Burn Calories With Yoga For Breast Cancer

Friday, September 28, 2012



When yoga is used as your form of exercise during your breast cancer recovery, you may be asking yourself if the calories burned during a restorative yoga session are enough to guarantee weight loss. Restorative yoga classes offer benefits, such as muscle tone, core stability improvement, strength building and stress reduction.


Calories Burned During Yoga Varies
The amount of calories you burn in a typical yoga session can vary widely, depending upon what form of yoga you choose to practice. Most gyms offer yoga classes that will improve your fitness and add variety to your routine however they do not focus on breast cancer recovery. Here we have included an average restorative flowing yoga session with an average amount of calories you may burn during a 60-minute class.


Breast Cancer Yoga 
Breast Cancer Yoga poses are combined with the breath to form a dynamic restorative yoga session. Breast Cancer Yoga poses emphasis is placed on flowing movements during a pose as well as from one pose to the next. A Breast Cancer Yoga session includes a breath to center and focus the mind then five supported flowing yoga poses with a relaxing savasana pose to end the session

Breast Cancer Yoga DVD 
We have developed a yoga session just for breast cancer recovery. This DVD contains 13 poses that will enable you to burn calories!


For more information about yoga for Breast Cancer visit:
www.breastcanceryoga.com

By: Dawn Bradford

Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Are you or someone you care about in need of a cancer support group, transportation for medical treatments or financial assistance with prescription drugs? Locate resources for these needs and more on the recently launched website www.CancerResourceGuideNCF.org. The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida is a public service of North Central Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (NCFCCC), WellFlorida Council and the Florida Department of Health Cancer Control Program.

The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida, compiled by WellFlorida and NCFCCC, includes support groups, community and caregiver resources, financial support services and tobacco cessation activities throughout  the region. The website also links viewers to national organizations and their websites. The online guide lists a wide range of cancer-related resources: summer camps for children with cancer; sources for breast prosthesis and wigs; and medical assistance for individuals who are uninsured or under-insured, including low cost/no cost mammograms.

Through workshops, successful grant applications, regional cancer data and communications tools (such as The Cancer Resource Guide and The Cancer Resource Blog), NCFCCC supports the region's cancer community with resources, networking opportunities and education. Oversight and leadership of NCFCCC is provided by WellFlorida. To learn more about NCFCCC, WellFlorida and The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida, visit www.CancerResourceGuideNCF.org.

Free Teleconference: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Living Beyond Breast Cancer is hosting a two-part free teleconference:

Part one is on Monday, October 8, noon to 1 p.m. (EDT). Dr. Hope Rugo of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center will discuss medical updates.

Part two is on October 22, noon to 1 p.m. Topic: "Emotional Impact" by Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal of Weill Cornell Medical College.

Register for part one by October 1 and part two by October 15 online at www.lbbc.org/Events or by calling 610-645-4567.

CEU credits are available for licensed social workers.

Men's Health and Manpower Expo

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012
8 a.m. to 2 p.m
Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
128 Northeast 14th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601-4612

Free Breakfast and Refreshments, Door Prizes, Gifts
Free Consultation with Experts
Free Health Screenings

Breakfast starts at 8 a.m., followed by educational workshops where you can meet experts and discuss the latest advances in prevention and early detection of cancers that affect minority communities, like prostate, GI/colorectal, oral and pharyngeal cancer.

For more information, contact:
Shannon Pressey, MS
Coordinator, Annual Men's Health Expo
University of Florida
Phone: 727-394-6089
Email: spressey@cop.ufl.edu

Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off 2012

Go Pink for the Cure!
UF & Shands invite you to participate in the charity bicycle ride to support treatment-resistant breast cancer research.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
8:00 am
UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex (Archer Rd and Gale Lemerand Dr)
Please register or donate at pinkpumpkinpedaloff.org or call 352-273-5718

After the ride, decorate a pink pumpkin at the Pink Pumpkin Fest! Kids under 12 can ride for free in the Pee Wee Pedal-Off and compete for prizes in the bike-decorating contest. No registration needed.

