EMBRACA Clinical Study Is Now Enrolling

Vanessa, an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer from Arizona, says many assume once you finish your last chemo treatment, you’ve won your cancer battle. But, as a 12-year-cancer survivor, in the back of her mind, she’s always thinking “What if the cancer comes back?”

And, she thinks, what if the patient protections in the Affordable Care Act that have been her lifeline disappear, too? Vanessa is asking Congress to#KeepUsCovered. Click on the link, and ask your lawmaker,  too! https://goo.gl/skgGkR

Congress: Any changes to the Affordable Care Act must protect cancer patients and survivors - American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

SECURE3.CONVIO.NET

MyPlate Helps You Put Your Best Fork Forward during National Nutrition Month® [Blog]

ChooseMyPlate.gov sent this bulletin at 02/28/2017 09:59 AM EST

ChooseMyPlate.gov has everything you need for National Nutrition Month®! MyPlate Helps You Put Your Best Fork Forward during National Nutrition Month® What do you think of when March rolls around? Basketball fans are probably gearing up for March Madness, history buffs might think of Caesar and the Ides of March, and then there’s the proverb that March comes in like a lion and out like lamb (or is it in like a lamb and out like a lion?)… Anyway, for dietitians and other nutrition professionals, March means National Nutrition Month®! It’s the month when we really shout our healthy eating message from the rooftops! Not that we’re shy about it the rest of the year, but still, March is special! Whether you are a dietitian, educator, parent, or someone who is just trying to eat a bit better, ChooseMyPlate.gov has lots of materials to support your efforts during National Nutrition Month®. Here are some key resources to check out: MyPlate, MyWins Tipsheets MyPlate has a new series of simple tip sheets to help you find healthy eating solutions in everyday life. We have lots of ideas for small changes when eating out or at home.  For example, check out these tips for making better choices at the coffee shop or these ideas for meal planning.  These new tip sheets are now available in English and in Spanish! Interactive Tools If you’re looking for something more interactive, MyPlate has online tools to meet your needs. SuperTracker is our free food and physical activity tracking website. Use it at home or on the go to get a personalized healthy eating plan and see how your choices stack up. Plus, there’s the What’s Cooking recipe site to help with healthy meal planning, cooking, and grocery shopping. Not to mention our fun MyPlate quizzes to test your food group knowledge. MyPlate Videos Take a look at our real family video series to get inspiration from families who are making healthy eating a reality. Plus, check out our animated video series demonstrating how simple healthy swaps for beverages, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner can add up over time. MyPlate for Families This collection of resources can help families eat better together. There are printable activity sheets, such as a MyPlate grocery store bingo card for kids, and tips for making mealtimes fun and stress-free. MyPlate for Schools Schools today are focusing on offering a variety of fruit and vegetables and serving healthy recipes. Find posters, lesson plans, and school meal resources such as the MyPlate Guide to School Breakfast and MyPlate Guide to School Lunch. For more healthy eating tips and resources, follow MyPlate on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. You can also sign up for MyPlate email updates. Happy National Nutrition Month®!

Cooking Through Cancer - Cancer Today

Cooking Through Cancer

Cancer survivor Ann Ogden Gaffney left her job in fashion to teach other cancer survivors how to cook.By Kate Yandell

When Ann Ogden Gaffney was diagnosed with stage II kidney cancer at age 53 in 2001, she had surgery and went on with her life. An unrelated stage IA triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis in early 2005 changed everything for her......

Read the full story - Cancer Today

#CancerCantStopMe: Inspiring Stories From Women Who've Faced Cancer

They took on cancer—and didn't stop there. Check out these amazing women's stories of triumph over illness.

These real women have done incredible things despite cancer—and sometimes even because of it. They wouldn't let the disease, treatments or other related complications stop them from reaching goals and achieving dreams. Has cancer inspired you to make a move and go for something big? Share your story with SELF magazine on Instagram (@selfmagazine), Facebook, and Twitter (@SELFmagazine) with the hashtag #CancerCantStopMe, and check out more inspiring stories by following the #CancerCantStopMe hashtag.

Calming Your Cancer Anxiety

Look for techniques to help calm stress and anxiety? Cancer and Careers'  newest blog post highlights some methods that can help you regain a sense of control and calm when you're feeling overwhelmed. http://bit.ly/2mm6EEo

Get the whole family involved in mealtime. Kids learn by doing. Little ones might get the napkins and older kids can help with fixing foods and clean‐up. Make family mealtimes fun MyPlate tips for families

Today in New Orleans, we are celebrating "Lundi Gras", the day before Mardi Gras (or "Fat Tuesday". Take look back at two of the annual events that will be happening today, the arrival of the Kings of Rex and Zulu.

