By The Survivors Club Staff
February 24, 2010

The star of CBS comedy Two and a Half Men, Charlie Sheen, allegedly held a knife to his wife's throat and threatened to kill her during a domestic violence dispute last December, and now his representatives have confirmed the actor has entered rehab "as a preventative measure."

Sheen is allegedly seeking help in breaking his alcohol and drug addiction, and the rehab was his own decision, according to entertainment website RadarOnline.com.

"He loves his children and ultimately that's what convinced him to get help," said a source close to the actor, quoted by the news provider.

Media speculations suggest the 44-year-old will remain at the facility for two weeks and receive outpatient treatment afterwards.

Official statistics suggest an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year, and approximately 5.8 million children were involved in abuse allegations in 2007 alone.

Most experts agree the cycle of domestic violence is unlikely to be broken without outside intervention and recommend those affected by it seek help from law enforcement, social workers or healthcare providers.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential and anonymous around-the-clock help and is available in all 50 states.

Those struggling with abuse as well as survivors can find valuable resources on the website of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 24, 2010

A Swampscott, Massachusetts-native Erinn Phelan is in critical condition at a New York hospital after she was injured in a hit-and-run car accident early on Sunday. And although her survival chances are slim, she is credited with heroism for pushing a friend to safety as the car was bearing down on them in Brooklyn.

As a result, Alma Guerrero, who was Phelan's roommate at Brown University, sustained only a broken collarbone, while Phelan's injuries proved to be more catastrophic, according to WHDH7 News.

The source cited New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose NYC Civic Corps hired the 22-year-old woman last year, as saying "[she] is a fighter."

"She's got a big heart … and everyone in this city is pulling for her to get through this," he added.

Although the circumstances of the accident are still under investigation, most car crashes occur as a result of careless driving. That is why experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication in 2008.

Survivors and their families may access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 23, 2010

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has a more than 30-year history of heart problems, including four heart attacks and a quadruple bypass surgery. On Monday, Cheney was hospitalized again, after complaining of chest pains that were later diagnosed as a "mild" heart attack, his office has revealed.

A source close to the Cheney family said the 69-year-old is feeling well, communicates with friends and family, and continues to follow the Olympics, according to Fox News.

The source was also quoted as saying Cheney went to the hospital willingly, as he "is a cautious man," and is expected to be discharged in the next day or two.

The Centers for Disease Control says heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing more than 600,000 Americans each year.

However, even though some cases are hereditary, it is possible to modify one's lifestyle to reduce the risk and live a full, thriving life. In particular, physical exercise and a diet rich in fresh produce and low in red meats have been shown to bring health benefits.

Those who would like to support efforts to educate society about the dangers of heart disease and ways to prevent it may donate to the American Heart Association. This and other organizations also offer valuable information and resources for survivors and their families.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 23, 2010

American bobsledder Bill Schuffenhauer's childhood was far from happy - his parents were drug addicts, sometimes he had to steal for food and he experienced bouts of homelessness as a youngster.

The cycle of poverty and street crime ended only when his maternal grandmother took him in when he was entering junior high school. Today, the three-time Olympic medal winner credits her influence with helping to straighten his life, according to CNN.

"I knew that there was something better," the 36-year-old told the news provider in Vancouver, where he is preparing for his next Olympic run.

"Although there were a lot of horrible things that happened, it's made me a stronger person," he added.

His story of triumph against the odds inspired an employee at Olympic sponsor Proctor & Gamble to arrange to have Schuffenhauer's family flown to Vancouver to see him compete in the four-man bobsled on Friday, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that between 5 and 8 million Americans (2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population) have experienced some form of homelessness. Frequently, mental health issues and substance abuse are contributing factors, so those affected as well as their families and friends may consider crisis counseling and other treatment options, as appropriate.

There are many nonprofit organizations that accept donations to help the homeless, and they include the Homeless Emergency Project. Survivors can also access valuable resources through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 23, 2010

After Angie Baker had suffered 18 miscarriages, she and her partner Lee Gibson had started to consider an adoption when a new medical breakthrough allowed her to finally become a mother, according to The Sun.

The woman suffered from a rare disorder whereby her white blood cells kept attacking her fetuses as if they were a virus. However, an innovative steroid therapy conducted at a hospital in Surrey, England, allowed the 33-year-old to overcome the condition that affects as many as 15 percent of women, the news provider reported.

Little Raiya was born healthy and is now two-and-a-half months old, and her beaming mom says "She's perfect in every way - my little miracle," quoted by the newspaper.

Research suggests between 10-25 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most of them during the first 13 weeks of gestation. Although the reasons behind it are complex and vary from person to person, a woman can reduce the risk by refraining from smoking, drug use or excessive caffeine consumption.

Other lifestyle factors that have been blamed for causing pregnancy complications are stress and improper nutrition, so those who plan to conceive are encouraged to explore relaxation techniques and implement a proper diet.

There are many resources available to women who are coping with a miscarriage, including those available on the American Pregnancy Association's website.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 22, 2010

A group of Canadian students and teachers - including Mark Sinker and Ruth McArthur - from a class-at-sea ship The Concordia experienced terrifying moments last week when their vessel sank off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Thankfully, two merchant ships were in the area and picked up all 64 survivors, while the Brazilian Navy coordinating their transportation to the mainland.

