of the National Guard, and all those who responded and provided assistance to those who needed it.  As a nation, we stand with the people of Boston."

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