10 Apr 2013

Ease Cancer Stress, Anxiety with 'Emotional Wellness Toolbox'

By Rick Martin
Pioneering Psychotherapist Shares 3 Strategies that Work

A not-so-surprising new study shows stress reduces the effectiveness on drugs on prostate cancer, and even accelerates the disease's development.

"More than 150 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year and how they deal with it can have a dramatic effect on their physical and emotional health," says pioneering cancer psychotherapist Dr. Niki Barr, author of "Emotional Wellness: The Other Half of Treating Cancer" (www.canceremotionalwellbeing.com).

While the mind-body connection in fighting disease is well-documented, the new study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centers reveals just how damaging anxiety and stress can be, Barr says.

The study found that mice implanted with human prostate cancer cells responded well to treatment when they were kept calm and stress free. But when the mice were stressed, their cancer cells didn't die and tumor growth was unchecked. In another test, mice that were repeatedly stressed actually had tumors get larger.

The researchers found that stress and anxiety set off a chemical chain reaction that affects the cancer cells.

"So finding ways to ease the stress associated with cancer is vital," says Barr, who has dedicated her practice to cancer patients and their families since 2007 after more than 15 years in counseling. "And part of what causes that anxiety is the feeling that you've lost all control of your life."

To return some of that control to patients, she created the "emotional wellness toolbox," a checklist of activities and tangible items her patients use to help maintain a positive attitude and sense of well-being through treatment.

Here are a few of them:

• Diagnosis: Anxiety begins here and, according to the National Cancer Institute, "Anxiety may increase pain, affect sleep and cause nausea and vomiting," among other problems. Learning to reduce anxiety from the outset can minimize physical pain and discomfort throughout the illness and treatment. Tangible tools include writing materials, a device for favorite music, CD's for guided meditation or relaxation, and a box to hold these materials. Cancer patients and their families can use them to focus for navigating psychologically through cancer.  "A simple technique for immediate relief from anxiety is 'triangle breathing,' " Barr says. "Breathe in, breathe out, then pause- during which you say a word such as 'calm,' 'peace,' 'confident;' it's remarkably effective!"

• Medical treatment - depression and the unknown: Approximately 25 percent of cancer patients are clinically depressed, she says. By the time of treatment, which is sometimes a gamble in itself, the diagnosis has had more time to settle in, which can throw emotions into a tailspin. Just a few of the tools for battling depression include being proactive in understanding the treatment, maintaining a healthy routine, taking a break from "cancer talk," creating affirmations - true statements - that keep one moving forward, and keeping a journal.

• Back to "normal"? ... After a diagnosis that can feel like being run over by a truck and a cavalcade of tests and treatments, suddenly the whirlwind of cancer "just sort of ends," Barr says. Shifting gears - again - can be dizzying. Finding your center and moving forward with intention is a great way back to a regular routine. The first step is to collate all records of treatment, including upcoming visits; this puts the recent past and future into context. Next, decide on the kind of life you want to live from here; perhaps a healthier diet and more exercise was a promise made during treatment. Now is the time to make good on it!

"These tips are gathered from working with cancer patients and their families, taking what is most effective to share with other cancer patients and their families," Barr says. "Sometimes cancer returns; and, sadly, some do not survive cancer."

"Regardless of the severity of a diagnosis, however, there are good and bad ways to navigate this disease - that should be the primary concern, along with treatment, when you or a loved one are diagnosed."

About Niki Barr, Ph.D. (@NikiBarrPhD)

Niki Barr, Ph.D. founded a pioneering psychotherapy practice dedicated to working with cancer patients in all stages of the disease, along with their family members, caregivers and friends. In her book, she describes an "emotional wellness toolbox" patients can put together with effective and simple strategies, ready to use at any time, for helping them move forward through cancer. Dr. Barr is a dynamic and popular speaker, sharing her insights with cancer patients and clinicians across the nation.

