Warrior Woman Has Fully Awoken!



This woman has been kind, gentle,
and has much love,
All of this has been given with
the blessing of the Great Spirit above,
But Great Spirit gave her something
else and she didn't know it...
The Great Spirit gave her
the blessing of being a warrior woman
as now her light is lit!

This warrior woman has come
fully alive today,
She is no longer anyone's slave or prey,
She is taking back her life today,
And those who know who she truly is,
can stay.
No longer will she live the lives of others,
She will give back the blames and responsibilities of others
where it belongs,
For she also has the bear and wolf inside her,
which is now so very powerful
and uniquely strong.

The warrior woman now knows what road she must follow,
For others it will be to hard to swallow.
Her life was taken from her unknowingly many years ago,
And this warrior woman is taking back her life before the next winds blow.

Oh Sister Moon you give me the strength
as a warrior woman to conquer what's on my path,
high above and way beneath,
and the much needed strength to take on the wrath.

This warrior woman is fully awakened and is taking a stand,
taking the problems by the horns with my hand.
I will conquer all that is there,
all and who comes as they dare.

Warrior woman has fully awoken,
and many will see that they were mistaken
in robbing her of her life.
They as a thief, Warrior woman will conquer
and have no grief!

This warrior woman will protect her people, her son,
and those who need her.
If anyone hurts them, look out!
They will hear a GGGGGGRRRRRRRRR,
As they run and shout!

This warrior woman is taking back her life,
taking back the respect that was taken from her
throughout the years ever so slow.

This warrior woman is removing pain and hurt from within the heart
caused by the knife,
from all those who are both family and foe.

I am claiming what's mine, and my dignity,
From those who live in this society of vanity.
I am claiming back in full my heritage.

And as a warrior woman, I am going to clean up
many years of carnage.

For now standing in front of you,
you see this warrior woman... you see me.

Someone special has taught me to be free,
From this day forward for me no more slavery...
Gentleness, kindness, and love is part of me, and so is my dignity.
This is not weakness, as others believe.
But this strength is within me and within you.

I will listen to the spirits and grow,
I will travel in the whispering winds as they blow.

All the work I now do will be for Our People and all nations,
I will protect and guide the future generations.

Now it is time for me to travel on my new path,

As a warrior woman conquering all wrath.
If you ever see and want to meet me,
Please come, and I will also teach and share with you how to be free.

Author: Lady J-Ann
Lady J-Ann has dedicated this piece to Survivors of Domestic Violence.

You may encounter many defeats,
but you must not be defeated.
In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats,
so you can know who you are,
what you can rise from,
how you can still come out of it.

~ Maya Angelou ~

Not enough Canadians being screened for colorectal cancer, leading to many unnecessary deaths

Canadian Cancer Statistics 2011 released by the Canadian Cancer Society with special focus on colorectal cancer

May 18, 2011 @ 10:00AM

Toronto - Use of a simple, at-home screening test by Canadians can prevent many unnecessary colorectal cancer deaths, according to a special report about colorectal cancer in Canadian Cancer Statistics 2011 released today by the Canadian Cancer Society, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada.
If 80% of Canadians aged 50+ were screened over the next 10 years, it is estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 deaths could be prevented.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada, with an estimated 8,900 Canadians dying from the disease in 2011. It is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada after prostate, lung and breast cancer. An estimated 22,200 new cases are expected in Canada in 2011. Although rates of colorectal cancer incidence have been declining over the past two decades, the number of new cases has increased substantially due to population growth and aging.
The Society recommends that Canadians aged 50 and over get screened every two years with a simple stool test (known as FOBT or FIT). But currently, only 32% of Canadians in this age group report having a screening test. For people with symptoms or at higher risk of colorectal cancer, it is important that they talk to their doctors.
“One of the major goals of cancer screening is to detect cancer in people who have no symptoms,” says Gillian Bromfield, Senior Manager, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society. "For colorectal cancer, screening from age 50 using a stool test leads to fewer deaths. We need to identify and overcome barriers to colorectal cancer screening so that more Canadians get screened regularly. It’s a simple test and it saves lives.”
The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are simple, at-home kits that test for trace amounts of blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer.
“It’s very important that doctors talk to their patients about screening,” says Bromfield. “Canadians who have discussed colorectal cancer screening with their doctors are more than twice as likely to get screened regularly.”
According to the 2009 Colon Cancer Screening in Canada survey, 71.7% of Canadians aged 50 to 74 who discussed colorectal cancer screening with their doctors are up to date with screening, compared to only 32.6% who have not had the discussion.
Some other facts about screening, according to the survey:

• 81% of Canadians are aware that screening tests exist and recognize the benefits of screening.
• 60% of Canadians do not understand that screening is a “health behaviour” that doesn’t require symptoms in order to be performed.
• Most Canadians are not familiar with the at-home test. Most are aware of colonoscopy (a more invasive test used for follow-up).