Yoga: Energy & Core Stability For Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Yoga Core Pose
As I prepare for this weekend’s Master Yoga Class on CORE Stability and its affect on recovery wellness I can’t help but think about it’s true relevance. Core stability is a misunderstood term. When we think of CORE we usually identify it with the abdominal muscles groups, and stability as a form of resistance exercise.  Although in actuality CORE consists of much more, (transverse abdominis, internal obliques, external obliques, rectus abdominis), hip abductors/ adductors, hip flexors, and lumbar spine. In addition, the lumbar spine is primarily responsible for posture and stability. Strengthening our lumbar spine calls upon strengthen of our abdominals. Here we can  provide the strength needed for stability, especially when rebuilding our recovery

CORE is the foundation upon which the rest of our functional strength is built. Strengthening the body’s ability to hold poses in a controlled and safe manner calls upon more. It calls upon our breath. How important is our breath to CORE stability? Well, our breath is key to regaining energy and building CORE strength. When exploring yoga poses we want to combine proper breathing to exercise. The diaphragm muscles when activated help to train an effective yoga pose, which both make better use of the body's energy. The breath is pure energy when drawn in. It fills us wide and full. It becomes the pose. Increased awareness and efficiency of breathing is one of the most unexpected benefits of a yoga practice.We use only a fraction of their lung capacity when breathing. This is an untrained, unconscious breath. Usually we only use the upper lungs instead of engaging the diaphragm and drawing air into the lower lungs. This results in inefficient oxygen exchange and premature exhaustion. University of California research and elsewhere studied the effects of yoga on athletic capability. The studies show that as little as 8 weeks of yoga can lead to significant increases in flexibility and strength. What was surprising, however, was that there were relatively large increases in lung capacity and VO2 (volume of oxygen) max. This means that yoga has been shown to increase endurance! Learn to use the capacity of your entire lungs and watch your endurance increase. Now I know that it isn’t just the pose alone; it is the pose and the breath that brings back energy and stability.

Diana Ross, E-RYT500
www.breastcanceryoga.comhttp://www.breastcanceryoga.com

Raw-Vegan Avocado & Tomato Soup For Breast Cancer

Wednesday, September 26, 2012


Visit http://www.breastcanceryoga.com

If you are a fan of raw soups like the Spanish Gazpacho you will love this delicious raw avocado soup with cherry tomatoes!

Avocados are incredibly healthy and provide our bodies with six times more energy than sugar and proteins. They are rich in potassium, B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K.

The avocados combined with the other highly alkalizing vegetables like tomatoes make this soup very tasty and refreshing.

Ingredients:
4 Cup Cups Cherry Tomatoes
1 Avocado
1 Cucumber
! Cup Corn
1 Lemon
1 Lime
2 Cloves garlic
1/4 Cup Olive Oil

Spices:
1 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 Teaspoon Himalayan Salt

Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in a high speed blender.
Pour raw soup over avocado & tomatoes placed on the bottom of a soup bowl.
Garnish with Cilantro.

Movement Is The Key To Feeling Good

Friday, September 21, 2012



   I've discovered, since getting Stage II A breast cancer in 2010, that the body is a wondrous instrument. Even when I've been crippled with incredible pain, once I started to dance most of my discomfort is momentarily forgotten. It doesn't matter if it's a simple time step or a swishy salsa across the floor, the very act of moving releases me from my physical prison.
   "Yeah, but who wants to move when you're exhausted from chemo or a doctor's visit?" you might ask.
     I often asked myself the same thing before I discovered the relief of dance and exercise. They not only help alleviate my physical obstacles, but my mental and emotional ones as well. In June, I decided to become more committed to movement by joining the "Cancer Support Community-Bejamin Center's" new dance classes twice a week and T'ai Chi: Eva Wieland's "Move To Heal", 6-7 p.m. on Mondays; Marianne Lu's "Tai Chi", 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays; and Alejandra Ortiz's "Zumba" class from 6:15-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, also.
    Along with anemia, exhaustion, anxiety and tension headaches, I also suffer from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis--hardly motivation for exercise--but I went against my own doubts and asked my doctors if I could do it anyway. They were as enthusiastic as I was about pursuing it, especially when my blood pressure went down, my color returned and my weight stabilized.
    There are many benefits to movement that I've become aware of while taking these classes, including how much my energy level has increased, how much more relaxed I feel afterwards and how I reconnect with my childhood again through the act of physical play. For the "Move To Heal" class, Wieland incorporates a combination of yoga exercises with stretches, improvisation and choreographed routines to give us an hour of exuberance expressed in gorgeous steps, leaps, sweeps, jumps and turns that are both relaxing and inspiring. Once she even let me teach the class the "waltz clog", a breezy, joyous, tap step that consists of a step, ball/change across the floor. Besides being a fun way to share one of my favorite dance styles with other cancer patients, it was also a good workout!
    After we traveled around the room, Wieland told us, "It's really fun to incorporate other dance styles together because it allows you to experiment and come up with something new."
    Her choice of music, ranging form Adele to Indian, Michael Jackson to Bossa Nova, is another highlight of her teaching style because it adds to the ambiance of the class. In contrast, Lu's "Tai Chi" class is slower, more meditative and poetic. Despite being a beginner, I still enjoy learning how to carefully place my hands and feet in position while concentrating on the luminous snow-capped mountain in my imagination. I picture the frozen utopia writer Daphne DuMaurier depicted in her short story "Ponte Vecchio" because she described it so beautifully.
     Right after "Tai Chi" Ortiz pumps up the music for "Zumba", a Latin dance/fitness class, that's geared to make you sweat. Funky and raucous, it completely sweeps me away as I respond to Ortiz's swinging dance moves that work my whole body. The best part of the class is the energy reverberating throughout the room as everyone dances.
     "Don't worry about getting all of the moves, it's more important to just have fun," she says at the beginning of every class.
     Released from the pressure for perfection, I'm free to dance and forget about everything else in my life. When it's over I have the proof of my exertion in my sweat-soaked t-shirt. Calm and restored, I wash and change into another t-shirt in the bathroom with a sense of elation I haven't felt since my diagnosis two years ago.

