For a scuba diving enthusiast, the Micronesian Republic of Palau is near, if not at, the top of their lifelong “bucket list.” It is a 100-mile long archipelago, with six small groups of islands surrounded by a reef in the middle of the western Pacific Ocean. The majority of these are the world famous, and uninhabited, Rock Islands.

Palau is an exceptional destination for the adventurous soul. Foremost are the pristine reefs and over 100 dive locations teeming with a wildly diverse array of marine life. It also has an interesting cultural history, dating back to 1,000 BC when the first inhabitants arrived from Indonesia. My primary interest revolved around actions that occurred during World War II when Palau was used as a major base by the Japanese until the US captured it in a vicious fight in September 1944. In recent years, East Asian tourists come for a brief vacation to get a tan on the beach or have a tropical wedding.

My wife Jennifer and I decided 2013 was the year to check this one off our list. However, just locating Palau on a map is not a simple task, while getting there involves many hours of flying. Fortunately, her brother, David, and his wife, Judi, had been there before and coordinated the process. In the end, we made arrangements for a special two week liveaboard cruise on the M/V Tropic Dancer, a very comfortable catamaran dive boat with an excellent Captain and crew.

After our 18 divers boarded the boat in Koror, we steamed leisurely north to some rarely explored locations. On most days there were four one-hour dives. The the first one began around 7:15am and sometimes, the last one would be at sunset. The water temperature was roughly 83 degrees so we were able to wear relatively thin wetsuits, which allowed great freedom of movement for taking pictures or swimming with larger fish that came our way. While Palau is prized by scuba divers, I snorkeled the entire time and enjoyed hanging out on the shallow reef tops.

Over the course of two weeks, as our boat wandered from north to south, we visited a wide variety of sites including steep walls, pristine tropic reefs, deep caves and complex tunnels.  One of the most famous dive sites in the world is called Blue Corner, a wall that juts out into deep water. It has a rich concentration of marine life including an abundance of grey reef sharks, barracudas, sea turtles, napolean wrasse, humphead parrotfish and manta rays. At times, it looked like an underwater movie set with all the camera flashes popping off! German Channel and Peleliu Express are two other world-famous dive sites that provide an amazing experience, even for the veteran diver. Of course, the southern-most island in the group is Peleliu, where a significant WWII battle was fought, so there were numerous aircraft and ship wrecks to investigate and photograph.

It is impossible to describe the number, color and types of marine life we encountered. Each day was filled with many wondrous sights, from the large pelagic cruising near us all the time, to cute little clown fish, hovering over their home anemone. There was a fantastic display of soft and hard corals as well as reef dwelling creatures like moray eels, and giants clams with shockingly blue mantles. Two favorites of mine were the royal blue starfish and clown triggerfish found in the shallower water.

When the current got too strong for free swimming, divers would place a small hook into the reef and hover in one place while the sea life came rushing by on the undersea tide. On one such occasion, a 20-minute long school of bream (many thousands) zoomed by, transiting through Palau on their way from the Philippine Sea to the Pacific Ocean. On another occasion, we visited a manta ray cleaning station, where small wrasses and butterfly fish entered the manta’s mouth to eat various parasites in there.

We also did a land tour of the island of Peleliu one day and visited some of the key WWII battle sites. In addition to exploring the invasion beach and the airfield we spent time in a huge cave that once housed 1,000 Japanese military personnel. Many of the artifacts left over from the war (tanks, landing craft, aircraft, heavy guns, etc.) are slowly being reclaimed by the jungle but there is enough still available to make the visit interesting and educational. Our boat was moored in a small mangrove-lined lagoon not far from the home of a large saltwater crocodile. Needless to say, none of us swam to shore that day.

The final day proved to be a very unique and rewarding event in its own way. Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake located within the world famous Rock Islands, a group of small, rocky, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau’s Southern Lagoon. Of the 70 marine lakes in the area, Jellyfish Lake is the most famous and the only one open to tourists. It is about 12,000 years old and is notable for the millions of golden jellyfish that migrate across the lake every day.

Although the jellyfish living in the lake have stinging cells (nematocytes), their potency has lessened over many generations and rarely causes harm to humans. I can personally attest, however, that it is possible to feel the stings on sensitive areas, albeit very mild. People with allergies to jellyfish should consider wearing protective clothing for their swim, such as a rash guard or dive skin.