Risk factors and prevention
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a diet high in red or processed meat, being overweight, physical inactivity, smoking and a family history of the disease. The best ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer – along with screening – are eating a healthy diet, being physically active in order to maintain a healthy body weight, not smoking and avoiding excessive drinking.
Diagnosis and treatment
After a positive screening test or symptoms such as bleeding, obstruction or abdominal pain, diagnosis is commonly made using a medical exam such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment depends on the stage at diagnosis and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Survival
Compared to other cancers, colorectal cancer has a moderate prognosis with a five-year relative survival rate of 63%. This is better than some cancers, such as lung (16% survival), but worse than prostate (96%) or breast (88%).
Canada has one of the best colorectal cancer survival rates in the world – slightly lower than the US, but better than most of Europe, including the UK and Scandinavia.
The five-year colorectal cancer survival has improved considerably – from 56% in 1992–94 to 63% in 2004–06. Survival is expected to continue to improve in the future as screening uptake increases.
Trends by province
Participation in screening varies widely across the country, with the lowest rate in Quebec and the highest in Ontario and Manitoba (the first two provinces to actively launch province-wide screening programs in 2008 and 2007 respectively).
Conclusions and recommendations
Treatment advances and screening have led to important reductions in colorectal cancer deaths and improvements in survival. However, further improvements will require the following:

• continued emphasis on screening, including:
  
  • maximizing regular participation and retention in screening programs and enhancing their quality
  • improving Canadians’ awareness about screening and the fact that screening is for people with no symptoms
• more research into the risk factors for colorectal cancer and effective prevention and treatment

“By becoming more aware of colorectal cancer, how to screen for it and how to prevent it, Canadians can help ensure they are looking after themselves and their families,” says Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.
A survivor’s story
To her friends, 55-year-old Kavita Jagasia is a walking billboard for the importance of regular colorectal cancer screening.
“Because of what happened to me, now they’ve all been screened,” says Kavita, diagnosed with colorectal cancer in July 2008. “Everybody suddenly woke up.”
The Toronto-area account manager in corporate travel was diagnosed after several months of noticing redness in her stool. She told herself it was nothing to worry about, but friends started commenting on her weight loss even though she wasn’t dieting. Urged by her husband, she went to her family doctor. A colonoscopy showed she had stage 2 colorectal cancer. Surgery two weeks later removed the tumour and further treatment was not required.
Kavita considers herself lucky, but says a simple screening tool like the fecal occult blood test (FOBT or FIT) could have made much of her experience unnecessary.
People may not want to do it because they think it’s “gross,” she says, but “if I had done it I probably would have been treated much earlier.  I probably would have been treated at the polyp stage, rather than a full-blown cancer.”
While a healthy lifestyle may reduce people’s cancer risk, Kavita knows that being of normal weight, a vegetarian, non-smoker and non-drinker was not enough to prevent her own cancer.
“If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody,” she says.
General highlights: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2011

• An estimated 177,800 new cases of cancer (excluding 74,100 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer) and 75,000 deaths from cancer are expected to occur in Canada in 2011.

• More men than women are diagnosed with cancer, but the gap between the two sexes has narrowed in recent years (52% of cases are in men versus 48% in women).

• More than one-quarter of all cancer deaths – 27% – are due to lung cancer.

• The death rate for all cancers combined is declining for males in most age groups and for females under 70.

• There were no increases in death rates for most types of cancer in men or women. Notable exceptions include liver (both sexes), lung (women) and melanoma (men).

• The five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined is 62%.

