Collaborating for Impact: Public Health Genomics and Cancer Control Cyber-Seminar

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

The field of public health genomics has exploded over the last several years as more and more states are collaborating around cost-efficient, evidence-based methods to enhance cancer screening and prevention efforts.  Join the National Cancer Institute and Research to Reality (R2R) on April 16th as we explore opportunities and advances in this exciting field and the opportunities for collaboration between state and local health departments, cancer registries, and research institutions, to improve the care and programs provided across the states.

    

April’s cyber-seminar will feature three partners who are working together around several exciting public health genomic initiatives in Michigan. Debra Duquette from the Michigan Department of Community Health will provide an overview of how Michigan, as well as several other states, are creating innovative initiatives in genomics through cooperative agreements, collaborations with cancer registries, and will share some lessons learned relevant to other states/organizations looking to develop, fund, and implement similar initiatives in their own states.

Glenn Copeland, Director of the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program and Michigan State Cancer Registrar, and Director of the Michigan Birth Defects Registries, will describe the specific effort the Cancer Registry has done to create a bi-directional reporting system and its role in developing and improving cancer control interventions and programs.

Finally, Dr. Maria Katapodi, University of Michigan School of Nursing, will discuss the opportunities for, and role of researchers, in public health genomics research and practice. She will discuss a recent research study exploring how to improve adherence to screening guidelines with young breast cancer survivors and their families.

Additionally we will be joined by representatives from Connecticut (Beverly Burke), Colorado (Dr. Jan Lowery and Randi Rycroft), and Florida (Dr. Tuya Pal) for the question and answer portion of the webinar so we can also learn from the exciting work those states are doing in the arena of public health genomics.

Register Now!

Please click on the following link for more information and to register for this event: https://researchtoreality.cancer.gov/cyber-seminars.

Following registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the toll free number, web URL, and participant passcode. This cyber-seminar will be archived on the Research to Reality (R2R) web site at http://researchtoreality.cancer.govapproximately one week following the presentation.

Yoga of Awareness Program at Criser Cancer Resource Center

Eight Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
May 7 - June 25, 2013

Yoga of Awareness is an evidence-­‐‑based mind-­‐‑body program developed at Duke
University Medical Center to support cancer survivors. As Reported on CNN,
Business Week and USA Today, participants experienced improved sleep, vigor,
and relaxation. The course includes:

-­‐‑Gentle yoga & guided relaxation
-­‐‑Mindfulness practices & group sharing
-­‐‑Guided meditation & breathing exercises
-­‐‑Course manual & audio cds

The program is appropriate for anyone desiring to live more skillfully and is
approved for 16 continuing nursing education contact hours and 16 CE's for
social workers. Also approved for 16 Florida Massage CE's .

For more information, please email:
bertam@shands.ufl.edu
or call 352.219.8012


Download Flyer

Cancer Connections Meeting on March 27th at the Hope Lodge

Please join us on March 27th at noon in the Hope Lodge conference room. 

Dr. Martin Holzman of the Community Cancer Center of North Florida will do a presentation on brain cancers and the use of radiation in treating them.

RSVP by Monday March 25th if you would like to be included in the lunch count.  A $3 donation is requested, or you may bring a healthful dish to share. 

Brown baggers are welcome, too!

Feel free to pass along this invitation to anyone who might wish to join us.

For more information, please send me an email.  

hope to see you there

Barb Thomas - BnBBarb@aol.com

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Event at Moffitt Cancer Center

NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

FREE Event and Lunch.

Saturday, March 23, 2013
Moffitt Cancer Center, Vincent A. Stabile Building,
David Murphy Conference Room
12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612

Registration starts at 8 a.m.

Reservations required. RSVP to 1-888 MOFFITT
(1-888-663-3488)

Download Flyer

Webinar: The Latest on Colorectal Cancer Screening

Date: 
Tuesday, March 19

Time: 
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. EST

Speaker:

Thomas J. George, MD, FACP
University of Florida - American Cancer Society

Overview:
The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 141,210 people would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 49,380 people would die of the disease in the U.S. In both men and women, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death.
This presentation cuts through the confusion and misinformation surrounding colorectal cancer screening, and gives clinicians the facts and resources to help their patients make informed decisions and increase adherence to screening.