Go PINK for the Cure!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

-->
A new charity bike ride, the “Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off,” is set for Saturday, October 13, at 8 a.m. The event will raise money for treatment-resistant breast cancer research at the University of Florida and Shands.

The “Pedal-Off” kicks off at the UF Cancer and Genetics Research Complex (near the intersection of Archer Road and Gale Lemerand Drive). Cyclists may choose between 20-, 40- and 55-mile routes traversing the UF campus, Gainesville’s historic southeast district, local lakes and habitats and the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail. Proceeds go directly to the CSCRB (Collaboration of Scientists for Critical Research in Biomedicine) to fund important research against aggressive treatment-resistant breast cancers that account for 25% of all breast cancer deaths.

The CSCRB (www.cscrb.org) has already contributed more than $50,000 to UF & Shands to fund this research, primarily through proceeds from previous “NuNu 5K” races and the Pink Ribbon Cycling Jersey (www.cancer.ufl.edu/pinkjersey).

The “Pedal-Off” is part of UF & Shands’ annual community outreach event called the “Pink Pumpkin Fest”. This free festival raises awareness about breast cancer and about the many cancer care services available through UF & Shands. Participants may pick a pink pumpkin from the “patch” and decorate it to honor a loved one affected by breast cancer. There will be music and vendor booths on hand as well as a “Pee Wee Pedal-Off” for children ages 12 and under. Kids can decorate their bikes, ride in the Pee Wee Parade and compete for prizes.

Cyclists may register for the “Pedal-Off” via www.active.com. The $35 registration fee covers a specially designed Dri-Fit shirt, goody bag, fully supported rest stops and on-course sag support, lunch, and a commemorative pink pumpkin! For information, contact Gainesville Cycling Club members/”Pedal-Off” founders Barb Thomas and Barb Wills at barb_thomas@cscrb.org or barb_wills@cscrb.org or visit “Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off” on Facebook.

Desiree Lange: Must Haves!!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Desiree Lange: Must Haves!!: Everyone needs an awesome concealer, foundation, and powder! It's important for a well balanced face. I have been searching for awhile for something that makes me go, wow! But I have been falling short, until I paid a visit to my local MAC store, and they matched my coloring to a foundation. I have been in love since! MAC studio sculpt, and studio fix do wonders to my skin. Acne isn't new to me, I actually went on acutane! Well anyways, this covers any blemish you have, and if it doesn't, the concealer from smashbox is guaranteed to work. I recommend getting yourself some really great products because they last longer, and feel so much better. Avoid buying yellow or orange undertones, it can make you look like your wearing too much makeup!

Become Mindful And Use Your Breath for Recovery

Monday, September 3, 2012

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT500
Survivor and Founder of Breast Cancer Yoga
September 2012

Why is it so Important? 
  