Each day, roughly four million golden jellyfish pulse through the water in rhythmic motion.Their bodies rotate counter-clockwise as they swim to the surface, presumably to provide even exposure to the sun for the symbiotic algae in their bodies.

To reach the lake from the main boat dock, we had to endure short hike over a ridge that separates the lake from the ocean lagoon. Upon arrival, we saw a massive number of jellyfish milling around, vying for their place in the sun on its journey from east to west across the sky. Jumping into the water to join them for a brief snorkel/swim require a test of faith, since virtually all humans who have ever played at the beach during summer vacation have been painfully stung by a jellyfish at least once.

Most of our group “took the plunge,” but only a few of us swam slowly into the throng of reddish/brown jellyfish. We had to swim very carefully to ensure we didn’t damage their delicate bodies, especially with our fins. Even then, on occasion, we felt a little claustrophobic when a particularly large group completely surrounded us as they pulsed along on their migration path. In order to not hurt them we could only tread water and wait for the throng to pass.

At one point, Jennifer and I each gently held a jellyfish in our hands, much as one would hold a small kitten. They really do feel like holding an undulatingbatch of jello!It was a truly amazing experience – one we highly recommend for anyone wishing to get closer to the miracles of nature.

Photos Courtesy David & Judi Willis

Throughout the day, if you’re a smoker, you probably savor stealing a few precious minutes away from your hectic tasks for a cigarette break. These important “Me-Time Moments” can feel like a decadent reward and a revitalizing treat. However, are you aware that the chemicals in cigarettes include arsenic, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide? Yep, the World Health Organization reminds us that a cigarette is the only consumer product that kills its consumer when it is used as directed.

Sadly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that over 400,000 people die of tobacco-related illnesses in the United States each year—more than from auto accidents, HIV, fire, illegal drugs, alcohol, suicides, and homicides combined.

On a positive note, did you know that after you stop smoking, according to the American Cancer Society, your health benefits begin within minutes and your:

• Blood pressure and heart rate drop 20 minutes after quitting

• Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal after 12 hours
• Lung function and circulation improve within 2 to 12 weeks of quitting

• Shortness of breath and coughing decrease one to 9 months after quitting
• Sense of smell returns and food tastes better

• Risk of heart disease drops to half the risk of a smoker—one year after you quit

A Client’s Success Story

I smoked 20-30 cigarettes a day for 32 years and was the really ‘chemically addicted’ type of smoker. I’d tried everything to quit—gum, patches—but was convinced I did not have the willpower to ‘overcome the beast.’ My allergist referred me to Trina for help in quitting. Trina provided me with four great tools to achieve my victory over nicotine.

 First and foremost were the visits under hypnotherapy to important places deep inside myself. In this very relaxed state, I reconnected with those in my life who have loved me the most. This inner work provided me a source of courage to stand up to my addiction and to nurture the health-loving and smoke-free person inside of me.

 Second was a self-hypnosis CD to use at home so I could revisit the empowering thoughts and refocus my courage. This CD was very helpful in the first and second week after quitting when cravings were at their worst.

 Third was the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) that included tapping an acupuncture meridian point while at the same time verbalizing the self-belief that I am healthy and stronger than nicotine.

 Fourth, Trina made herself available by phone and e-mail the first week for once a day, ‘in-the-moment,’ moral support and encouragement. Likewise, in our first strategizing session, we identified several close friends of mine who could also offer support.

 My allergist recently showed me that, since quitting smoking, my lung function is normal again and has improved 30% from when I smoked. And, just a few months after quitting, I am biking up Mount Diablo—something I could not have dreamed of awhile back.”

—John

Customized to meet your needs, my comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program consists of a minimum of four private sessions that include support and cutting-edge tools to assist you in quitting smoking. In addition, the strategy will address how to transform destructive (smoking) “Me-Time Moments” into constructive (smoke free) “Me-Time Moments.”

Finally, when you’re ready to “kick the smoking habit” and receive the benefits of a smoke-free life, call me and we’ll strategize your customized plan. This courageous phone call could be a life-changing gift.

Join Trina and attend her Walnut Creek workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40. Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285-5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com. To receive Trina’s inspiring FREE newsletter “Transformational Tips for Mindful Living.” Sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com

 Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation  brings permanently disabled veterans together with caring community teams that provide housing, transportation, education, employment, mentoring and ongoing support for up to four years.  We call this assistance a “scholarship,” although our emphasis is on establishing self-sufficiency rather than on earning a degree.

