BOWIE STATE FALLS AGAIN TO VIRGINIA UNION PANTHERS 79-68

RICHMOND, Va. – The Bowie State University men’s basketball team fell behind on the road early against Virginia Union University and fell, 79-68, Wednesday night. The Bulldogs never led and suffered their first season sweep against the Panthers since the 2009-2010 season.

As a result, the Bulldogs fell to 9-13 overall and 5-8 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Panthers improved to 9-12 overall (6-7 CIAA).

Bulldogs’ senior forward Byron Westmoreland (Baltimore, Md.) was dominant as he scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior Najee White (Jamaica Queens, N.Y.) scored 11 points and grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds. No other Bulldogs players scored in double figures.

On the other side, the Panthers had a balanced scoring effort as four players scored in double figures and were led by 19 points and 11 rebounds from junior center Omar Briggs (Richmond, Va.).

For the game, the Bulldogs shot just 33.9 percent from the field while the Panthers shot over 49 percent.

Within two minutes of the game’s start, the Panthers led, 5-0. After a turnover by White, the Panthers took a, 12-5, lead after a layup by Juan Wilson at the 15-minute, 21-second mark.

The Bulldogs went on a 7-2 run over the next 1:10 and pulled to within, 14-12, after two free throws by Westmoreland. The Bulldogs would never get any closer.

A, 6-0, run of their own helped the Panthers jumped out to a, 20-12, after a jumper by Briggs at the 12:18 mark of the first half.

The Panthers extended their lead to, 33-19, by the 6:34 mark of the first half after two free throws by Cordero Holt and went into the half with a 46-36, lead.

But the Bulldogs hung tough early into the second half and trailed by only seven, 49-42, with 15:51 remaining after a steal and layup by junior guard David Golladay (Upper Marlboro, Md.).

A Golladay layup at the 15:27 mark pulled the Bulldogs to within, 51-44, but the team would get no closer following that.

Over the next six minutes the Panthers extended their lead to, 68-52, and never looked back.

The Bulldogs will wrap up the home portion of their 2012-2013 season on Saturday (February 16), hosting the Hawks of Chowan University. Prior to the 7:30 pm tipoff, seniors Dameatric Scott, White, Branden Doughty, Bryan Wilson and Westmorland will be honored in a special pregame ceremony.

VIRGINIA UNION WINS REMATCH OVER BOWIE STATE LADY BULLDOGS 65-39

RICHMOND, Va. – Difficulty converting from the field plagued the Bowie State University women’s basketball team all evening in their road match against Virginia Union University as the Lady Bulldogs fell, 65-39, Wednesday evening.

The Lady Bulldogs shot just 21.8 percent for the game, including just 16 percent in the second half as they fell to 6-15 (3-10 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association).

Meanwhile, the Lady Panthers evened their record to 11-11 overall and 8-6 in the CIAA.

The Lady Bulldogs led just once, 3-2, at the 19-minute, 26-second mark of the first half after a three-pointer by senior guard Jasmine Jacobs (Baltimore, Md.). Unfortunately, the Lady Bulldogs scored just 10 points over nearly the next 14 minutes and found themselves down, 28-13, before a layup by sophomore guard/forward Bria Robinson (Richmond, Va.) pulled the Bulldogs to within 13 at the 5:34 mark of the first half.

By halftime, the Lady Bulldogs trailed, 39-18.

The second half was dreadful as the Lady Bulldogs converted just four of 25 field goals and never got close.

Robinson led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Channell Mackey (Clinton, Md.) had six points. Meanwhile, Jacobs chipped in five points and nine rebounds.

The Lady Bulldogs will wrap up the home portion of their 2012-2013 season on Saturday (February 16), hosting the Hawks of Chowan University. Prior to the 5:30 pm tipoff, seniors Jacobs and Cortney Baynard will be honored in a special pregame ceremony.

Use cookware that doesn't cause cancer

Cookware That Won't Leech
Poison into Your Food

    Food may be what sustains us, but you can sabotage even the healthiest diet if you cook your food in toxic pots and pans.