10 Apr 2013

Gary Allegretto Teaches Harmonica for Blues in the Schools April 22 to 26

By MVBS

MVBS presents its last Blues in the Schools artist-in-residence for the 2012-2013 school year, Gary Allegretto, the week of April 22 to 26.  The founding director of Harmonikids (a humanitarian organization that gives music therapy with harmonicas to special needs kids worldwide), and recipient of the Blues Foundation's 2011 Keeping the Blues Alive Award in Education, Gary will be teaching harmonica classes in area schools.  He will also present two open-to-the-public performances:

  • Tuesday April 23, 7:00 p.m.?Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street, Moline IL
  • Friday April 26, 9:00 p.m.?The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA

Gary Allegretto's resume reads like a men's adventure wish-list: back-country forest ranger, forest firefighter on a "Hotshot" crew, LA city firefighter, bouncer in a couple rough honky-tonks and a blues bar, cowboy and ranch hand, beach lifeguard, white-water rafting guide, and traveling bluesman. He's a summa cum laude college graduate of Northern Arizona University, and the recipient of multiple awards for his outreach to children. He started playing upon receiving his first harmonica at age 5 from his woodsman grandfather. Soon after, while attending a cultural festival, he carelessly wandered away from his family following an irresistible sound:   a Big Walter Horton performance. As the loudspeakers blared something about a lost child, he knew he'd found his calling.

In 1985, while voluntarily performing blues concerts for children in the playroom of the Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York City, Gary noticed how the kids were irresistibly drawn to his harmonica. Shortly thereafter he founded Harmonikids, his non-pro?t organization aimed to provide harmonica music therapy to special needs kids, and he incorporated his endorsement by Hohner to acquire harmonicas at an affordable price. Further, Gary developed a one-of-a-kind teaching method designed to ?rst captivate kids' fascination with a blues performance and then teach them to play in minutes.

Gary has provided aid to special needs children from the earthquake devastated Port Au Prince, Haiti, to the tsunami refugee camps of North Sumatra, Indonesia to the Katrina evacuee trailer villages of Louisiana and many points in between.  To date, Gary's humanitarian programs have served to keep the blues alive by using it to touch and make a difference in over 20,000 young lives around the globe. Indeed, it is his passion and purpose?he receives no salary or monetary compensation for his work. He has channeled the therapeutic healing power of music to kids with physical and/or emotional challenges ranging from traumatic stress, to learning disabilities, to abuse or abandonment, to health problems as grave as terminal illness. Gary's programs have reached facilities like children's hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, burn recovery centers, juvenile detention homes, orphanages, and evacuee facilities such as a FEMA trailer village and refugee camps and beyond.

Recently Gary was chosen unanimously to be the first harmonica instructor at the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's Master Class 2012. Acclaimed for his versatile technique, he has taught thousands of kids worldwide to both learn about and actually play songs on the harmonica with lightning speed, elevating not only their knowledge but also confidence and self-esteem. Gary's Blues in The Schools program has been featured by many blues societies internationally and was hosted by the Blues Foundation in Memphis area schools as part of the 2008 and 2010 International Blues Challenges.

Gary's considerable merits as a blues artist lend even more credibility to his assets as a blues educator. He is self-taught, having learned from countless hours of spinning vinyl blues LP's of the masters from the '50s and '60s. Eager to share what he had learned with an audience, he hit his ?rst stage at age 15.

Gary says, "In my teens I had the unmatched thrill of witnessing the legendary Delta-born bluesman Muddy Waters perform with his legendary band. The experience changed my life and shaped my musical direction. I worked hard and imagined myself playing harp with them someday. Many years down the road, my dream was realized when I found myself performing on stages with two of these bluesmen?Bob  Margolin and Pinetop Perkins (whom I also recorded with)."  On his CD Many Shades of Blue, Gary was joined by friends including Ivan Neville, Janiva Magness, and Doug Macleod.   The CD also features duets of Gary with his dear now-departed friend, the National Heritage Award winning bluesman John Cephas.

Gary has also recorded with others, notably 2005 Grammy Life-time Achievement Award winner and blues legend Pinetop Perkins on Rich Del Grosso's Blues Music Award nominated CD release. At the conclusion of their CD release performance, Pinetop gave Gary the ultimate personal endorsement, exclaiming that he "can really blow that harp!" And then as he left the stage he turned and deliberately pointed directly to Gary, saying "You keep the business going."

In Gary's words, "This was from an idol of mine, a legendary man who played with Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, and many other legends of the blues. My heart stopped and I just said...'yes sir', realizing that this was not just another reason to keep playing the music I love and continue the work of Keeping the Blues Alive?this was direct orders from the last of the great Mississippi Bluesmen."

The MVBS Blues in the Schools program is made possible by a generous grant from the Riverboat Development Authority.  We also thank our other sponsors the Iowa Arts Council, the Moline Foundation, The Lodge Hotel, Alcoa, and KALA radio.

10 Apr 2013

Davenport Parks and Recreation Bus Tour

By Kenneth Asta

Please join us on a bus tour of the City of Davenport landmarks, such as the Davenport City Hall, golf courses, parks, multi-sport and event-rental facilities. It is an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of services and programs we  offer to our Quad Cities area residents.

