Transforming a diagnosis into inspiration

(ARA) - Most people who hear the dreaded words, "You have cancer," immediately feel they have been given a death sentence. Jason Green knows this feeling all too well. In October 2007, Green was told by his doctor that he had chronic myeloid leukemia, or CML, a type of cancer where the body produces cancerous white blood cells. Upon hearing those frightening words, Jason was instinctively worried how this would impact his family. Would he be too sick to maintain the active lifestyle to which he was accustomed? Would he be alive to share family vacations, birthdays and graduations? Green's oncologist, Dr. Ian Flinn, director of the Hematologic Malignancies Research Program of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, Tenn., explained that while CML is a blood cancer, or leukemia, significant advances in treatments have been made over the last 15 years and a diagnosis was no longer considered a death sentence. Research looking at the role of the gene responsible for CML, known as Bcr-Abl, has led to the development of drugs that specifically block the ability of this gene to send signals to produce the cancerous white blood cells. As a result, this form of leukemia is now a disease that can be managed for a long time by working with a doctor to develop the best possible treatment plan. "Jason and I worked closely together on developing a treatment strategy so that he could properly manage his disease, while still experiencing the important things in his life - including watching his children grow up," says Flinn. "We focused on finding a medication designed to target the gene responsible for his CML, and also talked about timing for routine tests and regular check-ins with me and my team." From day one of his diagnosis, Green didn't take having cancer lightly. He's been an active participant in his own treatment decisions and is a supporter of cancer research. In fact, as part of his treatment plan, Green chose to participate in a clinical trial comparing two Bcr-Abl inhibitors to help further scientific advancement in this disease. Furthermore, Green and his wife participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT) "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride" in June, which has raised more than $62 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over the past 13 years. They cycled 100 miles around Lake Tahoe with a team of employees from Novartis, who chose Green as their inspiration for this year's event. "That day four years ago when I got the news that I had CML, I never thought I'd be able to do the things I am doing today. I feel so blessed that my cancer can be managed by daily medications, frequent blood tests and regular check-ins with my doctors," says Green. "I encourage people diagnosed with cancer to research and get involved in programs so that even better treatments will become available." To learn more about CML and to connect with other CML patients and patient groups, visit www.cmlearth.com, an interactive global social network sponsored by Novartis Oncology and dedicated to connecting the CML community from around the world.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Seven special event marketing tips

Another year in operation is cause enough to celebrate if you're a small-business owner, but what can you do to get other people celebrating with you? Special events are a great way to build awareness about your business, and a fun way to interact with your customers. Here are seven ways to get the most out of your special event: * Attract customers with special deals, giveaways, samples or drawings. Once you get them in the door with freebies, they'll be tempted to shop. * Do something for charity. A great way to get your business's name out there - and build good will within the community - is to promote a good cause. Host a cleanup day at a nearby park or donate something from your business to a silent auction. * Celebrate your event by displaying special event logos in your store and on promotional materials. If you're celebrating another year in business, anniversary seals are a nice way to commemorate the occasion. * Promote your event on the Web. Create a Facebook page for the event and send out email notifications. Use email marketing tracking services offered by companies such as EasyContact by Deluxe to see if your event is creating more interest than normal messages, or last year's event. * Partner with a local musician or entertainer to add to the atmosphere of the event, and provide another reason for folks to show up. * Organize something fun for your customers that relates to your business. For example, if you own a bike shop, host a bike ride along a trail in your town and provide some goodies to people who show up for the ride. * Host a contest for your customers and offer a prize to the winner. You could even offer free merchandise or a cash prize to the person who creates the best poster to promote your event. Putting on a special event is a great way to get your customers more involved with your business, so if you're planning an event, ask your core customers for ideas. Chances are others who may be interested in your business would like the same things.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Practical tips for migraine relief

