Canadian Cancer Society

Jamieson Vitamins: A Safer Source of Vitamin D

August 17, 2018 By Lena 12 Comments

I love having “A-Ha!” moments.

Honestly, they’re just so satisfying, aren’t they? There you are, minding your own business, doing things the way they’ve always been done, and then… out of the blue… your mind is blown.

Recently, I had one such moment during a conversation about Vitamin D. No, really – hear me out!

I’d always been under the impression that I didn’t need to take my Vitamin D supplement during the summer months. I spend more than enough time outdoors, and figured about an hour or so of daily sun exposure would be enough to boost my level to the point where I could forgo taking a daily vitamin.
In fact, I was so confident in my warm weather health regime that I found myself bragging to an acquaintance about how I swapped my supplements for the sun.

“But you wear sunscreen, right?” she asked. “Of course I wear sunscreen!” I replied haughtily. “Well, if you’re wearing sunscreen – to shield you from the sun’s rays – how is your body producing Vitamin D?” …

Let’s Go Streaking Canada!

October 16, 2014 By Lena 18 Comments

Years ago, if you told me that in 2014, I’d be tweeting with the hashtag #StreakWeek – to encourage a man to DROP HIS PANTS – I would have thought you were crazy.
But humour me for a moment, will you? Because I actually have an incredibly important message to share – one which happens to be the driving force behind the onslaught of boxer briefs that are about to invade our social space.

Yes, folks – it’s #StreakWeek – and it’s all for a great cause.

Truth be told, I stared at a blank screen for almost half an hour, trying to figure out an “angle” for this story. Should I be funny? Or should I try to tug at heartstrings? Should I lay down the facts in a cold, clinical fashion… or should I ease into the subject matter with tenderness? In the end, I decided the no-bullsh*t way is simply the best way to tackle it.

Let’s talk about testicular cancer.

While not the most comfortable topic to talk about, testicular cancer is actually the number one form of cancer found in young men, having affected an estimated 1,000 Canadian guys in 2014 alone. Perhaps I should have italicized young men, because this particular cancer preys on men in the prime of their lives. …

It’s Not a Very Pappy Subject

November 12, 2012 By Lena

Since I don’t make a habit of talking vajayjays on my blog, the subject matter is a teeny bit uncomfortable for me.

However, for the Canadian Cancer Society, I always make an exception.

Ladies, I know you hate it. If you didn’t – well frankly, I’d be concerned. But ask yourself – when was the last time you had a pap test? If it was between 1-3 years ago, good girl. You’re taking care of your vajayjay and for that you deserve a gold star. But if it’s been more than 3 years – ahem, isn’t it time to bring the ol’ wagon into the shop?

Here’s the deal: Pap tests save lives. Benefits of regular screening include:

Early detection of precancerous cervical changes: Cervical cancer develops from precancerous cervical changes. Screening helps to identify these changes early so they can be treated or watched, preventing cervical cancer from developing.
Earlier detection of cancer: The Pap test can help detect (find) early stage cervical cancer. In most cases, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival. Early detection may also mean less treatment and less time spent recovering.
Reducing the anxiety of “not knowing”: Many people prefer to have ‘check-ups’, just like a physical exam with your family doctor.

I know it’s one of the more unsavory tests, but even I know that they can’t be avoided. And if you’ve got your ear plugs and blinders on right now, consider this:

Shannon Pethick was just 32-years-old when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She hadn’t had a Pap test in six to seven years, which finds changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer. Shannon is now cancer-free, but sadly, the radiation treatments she underwent put her into menopause at 32 and she’s unable to have children.

(She’s currently a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer dedicated to educating women about the importance of Paps.)

So before I get off the subject of lady bits, just do me a favour and call your doctor to schedule an appointment. For the big day, I recommend Cha-Cha-Cha by China Glaze on your toes. Get it? Cha-cha? I’m so funny.

Women who want to learn more about cervical cancer screening are encouraged to speak with their doctor or nurse, or visit www.ontario.ca/screenforlife.