Tour Date : Saturday, April 20

Tour Time : 9 AM-12 NOON

Arrive at : The River's Edge (700 W River Drive, Davenport, IA)

Please RSVP by April 17, 2013.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Members and leaders of multicultural groups are highly encouraged to join. Help us serve you better!

For more info contact:

Manisha Paudel, 563-888-3107

mpaudel@ci.davenport.ia.us

10 Apr 2013

Branstad issues statement on Regents nominees

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad issued the following statement upon learning Craig Lang and Robert Cramer did not receive the required number of votes in the Iowa Senate to serve on the Iowa Board of Regents:

"I am deeply disappointed that most Senate Democrats cast their votes against Robert Cramer and Craig Lang.

"Both Robert and Craig answered the call to public service, and they both deserved the opportunity to serve on the Board of Regents. Craig Lang showed great leadership while on the Board of Regents and Robert Cramer brought unique experience in the construction industry.

"I am greatly disappointed that these two fine individuals were treated in such a shabby manner."

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10 Apr 2013

Unique Rules for Budget Allow Senate Votes on Amendments

By Grassley Press

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

What we saw unfold in the Senate budget vote-a-rama just before the Easter recess is important in evaluating competing claims about the reason for dysfunction in the Senate.

Democratic leaders push an aggressive narrative that all the blame goes to Republican obstructionism and abuse of the filibuster, but those who adhere to this partisan account cannot use it to explain why the Democrat-controlled Senate hadn't passed a budget resolution since 2009.

Unique rules govern consideration of a budget resolution.  There's fixed time for debate.  It can't be filibustered.  It can be passed in relatively short order with a simple majority.  At the same time, there are few limits on offering amendments, as long as amendments are germane.  That's undoubtedly a major reason Democratic leaders avoided the annual budget process through two election cycles, despite requirements of the Budget Act of 1974.

Separate from the budget resolution and its unique rules, current majority party leaders have gone to great lengths to avoid having their senators cast difficult votes.  These leaders have used procedural tactics to block any amendments from being offered to pending legislation while making motions to end consideration of bills.  Time and again, when Republicans vote against giving up our right to offer amendments, the Democratic leadership has called it a Republican-launched filibuster.

Merriam-Webster's definition of a filibuster is "the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly."  That leaves some room for debate about when a filibuster is being employed, but any fair observer would say that when the majority leader moves to shut off consideration of a bill the same day he brings it to the floor and before any amendments have been considered, he cannot reasonably claim it is in response to a filibuster.

The real story may be that Senate Democratic leaders fear that Republicans will offer amendments that attract enough votes from Democratic senators to pass.  What happened during Senate debate on the budget resolution seems to prove that point.  A Republican amendment in support of repealing the tax on life-saving medical devices in President Obama's health care law passed by an overwhelming 79 to 20, with more than half of Democrats voting with Republicans, rather than their party leader.  A Republican amendment in support of approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline to bring oil from Canada passed 62 to 37.

Votes like these that split the Democrats and hand a win to Republicans are exactly what the majority leader has been trying to avoid by not considering a budget resolution for more than three years and by cutting off consideration of other bills aggressively.

As a result, more than 200 years of Senate tradition as a deliberative body is sacrificed to short-term partisan considerations.  Every senator represents from hundreds of thousands to millions of Americans, and every senator has an individual right to offer amendments for consideration.  When senators are denied this right, it hampers our ability to represent the citizens of our respective states.  For example, when the Senate majority leader prematurely ended consideration of the fiscal year 2013 Continuing Resolution in March, the Senate was prevented from considering an amendment by Senator Max Baucus that would have checked the cost-saving claims of removing National Guard aircraft like those in Des Moines, Iowa.  An amendment by Senator Jerry Moran to prevent the closure of contract air traffic control towers like the one in Dubuque, Iowa, also was shut out.

For the Senate to function, the right of senators to offer amendments for consideration must be preserved.  This fundamental reality should have been a bigger focus of the January agreement on filibuster rules.  Yet, news reports in days leading up to the agreement cited Democratic senators who were advocating for sweeping reforms to make the Senate more majoritarian expressing great concern that a deal might be struck that allowed Republican amendments to be adopted on a simple majority vote.  Well, that shatters any pretense that complaints about the filibuster stemmed from deeply held convictions about majority rule.

The budget resolution debate in March gave us what has become a rare opportunity, unfortunately, for senators to put forward ideas and see whether the ideas have support in the Senate.  Some amendments were successful, and some were not.  Either way, senators were forced to go on record on all sorts of issues that might not otherwise see the light of day and explain their positions to those who elected them.  As lawmakers return to work in Washington, they ought to consider, what's wrong with that?