    Fortunately, more people are getting wise to the dangers of cooking with certain kinds of pans — especially those that are Teflon-coated (I covered Teflon dangers in issue #211). So what kind of cookware is safe and nontoxic? This article is your quick consumer's guide to what's out there. . .

Continued below. . .

Old Mice "Cheat Death" with New Breakthrough from Harvard Medical School     In a landmark study that sounds like science fiction, a professor at Harvard Medical School regenerated the brains of aging mice by turning on a switch inside their cells.     The mice, who were the equivalent of elderly men, had all the classic signs of old age: Their brains were smaller... they were going blind... they stopped having sex... their hair was gray... and they couldn't find their way through a maze or remember where their food was.     But when this Harvard professor hit the switch in their cells, the tissues and organs in their body -- including their brains -- started to regenerate and grow back to normal size.     Even a slight change in brain size would have been a miracle... but what happened was even more remarkable.     And here's the best part: this "age-reversing switch" can be turned on in us too!Read more now…

    The cookware industry is catching on to the dangers of nonstick chemical surfaces. In response, they're developing new, safer products. Meanwhile, more consumers are turning to traditional cookware that isn't coated with chemicals. And that's what I prefer -- high-quality traditional pots and pans. But before we get to those, let's look first at the new high-tech wonders. . .

New cookware on the market:
The good and the ugly

    First up: OrGREENic Kitchenware. The OrGREENic website claims you can "Go Green & Get Healthy" by taking advantage of their durable, all-natural 10" Fry Pan. The makers say their pans have a ceramic, non-stick coating that makes it possible to cook "without oil, butter, or grease." Better still, the OrGREENic cooking process "sears in the juices and flavor of your food without releasing toxic gases." The website and infomercials make the claims convincing.

    But several consumers have posted complaints about the product. The gripes range from poor fulfillment services and high shipping fees to objections over the cooking ability of the pan. Most of what I read centered on problems with the pan cooking things all the way through, like sunny-side up eggs. It seems that, even with a lid on, the lack of steam and grease make it hard for an egg to fully cook.

    The surface of the pan is indeed nonstick, but requires that you "cure" it before using. This is done by covering the entire cooking surface in oil and heating it till it smokes. You have to repeat this process every few months to keep the pan seasoned.

    Though I haven't used the product myself, my guess is that's it's just your basic non-stick pan, albeit non-Teflon. Seems useful if you ever need to fry something and want an easy cleanup, but it doesn't appear to have a long life. I don't think this pan will change the face of cookware.

    Another company, called Green Pan, makes non-stick pans coated in something called Thermolon, which is purportedly made from minerals instead of PFOAs (Perfluorooctanoic Acid — the main ingredient in Teflon that causes problems). Thermolon is said to be breakdown-resistant up to 450 degrees Celsius.

    The company also boasts a green footprint, claiming they use half the energy to make their pans that it takes to make others. They're off to a good start in terms of ratings overall, though early reviews say the pans work well initially but quickly become discolored and lose their nonstick ability.

    Another new coating to consider is in the Earth Pan II line from Farberware. This company makes nonstick pans using something called SandFlow, which appears to be manufactured without PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene — another offending chemical found in nonstick surfaces). Keep in mind, the SandFlow coating didn't rate highly in terms of non-stick properties — and that's after looking at several consumer review websites.

    Like other nonstick products, you can't use metal utensils on any of these new breeds of pans if you want them to last a long time. Despite this, the makers claim their pans last up to three times longer than ceramic-based products.

Best cookware options

    While we're still waiting for the ultimate in nonstick, inexpensive cookware, there are several older options on the market. They're pricier than your average coated frying pan, but in my book, they're worth it.

Stainless Steel:

    I'd say stainless steel is about the safest type of cookware you'll find. Stainless steel is made by mixing steel with chromium and nickel. The corrosion-resistant steel that results is easy to clean and handles abuse well. Most manufacturers caution against using abrasive materials when cleaning stainless steel. But in my experience, it's hard to avoid resorting to an abrasive once in a while, to remove the gunk that just won't come off any other way.