It is the mission of Sentinels of Freedom to assist severely wounded/permanently disabled veterans in their efforts to become productive, self-sufficient, integrated members of their local communities upon their return to civilian life.

Sentinels of Freedom was established to meet an entirely new social need. In past wars, the medical treatment and resources available was insufficient to save severely wounded veterans, nor was our society willing to assist and support them. Today, the technology to save these lives and the will to help are both present. Sentinels of Freedom provides unique resources for severely wounded veterans—resources that go beyond what the Veterans Administration or other organizations can provide. This is long-term support for severely wounded/permanently disabled veterans, enabling them to learn how to live with their disabilities, set new life and career goals, and become active participating members in their communities.

Sentinels of Freedom started as a grass roots organization to assist one returning soldier in 2003. Since that time, Sentinels of Freedom has assisted over 120 Veterans across the US. All Veterans in the program are rated with a 60% or higher permanent disability rating by Veterans Affairs.    These injuries include (but are not limited to) blindness, severe burns, Traumatic Brain Injury and amputations. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship program includes post-secondary education, mentorship, financial assistance and employment for up to four years.

The Sentinels of Freedom program affords the veterans the time to adapt to their new physical challenges and surroundings as they work their way back to a life of complete self-sufficiency.   The goal of Sentinels of Freedom is to provide severely wounded veterans with the resources and support needed to live active, engaged and successful lives as they recover from physical, emotional and psychological injuries. The program helps our returning warriors learn to live with their disabilities, and work towards personal self-sufficiency.

Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship recipient Hein Tran talks about what the program has meant to him.

Sentinels of Freedom is part of my second chance of life.  Being a Sentinel gave me my sense of Duty, Purpose and Service back which I thought I had lost, while I was recovering from my injuries at Walter Reed Hospital.  Mr. Mike Conklin, founder of Sentinels of Freedom built this program with a solid foundation of Respect, Integrity and Commitment for me to stand up and walk  forward on. This program means more to me than words can type to describe. I would have nothing today if the Sentinels of Freedom did not believe in me. My wife and I are very grateful for all that things that Sentinels of Freedom has provided for us.  It’s more than just a second chance, it’s HOPE.

To learn more visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org Email info@sentinelsoffreedom.org or call

925 380 6342 ext 2

While browsing through newspapers the past year or so, I’ve begun to feel that our delicate little world has joined the “disaster of the month club.” No kidding – let’s think about it. We can start a few years ago and discuss what hurricane Katrina did to New Orleans and what the earthquake and tsunami did to Japan. We can look at the fires last year in Australia, and the flooding in Haiti. And even the recent bombings in Boston. Well I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the idea.

OK – so what we need to ask is, “Is it our turn next?” We can probably rule out a tsunami, and we get very few hurricanes passing this way. But the professionals in the area of earthquakes tell us we are long past due for a good shaking around here.

Let’s be pessimistic for a line or two and talk about what a really bad quake would do to us here in the Alive Magazine readership environment.

First of all, we can cross off electricity and phone lines. What the shake didn’t topple the falling branches, and for that matter, the uprooted trees took care of. If the quake was large enough, we can probably cross out these conveniences for at least a week, and probably longer.

Now, the younger generation immediately thinks of cell phones with a bit of arrogance. But I am told that the excessive traffic that results in a disaster such as an earthquake pretty well jams those lines, and they aren’t going to work.

Next we need to look at the damaged buildings and the toppled book cases that manage to land on people. Our first instinct would be to call the fire department and police for help in dealing with these upended structures and/or trapped neighbors. History in other disasters informs us of several facts. One, only a limited number of these helpers is available, i.e., only the ones on duty. The ones not working in these departments are helping in their own area. Two, the few on duty are overwhelmed by the sheer number of problems which have developed. Result – limited assistance here too.

Injured must be cared for on the spot or transported, and access to proper medical care will be limited. Speaking of transportation, these nice solid overpasses above our freeways may or may not hold. Some are bound to collapse. You’re not going to be able to zoom around in your BMW, if that’s your plan. There will be traffic jams and certainly limited movement.

There probably will be fires. Those gas lines to your house may rupture, and a spark could ignite them. There are groves of trees just waiting for this to happen.

Getting hungry and thirsty? Better have a bottle or two of H²O and an outdoor grill because you may need them for a week or so. Drinking pool water will make you sick.

