Who isn’t familiar with the expression, “early detection is the best prevention?” We hear this term throughout the year and most everyone is familiar with this “catch phrase” as it relates to breast cancer. Obviously, a woman’s chance for survival improves when a cancer is found early. We hear that simple rhyming statement but are women really offered early detection?

Our “gold standard” for breast cancer screening is mammography, clinical breast exam and self-breast exam. Other techniques are used but ALL current technologies examine structure; something is formed and large enough to be seen or felt. However, it is well-documented that a mass that is detected by mammography has been growing for 8-10 years before it was detected. Is this early detection?

There exists a technology that can detect an issue YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an exam and truly offers early detection. This technology has been approved by the FDA as an adjunctive screening tool since 1982 and offers NO RADIATION, NO COMPRESSION AND NO PAIN. For women who are searching for early breast cancer detection, digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) may be of interest.

Historically, DITI fell out of favor shortly after its initial debut in the early 80s. When DITI was first introduced, strict protocols and trained technicians did not exist. Shortly after its initial beginnings, DITI fell out of favor as a diagnostic tool in the medical community.

There are now very strict protocols both for testing and interpreting. Perhaps due to these

Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia. When traveling to Italy it is important to remember that you are not at home, so always be respectful and conservative.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

In general the weather is very hot and steaming in the dead of the summer. We recommend that you wear light clothing. Be sure to have sunglasses, hat and sunblock, as they are essential. Afternoon thunderstorms (brief) are common in Rome and inland cities, so you may want to consider bringing an umbrella. It is essential to follow dress standards (no bare shoulders or knees) and is strictly enforced in many churches, especially in Rome at St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums and at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice.

SAFETY

Remember to protect yourself against purse-snatchers and pickpockets. It is recommended that you wear a money belt or a pouch on a string around your neck, both concealed. When you have to carry a purse make sure that is around your neck and tucked between your body and arm. A word of caution: “gypsy” children are widespread in Rome, are skilled pickpockets that are quick, and know more tricks than you do.

TELEPHONES

Since hotel tend to overcharge for long distance and international calls. It is best to make such calls from public phones, using telephone cards. For general information in English dial 176. To place international telephone calls via operator assisted service, dial 170 or long distance access numbers. The country code

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV

To all of you who helped me with a flamer this week, thank you! Not on this blog but on my natural pet care blog. This guy was angry that I had posted a Christian article (one of my Sunday Reflections articles) on a pet blog. A blog I pay for and share natural pet care on. He thought it was his right to not have Christianity shoved down his throat (lol) on a pet blog or website or any place he shops online or off or anywhere in the world outside of church. He also asked what does God have to do with pets, but not so nicely, LOL! Uh, God CREATED them! Interesting, because he had the choice to walk away and NOT read. I didn’t force him to read the article, he chose to read it. Christians, if we live out our lives as Christians, that becomes a part of all we are, do and say. There is no separation from our personal lives into our business lives into our social lives or whatever. We are Christians and I got a taste of Christians banding together in unity as a team this week. In fact, I’ll name the team at the end of this article. Oh and this article is going on the pet blog soon too!

From last Friday through