What Does Mindful mean?
Mindful Means “being conscious or aware of something directly.” Once mindful, you then can then foster positive change through the development of a mindful practice, like yoga or breathing. Mindfulness, whereby combining the breath consciously with yoga movements brings this awareness of the mind right into the present moment. Right where it needs to be in order to move forward and heal.

Why It is so Important to be Mindful
Because it stops the negative chatter of a restless and wandering mind. Stress and anxiety are some of the byproducts of this unmindfulness. We may also become careless and lack clarity in making good decisions, especially health decisions. It is right now, here where you become “present” to whatever is, or isn’t.  Learning how to stay in a mindful state allows you to get past that which may cause undo stress or harm. This can be attained through the proper training of the breath, focus of the mind and movement of the body.  When both the breath, mind and body come together, consciously, the ability to create relaxation and a new found state of clarity is then realized.  Here you can tackle recovery head on and with deep purpose.

How Does the Breath Make us Mindful?
“When the mind wanders; the breath is sure to follow.” It is stated in yogic practices  that when the mind jumps all over it is called “the monkey mind.” This unfocused mind can create a lot of stress and anxiety, all of which has a negative impact on the mind and body causing a profound effect on the autonomic nervous system which then increases stress hormones and overall emotional responses.

How Does it Help Breast Cancer Recovery?
The reason being mindful is so valuable is that the mind is deeply incorporated with the breath.  A mindful practice is cultivated through learning how to use the breath positively,  or in partnership with the mind.  It is an intentional act of unity, whereby unconscious thoughts and feelings of the mind are then brought to a single point of attention. This is achieved one way by focusing fully on the breath.  Through rhythmically breathing (inhale and exhale of the same duration) we tap into our deepest inner resources for healing, and for relaxation. By flowing through a series of breaths, the body experiences an inner calm which then awakens the prana (life energy) and moves the mind towards a higher level of understanding.  It is through the control of the breath, that the mind will reflect a higher knowledge and a positive state of confidence and self esteem.  It is  emotionally  challenging to learn you have cancer.  A natural response is “Can I do this? “ Let this be the yoga practice of self-understanding.

Mindful Yoga And Breathing Exercises For Breast Cancer
The deeper the commitment to a Mindful Yoga and Breathing practice, the deeper the relaxation response will manifest, healing the trauma of worry, anxiety and fear associated with the diagnosis of breast cancer. It is challenging to start a yoga practice when this the fear, stress, anxiety and depression surface. It is precisely at that time that we need support, not only from our doctors, families and friends, but most importantly from other women who have breast cancer or even another type of cancer. These personal connections help us to feel “part of” a community who understands our emotions and experiences. Unconditional love creates miracles!  Creating a strong support system and a safe place to be (oneself) are paramount to alleviating the stress that derives from breast cancer.  A clear mind, a full breath and a body in motion are paramount for recovery. YOU are responsible for your healing process and progress so breathe deeply and move freely. 

Breast Cancer Yoga
Breathing Exercise CD's For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema
Breast Cancer Yoga has just announced their first breathing CD for good health.

FREE Yoga Videos
FREE Yoga Poses E-book
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest


Breast Cancer - How To Begin A Yoga Practice

Sunday, September 2, 2012

 
How and Where To Begin a Yoga Practice

Where do I start?   What do I need to know to begin a yoga practice? One day at a time is where you start so not to set yourself up for failure. Start simple and small so a positive tone for each day is encouraged and then reinforced. Find a reputable yoga teacher that specializes in breast cancer recovery or we recommended Gentle Restorative Yoga DVD

Now Let’s Begin:

Set a specific time each day (preferably mornings)  Begin with consistency.
Brush and floss your teeth, empty your bladder, and begin on an empty stomach
Find a quiet and well ventilated space. This space will become your sacred space for healing
Dress comfortably; no belts and tight jeans
Play music that is soothing or maintain silence
Adjust the lighting to be soft or enjoy the natural sunlight
Create a room decor as uplifting as possible
If possible have a mat, blocks and other props for support
Start small, maybe 5 minutes at first and then gradually add onto your time

The benefits of relaxing the body while giving time for the mind to consciously rest often induce deep relaxation. The deeper the tensions of mind and body the greater overall detrimental effect on the mind and body. Yoga props will assist in allowing for this relaxation to occur.

Good thoughts produce good reactions and negative thoughts drain the energy right out due to the excess tension. Be open to experience yoga and the positive flow of life energy that comes through the practice.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel
Like Us on Facebook