I could go on and on, but I guess by now you’ve got the picture about what could happen. In fact, you may be asking, “Is anyone doing anything about this possible situation?”

Ah ha – I’m glad you asked. The answer is “YES” – a very strong powerful yes.

Over the past several years a program has been developed under the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security. This program is called Community Emergency Response Team – referred to by the acronym CERT. The program this group encourages varies a great deal around the country. California is one of the more effective areas with the Bay Area being good, and the Martinez to Livermore area being one of the best.

In case of a disaster, one of the most important needs is communication. In our area an efficient network has been established with individuals communicating through minimum range radios called FRS, to group stations with more powerful radios called GMRS, and a network of HAM operators who report to a central command station located, for example, in fire or police headquarters. This will allow the professionals to get a clear overview of the damage and direct their limited resources to the areas of the most need. In addition, they can give professional and informed information to the outside world.

The basic information coming from the field via the FRS transmissions will be supplied by a large group of trained volunteers. These volunteers have been attending classes and participating in training drills for most of the last five years. This training includes other items as well as radio communication.

Basic search and rescue instruction is also included. This includes medical triage, neighborhood safety, i.e., how to turn off gas lines in houses, proper techniques in extracting victims and perhaps, most important, how to set up incident command centers.

These command centers help create order out of chaos. They act as neighborhood centers where trained volunteers can properly assess what should be done first. In addition, they act as gathering places for the injured so that medical teams can efficiently deal with the wounded. In many cases, essentials such as blankets, medical supplies, and tools are stored in these locations.

The trained CERT volunteers, along with the trained professionals, make a formidable network – prepared tohandle any area disaster should one occur.

CERT classes are being held regularly and are open to anyone wishing to volunteer. These classes cover a wide range of subjects. All of which are applicable not only for use in disasters, but can also help in everyday living. They act as a refresher in first aid and remind you of simple acts you can perform to make your home a safer place. Accidents and emergencies happen to us all, and preparedness will help you to deal with them effectively. Even better, they may help you avoid them.

If you are interested in volunteering to become a trained CERT member you can log onto www.bereadysrv.com. You can also go to www.firedepartment.com and click on the Community Outreach section to sign up for CERT classes.

There are certain car buyers who purchase a hybrid because of its environmental impact and others who just want to save dollars at the gas pump. For whichever reason a person decides to go the hybrid route, there is a balance sheet comparison of current price versus expected long-term fuel savings that is played out in the final decision. Hybrids recently have fallen short on extra features and style to benefit the overall fuel economy. For 2013; however, Ford introduces its latest offering – the C-Max – breaking tradition.

The C-Max replaces the Ford Escape Hybrid and delivers a much-improved driving experience. With an SUV-raised view of the road, plenty of passenger space, and 47 miles per gallon, there is an increase of 15 mph over the Escape and a 5 mpg increase over the Toyota Prius V.

The all-new C-Max is loaded with features, room and style. Some of the high-tech features in the C-Max include: Hands-Free Lift gate – allowing an easy rear lift gate opening with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper, and Active Park Assist that with only minor driver pedal involvement parallel parks the car in 26 seconds.

Other standard features include: Fog Lamps, Ambient Lighting, Dual Zone Climate Control, Leather Trimmed Heated 10-way powered driver’s seat, Power Locks and Windows, MYKEY, Homelink and Intelligent Access with push button start. The C-Max is only available as a hybrid.

The 2013 Ford C-Max Wagon is available in two trim levels: SE ($25,995) and SEL ($29,160). There is also a plug-in hybrid version called the Energi that will be reviewed separately.

C- Max Hybrid features an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery that is 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries used in first-generation hybrid vehicles.

The power of the C- Max comes from two sources: 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle with 141 horsepower and a Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor generator that delivers 118 hp. The transmission is a HF35 eCVT hybrid powersplit transaxle.

The interior is similar to that of the Ford Focus and Escape and is decked out in high- quality materials, solid construction, and a stylish design. The quiet interior is roomy; however, did have a little wind noise ruffling in the cabin. The C-Max specifications state that it seats 5 and the middle seat is less comfortable and best left to the center armrest, which contains cup holders. The rear-door openings are a bit narrow and rear cargo is limited due to the battery pack. Overall, the seats were very comfortable and visibility was good.

Exterior styling follows Ford’s current themes and is stylish especially for being a hybrid. The grille is commanding on the front end and rises up to a heavily sloped windshield. The rear drops into the hatchback lift gate. An optional power lift gate can be ordered.

