Reprinted from Survivors’ TableBy Danielle PenickWe always hear about eating more produce and it’s a well known fact worth repeating, eating more fruits and vegetables helps with preventing chronic disease. But most of us are not eating enough, putting us more at risk for things like diabetes, high cholesterol, and even cancer. The Centers of Disease Control finds that only one in ten Americans are eating their recommended 5 servings a day. We know we should eat more, but many of us are overwhelmed with where to start. Do I have to change my entire way of eating?

By: Peterson, James A., Ph.D., FACSMWHAT IS IT? Laughter, typically, the response to humor, is a physical reaction in humans, consisting, as a rule, of rhythmical, often audible, contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. As such, laughter is part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping individuals clarify their intentions in social situations, as well as providing emotional context to their circumstances.THE BEST MEDICINE.

Reprinted from Springboard: Beyond CancerCancer and its treatment can be stressful—for you and your caregivers. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and sharpen your ability to focus.Mindfulness and relaxation are ways you can reduce stress and feel more peaceful.Mindfulness OverviewMindfulness is slowing down to pay attention to what’s going on right here, right now.

People of all ages and abilities who regularly participate in resistance exercise reduce risk of numerous diseases, improve quality of life and reduce mortality.Learn about the benefits of resistance training and the key components of a resistance training program in this new infographic from ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine). 

We are most grateful to our wonderful clients for so well representing Life with Cancer and to our staff who provides such incredible care.WTOP-Beyond Medicine 

FALLS CHURCH, VA – Jennifer Bires MSW, LICSW, OSW-C, joins the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, a state-of-the-art cancer care destination in the D.C. Metro area, as the Executive Director of its nationally recognized Life with Cancer and Patient Experience programs.Bires is a rising star in the psycho-oncology field. In 2017 she received the Oncology Social Worker of the Year award from the Association of Oncology Social Work.

Reprinted from ACSM NewsroomOct 16, 2019(Indianapolis, IN) – New guidance from exercise oncology experts recommend systematic use of an “exercise prescription” by health care workers and fitness professionals in designing and delivering exercise programs that aim to lower the risk of developing certain cancers and best meet the needs, preferences and abilities of people with cancer.

Exciting news to share! The Life with Cancer location at the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has recently opened a newly renovated Family Resource Room in South Tower 9. The new and improved Life with Cancer Family Resource Room offers a safe, warm, and welcoming space for counseling visits, meditation, relaxation, care team discussions, and educational classes. Be sure to stop by to check it out!

Feed your breakfast inspiration with this week’s special recipe feature: 6 healthy breakfast toasts. All of these toasts pack a hearty dose of fiber and protein, and many also include heart-healthy fats. Today’s featured toast is the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors. It’s light and refreshing and works well with any type of berry in season. Berries are particularly high in ellagic acid, a phytochemical that has been shown to have strong cancer-protective properties.Ingredients:1 slice whole grain bread, toasted1 Tbsp.

In October 2019, three papers were published following an International Multidisciplinary Roundtable hosted by ACSM. One of those papers, a consensus statement, listed specific exercise recommendations for cancer patients and survivors.This infographic outlines the effects of exercise on health-related outcomes in those with cancer. The chart features evidence-based physical activity recommendations and the associated benefits for specific symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments.To download the infographic