    According to our sources, if you clean stainless steel frequently with an abrasive, you risk causing small amounts of chromium and nickel to be released. Chromium is harmless in small amounts — most of us actually take it as a food supplement. But it's toxic in large amounts. Nickel isn't poisonous, but can cause allergic reactions.

    Side Note: If you're wondering how to tell whether you're allergic to nickel, the quickest way to find out is with jewelry. If nickel-plated earrings make your earlobes itch or if a necklace leaves a rash around your neck, there's a good chance you have a nickel allergy. Sometimes rash and redness is followed by dry patches on the skin or even blisters. Opt for stainless steel or 18-karat gold jewelry instead.

    After stainless steel, I'd recommend enameled or well-seasoned cast iron and porcelain cookware.

Copper with Stainless Steel Lining:

    Stainless steel/copper cookware is supposed to be the best and safest choice in cookware. It's also the most expensive, by far. The copper exterior needs more care than other exteriors, but its benefit lies in its excellent thermal properties. The interior of a copper pan is always coated with another metal, usually stainless steel, because you can't cook directly on copper. It leaches into the food.

    According to our sources, there's some risk that different types of food and especially food with higher acidic levels can dissolve a copper pan's lining. I find it hard to believe, as the steel lining on my copper pans is quite thick. Even so, it's not a good idea to use an abrasive cleaner on copper pots. And steel-lined copper is another thing to steer clear of if you have a nickel allergy (nickel is sometimes used in the coating).

Aluminum:

    I'm not comfortable with aluminum cookware. It has a reasonable price tag and distributes heat evenly, but contact with acidic food can cause enough damage to leech aluminum salts into your food. Meaning, if you ever heat something as simple as tomato sauce, you'd need to be extremely careful.

    There's an ongoing controversy over whether excessive aluminum in the body contributes to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Some evidence supports this theory, but not enough to be conclusive. Small amounts of aluminum are probably harmless, but I don't use aluminum cookware myself. Aside from the worries about toxicity, it's a second-rate metal for cooking. The only thing it's good for is popcorn, but for that I have to admit it's the best.

Cast Iron:

    Cast iron cookware has unmatchable heat capacity and heats evenly. The downside is that it takes longer to heat up. Worth noting is that some nutritionists say food cooked in an unglazed cast iron pan has twice the amount of iron than food cooked in another pan. You also have to be careful to guard against rust damage. In addition, cast iron cookware has to be well-coated with unsalted cooking oil for use. I'd also recommend against strong detergents on a cast iron pan.

    And, yes, large amounts of iron are toxic. They're associated with heart disease and Alzheimer's (and probably other diseases). Iron toxicity may be one of the most overlooked and widespread medical problems in the country.

    Consider buying enamel-coated cast iron pans instead of traditional cast iron. They're easier to clean. I recently bought a Le Creuset casserole that's cast iron lined with enamel. It's a pricey piece of cookware, but a delight to use, and the surface is easy to clean. I haven't tried an enamel skillet (I use copper lined with stainless steel) but I'm tempted.

Be aware and spread the word

    Regardless of the type of cookware you use, it's important to keep your pots and pans in good condition. Use them properly and avoid abrasive and corrosive cleaners, and you'll improve your chances of avoiding potential toxins.

5 tasty foods that shrink belly fat fast (yum!)...

Did you know, most of the foods you eat, literally INFLATE your fat cells... just like a balloon or a car tire? 

That means your belly gets pudgier... your arms get flabbier... and cellulite mushrooms around your thighs. 

But when you eat certain OTHER foods... like the 5 foods you'll find here... those same fat cells SHRINK and quickly deflate? 

And THAT leads to a firm belly you no longer need to hide, slim thighs and toned arms... AND a tight butt. 

This is based on the latest in metabolic science, it can happen in just a few short weeks and it's all explained here: 

==> 5 Foods that Shrink Ugly Belly Fat… 

To a thinner, happier you in 2013, 

Dr. Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS 

P.S. If you can pinch an inch on your belly, a likely cause may be certain foods you are eating that accidentally trigger your "obesity response". 