Handling is tight and delivers a strong command of the road. The C-MAX feels solid throughout providing a more expensive European driving experience.

Room for improvement:

• Cargo space is less than the Toyota Prius V

Cool Features:

• Push-button start
• Hands Free Lift Gate
• Active Park Assist

The standard safety equipment on the 2013 C-Max Hybrid comes standard with anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. C-MAX also combines technology called Curve Control to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast and a feature called Torque Vectoring Control to accelerate through a turn when necessary. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) also are standard. Parking sensors and a rearview camera are available.

In Summary – The 2013 Ford C-Max nicely blends the needs of a compact SUV with the fuel economy of a hybrid. Like most of Ford’s vehicles today, C-Max offers SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offering multiple ways – including voice – for owners to manage and control their phone, navigation, climate and entertainment functions. This generation of MyFord Touch shows strong improvements over past iterations. If you are in the market for a hybrid wagon with great fuel economy, ride, and style, then the 2013 Ford C-Max should be on your list of vehicles to check out.

Specifications

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL

Base price:  $28,200 as driven: $31,605 (including destination)

Engine:  4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter

Horsepower: 188 @ 6000 RPM

Torque:  129 @ 4000 RPM

Transmission:  Automatic, CVT

Drive:  All Wheel-Drive

Seating:  5-passenger

Turning circle: 38.3 feet

Cargo space:   24.5 cubic feet

Curb weight:   3682 pounds

Fuel capacity:  13.5 gallons

EPA mileage:   City 47/Hwy 47

Wheel Base:   104.3 inches

Warranty:   3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper

Also consider:    Honda CRV, Nissan Leaf, and Toyota Prius V

The Copeland family will be crossing the pond this summer. That’s what the fancy people like to say when they’re making a transatlantic flight to visit Europe. Neither my wife nor I have ever been to Europe and needless to say, we’re very excited. Don’t get me wrong, our two teenage daughters are excited too, but we’ve told them they’ll be without cell service for two weeks and that has them in a Snap Chat –Text paradox conundrum. Will life go on if they aren’t connected? Will they and their friends fail to age (or age too much) if they can’t see a ten second photo of each other fifty times a day? Summer vacations are what life is all about when you’re a student and a trip with the family is part of the package. As hard as it might be to believe, there was a time not so long ago when there was no such thing as mobile cell technology and it was just quality time with the family during that special week or two traveling by planes, trains or automobile. Yea, I hated it too when I was a teenager.  

Before I get into the specifics of our trip, let me begin by saying that we have a very large and mean dog living at our house and we’ve hired an even meaner house sitter (my younger sister) to watch our place while we’re gone. So if there are any “Home Alone” type burglars thinking of ransacking our place while we’re away, you’ll be taking your life in your own hands. “Stop….(bang) or I’ll shoot”, is the house security code or when it comes to the dog (a rare Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Timberwolf mix-breed), we simply use the attack command, “feed Killer, feed.”  When he isn’t trying to mate anything that moves in the backyard, Killer loves to gnaw on bones (the femur and collarbone are his favorite).

Getting back to our European vacation, we just finished watching National Lampoon’s delightful movie, European Vacation starring Chevy Chase as the lovable Clark Griswold. Unlike the Copeland’s, the Griswold’s won an all expense paid trip across Europe when they competed on the television game show Pig in a Poke. If you’re familiar with the “Vacation” movie franchise, chaos usually ensues anywhere the Griswold’s are traveling and Western Europe is no exception. I only wish our trip was being paid for and I can only hope I’ve saved enough money thanks to living off Groupon coupons these last two years. Our trip will be focusing on the Big Three: London, England, Paris, France and Rome, Italy. The Griswold’s were also able to swing an excursion into Germany on their trip. We’ll be gone approximately 16 days, but I heard it took three months to film the 1985 comedy that never lived up to the original.