Registration

More Information

CHANGE ISN'T ALWAYS BAD

By Victoria Moore

   The hardest thing I've had to do since I started my breast cancer journey is transition back into the "real world" as a newly disabled person. At times I have a difficult time conceptualizing who I actually am now until I become exhausted or come down with a virus after visting "Costco" or going to a movie. Outwardly, and fully dressed, I look like the same old me but unclothed my body is a tapestry of scars amid smooth skin and a slim physique. I am imperfect, and a woman with a warrior's spirit, but still with the awkward shyness of a bewildered little girl. If I were an animal I'd probably be a six-month old kitten.
   Due to the way I see my body now I also look for new ways to express who I currently am and aspire to be. Lately I've been drawn to very tactile looks-faux fur coats, puffy jackets, satin blouses, velvet skirts and cozy sweaters-that look luxe and feel luscious. Through the pages of "Vogue," "Harper's Bazaar," and "Elle" I fantasize about all of the clothes I'd buy if I had deep pockets and how wonderful I'd look if I were model perfect. Lately, my new perspective has led me to seek out other style resources on the internet, too, where personal style is prized over perfection. Photographed in various locations, especially on the street, I regularly check out other "fashionistas" on "LookBook.nu" and "Tokyo Fashion". Besides making internet connections with like-minded individuals around the world I've also been able to check out how others dress without exposing myself to germs at the mall or in a store.
   This, in turn, has taught me to see my appearance as an integral part of the environment. So now when I'm out and about in the city, I'm more observant. You could say I've become a visionary who instantly transforms my surroundings to fit my new internal landscape. Whenever I pass by a street with run-down buildings, trash on the sidewalk, and graffiti on the the walls, I mentally repaint and refurbish the surfaces, pick up the trash, powerwash the sidewalk, and replace the tagging with glorious murals. Before my diagnosis, and subsequent path, this wasn't one of my concerns but today it is. It's important for me to be aesthetically fulfilled by my surroundings as a way of coping with all of the physical, emotional and psychological compromises I've had to make.
   In the beginning I was unsure how to do this until I started visiting various art galleries every month. "The Word is Art" is one that I've recently added to my list of favorites, along with "Trunk," "Buckwild," WWA," and "G2." Spacious and wonderfully decorated with paintings, photographs, jewelry and other art pieces when I visited, it's an enervating oasis in the middle of a vibrant walking area. When it replaced a floor store that had been there for years, I realized that all change isn't bad and some things can even change for the better. Hopefully the same will be said for me as I enter an exciting, but uncertain, future.

Yoga Reduces Cancer Related Fatigue

Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue, (CRF)
Fatigue is very common in breast cancer patients. Fatigue can prevent you from functioning normally and impacts the quality of life. Poor oxygenation due to improper breathing contributes also to low energy that causes listlessness and depression. Consider the following to reduce fatigue:

• Practicing specific flowing poses
• Breathing properly
• Eating well
• Getting enough rest will ultimately allow for energy to return

Breast Cancer Yoga has created a new yoga DVD that can be used for cancer related fatigue. This DVD contains unique restorative yoga poses that are gentle, flowing and meditative. The DVD's focus is on building strength, flexibility and potential for breast cancer recovery. Breast Cancer Yoga is designed to repair breast tissue, improve circulation of lymph and blood flow. It encourages feelings of safety and support through the use of props. Synchronized movement and breath create a mood of meditation, and relaxation. All combined there is increased vitality and hope. ​

Which Herbs and Aromas Help Breast Cancer Symptoms?