Put a Cork in It - Cancer Today

Drinking alcohol increases the risk for at least seven types of cancer.By Brenda Conaway

If you find that one glass of wine often turns into two or three, you should know that cutting back will do more than save your liver—it could help protect you from cancer

Read the complete article - Cancer Today

And, while adults should not need to be reminded, please do not drink and drive.  A drunk driver injured over 25 people who were watching a Mardi Gras parade yesterday,

Fun In the Kitchen Ep. 1

As noted in the video, these are probably not the "healthiest" recipies, but the video introduces  a new video segment to "NOU"  , the cancer survivor magazine. 

Some days, you just need some "comfort food". 

Why some don't share: Cancer diagnosis can make it hard to keep your job

"Before she developed a breast tumor, Tara Cernacek assumed that anyone who was diagnosed with cancer would want to quit their job and stay home. But that all changed with her own diagnosis.

“Work was a saving grace for me,” Cernacek says. “It got me out of thinking about being sick. It made me feel productive. And it gave me the money for treatments.”

Cernacek isn’t alone. Nearly three out of four cancer patients and survivors say they want to stay with their jobs and feel that work helps with recovery, according to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll. Like Cernacek, nearly two-thirds of survivors say that they needed to work through their treatment period to make it financially......."

Read the rest of the story

Check out the Cancer and Careers Website or Facebook page for additional information.

Michelle Grinsel is a mother of two young daughters who was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. This beautiful short film documents the story of her diagnosis, her life with her family, treatment, and how she faces fear with gratitude and living in the moment.


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Thanks to Share Cancer Support for sharing this link and to Michelle Grinsel and her family for sharing their story

Local and National Resource List

UPDATED 2018 Wednesday at the Square free concert series:March 18- May 30

YLC Wednesday at the Square is a free, 12-concert spring music series with food and drink for sale to benefit the Young Leadership Council

• Check out this year's scheduled performers
• Learn more about the Young Leadership Council
• Learn more about free art and cultural resources

Original Post Revised: March 7, 2016

Bárbara Padilla

 Classical crossover soprano Bárbara Padilla has a voice that demands to be heard. In 2009, the powerhouse vocalist from Guadalajara, Mexico, took the stage to audition for a spot on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Standing in front of a celebrity panel of judges, Bárbara belted an awe-inspiring rendition of “O Mio Babbino Caro” that earned her a standing ovation and a ticket to the next round of the competition. The singer’s vocal performances continued to impress week after week, leading up to the show’s finale, where she snagged first runner up.

Read the full story

Newburgh mayor learning through her cancer journey

"City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2016. While she is still undergoing once-a-week chemotherapy sessions, her journey has taught her to be more comfortable asking for and receiving help, as well as deeper appreciation for people undergoing life-threatening illnesses. She has also learned to re-balance her work and life in a way that is more manageable.

Acknowledging the realities of her new life, Kennedy states, "I think this cancer is definitely a teacher."

Read the full story

Tip of the Day: Freshen Up the Fridge

Freshen up the fridge! Schedule time to clear out and clean up your fridge. Once you do, begin using the USDA FoodKeeper app to keep track of expiration dates! USDA FoodKeeper app. More info on food safety.

"Dear every cancer patient I ever took care of, I’m sorry. I didn’t get it.”

Featured Blog Post: “Dear every cancer patient I ever took care of, I’m sorry. I didn’t get it.”

Posted on November 30, 2016

This blog post was originally published on Here Comes the Sun, written by Lindsay Norris, an oncology nurse turned cancer patient. We have re-posted her blog with permission. 

Dear every cancer patient I ever took care of, I’m sorry. I didn’t get it........ 

Read the rest of the story

Ways to Find Meaning in Life - Cancer Today

A cancer diagnosis can prompt survivors to question or deepen their faith.

By Hester Hill Schnipper

"Cancer comes differently to each of us. Whether it announces its presence with a whisper or a roar, it changes our lives in a moment. Forever after, there is a line of demarcation, a before and an after. But always, cancer reminds us of our mortality."

