Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota 

Do you know people who have smoked their whole lives and thrived well into old age without any sign of lung cancer?  Or someone who never seemed to go near fruits and veggies but lived a long, full life?  When you think of them, you might decide that cancer will come when it comes and there is nothing you can do about it.  That is where you would be wrong.

There will always be someone you know whose health flies in the face of conventional medical wisdom.  Clinical studies of cancer risks give scientists a far broader perspective on cancer risk and prevention.

You might also believe there is little you can do to lower your cancer risk because you have heard that genes play a role in many cancers.  It is true that people who have certain versions of particular genes can be more susceptible to some cancers and the factors in the environment that trigger them.  While you cannot change the genes you inherited from your parents, you can change factors in the environment.

Not all people are equally susceptible to a given type of cancer, and different people will get different benefits from cancer prevention strategies.  There are several general lifestyle changes that researchers have proven lower your risk of cancer.  Why not make some changes now and lower the chance you will have to go through a rough, costly, and potentially fatal battle with cancer?

On average, about one-third of cancers relate to smoking.  About one-third relate to diet.  Overall, it is estimated that about 90% of cancers are due to factors in the environment.  Something other than our genes are triggers which could include the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.

The greatest cancer risk factor through the air comes from cigarette smoke.  Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.  It leads to a high number of deaths each year.  Some people are particularly susceptible to lung cancer from smoking. A recent study found that both African Americans and Native Hawaiians had significantly greater risks of lung cancer related to smoking than whites, Hispanics, and Japanese Americans.  Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke, too.

People who have a poor diet, do not get enough physical activity or are overweight may be at increased risk of several types of cancer.  Studies suggest that people who eat high-fat diets with few fruits and vegetables have an increased risk of cancers of the colon, uterus, and prostate.  Be sure to eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day along with whole-grain breads and cereals.  Limit foods that are high in fat, such as butter, whole milk, and fried foods.

Lack of physical activity and being overweight are risk factors for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus.  Some studies have also reported links between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries, and pancreas.  Physical activity can help control your weight and reduce body fat.  Most scientists agree that adults should engage in moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days each week.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which comes from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths, causes skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.  Limit your time in the sun, use sun protection and avoid other sources of UV radiation.

Some chemicals and other substances can raise your risk of getting cancer.  People who have certain jobs such as painters, construction workers, and those in the chemical industry have an increased risk of cancer.  You can be exposed to hazardous chemicals in your home as well.  Follow instructions and safety tips to avoid or reduce contact with harmful substances such as pesticides, used engine oil, solvents, and other chemicals.

Some bacteria and viruses may also increase the risk of developing cancer.  If you have a stomach ulcer, it could be a sign that you have bacteria that can also cause stomach cancer.  Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the main cause of cervical cancer and may also be a risk factor for other types of cancer.  Hepatitis B or C infections can lead to liver cancer.  HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, raises the risk of certain cancers.  Do not have unprotected sex or share needles and consider getting the vaccines for hepatitis B and HPV.

It is important to talk to a health professional about your specific cancer risks and what you can do to lower them.  Make sure to discuss the cancers that people in your family have had.  Your doctor can also help you figure out if you have particular risks because of your lifestyle.  Together, you can put together a plan to lower your risk of getting cancer.

Preventing Cancer: Steps You Can Take

• Do not smoke. Quit now if you do smoke.
• Eat well. A healthy diet includes whole-grain breads and cereals and 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Be active and maintain a healthy weight. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days each week.
• Avoid UV radiation from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths.
• Avoid chemicals and other substances that raise your risk of getting cancer. Follow instructions and safety tips on the products you use.
• Avoid and treat infections that can cause cancer. Talk to your doctor about avoiding viruses that cause cancer, and about any stomach problems.

If you would like more information on “Preventing Cancer – Learn How to Lower your Risk” contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu.  Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.         

Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota  

Chest pain or discomfort has long been seen as the most common early warning sign of a heart attack.  Research has raised questions about whether this holds true for women.  Studies looked at the available evidence and concluded that chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack for most women.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among U.S. women.  It affects females over age 18.  In light of the recent uncertainty about heart attack symptoms in women, researchers examined studies published over 35 years.  The studies ranged from large clinical trials to smaller studies and patient interviews.

Taken together, the studies showed that the majority of women – two-thirds to three-quarters – had chest discomfort with heart attack.  In addition, the studies found that women seem to report a wider range of symptoms than men.  These include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite and dizziness.