Watch Diana Ross TV Interview

Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy

http://www.askimotv.com/pages/playvideo.aspx

1. How did Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy become what they are today? Today more and more complementary therapies are being re-introduced into the healthcare industry, and those two therapies are herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Our pharmacology is based on plant extracts so why not reach back, or forward to be closer to nature or natural? Aromatherapy is well known for its affects on moods, colds, illnesses, ailments and the like.
2. Which herbs/aromas help with what symptoms? Peppermint and ginger is well known for reducing nausea and stomach upset. Chamomile and hops for insomnia, green tea for antioxidants. The list goes on. Each plant brings something special to the health table. Essaic tea has so many ingredients to help prevent cancer.
3. Can it help women to take preventative measures against terminal illness (such as breast cancer)? This question answers itself. Prevention is the key. Just like echinacea helps in the prevention of colds and flu. There is so much we can do through eating, applying or drinking the essence of plants especially if they are deep green.
4. If so, what are some examples of herbal medicine used for prevention? Some believe a diet rich in antioxidants helps prevent cancer. Red clover is another herbal option for the prevention of cancer. It has been found to be effective in preventing the formation of tumors. Dandelion root has been recognized in that it kills melanoma cells while keeping healthy cells intact.
5. Can it help to cure women already diagnosed with breast cancer? Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. Although there are many kinds of cancer, they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.
Once you have a diagnosis of breast cancer the time is perfect to act.  The cure is in the prevention but it does help with slowing down the disease and in the recovery.
6. If so how? The most famous cancer herbal preparations are probably the Hoxley formula and Essiac. Many people began seeking out holistic cancer remedies in the early ‘80s when it became apparent that Western medicine was not curing cancer. The growing number of people diagnosed with cancer, became quite desperate because traditional medicine had failed them. It was then that many people sought out herbal cancer cures and other forms of natural medicine, and many people with terminal diagnosis did indeed live, curing their cancer, or living for years past the doctors’ predictions.  

 These questions will be answered by Diana Ross- Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher, breast cancer survivor and the founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.

Breathing For Breast Cancer Benefits

Learn How to Breathe

Deep breathing is vital; it encourages the release of body toxins, and rebuilds healthy tissue. It is as simple as oxygen helping to nourish the body, the muscles, and organs which then provides relief from stress, fear and anxiety. Slow, deep, and relaxed breaths calms the autonomic nervous system, (ANS) producing a balanced stable energy and builds the body’s immune function. Make a conscious decision to start with 5 to 10 minutes a day of simple deep breathing. Breathing is an important aspect of lymphedema management too. Slow deep breaths, with breath retention create pressure changes that empty the lymphatic system into the venus system at the thoracic ducts and clear the lymphatic pathways. Simple practices like counting each exhale develops concentration, or using a Sun Moon breath will make a difference in stress levels by balancing the right and left hemisphere of the brain. Learning how to come into synch with each breath allows for the “fight-or-flight” response to move to a “relaxation response.” Breathing and relaxation may offer another self management tool for lymphedema too.

Learn More About Breathing

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

Breast Cancer Herbal Tea Benefits

Drink Medicinal Herbal Teas

It is acknowledged in the medical community that herbal remedies do play a vital part of holistic healing for cancers. Herbal teas can aid in cancer symptoms or help build overall health. They also contain high levels of antioxidants. Green tea is beneficial for calming and relaxing the body so strive to drink one cup every day.  Even the ritual of putting the tea pot on can calm you down. Peppermint tea is used to settle an upset stomach and help digest foods. Add ginger and it is good for nausea. Chamomile tea is great for promoting sleep and helps with anxiety. Using a single herb or tea blends both have amazing medicinal properties. Use as immune boosters, digestives, stimulants, calming and even for socializing; a cup of tea always hits the spot.

Learn More About Herbal Teas

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

Watch Video About Herbal Teas
Like Us on Facebook
Visit Our Breast Cancer Yoga Website

Diet For Breast Cancer Prevention & Recovery

Your diet really does make a difference when it comes to breast cancer prevention and recovery. A plant based diet should be a fundamental part of a healthy cancer free lifestyle. Make your diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables that are full of micronutrients and bioflavonoids which are duly noted to help prevent breast cancer or other cancers. Five or more servings per day is recommended by the American Cancer Institute. Red and blue berries hold a significant amount of the necessary cell builders and anti-carcinogenic  properties that are necessary on our tables. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy are just a few vegetables that are loaded with micronutrients.  They all contain vitamins and minerals, and fiber; all are important to your health (some having more importance than others).

FREE Breast Cancer Healthy Recipes

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

How Can Women Use Yoga to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Watch Diana Ross TV Interview

and find out about:  WATCH NOW

How does yoga help breast cancer recovery in particular? Yoga does three things, it creates lymph to move throughout the channels, encourages deep breathing, and fosters relaxation. All this helps to decrease cortisol and increases GABA levels so that a feeling of harmony can occur.