New poll shows biggest worry for Canadians before their first kiss: Should I close my eyes? But kids with life-threatening food allergies have much bigger worries

Anaphylaxis Canada launches Food Allergy Awareness Month with new ad to highlight everyday challenges faced by teens

Toronto - A new poll shows the biggest worry for Canadians before their first kiss is whether they should close their eyes (33%), but a more important concern for teens with food allergies is what their partner recently ate. Even a trace amount of an allergen may cause someone with food allergies to have a potentially-life threatening anaphylactic reaction. The poll comes at the start of Food Allergy Awareness Month. Other pre-first kiss worries in the poll were “how does my breath smell” (15%), “should I french kiss” (14%), “do I look attractive” (9%) and “will my parents catch me” (7%).
Among the more than 1.3 million Canadians with serious food allergies, teenagers are unique in the challenges they face. Teens have to manage their food allergies in various social situations, contend with peer pressure, and may exhibit a tendency towards risky behaviour and the awkwardness that comes with navigating one’s way into adulthood.
“Teens need to be aware of the risks and equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make safe choices”, said Laurie Harada, Executive Director of Anaphylaxis Canada and the mother of a teen with multiple food allergies. “Ensuring that their peers understand the seriousness of food allergies is also extremely important.”
That is the message of a new public service announcement developed by cutting-edge Toronto advertising firm Zulu Alpha Kilo. The firm’s President and Creative Director Zak Mroueh was inspired to create the ad by his son who has a serious food allergy.
“We wanted to create something that all Canadians could relate to,” said Mroueh. “By using the premise of ‘first kiss’, we are underscoring the seriousness of food allergies and the challenges teens face in staying safe – even when preparing for a rite of passage.”
The ad is being publicly unveiled at Anaphylaxis Canada’s annual food allergy conference this Saturday and can be viewed here today by clicking on the “Video” tab of this release. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The commercial, shot by Tom Feiler, was produced by Untitled Films. There is also a series of Transit Shelter Ads (TSA’s) and out-of-home advertising shot by Shereen Mroueh of Asylum Artists. All creative is being placed by Richard Ivey and Kareem Boulos of Media Experts.
As avoidance of allergens is the only sure means of preventing a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, communicating strategies that help teens self-protect is critical. Even a trace amount of an allergen can cause a reaction. For teens to remain safe, this means always reading ingredient labels, ensuring their friends and dates are aware of their food allergies and always carrying epinephrine.
“Communicating directly to teens about managing risks and encouraging them to take responsibility for their allergies can help reduce instances of allergic reactions and prepare them for adulthood,” said Kyle Dine, Youth Program Coordinator at Anaphylaxis Canada.
The public service announcement is the latest initiative in Anaphylaxis Canada’s Why Risk It? allergy awareness program targeted at pre-teens, teenagers and young adults. More information about the program can be found at: http://www.whyriskit.ca/.

There is Help! Shelter & Outreach Program for Women & Children - Cover Your Tracks! Tips

There is Help! Shelter & Outreach Program for Women & Children - Cover Your Tracks! Tips

How To Cover Your  Tracks - Internet Safety 

To be safe, erase any record that you have visited the Women & Children’s Shelter web site. If anyone has access to your computer, they will be able to see which web sites you have visited unless you erase your tracks.

PC Windows – Internet Explorer
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Tools in the menu bar. Open the Internet Options Dialog Box and select the General Tab.
Step 2: In the Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files. Check the “Delete all offline content” and click OK.

Step 3: In the History, click Clear History.

Step 4: In Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Cookies and then OK.

Step 5: Click OK to exit the Internet Options Dialog Box.

PC Windows – Mozilla Firefox
(Before closing the Browser)

Step 1: Select the Tools in the menu bar, then select the Options.


Step 2: Click on the “Privacy” Option, with the picture of a padlock.

Step 3: Select the “History” tab. Click on “Clear Browsing History Now”.


Step 4: Select the “Cache” tab. Click on “Clear Cache Now”.

Step 5: Click “OK” to exit the Options dialogue box.


PC Windows – Netscape
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Edit in the menu bar, then select the Preference.


Step 2: Under the Category, select Navigator. Then click Clear History as well as Clear Location Bar.

Step 3: Under Privacy & Security, select Cookies. Then click View Stored Cookies. Lastly, click Remove All Cookies.

Step 4: Under the Category, select Cache under Advanced. First click the Clear Memory Cache followed by the Clear Disk Cache.

PC Windows
(right click the mouse on the Start at the bottom of the menu bar, select Explore)

Step 1: Select Windows in the C drive.

Step 2: Open the Temporary Internet Files Folders. Select all the files inside this folder and delete.

Step 3: Open the History folder (e.g. c:\windows\history\today in Win 98), select all the files inside this folder and delete.