In the early hours of this morning, the Canadian survivors arrived back home and told reporters how they had kept their spirits up by singing "constantly" for the 42 hours they were adrift, despite the cold and stormy weather, according to the Toronto edition of TheStar.com.

Sinker told the news provider that students and teachers helped pull each other onto the life rafts after the ship had been struck by a freak wave, and McArthur confirmed that everyone worked together to make sure their friends and colleagues were safe and sound.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a total of 760 individuals died in vessel-related and recreational boating accidents in the U.S. in 2008.

The U.S. Search and Rescue Task Force suggests that those who find themselves in cold water and are not able to get out should refrain from swimming as physical exertion causes the body to lose heat at a much faster rate than remaining still. It is also important to avoid panic as air trapped in clothing can provide buoyancy as long as one remains still in the water.

In addition, multiple survivors may increase their odds by huddling together or in a group facing each other to maintain body heat.

Survivors of maritime accidents can access valuable resources that can help them thrive through the Trauma Resource Institute.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 22, 2010

Last week, some 23 individuals - including student Samantha Coetzee - from St. Thomas Aquinas School in Derry, New Hampshire were taken to hospital after a CO leak had sickened them.

Students and staff members who were taken to Parkland Medical Center for evaluation complained of fatigue, headaches and dizziness, according to WMUR9.com.

Samantha Coetzee told the news provider that "When I was walking [I felt] I was going to pass out on the floor."

Fortunate to have avoided a major tragedy, school authorities are eager to learn from the incident, and they have announced that nine CO detectors will be installed on the premises, although they are not mandated in state's schools.

"When you have situations like this, it reminds you of how vulnerable we are and what a good idea it would be to put these items in," said Fire Marshal Bill Degnan, quoted by WMUR9.com.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, an average of 439 Americans die annually from unintentional, non-fire-related CO poisoning.

To prevent CO-related deaths and injuries, the source recommends refraining from using a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside the home, basement or garage. Moreover, burning anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented may lead to poisoning.

JAMA also says it is a bad idea to run a car or truck inside a garage attached to a house, even if the door is left open.

Survivors, and those who would like to learn more about protecting themselves and their families, may consult the resources of the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 22, 2010

After surviving prostate cancer in 2005, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has a new worry on his mind when he's not overseeing games or coaching - his new diagnosis of neck and throat cancer.

Even though the 59-year-old admits there will be changes in his life related to the upcoming treatment, which includes radiation and chemotherapy, Karl says he's ready to beat the disease and continue his thriving career, according to The Plain Dealer.

"I think my attitude will be on my side," he told the news provider, adding that he receives a lot of support from friends and family.

"I feel confident. I'm ready to go," he stressed.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,290 new cases of throat cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2009.

ACS experts say most cases of head and neck cancer may be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as smoking and alcohol abuse, and by using safe work habits when working with cancer-causing chemicals.

Moreover, as poor diet and vitamin deficiencies have been linked to these cancers, the society recommends eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day; whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, rice and beans; and reducing the consumption of red and processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage and lunch meat.

Survivors can consult the resources of the American Head and Neck Society, which also accepts donations.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 19, 2010

Despite his brilliantly self-mocking performance as an ego-centric but likable TV star on the hit show 30 Rock, comedian Tracy Morgan spent many years fighting his demons, which at various points in his life involved alcohol addiction and reckless behavior, including drunk driving.

The latter resulted in a 2005 DUI charge, which Morgan recently discussed with PBS' Tavis Smiley, saying that in the accident "nobody got hurt. But [it] hurt me."

The 41-year-old actor went on to say that his son's disappointment was an eye-opener that inspired Morgan to clean up his act and hold himself to a higher standard.

"My son said, 'What if I start driving drunk and kill somebody?' That right there just made me look into the mirror, like, I got to step up my game," he told the news provider, adding that this "saved my life."

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. In 2008 alone, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by drunk driving.

Experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while intoxicated should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.

It is possible for survivors and their families to thrive again after a traumatic accident, and resources such as the Crash Survivors Network may be able to provide valuable assistance.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 19, 2010

Democratic Senator for New Jersey, Frank Lautenberg, collapsed earlier this week and was taken to the hospital where doctors later diagnosed him with stomach cancer.

The 86-year-old lawmaker's spokesman Caley Gray told reporters the tumor is "curable." The senator's doctor at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York stated that he expects a "full and complete recovery," and that Lautenberg will be able to return to the Senate between his chemotherapy treatments, according to the Washington Post.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 21,130 new cases of the disease were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2009, mostly in people older than 65.

Meanwhile, experts from MayoClinic.com suggest that although it's not clear what causes stomach cancer, individuals can take steps to reduce its risk. They include consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables, reducing the amount of salty and smoked food, and avoiding smoking and excessive use of alcohol.

As chronic infection with the bacterium H.pylori, as well as a family history of stomach cancer, are significant contributing factors, affected individuals are encouraged to discuss their risk and management options with their healthcare provider.

Survivors can turn to the ACS website for informational and other resources that can help them live thriving lives.