Dry mouth (xerostomia), is most commonly caused by radiation therapy directed at the head and neck region of the body. Radiation may irreversibly affect the production and quality of saliva in the salivary glands. A number of medications can also induce xerostomia. Dry mouth may affect the patients speech, taste sensation and ability to swallow.

Many patients complain of a sore or burning sensation, cracked lips, and fissures in the corners of the mouth. There is also an increased risk of cavities and mouth disease due to less saliva to cleanse the teeth and gums.

There are now some means of preventing xerostomia that were not available a few years ago. Amifostine, a radiation protector of normal tissues, has been shown to protect the salivary glands when given daily with radiation therapy. Also, a treatment known as Proton therapy may allow the radiation oncologist to spare the salivary glands from getting significant radiation doses. This may prevent dry mouth in the future. If you are getting radiation therapy to the head and neck region, you should discuss these options with your radiation oncologist. If you have developed xerostomia, there are management strategies that can effectively deal with your dry mouth and prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

Try to follow these simple guidelines:

• Perform oral hygiene at least four times a day. (After each meal and before bedtime)
• The oral cavity should be rinsed and wiped immediately after meals
• Dentures need to be brushed and rinsed after meals
• Only use toothpaste with fluoride when brushing
• Keep water handy to keep the mouth moist at all times
• Apply prescription strength fluoride gel at bedtime
• Rinse with salt and baking soda solution 4-6 times a day
• Avoid liquids and foods with high sugar content
• Avoid rinses containing alcohol
• Use moisturizer regularly on lips
• Oral pilocarpine (Salagen) is the only drug approved by the FDA to stimulate saliva secretion from the remaining salivary glands.

I feel like I'm spreading a little hope when I wear my Brighton breast cancer bracelet. It catches others' attention and allows me to explain what all the dangling charms represent. That's hopeful. The dollars I spent on the bracelet help fund breast cancer research. That's hopeful. And the bracelet inspires me personally. It reminds me of my journey, of my path ahead. That's hopeful.

So this hopeful piece of jewelry turns out to be a perfect accessory. And so does the Color of Hope ovarian cancer bracelet -- a new, exclusive, charming piece created as just one of many items in a fundraising campaign for The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Presented by L'Oreal Paris, the bracelet features an "O" toggle clasp -- a symbol of love, endurance, life, and "O"varian cancer.

The Color of Hope bracelet, available in sterling silver with cubic zirconia or 14K white gold with diamonds, is available online for a limited time.

Other L'Oreal Paris fundraising products -- sporting the ovarian cancer color teal -- include make-up items for the eyes, face, and lips, a body lotion, and a teal RAZR phone program.

Because You're Worth It has been the L'Oreal Paris slogan for more than 30 years. It represents a celebration of women and was created as part of a mission to give back to women and to empower them as they make educated choices about their well-being. And so in the spirit of well-being, the company strives to help women fully understand a disease that strikes about 20,000 women each year in United States -- and kills nearly 15,000 of them.

L'Oreal Paris honors women and the pursuit of their health through The Color of Hope initiative. Because they're worth it.

The Lung Cancer Alliance -- the only national non-profit organization dedicated entirely to lung cancer patient support and advocacy -- asked pulmonary clinical nurse specialist Donna Wilson to help educate the lung cancer community about healthy breathing. Wilson agreed and her breathing tips, available on podcast, are intended to relieve shortness of breath related to pain or activity. Her three breathing techniques -- detailed here -- are simple, easy-to-understand, and truly relaxing.

Before beginning this series of breathing exercises, stop whatever you are doing and sit down or lean against a wall.

• Place chin to your chest to relax your neck muscles. Breathe 10 short bursts of air in and out of your lips. As you expel air, neck and chest muscles should relax.
• Place chin to your chest. Breathe three times in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Place chin to your chest. Close your mouth, and breathe four times in and out only through your nose.
  

After completing these exercises, lift your head, breathe normally, and let your shoulders relax. In a few minutes, your entire body should start to relax -- and shortness of breath will resolve.

I don't have lung cancer -- but I do have moments of anxiety and panic. So I plan to save these tips. And I plan to use them. And I plan to share them. Because we all can benefit from a dose of relaxation.