Step 4: Open the Cookies folder (e.g. c:\windows\cookies in Win 98), select all the files inside this folder and delete.


Step 5: Disable the Auto-Complete in the windows and/or browser options.


Step 6: Finally, after completed the above deletions, you should also empty the recycle bin.


Mac – Safari
(Before closing the Browser)

Step 1: Go to “history” tab on the main menu.


Step 2: Scroll down to “clear history”.


Mac – Firefox
(Before closing the Browser)


Step 1: Go to “preferences” under the “Firefox” tab in main menu.

Step 2: Click on “Privacy” tab then go to the “Private Data” section on the bottom.


Step 3: Click “Clear Now”.


Mac – Netscape
(Before closing the Browser)


Step 1: Go to “Edit” menu and select “Preferences”.

Step 2: Select “Navigator” under the “Category” listing.

Step 3: Select “Clear History” in the “History” area.


Step 4: Click “OK” to erase history.


Remember:
When you clear the cache and the history list, you erase ALL information that had been previously stored there. If your partner notices that the cache and history list have been deleted, he or she will realize that you know how to delete your tracks as well as possibly thinking that you have something to hide.


A way to avoid suspicion is after clearing the CACHE and HISTORY LIST spend some time visiting sites that you think your partner wouldn’t object to. This way, the cache and history list start to get filled up and your partner might be less likely to notice that old information is missing.


Email
If an abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that’s difficult to guess. If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, print and save the messages as evidence of this abuse and report it to police.

A woman’s partner can often tell when she makes up her mind to stop the abuse. Do not underestimate your partner. Always erase your tracks.

Telephone Safety
When you call the Women & Children’s Shelter, or any organization that assists abused women, you must be careful to use a telephone that will not keep a record of the number you called. If you call long distance, the phone number will appear on the bill. Even if you call locally, if you use an Internet-based telephone system, with a name like VOIP or SKYPE, records of the call will be kept. If your partner has access to the system he or she will be able to identify who you have called.


Cell phones can also keep records of the numbers that have been called.


A local call made on a regular telephone line will not produce a record of the call. However, many telephones have a “redial” button, and you may want to call a friend or other “safe” number after you make any call you don’t want your partner to know about – they can check up on you just by pressing “redial”.


One way to be sure your home telephone uses a regular telephone line is to check your telephone bill. It will come from a Telephone Company, such as Bell or Sprint. It will not list any local numbers, only long distance. If you still aren’t sure, you should use extra caution.


The safest way to call or to receive calls from us is from a friend’s phone, a public phone, a work phone, or any telephone that has nothing to do with your partner.


If you are in danger, call 911.

Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"

Canada Announces "International Day of the Girl"

OTTAWA, March 8 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Canada intends to support the establishment of an International Day of the Girl. The announcement was made during a meeting with young women from Plan Canada who are working to promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world, including equality under the law, better nutrition and health care, equal access to education and training, and freedom from violence and abuse.

"Today on the occasion of International Women's Day, the Government of Canada is proud to encourage leadership among girls to strive for what they believe is right, and to inspire more ideas and support for girls to prosper and succeed. A girl who experiences equality has a greater likelihood of being self-confident and aware of her own potential, and of being empowered to access the education, training and career opportunities that will contribute to her success in life," said Minister Ambrose. "As Canadians we recognize that when girls have a solid foundation, with the best skills and living conditions, they can truly soar to new heights and contribute to the health of a nation. An International Day of the Girl can galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for these goals."


If adopted as a United Nations Resolution, an International Day of the Girl could be established as early as the fall of 2011. The idea was introduced to Minister Ambrose by a delegation of girls from Plan Canada at the 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations Headquarters in February 2011. Plan International is promoting the establishment of an International Day of the Girl to raise global awareness of the unique challenges facing girls, as well as the key role they can play in addressing larger issues of poverty and development.


"The Day of the Girl would definitely spark discussions throughout the world about girls' rights, how girls are impacted by policies, the challenges that girls face. I would use the Day of the Girl as another opportunity to bring up the issue of girls' rights with my peers, in my community and to my leaders," said 17-year-old Rachel, a Canadian student involved in Plan Canada's Because I am a Girl Speakers Bureau.


"The Day of the Girl would be important because it would bring awareness to adults that girls are worth investing in. I think it is our right to be equal players in society and we need help to make our voices heard. We are relying on girls, boys, women and men to raise their voices on our behalf," said 11-year-old Madeleine, a Canadian student and youth advocate with Plan Canada.

