Betsy writes in…

On Wednesday, August 24, residents of Avondale Estates, Decatur and surrounding areas have the opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are invited to enroll in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

What’s involved? To enroll in the study, please email CPS3@cancer.org or call 1-888-604-5888 to reserve your spot. You will be directed by our study staff to first complete a detailed survey online, and then come to Avondale Estates City Hall at 21 N. Avondale Plaza, Avondale Estates, 30002 between the hours of 7-11 am and 4-8 pm where you will complete another brief survey, have your waist circumference measured and give a small blood sample. The in-person visit takes about 20-25 minutes. Over the course of the study – which is anticipated to last 20 to 30 years – participants will be asked to fill out follow-up surveys every few years that will be sent to their home or email. The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. We care about your privacy. All of the information you provide is kept strictly confidential.

Invite your friends and family! This is a perfect way to honor those who have battled cancer in the past and help prevent cancer in the future.

A bit more info about the nationwide program HERE.

A reader points out this article on ABC’s Good Morning America website…

Former quarterback Danny Wuerffel has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes paralysis. Wuerffel, who lives in Decatur, Ga., noticed he was losing sensation in his legs and strength in his arms shortly after he battled a stomach virus June 4. It’s thought that his immune system started to attack the nerves that control movement and sensation, mistaking them for the virus.

Wuerffel’s strength is currently half of what it was, according to his wife, Jessica.

I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of Guillain-Barre syndrome, but the description in the article makes it sounds quite frightening.

All the best to Mr. Wuerffel and his family during his recovery.

Following up on this story, after scoring a 50 on their health inspection in late April, Decatur Diner received a 94 on the retest.

Here’s a link to the report for those interested.

“Cyclops” from Charles Berkowitz on Vimeo.

This sounds like a rather intriguing talk and film.  From Emory’s Carlos Museum…

Jonathan Shay, clinical psychologist and winner of the 2007 MacArthur “genius” award, will discuss his groundbreaking work to treat combat trauma and other effects of warfare on veterans and their families using Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey in a lecture titled, War is War is War is War is War on February 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The lecture will be followed by a screening of Odysseus in America by filmmaker Charles Berkowitz.

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A reader sends in this excellent info about a program set up a national organization that provides free house-cleaning services for women undergoing chemotherapy.  Here’s the info…

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning – once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Hope this can help out some local folks!