As we plan our tourist travel itinerary, there are several things I must do in each of the countries we’ll be visiting. For instance, once I arrive in England, our first destination, I want to have tea with the Queen (or the rock band Queen). If she’s busy that day, I’ll happily fetch a pint and a basket of Fish and Chips with Prince Harry; he seems like a partier. I also want to meet a Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, ideally. Being knighted is also on my “To Do” list. How hard can it be if Phil Collins was knighted? I plan to make a guard laugh at Buckingham Palace with my best knock, knock joke and a well-timed expression of flatulence. I would like to perform a monologue from Macbeth at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, play a set of tennis at the Wimbledon public courts, and rent a double decker bus from Hertz. Finally, I would like to meet one of the guys who played James Bond, 007. Other items on my London list include a walking in circles around Piccadilly Square, storming the castle at Westminster Abby, Kensington Palace or Windsor Castle, and finally we plan to videotape the girls singing a collection of Spice Girls songs at Royal Albert Hall.

Once we get to France, I can’t wait to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I hope they have an escalator. We also plan to visit Notre Dame Cathedral, even if the Hunchback isn’t there anymore. Excuse me, I mean “the Osteoporosis sufferer.” I can’t wait to see Notre Dame’s gargoyle museum and the football stadium. I really look forward to eating French fries along the Champs-Elysées, tasting French Toast under the Arc de Triomphe and finally, we’ll assuredly try French bread and cheese at the Chateau de Versailles. I’ve heard tell that you can also get some delicious French vanilla ice cream at the Cabaret Moulin Rouge. Perhaps I’ll read the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and retrace the steps of the lead character, Robert Longdon. It would be fun to race around one of the most famous museums in the world like an obsessed symbologist in search of a secret society, while trying to uncover the truth behind Da Vinci’s paintings. At least it would be for me, probably not so much for the wife and kids.

Our last stop is Rome, Italy.  When In Italy, I plan to eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although pizza was invented in Pisa, at the Leaning Tower of Pisa Pizza Parlor, logic tells me that Rome should have at least as many neighborhood pizza joints as New York City – which is virtually every corner.  I hope the new Pope is home when we ring his doorbell at the Vatican. I think I’ll just lean in for a handshake and bro-hug since I’m never actually kissed a ring (other than my wedding ring for good luck). Justin Bieber once called the Sistine Chapel, the Sixteenth Chapel on the Letterman show, how embarrassing. The Biebs probably never even heard of St. Peter’s Basilica (the Seventeenth Chapel). I’m most excited about seeing the ancient coliseum  of Rome and can only hope there’s a concert, soccer match or gladiator fight to the death going on while we’re there.  It too bad we’re not going to Venice or I would do a little paddle boarding gondola style.

As amazing as our Euro adventure will undoubtedly be, I admit to being a bit nervous to be leaving the United States. What if they won’t let us back in? Could I live life traveling throughout Europe looking for a Danville-type town to settle in with the family? I’m getting ahead of myself.  International travel has been on my Bucket-List as long as long as I’ve had a Bucket-List and now I’ll finally be putting some “Stamps in my Passport.”

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk: It’s been out there since the mid-nineties, but very infrequently discussed in the open. There is a myriad of reasons, but probably the most important is the unthinkable consequence of knowing.

One option is preventive mastectomy, the surgery to remove breasts while removing almost all risk of breast cancer. Think of cultural pressures where breasts are seemingly more than what nature intended. They are ogled, enhanced, and “sexified” in a way that creates body image miracles and body image insecurities. Angelina Jolie may be helping to change that. The beautiful actress, whose body has been admired in many different ways, has a new one. One she is pretty much sure is not going to be ravaged by breast cancer.

She writes in the New York Times;

My mother fought cancer for almost a decade and died at 56. She held out long enough to meet the first of her grandchildren and to hold them in her arms. But my other children will never have the chance to know her and experience how loving and gracious she was.

Jolie, in this Op Ed piece, shares the fact she has completed a double mastectomy and re-constructive surgery. Does it make sense that she has given us an act of courage in sharing information? Jolie says she had genetic testing which showed she carried a gene that doctors estimate gave her an 87% risk of breast cancer and 50% risk of ovarian cancer, of which her mother died.

Jolie continued;

For any woman reading this, I hope it helps you to know you have options. I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices.

All seems to make good sense, but let’s visit the caveats. Many insurance companies don’t cover the cost of genetic testing and still others balk at the cost of reconstruction saying it is merely “cosmetic” or “aesthetic.” So it makes sense that women and their families should check with their doctor about the desirability of testing.

Information can’t be a bad thing. It makes sense to thank Angelina Jolie for being strong, public, and starting a discussion. We should be able to talk about this, out from the shadows of isolation. And again, we, as a society, should focus on adjusting our health care system from one that “pays for treatment” to one that also “covers prevention.” Does that make sense?