Once this response is triggered, layer upon layer of ugly, dangerous fat will pile on and no matter how much you exercise or how little you eat will change that. 

But there's a way to prevent triggering this "obesity response" and to instead trigger your "lean body response" so the slim, sexy, healthy you can emerge: 

==> How to Trigger Your Body's Lean Body Response...

BOWIE STATE CLOSES OUT INDOOR CONFERENCE SCHEDULE ON HIGH NOTES

BOWIE STATE CLOSES OUT INDOOR CONFERENCE SCHEDULE ON HIGH NOTES

HAMPTON, Va. - A freshman qualifying for the NCAA Div. II Championships highlighted a solid weekend for the Bowie State University’s women’s and men’s track and field teams at the 2013 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championships.

Freshman Kendall Reynolds (Lompoc, Ca.) won the women’s triple jump with a record 11.95-meter effort. The NCAA Div. II provisional qualification for the women’s triple jump is 11.5 meters as she walked away with the CIAA’s women’s field athlete most valuable performer honors.

Reynolds tied for the best effort in the women’s long jump at 5.95 meters but finished second to Lincoln University (Pa.) Diane Lindsay, who accomplished the same distance on fewer attempts.

Overall, the Bulldogs’ women finished in fifth place with 39 points while the Bulldogs’ men also finished in fifth place with 31 points. The St. Augustine’s University women (95 points) and men (204 points) both captured the CIAA team titles.

Junior Brelyn Finley (Clinton, Md.) won the women’s shot put with a throw of 12.95 meters.

Lady Bulldogs senior Michelle Palmer (Fort Washington, Md.) finished fifth in the women’s pentathlon with 2,167 points, while freshman Carissa Smith finished fifth in the women’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.11 seconds.

Junior Brittany Williams (Baltimore, Md.) finished fifth in the women’s 1-mile run with a time of 5:32.58 sixth in the women’s 800 meters with a time of 2 minutes, 22.28 seconds.

The team of Indya Price (Capital Heights, Md.), Faith Sykes (Richmond, Va.), Palmer and Smith finished sixth in the women’s 1,600-meter relay with a time of 4:03.76.

Not to be overshadowed, the Bulldogs’ men had some nice performances in the men’s competition.

Senior Alonzo Williams finished sixth in the men’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.25 seconds, which earned him a provisional berth to the NCAA Div. II Championships.

Senior Dana Smothers (Bel Air, Md.) finished third in the men’s 800 meters with a time of 1:55.59, just missing out on NCAA Div. II provisional qualifying time of 1:54.20.

Smothers’ teammate Ndjami Chick finished third in the men’s 5,000 meters with a time of 16:47.31.

Senior Anthony Kiser (Baltimore, Md.) finished fourth in the men’s pentathlon with 4,008 points.

The team of Jalame Gomez, Fabian Gonzalez (Frederick, Md.), Bryan Williams and Smothers finished fourth in the men’s 1,600-meter relay with a time of 3:23.8. The team of Cullen Mosley, Sonny Hicks (Temple Hills, Md.), Ndjami and Smothers finished fourth in the men’s distance medley with a time of 11:26.06.

Junior Channing Johnson (Upper Marlboro, Md.) finished fifth in the men’s shot put with a throw of 14.05 meters. Williams finished fifth in the men’s triple jump with a 14.14-meter effort.