Plan Canada is a non-governmental organization that aims to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of children, families and communities in developing countries. For more information, visit www.plancanada.ca.


To mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, Canada chose as its 2011 theme Girls' Rights Matter / Les droits des filles comptent. This theme also aligns with the United Nation's theme, Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women. International Women's Day and International Women's Week provide opportunities to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women and girls. Every year, Canadians celebrate this progress toward equality for women, and reflect on the challenges that remain.


For further information on International Women's Day and International Women's Week, visit the website of Status of Women Canada at http://www.iwd.gc.ca/.

Are Independent Women Too Strong for today's Man?

Are Independent Women Too Strong for today's Man?

• Can strong women be too independent?
• Should married women have their own bank accounts or does that mean they aren't committed to the marriage?
• Are strong women.... married or single... TOO strong for today's man?
• Should finances even play a part in relationships or does that kill the romance?

We have seperate bank accounts and one for house expenses. I much rather have it that way though I know a lot of people ask my why we do this. It's my Independence and I have my own earnings and don't feel I need to justify what expenses I pay. I pay for all the children's things (school supplies, lunches, sports, shoes, clothing, etc) and have my own business to run. I've set my own budget and if I want to buy a pair of shoes or pack of gum, I do so.

When we go for dinner, we go Dutch, or I'll treat or he'll treat. We have open communication in our relationship and trust me when I say it was a lot of growing pains and finding balance but after seven years, we've pretty much got all the kinks work out. Honestly, it causes less fights too and in my opinion, no, doesn't make me any less committed to my relationship.

Well that's my thoughts on that for now. It was late and just thought I'd blog because I couldn't sleep. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Much success in health, health and happiness!
Shannon P. Murree, Sales Representative RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE: Then: 1950's and Now 2011

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE: Then: 1950's and Now 2011

The following is supposedly an excerpt from a 1950's high school home-economics textbook:

• •  Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal -- on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
  • Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.  
  • Clear away the clutter: Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.  
  • Prepare the children: take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.  
  • Minimize all noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.  
  • Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.
  • Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
  • Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
  • The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

Now: 2011 (Shannon's Version)

Have dinner ready: if possible, put whatever you can into the crock pot and have it on simmer so it's ready when you both get home from a long day of work. If possible, have the kids have the dinner table set and away you go to have a nice dinner! If they're old enough to make it and home before you are, even better! They have to learn how to cook sometime for when they're going to leave the house. If not, what's on the takeout/delivery menu OR if hubby is home first, ask what he's cooking.

Prepare yourself: you've had a long hard day at work or scheduling play dates, etc with the kids. Take at least 15 minutes to yourself if hubby's home and let him have the opportunity of catching up with the kids while you gather your thoughts and have some "me" time. If you can't have quiet time at home, just excuse yourself, go grab a Timmy's or Starbucks tea, juice or coffee and take a quick drive to a park or waterfront. Have a meditation CD playing quietly or just enjoy the silence.

Clear Away The Clutter: ah, everyone should take care of themselves. If they put it there, they can clean it up too. You're not a maid and they all have to learn responsibility and cleaning up! Make a chore list and have everyone scheduled to do certain chores. If you can afford it, hire a maid and you're helping to support another person and their business while they help make your life easier.

Minimize all noise: Ask Johnny to turn down the ear buds that is blaring his music and probably destroying his ear drums. Otherwise, everyone should run up to you (or dad) when you come home. If there's music on in the background, dance and say "oh yeah, let's celebrate - I'm home!" If hubby's home, great! If hubby's not home, great! Enjoy that one on one time with the kids or, just take that moment again for yourself.

Listen to him: well, if he's only going to grunt a few words when he comes home, then it won't take long. If you have to, grab a glass of wine so you can swish it in your mouth and preoccupy your mind


Make The Evening His: Go out with the girls for a "girl's night" or lock yourself in your bathroom with wine, candles, a good book and bubbles. I'm sure he can find something of his own to do. Get him the new "Maxim" or tell him the remote is all his for the night.


The Goal: to get through the fast paces that life has to offer on a daily basis with as much sanity as you can....all the while feeling a sense of accomplishment, purpose and hopefully hearing the words "thanks", "I love you mom", "I love you honey" and "you're the best"...even if you have to pat yourself sometimes. Everyone else will come around.

Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"