(ARA) - Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine knows how debilitating it can be. When you're suffering from a migraine, it's likely that you have a hard time focusing on anything else besides the pain you're enduring. If migraines are interfering with your daily life, it's a good idea to visit a doctor who can suggest the best ways to combat your headaches. But there are also some practical steps you can take to avoid migraines. Here are a few ways you can minimize the onset of migraines and ease your pain and nausea during a migraine episode: * Get good and regular sleep. Migraines often follow sleepless nights. Do what you can to establish a consistent sleep schedule. If you're having trouble sleeping, remove distractions such as a TV or radio, which can prevent you from entering a deep sleep when left on all night. * Try acupressure therapy. Similar to acupuncture, but without the needles, acupressure can provide natural pain relief by applying pressure to certain points in your body. This can be done with your hands, or through a device you can wear, such as Sea-Bands, which can be worn to apply pressure to a point just below your wrist. A recent study conducted by Berolina Clinic in Germany concluded that 83 percent of its participants - all chronic migraine sufferers - experienced a reduction in nausea when wearing Sea-Bands. * Establishing consistency in your diet can also help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, according to the medical experts. Also, if you suspect a certain food is causing your migraines, try eliminating it from your diet and see if it helps. Eating at different times each day or skipping meals can also trigger migraines. * Try relaxation techniques. Stress is a major cause of migraines, so anything you can do to eliminate stress from your life will help. In addition, you may want to try deep-breathing exercises and muscle-relaxing routines designed to help your body deal better with stress and tension. If you are looking for a place to get started, ask your doctor which types of exercises he or she recommends. * Get regular exercise. Perhaps nothing reduces stress and promotes good sleeping habits more than getting a good workout on a regular basis. Being physically active for at least a half hour a day can go a long way toward reducing your headaches. * If you do experience a migraine attack, try to get to a dark, calm place. Lie down and sleep if your pain and schedule allows you to. Applying hot or cold packs to the affected area or the back of your neck may also help relieve your pain. The pain caused by migraines can be extremely unpleasant and affect your ability to participate in normal daily activities. By doing what you can to avoid migraine attacks, you'll help ensure that the disruption they cause is kept to a minimum. For more information on migraine relief, visit www.sea-band.com/blog.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Honolulu's vacation packages perfect to entice all interests

Every traveler's wish list should include the Aloha State, where the state's nickname says it all - welcome. Hawaii is the perfect vacation destination for families, young couples looking for a romantic getaway, or retirees in search of cultural experiences, fine dining or a tropical retreat. Honolulu is a great place to start your trip, and you can find cheap flights to Honolulu through online search sites like Travelocity.com. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu has resorts, water activities, hiking, helicopter rides, beaches, rainforests, luaus, dancing and plenty of places to find delicious seafood. Of course, if you are interested in a hammock on the beach, you can easily find that as well. If you are visiting Hawaii for its tropical sunshine and warm ocean waters, look into Hawaii all inclusive resorts, where your meals and drinks usually are included in the price you pay. These resorts often will offer excursions that your group can add on to your stay to help round out your vacation experience. Start your day off exploring the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. This memorial is an emotional testament to the events that happened in the early morning on Dec. 7, 1941, leading to America's participation in World War II. You can also explore Hawaiian history with a visit to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout just outside of Honolulu. This lookout offers beautiful Hawaiian scenery, but also educates visitors about the Battle of Nuuanu, where King Kamehameha I was able to finally unite Oahu as one entity under his rule. Climbing a volcano might not be the first activity on your Hawaiian to-do list, but Diamond Head volcanic crater gives visitors beautiful scenic views - and it's recommended you time your visit for sunrise. Known to locals as Le'ahi, Diamond Head has been dormant for 150,000 years. This trail is mostly paved and has steps carved into the side of the volcano to get you to the top. Bring along water, and a flashlight for the tunnel along the trail. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is easily accessible for any traveler just hopping off the plane or for the adventurer needing an ocean-side rest after a long day of exploring Hawaii. There are so many Honolulu vacation packages available to satisfy all your family's interests. You won't be able to try them all in one trip, and as your family boards the plane to return to the mainland, you'll already be making your lists for the next visit to the Aloha State.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.