Arnold Sports Festival Martial Arts Festival March 1st thru 3rd

2013 Arnold Sports Festival Presents The 25th Anniversary Arnold Martial Arts Festival March 1-3, 2013 ArnoldSportsFestival.com March 1st thru 3rd 2013 DON'T MISS the thrilling beginner to elite competitions of the 2013 Arnold Martial Arts Festival at The Greater Columbus Convention Center - Hall C. See more than 18,000 athletes and 175,000 visitors during the four days of action packed competition and entertainment throughout the Arnold Sports Festival. In honor of this year's 25th Anniversary we are taking the Arnold Martial Arts Festival to the next level. Prepare yourself for the largest field of competitors assembled within the last 10 years! Choose Your Discipline! * Capoeira * Chinese Martial Arts  *Judo * Karate Open * Kali * Karate Traditional  * Kickboxing * Muay Thai * Padded Weapons *Pankration  * Specially Challenged *San Shou * Tae Kwon Do Olympic  * Tae Kwon Do Open * Weapon Forms Open * Creative Forms New Additions to 2013 Events This year's new and exciting additions include an ADCC Abu Dhabi qualifier that boasts 13 athletes who will qualify and compete for a $1 million prize purse to be held in Dubai in 2013,  $2,000 academic scholarships to be awarded to top competitors and an Armed Forces / Veterans Grappling Tournament on Friday in recognition of our soldiers. USA Boxing Invitational Championships The Arnold USA Boxing Invitational Championships will hold its biggest event to date when the popular tournament is held in conjunction with the Arnold Sports Festival for the eighth straight year in 2013. 2013 Outside the Ring Award Boxing Royalty Appearances Arnold USA Boxing Championships    Just the Facts! 2013 Arnold Grappling / Jiu-Jitsu Championships The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will be presenting the traditional 2013 Arnold Grappling Challenge. An addition will be the new Military Grappling and ADCC Grappling divisions. All No Gi divisions are to be held on Saturday, March 2 and all Gi divisions are set for Sunday, March 3rd.  A $2,000 Scholarship Award The Arnold Martial Arts Festival annually awards a $2,000 college scholarship to a youth competitor. The scholarship is presented by the Columbus Rotary and the Arnold Sports Festival. Special Pre-Registration Pricing Special Pre-registration pricing for the Arnold Grappling will take place until February 17, 2013.  "Late registration will take place until the morning of the competition." For More information about the 2013 Arnold Martial Arts Festival just Visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com or call 614-796-1115    Warrior Island Master PHD Jim Stoppani official T Shirt    click here                Global Proving Ground is looking for Martial Arts Fighters for a new Reality TV show.      When Friday March 1st  Noon to 5pm Saturday March 2nd Noon to 5pm   Sunday March 3rd  Noon to 2pm Where Interviews @ Tiffin Mat booth Hall C Striking & Ground Work Open Mat 4pm Friday & Saturday TBD. What Global Proving Ground Casting Call GPG's Warrior Island.  Martial Arts Fighters do a 2 Minute Tryout Video with our video team to highlight your ability to the world.  click here Global Proving Ground Inc. Fighter Tryout Videos Fighters do a free Tryout Video for GPG and get noticed worldwide with the video on our unique platform for Martial Artists . Grand Master Kim Won Jin Warrior Island Korean Callout to Fighters and Fans.  Keep an eye out of Global Proving Ground Fights coming to your area or on your Local TV Stations.    GPG Warrior Island Trailer 2013 Global Proving Ground is Bringing honor, spirit and respect back to combat sports.  Watch how our Fighters have to bow before and after each match. Rustam Chsiev Fighter from KDojo Warrior Tribe Tryout Video for Global Proving Ground

OVERTIME UNKIND AS BOWIE STATE FALLS 60-59 TO LINCOLN (PA)

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. - Lincoln (Pa.) junior Derrick Washington (Washington, D.C.) hit a free throw with 1.8 seconds left to lift the Lions to a 60-59 overtime win over Bowie State. The overtime loss, BSU’s second of the season to Lincoln, drops the Bulldogs season record to 9-12, 5-7 in the CIAA and 2-4 in the conference’s Northern division.

Washington paced all scorers on the night with 19 points, including going 5-of-6 from the charity stripe. Will Cole (Newark, N.J.) had 12 points and eight rebounds before fouling out in the extra period as the Lions (13-9 overall, 6-6 CIAA, 4-2 CIAA North) were 21-of-58 shooting for 36 percent.

Bowie State raced out to a 16-9 advantage after a Dameatric Scott (Hagerstown, Md.) layup with 9:12 remaining, but Lincoln (Pa.) answered with a 12-4 run, capped by a Richard Glover (Baltimore, Md.) three-point play, giving the Lions a 21-20 lead with 4:09 left.