Monday, April 8, 2013
10 Apr 2013

Hand In Hand's Special Need Expo

By Mark Smith
The Hand In Hand  "Special Need Expo" will be provided for families, carvegivers and educators on Saturday April 20, 2013 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  This event will provide "one stop shopping" on a wide range of services for children with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Quad Cities.
Literature and resources people will be available to provide information regarding programs for special needs children from birth to 21 years of age.  Iowa and Illinois activities information will include :  Camps, support groups financial support and resources to assist parents working with their children's school.  This year also includes fun activities such as adapted baseball, art classes and "sled hockey" and dance.  This Hand In Hand event is free to the public.
The Special Needs Expo will take place at Hand In Hand's facility called Tessa's Place.   The location is 3860 Middle Road, Bettendorf IA, Just West of Lindquist Ford.  This Hand In Hand event is sponsored by Tyson Foods, the Riverboat Development Authority and the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation.  For further information contact Mark Smith at 563-332-8010, mark_handinhand@yahoo.com or visit http://www.handinhandqc.org/
08 Apr 2013

Downtown Davenport and Bettendorf Cleanup Day

By Jason Gilliland

What: Downtown Cleanup Day

Where: Downtown Davenport and Bettendorf IA
Date: Friday, April 26

Time: Davenport 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Bettendorf- 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Davenport Registration: www.DowntownDavenport.com

Bettendorf Registration: www.Bettendorf.org/downtowncleanup or call (563) 344-4084

Event Description

Davenport

  • The Downtown Davenport Partnership, a division of Quad Cities Chamber, is hosting its annual Downtown Cleanup Day Friday, April 26.  More than 150 volunteers will grab gloves and trash bags as they set out to clean the streets in preparation for summer crowds and festivals.
  • Volunteers will be treated to free tickets to a River Bandits game and a post-cleanup party.  Downtown Cleanup Day is part of the nationwide initiative, The Great American Cleanup.  The Waste Commission of Scott County's iLivehere program donates bags and gloves for all volunteers.
  • Volunteers can sign up by visiting www.DowntownDavenport.com and clicking the link to the volunteer signup sheet.  Download the form and return to us at 130 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52801.
  • The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), a division of Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, is a non-profit organization focused on the strategic growth and beautification of historic downtown Davenport.  As administrators of the Self Supporting Municipal Improvement District, DDP provides leadership and advocacy for downtown economic development, planning, cultural vitality, events, marketing, and clean-and-safe initiatives.

Bettendorf

  • The City of Bettendorf will also host its annual Downtown Cleanup Day on Friday, April 26th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. for a light breakfast (sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union) before setting out to clean up the downtown.  Volunteers will receive free tickets to the River Bandits game that evening. Volunteers are asked to park in the back of the parking lot behind the Alter Building at 2117 State Street.
  • The annual Downtown Cleanup Day is part of the nationwide initiative, The Great American Cleanup.  The Waste Commission of Scott County's iLivehere program donates bags and gloves for all volunteers.
  • Volunteers can sign up by visiting www.bettendorf.org/downtowncleanup and clicking the link to the volunteer signup sheet. To register, print the form and return it to the City Hall Annex, 4403 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722, c/o Patty Copeland or call (563) 344-4084.

Sponsors

The Waste Commission of Scott County's iLivehere program, Quad-City River Bandits, The Great American Cleanup, Ascentra Credit Union.
08 Apr 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to rally for equal pay, attend Bethel graduation

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will rally with federal, state and local officials, and community organizations in Chicago on Tuesday to highlight the disparity in pay between men and women, as part of national Equal Pay Day. This day marks how far into 2013 a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned in 2012.

"Pay equity isn't just a women's issue, this is a family issue and an economic issue," Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said. "Our society is strengthened when women receive equal pay for equal work, and I will continue to work with advocates to ensure that pay equity is achieved."

Despite many improvements in women's economic status, employment discrimination and unfairness in the workplace are still a fact of life for too many women. Regardless of education and experience, in nearly every occupation women are still paid less than men, only 77 cents for every $1 a man earns. On average, a woman could lose up to $1.2 million in income over a lifetime due to the wage gap.

Later Tuesday afternoon, Simon will address graduates of Bethel New Life's Entrepreneurship Training Program. The program prepares individuals to open local, successful businesses to help boost Chicago's West Side. The 30 graduates comprise the program's first graduating class, and represent businesses in cleaning services, home-based childcare, home remodeling and carpentry, among others.

