Resolve to Exercise More in 2017

Team Touro at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - 2016

We all know the benefits of exercise. It can play a key role in our physical and emotional recovery.

• The Benefits of Physical Activity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

We have plenty of options here for exercise. You want to use common sense, especially when you begin, You can dance (when no one is looking !) to the music videos on this site. You can walk for free on paths set up in both Audubon and City Park. .

In my neighborhood, we have the  Broadmoor Improvement Associations's Arts and Wellness Center which offers a wide variety of classes at a minimal or low cost to participants  You can pay by the class, Some classes are even free.

When I was younger, I was an avid runner and member of the New Orleans Track Club. The NOTC is a membership organization composed of and administered by runners and walkers. The mission of the NOTC is to produce and promote running events both as a competitive sport and as one of the best athletic activities for achieving physical and mental fitness. Membership is open to all, fast, slow, and in-between, who share their passion for the sport.

Annual run / walks that may be of interest to cancer survivors, their family and friends include:

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 

Do an google search and you will find a long list of local options open to you. Use your imagination the next time you are watching TV and think about the muscles you can stretch or  items that you can lift (like water bottles or laundry detergent).

• Fit Made Fun:Fitness Classes in NOLA

Most of all, remember to be grateful that , despite it all,  we are alive and can move..

ANNUAL REPEAT: Why Do We Eat Black Eyed Peas and Greens on New Year's Day ?

Of course,  I am not really sure how healthy these recipes are, but traditions are important  here in New Orleans!

Check out the recipes at http://www.neworleansschoolofcooking.com/blog/new-years-recipes and the original story at http://wgno.com/2015/12/29/grandma-explains-it-all-why-do-we-eat-black-eyed-peas-for-new-years/

You can also go online a find some "healthier" alternatives.  😋

Other New Year's  Specials

• Eat Fit Eggnog
• Black eyed peas recipes cause everyone needs good luck in 2017
• NOLA New Year's Food Superstitions
• Eat This, not that--- holiday party edition

New Year’s Resolutions for Cancer Survivors

• New Year’s Resolutions for Cancer Survivors

• Three Reminders for Cancer Survivors at the start of a New Year

What are your New Year's Resolutions ?

Additional Resolutions:

• Ten New Year's Resolutions for Cancer Survivors

Holiday Peanut Butter Fudge

Holiday Peanut Butter Fudge

OK, this is definitely NOT a healthy recipe, but if we have survived cancer treatments, we have earned the right to occasionally splurge 😋😋

Ingredients:

12 ounce package of Reese's Peanut Butter Chips 

1/4 Cup MELTED Butter

1/2 Cup Hershey's Coca (the recipe is in a very old Hershey's cookbook)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 1/2 Cups sugar

1 jar (7 ounces)marshmallow cream)

1 12 ounce can of evaporated milk

1/4 Cup Butter

1. Line rectangular pan (13 x 9 x 2  inches) with aluminum foil.

•  In a MEDIUM mixing bowl, place  1/2 of the peanut butter chips., Set aside.
• In a 2nd  Medium mixing bowl, blend melted butter, cocoa, and vanilla until smooth, Add the remaining peanut butter chips.

2.  In a heavy 4 quart (or larger) saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow cream, evaporated milk and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.  Reduce heat and continue to boil for 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat immediately. Add 1/2 of the mixture to the bowl with the peanut butter chips . Add the remaining mixture to the bowl with the cocoa.Blend mixtures in both bowls until they are smooth.

4.  Spread the peanut butter mixture EVENLY in the pan. Spread the cocoa mixture evenly over the top of the peanut butter layer.

5. Cool in the refrigerator until set.Remove the foil and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry space

7 Cancer-Fighting Foods from Around the World

7 Cancer-Fighting Foods from Around the World: There's a world of healthy cancer-preventive food out. These 7 international favorites will introduce you to new spices, fruits, vegetables and more – all with unique combinations of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals.

2016 Holiday Greetings

Fighting cancer makes you appreciate how fragile life is. Take some time this holiday season and connect with all who have had a positive impact on your life. Remember, despite all current struggles, all the blessings you have received and can share with others.


Other New Orleans Holiday Videos - remember, no one can be serious all of the time!

• Benny Grunch and the Bunch - The Twelve Yats of Christmas
• Benny Grunch and the Bunch - Santa and his reindeer used to live right here
• Benny Grunch and the Bunch - Santa and his modular  home  (a post Katrina parody) 

Resources from Touro's Living Well blog

• Holiday Survival Guide
• Healthy Holiday Cooking
•  Mom’s Guide for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
• Six Simple Steps to Relieve Stress during the Holiday Season

Healthy Eating in New Orleans

Healthy Eating in New Orleans (it is possible! )

I never want to have cancer again. Like most natives, I love to cook and eat. I must learn to make better choices when choosing what to ear (as well as how much).

There are  many  community resources available in New Orleans to help us meet this goal. Besides our major grocery chains, we have (this page is always being updated) :

1. The Crescent City Farmer’s Market with locations throughout the city, has a comprehensive web site complete with recipes .


2. The Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine  -- pay particular attention to the community info and handouts/recipes sections. 


3. Grow Dat Youth Farm


4. The Hollygrove Market and Farm lets you order online and also provides a home delivery service . Check their web site for special events (like their FREE Saturday cooking classes!)


5. Veggi Farmers Cooperative 


6. Eat Fit NOLA 


7. The annual Eat Local Challenge

Read more about  nutrition services and programs offered through Touro's Supportive Care Cancer  Program

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UPDATED with 2018 meeting info: Finding Support for the Journey

Cancer Survivor Support Group

A  Monthly Education Support Group for Cancer Survivors

Celebrating together - Christmas 2016

See more pictures

Celebrating together - Christmas 2017

I am a great fan of the cancer support program at Touro Infirmary. I found that attending a support group really was a  great way to receive support from others who are going through a similar experience. It is also an opportunity to receive the information, encouragement, and support you need to learn to live beyond cancer,

Monthly meetings are held from 12 pm to 1 pm  in the Coliseum Room (2nd Floor) at Touro Infirmary. Registration is required and a healthy lunch is provided. Call (504) 210-4361  or e-mail paula.harrelson@lcmhealth.org to register.

GIRL (Gaining Insight into Real Living) Talk is a support group for women who have been diagnosed with one of the gynecological cancers, are actively being treated, or have completed treatment. There will be a discussion about relevant topics concerning women dealing with cancer.

Reservations are required and a healthy lunch is provided. Parking is validated.

For more information or to register, please contact Danielle Mccullogh at (504) 210-4475 or email danielle.mccullogh@lcmchealth.org. 

University Medical Center Programs

Breast Cancer Survivors and their families are welcome to join us for “Team Survivor: Breast Edition” every First Thursday of the month. Every month will provide the opportunity to learn, share, and discuss the different topics that affect breast cancer survivors. 

Team Survivors: Breast Edition

Every First Thursday of the Month
5 p.m.

UMC New Orleans, Tower 1
Meet in Cancer Center Lobby 

Free parking is available for participants in the Oncology Center parking lot, LOT B, located on S. Galvez Street between Tulane Avenue and Canal Street. Refreshments will be served.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Delia Young at (504)702-3725 or Delia.Young@LCMChealth.org. 

Programs offered through Oschner

The Ochsner Cancer Institute provides a cancer care team and support services for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.  Ochsner believes in providing the highest quality experience while treating each patient by offering a wide range of services including oncology support groups, an onsite dietician, Psychosocial Oncologist and oncology social workers. Healing Yoga Classes are also open to cancer survivors and their caregivers .