Read the full story - Cancer Today

As the Mardi Gras celebrations draw to a close on Tuesday at midnight, Christians move into the season of Lent, a time of reflection in preparation for the Easter season

Tip of the Day: Find a Fitness Buddy

Find a fitness buddy! Sometimes activities with friends or family are more enjoyable than doing them alone. Join a walking club or attend group fitness classes. By building a support network you can encourage each other to be active. 10 Tips: Be Active Adults Join or Start a SuperTracker Group

12 Fun Ways to Exercise (without being miserable)

"Exercise is critical for improving one’s overall health. It is the key to cardiovascular wellness, respiratory productivity and improving your mood. Many people don’t enjoy adding exercise to their daily life and yet, it’s been proven in thousands of studies to both prevent and fight disease.

It is a complementary treatment without negative side effects!"

Read the full story

We are counting down to Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, February 28th. Get up and dance to some cajun music by Michael Doucet

Eat Out on Match 9rh & Support the Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund

Mark your Calendars because on Thursday March 9th Copeland's Restaurant in Kenner (near Esplanade Mall) will be donating 15% of all their food/liquor sales to our New Orleans Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund.....So throw the kids into the Mini-Van that night and take the voyage out to Kenner to support Lympho-Maniacs!! Details below:

Congratulations to former WWL-TV Anchor Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb: “You can’t scare me.” That’s the powerful mantra Hoda Kotb took on after beating breast cancer. It may have even helped the former Dateline correspondent land her current gig as cohost of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today, alongside Kathie Lee Gifford.

Before going to the Today show, Hoda spent several years in New Orleans working for WWL-TV. We adopted her as one of "our own" and were overjoyed to learn yesterday that she adopted a daughter, Haley. We hope to welcome both of them "back home" soon,

 

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Good Nutrition during Cancer Treatment

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Good Nutrition during Cancer Treatment: A cancer diagnosis is life alter­ing, to say the least. As soon as you hear the words “you have cancer,” you are thrust into a world of complex medical language, difficult treatment decisions, and overwhelming emotions. Your diet is probably the last thing on your mind.

Additional Resources:

• General Information on Nutrition and Exercise
• Living Well with Touro Wellness Series

Tip of the Day: Dining Out

Dining out? Start off with a veggie-packed salad, it can help you feel satisfied sooner. Remember to ask for dressing on the side and use a small amount of it. Tips for: Eating away from home Navigating the buffet Making takeout healthier

Cleaning for a Reason

Choose Life

Music as Medicine

Learn more about Dr. Steven Eisenberg, a firm believer in Music as Medicine

Fun Ways to Burn Mardi Gras Calories

Need some Mardi Gras music to burn off those caleries? Check out this playlist

Tip: Potassium power.

Tip: Potassium power.

Potassium power. Sweet potatoes, white beans, tomatoes, beet greens, & spinach are all vegetable sources of potassium.  Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Try some of these potassium-packed recipes: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew Potato Spinach Lasagna Spinach Salad with Apples and Eggs

2 Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes (Gluten Free)

Vegan Sausage and Mushroom Etoufee

As we count down to Mardi Gras Day, check out this wonderful recipe for Vegan Sausage and Mushroom Etoufee

. 

Little Consensus on Ovarian Cancer Monitoring - Cancer Today

Tests and scans may be overused.By Kate Yandell

"Many women with ovarian cancer that is in remission have tests and scans to check whether their cancer has recurred. But guidelines do not recommend regular scans to look for recurrence because they have not been shown to offer any benefit. A blood test to monitor for recurrence may be recommended, but its benefits have been questioned, and it may result in unnecessary anxiety and reduced quality of life."

Read the rest of the story - Cancer Today

Rebekah Bishop Prescott: An Unstoppable Woman of Incredible Faith - Okeechobee News

OKEECHOBEE — You may need tissues for this story. Most of us in Okeechobee either know Rebekah or have heard her name, but to know her battle against incredible odds and her story of faith is what inspired me this week. I asked her mother to help tell the story, so, much of what is …

Read the full story - Okeechobee News:

The Krewe de Lose Comes to Broadmoor

Krewe de Lose presents a FREE weekly program at Broadmoor's Health and Wellness Center on Thursdays from 12:15-1:30 pm.

Spring Session Topics:

• February 23rd --  Meal Planning
• March 2nd -- Seasonal Eating
• March 9th -- Emotional Eating
• March 16th -- NO CLASS
• March 23rd -- Movie Night
• March 30th -- -Movie Night
• April 6th -- Goal Making PLUS Celebration

Krewe de Lose partnered with Market Umbrella. They are offering "Veggie Prescriptions" to psrticipants who attend two out of every 4 sessions (2 sessions per month) for up to 6 months. Each prescription is worth up to $48 in value.

Prescriptions can be redeemed for FREE farmer's market fruit and vegetables at the Crescent City Farmer's Market and the Hollygrove Market and Farm.