With the score knotted at 27-all, Lincoln closed out the first half with buckets by Cole and Washington to give the Lions a 31-27 lead at the break.

The Lions appeared to have the game in hand with 12:08 remaining in regulation as Washington sank a pair at the free-throw line to give Lincoln a 46-38 advantage. But the Bulldogs refused to go quietly in this intense rivalry and used a 13-2 run over next eight minutes to grab a 51-48 lead after a jumper by junior Carlos Smith. 

The Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to 46-45 at the 10:35 mark of the second half following a traditional three-point play by senior Bryan Wilson (Upper Marlboro, Md.). Bowie State missed several opportunities over the next three plus minutes to regain the lead. However, a steal by junior Ray Gatling (Oxon Hill, Md.) and fast break dunk by senior Byron Westmorland (Baltimore, Md.) shifted the advantage over to Bowie State at 49-48 with 6:53 left in regulation.

A Ray Gatling bucket with 35 seconds remaining gave Bowie State a 53-50 advantage, but Washington's 3-pointer with 25 seconds tied the contest at 53. The Bulldogs had a few chances to win the game in regulation as Westmorland's 3-pointer was off the mark and Wilson's putback attempt banged off the back iron, sending the contest into overtime.

In the extra period, Westmorland's free throw with 44 seconds left gave the Bulldogs a 58-57 lead and a free throw by Wilson extend the margin to 59-57, which set the stage for Washington's heroics.

With Lincoln trailing, 59-57, Washington drove to the line and lifted a soft jumper over two Bowie State defenders to tie the game at 59 as he was fouled on the play with 1.8 seconds left. After a timeout by the Bulldogs, Washington sank the free throw and Bowie State's final attempt by Wilson at the buzzer was short as the packed house erupted onto the court.

Senior Najee White (Jamaica Queens, N.Y.) led the way for the Bulldogs with 14 points. Wilson added 11 points, six rebounds and a career-high seven steals, while Westmorland chipped in with nine points and nine boards as Bowie State shot 33 percent (19-of-57) from the field.

The Bulldogs will see their next conference action on Wednesday (February 13th) at Virginia Union University. Tip-off versus the Panthers is set for 7:30 pm in Barco-Stevens Hall.

LADY BULLDOGS SECOND AND BULLDOGS FOURTH AFTER FIRST DAY OF CIAA TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIOSNHIPS

BRELYN FINLEY LEADS BOWIE STATE ON DAY ONE OF CIAA TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

HAMPTON,Va - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships were in full swing today for the first of this two day event at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. Day One Results attached

Eight schools are competing for the gold and at the end of today’s meet several teams have

positioned themselves to pull away from the pack for tomorrow’s competition.

The Virginia State Trojans have taken two of the top three places in Men’s Pole Vault; Hildrew McNair for the Trojans, claimed first place in with a height of 4.14m, while Jonathan White of Virginia Union took second at 4.04m, followed by fellow Trojan Frederick Boone, who finished in third place with 3.84m.

In women’s finals High Jump, Zahnn-George Reid of the Johnson C. Smith Lady Golden Bulls jumped a first place 1.66m mark, followed by Morgan Heath of Lincoln (PA) 1.63m. Tajanel McNeil, Winston-Salem State Lady Rams, landed in third with a final mark of 1.60m.

Women’s Shot Put Finals featuring Lady Bulldogs junior Brelyn Finley; throwing a first place mark of 12.95m. Judea Archie-Walker followed in second for the Trojans, 12.46m and claiming third, Olivia Sedwick of Winston-Salem State at 11.99m.

In terms of team standings, the Bowie State Lady Bulldogs are in second place and the Bulldogs are in fourth place overall.

Events commence on Sunday, beginning with the Women’s Pentathlon 60 Meter Hurdles. The Championship Awards Ceremony will follow immediately after the final championship event- scheduled for 6:15 pm.

