Dish-Houston

For many years there has been debate over whether aluminum has negative effects on the human body. There have been studies that have lead to conclusive proofthat there are links to aluminum and breast cancer and Alzheimer's. The more we studied the more we realised it's EVERYWHERE! In cookware, in water, and in our antiperspirant. For a small experiment we as DISH decided to see if it made a difference to try to cut aluminum out of our daily lives. A small experiment mind you means we aren't giving up water or buying new cookware but we did change our deodorant. If you look at the ingredients on your deodorant you will see the active ingredient...the one that makes it work...is aluminum! If you put something on your skin it will be absorbed into your bloodstream so we decided to try out alternative ...READ: aluminum free... deodorants and antiperspirants. The two alternates we used here at the DISH office were Crystal Body Deodorant and Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Stick, Lavender scented.

After a few months, some cold days some warm, workouts and lounge days we all discovered this: It stinks to stink and using alternative methods may make you feel better emotionally or mentally better but physically...WE STINK STANK STUNK! (with a small lavender overtone that went away QUICKLY!)

Conclusion: On cold days these natural alternatives are fine but here in Texas where those days are few and far between the aluminum way is the way to go unless you want to stand down wind from all of your friends which is too much effort for us.

A breakthrough in the fight against AIDS!

For the first time, an experimental vaccine has prevented infection with the AIDS virus, a watershed event in the deadly epidemic and a surprising result. Recent failures led many scientists to think such a vaccine might never be possible.

This is the best news!!! Let's pray together that this comes to life sooner rather than later!

Here is the latest entry from Fran Descher from her Cancer Schmancer Blog that she is sharing with DISH!

                We just got back from DC on Sunday night, where we had wonderful success in getting support to begin new initiatives on two fronts. One will be to replace the archaic manual pelvic with the more state of the art and effective transvaginal ultrasound. The other initiative will be to create an industry standard for women’s beauty products and, in so doing, eliminate the carcinogens presently found in many formulas. We are also working with the state of California to make the transvaginal ultrasound mandate and become the first state in the US to do so.

It hasn’t been two days since my return from Capitol Hill and I’ve already received this lovely letter from my dear new friend, Joel Segal.

Enjoy…

Be Well,

Franny D

Fran,

Greetings my new friend! I look forward to working with you to save lives. Your passion, warmth, humor, brilliant mind and sincerity are amazing, infectious, and just blew me away! This will translate into success in Congress, because believe me, you are very skilled on so many levels, we will make this happen. And, I will never forget how you just loved those kids in the halls that recognized you, and made them feel so welcomed into your world.....very cool! I just wish more people who have achieved your level of success could be as real, down to earth, and hip as you are!! Very rare, very rare indeed!!

I can relate from my heart about living through illnesses and disabilities; I have lived with sleep apnea my entire life, so I know about pain, struggle, joy, surgeries, and overcoming a life-threatening nightmare. You have survived cancer, and I can tell from your warm energy that you may have been transformed from this experience, or just became an even more wonderful and loving person then you were before. I am writing a book, (but it is talking a long time) with the help of the Stanford Sleep Center entitled a "Patient's Handbook On Surviving Sleep Apnea & Insomnia." I want to teach others about how to survive the illness, get the right medical help, and also survive the deep psychological depression and anxiety that emanate from being sleep deprived.

I know that with your leadership, and with the growing Cancer Schmancer Movement, the Congress will pass legislation to help women struggling to access preventive health screens, check ups, and on going quality health care due to the very serious problems with private health insurance. With the numerous contacts you have already made in Congress among Members and staff, I feel confident that you are going to get some legislation passed!

All my best,

Joel Segal
Senior Legislative Assistant on Health Issues
U.S. Congress