Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, other than skin cancer, with an estimated 240,890 new cases - affecting every one out of six men - this year. Though prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, only surpassed by lung cancer, there are more than two million men in the U.S. today who count themselves as prostate cancer survivors.

Years ago, people young and old were more likely to die quickly of natural causes than they are today, when medical technology can extend the lives of seriously ill people for long periods of time.

• More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. • While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, one in three dies of cardiovascular disease.

The world will look a bit more rosy on Friday, Feb. 3. Actually, the shade will be red. Staff at more than 70 work sites in Vermont will be wearing red that day, National Wear Red Day, and donating $5 each to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. That money helps fund research to save lives, and raise awareness of the fact that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in America.

Research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer is under way in many medical centers throughout the world.

Being told you have prostate cancer can be scary and stressful. You probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Learning about the disease, how it is treated, and how this information may apply to you is a lot to do on your own. Your American Cancer Society can give you general information about this disease and its treatment, but your doctor is the best source of information about your situation.

Shelburne resident Johan ("John") Maitland, a partner in the labor and employment law group of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, was one of four appointed to the VNA Board of Directors at their Annual Board Retreat.

For the fifth year in a row, Dunkin' Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the "Give a Pint, Get a Pound" campaign, which provides a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee* to all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont during the month of January.

For most children, the holidays are happy, fun and exciting times. There's a break from school, and a chance to see friends and relatives. There may also be special food, music, and family traditions.

The Lodge at Shelburne Bay completed its second expansion in 10 years with the opening of the Shores Assisted Living community - a 20 million dollar, 90 bed, and state-of-the-art project. The 100,000 square foot building consists of 76 rental apartments for seniors.

The Lodge at Shelburne Bay and Otter Creek again joined supporters from across the state in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Association is always looking for dedicated people in the community to lend their talents and get involved. Currently, the association is in need of many kinds of help: special event volunteers help with mailings, participating on committees and boards, and day-of opportunities such as registration, speakers, and much more.

Since The Lodge at Shelburne Bay facility first opened its doors over 12 years ago, its commitment has been ongoing in offering residents the means to maintain the highest quality of life possible.

There is a relatively new and growing population in our community and in the world, and we are cancer survivors. Thanks to early detection and excellent and prompt medical care, there are now 12 million cancer survivors in the U.S. Chances are, if you are not one of us, you know and love someone who is.

On Sunday, Oct. 16, two thousand supporters of the American Cancer Society, including 250 breast cancer survivors, gathered to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer at the 4th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

It's Thanksgiving time and guess what? You're in luck. There is no gluten in turkey! And think about the rest of the grand feast. Many of the comfort foods we enjoy on Thanksgiving are naturally gluten free - such as the sweet or mashed potatoes, squash, salads, and the colorful vegetables of autumn.

As the official sponsor of birthdays, the American Cancer Society marks the 36th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day.

Fall has arrived and with that brings Fire Prevention Week. As I submit this article to the Shelburne News, we (Shelburne's Emergency Services - Police, Fire, EMS, and Dispatch) have completed this year's program at both the Shelburne Community and Waldorf schools.

Talk about instant gratification. In less than 45 minutes and without spending a dime you can give back to your community. A personal contribution of one pint of blood can save up to three lives, and together we can make a difference to thousands of patients in area hospitals.

American Red Cross Babysitting Class: A must for all babysitters age 11 and up! This American Red Cross certified class covers growth and development, toy selection, safety issues and basic first aid.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties (VNA) announces this season's series of seasonal flu vaccination clinics, including a community clinic at the Shelburne Methodist Church on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The 14th Vermont Breast Cancer Conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington. The theme of this year's free community event sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation "Being Well throughout the Cancer Journey" centers on staying active and being well.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among women in the U.S. It's not surprising that a diagnosis of this disease is a fear many women share. However, being informed about the risk factors, detection, and treatment of breast cancer can help empower women to move beyond fear and into action.

The American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood donors to give the gift of life this year in observance of those who lost their lives on one of the darkest days in American history.

Here we are again. On July 7, we made you aware of the potential health problems gluten can cause. On Aug. 4, we told you a story about one of our reader's chronic health problems caused by undiagnosed gluten issues, and how she was able to help her own young daughter avoid the same predicament.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, other than skin cancer, with an estimated 240,890 new cases - affecting every one out of six men - this year.

After seven years, over 2,000 training miles per walker, 183 Walk miles per walker, and over $335,000 raised to date, The Paper Cranes team is gearing up for its eighth Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

Shelburne Vineyard will host an Evening Social to benefit Partners in Adventure on Sept. 17 from 6-8 p.m. The fundraiser will feature wine, cheese, and foods of Vermont for a cost of $35 per person.

Have you noticed the way "gluten free" has taken center stage these days? Gluten-free products have moved beyond our health food stores into conventional grocers' aisles. Delicious gluten- free dishes are now spotlighted on the menus of choice restaurants.

The Vermont Department of Health announced that West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected on July 18 from a trap in Brandon.

Yes, it's vitamin B-12. Unlike most other vitamins which are whitish in color, B-12 is red. No other vitamin can make that claim. This is one of the water-soluble B vitamins, but, in a sinister way, unlike the others, vitamin B-12 is not founds in foods of plant origin - not in vegetables or fruits nor beans nor grains. It's only found in animal products - meats, eggs, milk, and such.

The start of a new school year is a big transition after the long summer break, especially for families of children with asthma. This back-to-school season, the American Lung Association stresses the importance of preparing and carefully monitoring a detailed action plan to manage asthma and ease the transition to the school environment.

Temperatures in the upper 80s last weekend were felt as extreme heat by Vermonters and Health Department officials who want everyone to enjoy the summer, stay safe, and avoid heat-related illness.

Planning ahead, Kinney Drugs has announced that its pharmacists will administer immunizations for seasonal flu by appointment at 91 Kinney Drugs stores during the 2011-2012 flu season.

Remember the July 7 gluten free column? We covered the basics of gluten, the havoc it can wreak on your body and mind, and the potential benefit of striking gluten from your diet. We hope you were inspired to at least question how the food you eat makes you feel. One reader we ran into was really psyched to see the article and told us why.

The Ladies First paddling team that will participate for the first time in the annual Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Race on Aug. 7 at Waterfront Park in Burlington promises to be "First in Fun, First in Spirit, and First in Our Lane."

As the weather warms and gas prices hover near $4 a gallon, more Vermonters are likely to turn to their bicycles as a convenient and healthy way to make some of the short trips needed to accomplish their daily activities. Improving highway safety is a core mission for the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans).

Members of the public will have a rare opportunity to explore an advanced clinical simulation laboratory as part of a new Fletcher Allen program called "Doc for a Day." Starting today, anyone over 18 can enter for a chance to be selected for the program by "liking" Fletcher Allen on Facebook.