What to do if someone has cancer

What to Do if Someone You Love Has Cancer     Back in Issue 250, I talked about what to do if you get a cancer diagnosis. It's a critical topic, given the life-changing nature of the disease.     But it's just as important to know how to handle the cancer diagnosis of a friend or a family member. What should you do, or not do? How can you help without offending? What should you say (or not say)?     Read on for some of the best approaches, in my experience, for helping someone else fight cancer. Continued below. . . Oliver was doomed to die from cancer within 8 hours -- But then he found out what to do. . .     Oliver had reached the end of the road in his seven-year fight against cancer. His doctors didn't think this 32-year-old man would live through the night.     But when I talked to Oliver six years later, he was the picture of health! He got rid of his cancer completely.     Yes, Oliver found the answer — his own cancer miracle.     I sat down with him and his doctor and they told me an incredible story. . . a story that could help save you or someone you love from this dreaded disease.     If you'd like to hear it, click here now. Cancer ALWAYS goes beyond the person diagnosed     The first thing you've got to remember is that EVERYONE is affected by a cancer diagnosis. It's not just about the person fighting the disease. Caregivers, friends, and family members of someone battling cancer also cope with emotional and physical challenges.     Of course, they are also the very people who can provide the best support to a cancer sufferer. Now, I'll admit that communicating with the people we love most can be tough, even in the best of times. Throw cancer into the picture and you have a whole new level of deep emotions and concerns to deal with.     The most important thing is to not get scared you'll say or do the wrong thing. Sometimes the best approach is just to lend a sympathetic ear. That sort of emotional support is crucial for helping a cancer sufferer stave off the anxiety and stress they feel after a diagnosis.     To be honest, keeping the relationship normal is about the best thing you can do. Here are some tips on how to do that: Start by preparing yourself. In general, cancer sufferers won't want to spend hours discussing their diagnosis. It's too emotionally draining. If they do want to talk, by all means — talk. But take the time to learn as much as you can on your own about the details of someone's cancer. Reach out to their spouse or a mutual friend to make sure you have all your facts straight. If certain details aren't known, don't push for more. Ask first. Ask before you pay a visit, before you give advice, and before you request details about someone's cancer treatment. Make sure they feel comfortable saying "no." Be ready for changes in appearance. Weight changes and fatigue are common in cancer. Hair loss is one of the most noticeable effects, if the person is undergoing chemotherapy. The best route is to not to comment on physical changes at all. Just tell your friend or family member how happy you are to see them. Don't hesitate to make plans for the future. It gives a cancer sufferer something to look forward to. Welcome emotions. Don't ignore feelings of sadness, but make sure you allow for fun and humor when you visit someone facing a diagnosis. Don't let someone's cancer become the elephant in the room. Talk about it if they're willing, but don't let it steer your relationship. Treat them the same way you always have. If you're related to the person, don't turn the conversation to your own risk levels. Don't talk about the risk their children might be facing, either. Keep in touch. Call or write emails. Send letters or care packages. About the worst thing you can do is lose touch with someone because you don't know what to say. A simple "I'm thinking of you" is all it takes.     If you have additional ideas or you disagree with the ones above, let us know by emailing tonewsletter@cancerdefeated.com or post a comment on our Facebook page. The two most important things you can do     Be honest here — most of us don't like to ask for help. Cancer patients are no different. So don't wait for someone to ask. Make an offer. Be specific about it, too. Instead of saying, "Can I do anything for you?" ask if you can bring a meal over, or take care of kids or pets.     You can also shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, water plants, mow the lawn, or drive them to a support group meeting. Or to a treatment session. In short, make an offer that can't be refused.     I know a young family who says they've hardly cooked a meal since the wife's breast cancer diagnosis. Their neighbors got together and bring them meals — usually things that last for a few days and can be reheated to provide several meals. They've also received a lot of volunteer help in looking after their young children.     The second most important thing you can do is to help with the financial side of cancer. There's no way around it — cancer is expensive. But, it can be awkward to give someone money directly (awkward for them to accept it, too).     