Although chest pain may be the most common sign of heart attack for most women, it is recommended that any new symptoms be promptly evaluated.  Surveys suggest that more women are now aware that heart disease is their leading killer, but many still do not take their risk of heart disease personally and seriously.

Heart Attack Signs

Fast action can save lives. Everyone should know these warning signs of a heart attack:

• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.  Can include one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath often comes along with chest discomfort, but it also can occur before chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

If you would like more information on “February is Heart Health Month – Heart Attack Symptoms in Women” contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu.  Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.              

by Wayne Pelzel, Sleepy Eye Mayor

The winter of 2024 may go down as one of the mildest on record. At this point in early February its sure looking like that is a good possibility. We’ll see what February and March have in store for us.

Our hats off to the Pond Hockey Tournament Committee for the excellent event they sponsored in January. Lots of organizational work went into this event which brought many people to Sleepy Eye and provided much excitement for all those interested hockey enthusiasts. Way to go.

Looking ahead to some possible development costs, Public Works Director, Mike Hardin, put together a snapshot of other communities’ actual costs for infrastructure development and it took our breath away. Based on what those communities experienced, we could anticipate water, sewer, street, and curb costs to approach $70,000 per lot. We hope our bidding does better than that.

Our search for a suitable childcare facility alternative continues. Two sites have been identified as possibilities including St. John’s School and the Community Center. The Orchid Inn was also mentioned. Individuals representing Little Sprouts are checking into those sites and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

Sleepy Eye Regional Foundation was created to work to improve greater Sleepy Eye through fund raising and by supporting community projects. Just getting on their feet, the Foundation seeks to create a regional endowment, plans to establish a grant opportunity for community projects and will use their nonprofit status to raise funds for community projects. More information is available from the Sleepy Eye EDA Office at (507) 794-5636 or email at: sleepyeyefoundation@ outlook.com Members of the Foundation board include Sara Hornbrook, Michelle Strate, Mark Kober, Christina Andres, Kayla Jacobsen, Kurk Kramer, Brad Mathiowetz, Mike Schmid, Joann Schmidt and Wayne Pelzel. The Foundation is already being used as a tax deductible vehicle for raising funds to restore the LaFrance fire truck.

Lots of time and effort has been directed at the new “Sick and Safe Time Law” that has rewritten regulations regarding sick time for full and part time workers. The law is complicated and seemingly written for large communities so it has left folks in smaller towns working in the human resources field scrambling to understand and implement the ramifications of this new law.

We extend our congratulations to Christina Andres who was recently elected as President of the City Council. We also congratulate Craig Hansen, the Divine Providence Auxiliary, and Randy’s Family Drug who were recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the community

by Wayne Pelzel, Sleepy Eye Mayor

The last few weeks have been pretty much dedicated to filling open seats on the City’s various Boards and Commissions. It is the Mayor’s responsibility to appoint people to fill those open seats with approval of the City Council.

Just to give you an awareness of the scope of this, there are 11 active Boards and Commissions. These bodies meet generally monthly and advise the various department heads and make recommendations to the City Council related to their area of expertise. In those 11 boards, there were two openings on the Park Board, two on the Hospital Board, one on the Public Utilities Board, two on the Airport Board, one on the Library Board, one on the Downtown Revitalization Committee, four on the Planning and Zoning Board, one on the Economic Development Authority, one on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and so on.

It takes a lot of time to touch base with folks who might make good candidates to fill these open seats. Thankfully, at the Jan. 9 meeting of the City Council, approval of this new slate of potential seat holders was on the agenda.

Several people on these Boards who are retiring deserve recognition for their many years of service to the City. The following is a list of people who have served extended periods of time: Gordon Osmonson, 26 years Hospital Board; Darlene Tauer, 25 years Hospital Board; Gregg Tennant, 16 years Park Board; Howard Engholm, 20-plus years Airport Board; Paul Theisen, 22 years Public Utilities Commission.

Thanks to these dedicated folks for their many years of service to the City. Their retirement leaves big shoes to fill.

A new committee is being formed to look into the addition of a daycare facility with the possible addition of a limited recreation center. This committee will look into questions like what facilities might be available now to fulfill this need, funding for a project, and if built, where it should be located and what should be included in it.

The City will end 2023 in great financial condition. The expenditures look to be well under budget. The City has a strong and well placed investment package that provides good returns. Thanks to the City Manager, Bob Elston, for the good work he does in this arena.

Our thanks go out to the hospital administrator, Kevin Sellheim for his 21 years of service to Sleepy Eye Medical Center. May you enjoy a well deserved retirement.

Happy New Year to all. May 2024 be prosperous, successful and filled with peace and joy.