 

Tuesday, April 9

EVENT: Equal Pay Day rally

TIME: 12 p.m.

PLACE: Daley Plaza Lobby, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago

 

EVENT: Bethel New Life graduation

TIME: 6 p.m.

PLACE: 1140 N. Lamon St., Chicago

 

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08 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Agreements to Strengthen Partnership, Investment Between Illinois and Mexico

By Erin Wilson

Partnerships Reflect Joint Commitment to Boost Water Infrastructure, Agriculture and Trade

 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today followed up his international trade mission to Mexico by announcing major steps to build upon Illinois' role as a leading competitor in the global marketplace. Today's announcement comes as part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive the Illinois economy forward. Governor Quinn directed several economic agreements that will help pave the way for increased trade and innovation between Illinois and Mexico, a priority for the governor and a goal of the trade mission.

The governor made today's announcement while visiting Cristina Foods Inc.'s distribution facility. A Hispanic-owned company, Cristina Foods is a national model for incorporating sustainability into business practices. Their state-of-the-art distribution facility is the only LEED Certified-Platinum building of its kind in the United States.

"Mexico plays an important role in our economy as Illinois' second largest export market," Governor Quinn said. "These agreements between Illinois and Mexico build upon our shared effort to expand our economies and boost innovation."

The agreements include one reached between In-Pipe Technology Company of Wood Dale and the Mexico City water authority to do a wastewater treatment pilot project in the city with In-Pipe technology.  A successful pilot could lead to a contract for millions of dollars in Illinois exports. There are currently more than 100 water technology companies in Illinois, and these firms are positioned to offer expertise on a global scale and sell their products and services abroad.

Another agreement is a sister lake partnership between the state of Illinois and the Mexican state of Michoacán. Under the agreement, the regions will work together to share policies and ideas to maintain and conserve Lake Michigan and Lake Pátzcuaro. They will also promote eco-friendly tourism and environmental research in areas of mutual interest

The Illinois Soybean Association and the National Association of Manufacturers of Edible Oils and Fats signed an agreement during the trade mission to encourage the development and improvement of soybean meal products made for human and animal consumption. This agreement will also pave the way for soybean financial instrument training workshops.

Governor Quinn also encouraged a separate agreement between the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and the State of Mexico Industrialists Association (AIEM) to promote trade missions, trade shows and international events organized by each partner. The agreement links the two groups' members through direct business communication.

During the April 3 - 6 trade mission, Governor Quinn held meetings with key private sector leaders, top government officials and potential trading partners to open up more markets to Illinois companies. These included the Mayor of Mexico City Miguel Ángel Mancera Espinosa, Mexico State Governor Eruviel Avila Villegas, federal Secretary of the Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, the Ministry of Agriculture's Undersecretary for International Affairs Raul Urteaga, AIEM President Rodrigo Carmona Minon, Mayor of the Huixquilucan Municipality Carlos Iriarte Mercado, Mayor of Patzcuaro Salma Karrum Cervantes, Mayor of Erongarícuro Everardo J. Alberto Corté and other Mexican government and business leaders.

Governor Quinn is the first Illinois governor to visit Mexico in 13 years and only the fourth U.S. governor to visit Mexico since 2005. There are now 1.6 million persons in Illinois of Mexican origin, about one in eight Illinoisans. Mexico and Illinois have had a Sister-State relationship since 1990.

More information about Illinois' trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.

###
08 Apr 2013

Grassley Gives Floor Speech, Writes to Firm in Health Care Stock Spike Incident

By Grassley Press

Monday, April 8, 2013

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa gave a floor speech this afternoon on his concerns that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has loose controls and poor records of the communication of non-public information regarding policy decisions affecting Medicare and Medicaid. These policies govern the distribution of hundreds of billions of tax dollars.  Any advance, non-public information is of great interest to the financial markets and the growing political intelligence-gathering industry.   Grassley is probing how a private firm had information on a key agency decision on Medicare Advantage payments last week prior to the agency's announcement, causing a major spike in key health care company stocks.

Also today, Grassley wrote to the firm involved in the Medicare Advantage incident, asking a series of questions about the firm's role.  Grassley's letter to Height Securities is available here.

The text of his floor speech is available here.  The video is available on cspan.org.

Grassley's letter to the acting CMS administrator on the issue is available here.  The acting administrator, Marilyn Tavenner, comes before the Finance Committee on Tuesday for a hearing on her nomination to serve as permanent administrator.

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