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Exercise important for cancer survivors

By Sheryl M. Ness – Mayo Clinic

I love to walk every day. I usually walk outside so that I have a chance get some fresh air and check to see new wildflowers that are growing along the road and just take in the beauty around me. As I was thinking about writing this blog about exercise, I wondered; why is exercise so important to me?

When I’m walking, my mind is free to think about anything. Sometimes I think about work, other times it’s relationships, my plans for the coming week, and on and on. I realized that walking is my way of meditating and working through stress. When I return from my walk; I feel energized, relaxed and happy.

Adding a little exercise to your day can make a big difference. As a cancer survivor it’s important to take care of your physical and emotional health. Research has shown that adding moderate exercise to your routine can actually improve your physical health, reduce stress and improve quality of life. You may want to talk with your doctor, physical therapist or exercise specialist to outline a plan that’s safe (especially if currently receiving treatment) and enjoyable to you.

Click here to read about some tips on how to add physical activity to your daily routine.

Posted on Jul 30, 2010 - 05:22 PM by Lesley

Livestrong/Planet Cancer Retreats!

LIVESTRONG offers a free Planet Cancer retreat for cancer survivors ages 25-40. Enjoy a relaxing weekend at The Corssings,  an eco-friendly wellness center and spa overlooking the Austin hill country. You’ll have fun, eat healthy meals and meet other young adult cancer survivors who understand what you have been through. The Planet Cancer retreat will be held August 20-22, 2010. Travel scholarships are available.

Visit the LIVESTRONG site for more information.

Posted on Jul 26, 2010 - 05:21 PM by Lesley

Caregiver depression: Prevention counts

MayoClinic

Caregiving is often physically and emotionally stressful. In an effort to provide the best care possible, you might put your loved one’s needs before your own. In turn, you may develop feelings of sadness, anger and guilt. Sometimes, these emotions can trigger caregiver depression.

Click here to read more about caregiver depression.

Posted on Jul 26, 2010 - 01:00 PM by Lesley

A focus on breast cancer in young women

By and large, breast cancer is not thought of as a young woman’s disease. After all, 95 percent of women with breast cancer are over age 40.

But every year, 10,000 women age 40 and younger in the U.S. alone learn that breast cancer can and does affect women their age, and it brings with it an additional layer of challenges.

To read this full article on young women and breast cancer please click here.

Posted on Jul 21, 2010 - 05:19 PM by Lesley

Eating during cancer treatment: Tips to make food tastier

“You may find that cancer or cancer treatment has affected your sense of taste. Food may seem to lack flavor or taste too sweet, salty or metallic. Usually these changes are temporary and will improve with time. In the meantime, do what you can to maintain your calorie intake and meet your body’s protein, vitamin and mineral needs.

If you normally follow a specific diet, such as one that’s low in sodium or fat or designed for people with diabetes, it may be necessary to put those restrictions aside for a while. You’ll want to allow for more variety so that you can increase your chances of getting adequate nutrition. Check with your doctor to make sure it’s all right to loosen your dietary restrictions.

Click here to read some suggestions for selecting and preparing foods.

Posted on Jul 18, 2010 - 11:07 AM by Lesley

Young Women and Breast Cancer: Psychosocial Information and Support

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) is developing a new resource which aims to address the psychosocial effects of breast cancer on young women. Young survivors often feel alienated by the existing information and support, as it often fails to address their unique situations and needs.

The handbook will fill the existing service gaps by directly addressing the experiences of young survivors in the following areas:
• Mental Health and Emotional Issues
• Partners and Children
• Parents and Siblings
• Friends and Coworkers
• Work and Financial Concerns
• Fertility
• Intimacy, Sexuality and Self-Image
• Reconstruction After Surgery
• Self-Care and Healthy Living
• Survivorship

They are currently looking to add personal stories from young survivors to the handbook. If you or anyone you know would like to contribute a first-hand account dealing with any of these areas, please contact them to tell your story. They also welcome contributions from family members of breast cancer survivors, including partners, children, parents, siblings, and friends.

For more information or to contribute, please contact Lindsay Jensen at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .

Posted on Jul 16, 2010 - 12:36 PM by Lesley

Strategies for getting a good night’s sleep

By Sheryl M. Ness, Mayo Clinic

A good night’s sleep is vital to you as a cancer survivor. Sleeping well is an essential aspect of healing your body. However, getting good quality sleep can be a challenge if you’re dealing with cancer or the side effects of treatment such as pain, neuropathy and hot flashes. Other common concerns such as anxiety, depression and stress only add to the problem of not sleeping well.

Click here to read some simple strategies that may assist you in getting good quality sleep.

Posted on Jul 14, 2010 - 11:05 AM by Lesley