How can women use yoga to prevent breast cancer? There are many things women can do to help prevent breast cancer. First is to move your arms to help stimulate lymph flow, become a conscious breather. The breath is instrumental in also moving lymph. Eating right, getting lots of good sleep, drinking good quality water, and surrounding yourself with those that love you all play a part in good heal and cancer prevention. 

In your experience how does the holistic approach to treating breast cancer differ from the generic western approach? There are three approaches, alternative, complementary and allopathic. Currently allopathic medicine has been introducing more and more complementary therapies in their bag of wellness tricks, and yoga is one of them. You will see more and more merging together when someone is diagnosis with breast cancer. Studies are supporting the benefits of yoga and recovery.
What is Asana and what is its connection to Breast cancer? A yoga pose is called an asana.

These questions will be answered by Diana Ross- Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher, breast cancer survivor and the founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.

How To Use A Dry Skin Brush For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

Dry Brush

Dry Brush For Breast Cancer

Dry brushing stimulates the skin and circulates lymph fluid which is vital for overall health. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for a quarter of the body’s detoxification. The ability of the skin to excrete toxins is of paramount importance. Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells, which improves skin texture and cell renewal.

 

How To Use A Dry Brush For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

1. Dry Brush your entire body before you shower, preferably in the morning or before bed. This helps loosen and remove dead skin and uric acid crystals.
2. Start at the soles of your feet doing circular movements, then brush upwards on your legs toward your heart. Use long, even strokes.
3. Brush all the way up your legs, scooping forward from behind your hips to your tummy. If you have cellulite on your hips and thighs, concentrate their a little longer.
4. Then begin circular movements over your tummy. Start with up on right and down on left, simulating the natural movement of the bowels.
5. Be kind in the thin sensitive skin areas of inner arm, arm pits or tops of hands and not directly on breasts. Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken or where you have a rash, infection, cut or wound.
6. When ready, start the shower with warm water and end briefly with cold. Let the cold water start at your legs then the heart is last. This hot/cold therapy further stimulates the lymphatic system which improves overall circulation.
7. Dry off vigorously and massage pure plant oils into your skin or spray on Simply Lavender. You may want your skin to breathe for a while too. Enjoy this process of good health and detoxification.

Dry Brushing - Skin Exfoliant

Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas. Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified.

 

Visit www.breastcanceryoga.com

Surgeon General Symposium on Cancer System of Care

Cancer Partners,

You are cordially invited to attend the Florida Department of Health's Surgeon General Symposium on the Cancer System of Care, to be held Monday, March 18, 2013, at the Brevard County Health Department in Viera, Florida.
The Florida Department of Health works each day to protect the health and safety of all Floridians and visitors. Our vision is to be the healthiest state in the nation.  As such, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong is hosting symposiums across the state to inspire community-level conversation, incorporating the perspectives of a variety of individuals to discuss how we can work together to protect, promote and improve the health of Floridians.
During this two-part symposium, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong and a panel of distinguished guests will convene to explore the topic of creating a Cancer System of Care in Florida. Statewide collaboration among our academic and community cancer programs is vital for better outcomes for patients with cancer. 

Part 1
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Panel discussion

Part 2
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. - Breakout sessions, participants will work together to determine how the areas of research, treatment and prevention will play a role in the state’s Cancer System of Care. 
Overall Question

How can the state and private industry create a collaborative system of cancer care that makes Florida a destination for care, research and prevention?

Who should attend?
Health care professionals, community leaders, legislators, members of the media and the general public are invited.
 
Where
Brevard County Health Department
2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, Florida 32940

When
March 18, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Registration
Please complete the following registration, located at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KMDWL6H.  Once your registration is received by our team, you will receive an email confirmation and additional information regarding the symposium. We encourage you to register early, as seating is limited. Please forward this invitation to others who may be interested in attending. Registration will close at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. 

You are welcome to contact Denishia Sword via email at denishia_sword@doh.state.fl.us with any questions. We look forward to your attendance at this important event.