A better option is to give a gift card to the grocery store or a store like Target. Or spring for a housecleaning service, or a therapeutic treatment like massage or acupuncture. Many massage therapists and other types of therapists will be happy to provide a gift card entitling your friend or relative to treatments.     A newer approach to helping someone deal with the financial strain of cancer is to set up a fundraising page. Crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo make it easy for anyone to raise money for any purpose. Kickstarter and GoFundMe are other popular options. Just set up a page that tells the story of the person you're raising money for, set a money goal, and then share the page with other friends and family members. They can donate online using credit cards.     There's usually a small fee of 4 or 5 percent off your fundraising goal, but funds are disbursed just two weeks after the campaign is over (and you set the deadline). Help them incorporate alternative treatments     One of the most valuable things you could possibly do for someone with cancer is to be their advocate. That means you go to all their doctor's appointments with them, help them weigh the pros and cons of different treatment options, and essentially stay by their side throughout their cancer battle. This is usually appropriate if you're very close to the person battling cancer.     If you're a little more removed from them, or if they already have an advocate, there are plenty of other supportive roles you can play.     A really important role is to serve as someone's exercise partner. Exercise gives cancer patients both physical and emotional benefits, like reducing stress, improving sleep patterns and helping with fatigue, as well as boosting mood. It can be as simple as a daily walk around the block. Just make sure they get signoff from their healthcare team.     Other good exercise options are weight lifting to help build muscle — important because patients often lose muscle (and gain fat) during cancer treatment. And then there's aerobic exercise, like running or swimming, which helps with cardiovascular fitness and burns extra calories. Flexibility exercises like stretching or yoga help a cancer patient maintain mobility.     On a different note, regular care packages go a long way in helping a cancer victim through treatment. Send things like funny DVDs — I'm a fan of classics like Laurel and Hardy or The Three Stooges. Vibrant flowers or live plants are also a nice option. Here's a vital tip, though: When you send gifts or packages, make it clear that no "thank you" is expected. You can be sure a cancer sufferer will appreciate every act of kindness they get, but that person may not be up to writing thank you cards or even making phone calls.     Another really valuable approach is to help educate them about supportive treatment and alternative therapies. But you have to tread lightly here. Very few people want unsolicited advice, even from their closest friends and relatives. If you know the patient is receptive to alternative health in general, then you might find a way to tactfully suggest some helpful supplements or eating plans.     You should never push a treatment on someone — they have to want it. But, as our weekly newsletters testify, there are hundreds of excellent complementary approaches for people battling cancer … and it takes work to research and understand them. So, offer to do the work for them. Don't let the disease define the person     Cancer is a game-changer, absolutely, but under every awful diagnosis is a person. Maybe that person is your friend, or brother, or daughter, or parent. Don't forget that.     A lot of cancer survivors report they found out who their real friends were after they got cancer. That was when the people who really cared stood out from the ones who never called, never expressed their sympathy, suddenly lost touch, or just dismissed the cancer sufferer's fears.     At the same time, if you're a caregiver to someone with cancer, or very close to a cancer sufferer, you're bound to face some stress. Make absolutely sure you take good care of yourself so you can be at 100% when the person you're caring for needs you. Check out resources like thePeer Support Network, which connects caregivers with others who've faced similar experiences.     Or, try online tools like Lotsa Helping Hands, which makes it easy to coordinate offers for help between other friends and family. It also lets you post updates as someone heals from cancer, which saves them the hassle of having the same conversation multiple times with concerned friends and family members.     The bottom line to all of this to just let someone know you're there and you care.     I know of one treatment that ANYONE might agree to try, even if they reject alternative and integrative medicine. We wrote about it in the last issue. Scroll down and read it now if you missed it.

Lincoln (PA) 60 - Bowie State 59 (MEN'S Bb FINAL)

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. - Lincoln University of Pennsylvania junior Derrick Washington made a layup and free throw with 1.8 seconds in overtime to give the Lions a 60-59 CIAA Northern Division win over Bowie State.  Bowie State (9-12, 5-7 CIAA, 2-4 North) was led by seniors Najee White and Bryan Wilson with 14 and 11 points respectively.

 

Complete story to come later