NEWSLETTER. Women s Wellness Clinic. Spring & Summer A Great Time of Year to Get Outside and Exercise! By Lexi Harlow, DPT, CLT

Transcription

1 Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Women s Wellness Clinic NEWSLETTER Spring 2010 Spring & Summer A Great Time of Year to Get Outside and Exercise! By Lexi Harlow, DPT, CLT Volume 7, Issue 2 In This Issue: Spring and Summer... 1 Did any of you make a New Year s resolution to get more exercise? Have you been able to keep up with your exercise routine during the winter months? If not, don t lose hope. Many people find much better success when the weather improves and they are able to exercise outside. It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks to develop a habit so spring and summer weather can be a great motivation to make exercise a part of your regular daily routine. Star of the Quarter... 2 Thinking of Quitting Smoking... 2 SCCA... 2 Resources... 3 Ongoing Research Studies... 3 Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness... 4 The benefits of exercise are enormous. Overall, it helps you to lose weight or stay at a healthy body weight, feel better, and live longer. Exercise can also improve the quality of your sleep, improve balance and flexibility, and minimize fatigue. In breast cancer survivors, as little as 1 to 3 hours of moderate intensity exercise can reduce risk of recurrence by up to 40 percent. Upcoming Events... 5 Ongoing Classes at SCCA... 5 Contact Us... 6 Here are some strategies to help you to be successful with a consistent exercise program. Motivation is key to keeping yourself on track. A few ideas that can help motivate you to keep exercising: Exercise with a friend. Not only do you get to spend time together, you will also help to hold each other accountable for regular exercise. Listen to your favorite music, books on tape, etc., during exercise. Exercise in an environment that works for you. If you like to be outdoors, than plan activities that get you out in nature rather than inside at a gym. Keep an exercise diary to show weekly and/or monthly progress. ~ continued on page 2 SEATTLE CANCER CARE ALLIANCE is grateful to the customers and employees of Safeway for their generous contributions to the Wellness efforts at SCCA.

2 2 Women s Wellness Clinic Newsletter ~ continued from page 1 ~ A Great Time to Get Out and Exercise Set goals for yourself and when you reach them, reward yourself by getting a massage, buying a new pair of jeans, etc. Make exercise fun. Variety can be helpful to avoid getting bored. If you have been exercising for years doing the same routine, try to challenge yourself by attending a new class, or trying a new piece of equipment. Star of the Quarter Taking steps to incorporate and promote wellness can be a difficult and life-altering process. We have nominated Elaine Laine Loveland as the new Star of the Quarter for her dedication to maintaining her good health. Laine Loveland was living in Shanghai, China when she found a lump in her left breast in June She flew home to Kirkland and had a mammogram, and subsequently a lumpectomy at a local hospital. Her diagnosis was breast cancer. After surgery, she went to UW Medical Center for a second opinion and began chemotherapy treatment there and was able to receive the remainder of her treatment, including radiation, closer to home at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center. (Cascade Cancer Center based at Evergreen is a member of the SCCA Network). I decided I wanted all my care moved to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance about five years ago and have been there ever since, Laine says. I sincerely feel my care is the best it could be at SCCA. She began annual visits to the Women s Wellness Clinic in During my last check-up, my blood work looked so good they wanted to know what I did to keep so healthy, Laine says. Her secret: eating right, exercising, and doing yoga. I m outdoors a lot walking, hiking, and playing golf. Genetic testing showed that Laine is not a carrier of the BRCA1 or 2 genes. But her two daughters are now on the lookout just in case. Laine s stepdaughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, but is doing very well. In her spare time, Laine volunteers, babysits her grandchildren, and is writing her memoirs about living in Bombay and Shanghai. Nominate a star for next quarter by contacting Ksenia Koon at (206) or kkoon@seattlecca.org. It is always important to make sure that you have clearance from your medical provider prior to starting a new exercise program or significantly increasing the level of activity that you are participating in. If you need assistance in starting an exercise program or have other medical issues that may limit your ability to exercise, the physical therapists at SCCA can help design a program for you that makes it possible for you to incorporate regular exercise into your life. You can request a consultation from your medical provider at your next visit to the Wellness Clinic. Remember even a small amount of exercise can make a big difference in helping you to feel better, get stronger, and improve your quality of life. Thinking of quitting smoking? Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to preserve your health. It s also one of the most difficult behavior changes to make. Studies show that people who receive tobacco cessation counseling are more likely to succeed in quitting than people who do not receive counseling. If you have been thinking about quitting and would like assistance in developing a quit plan, contact the SCCA Smoke Free Life Program at (206) Our counselors can assist you in developing a plan that addresses the symptoms of the physical withdrawal from nicotine, the emotional aspects of smoking, and the behavioral issues related to using tobacco. It s never too late to quit. Health benefits begin immediately once you stop smoking. If you are thinking about quitting and would like help, call the SCCA Smoke Free Life Program at (206) The secret of quitting is to not give up trying! SCCA on the Web SCCA s Cancer Patient Information blog was launched last October. Come visit us at: seattlecca.typepad.com/cancerpatientinformation. Addtionally, we also have Facebook and Twitter pages. We d love for you to fan or follow us. Seattle-Cancer-Care-Alliance twitter.com/seattlecca

3 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF STRENGTH CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE or (800) 4-CANCER CANCER LIFELINE Supports the emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical components of health.visit or call (206) , (800) FACING OUR RISK OF CANCER EMPOWERED (FORCE) For people at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Visit or Ongoing Research Studies HEALTH SMART STUDY STILL SEEKS RECRUITS Women s Wellness Clinic Newsletter 3 Resources Dr. Bonnie McGregor seeks volunteers with family history of breast cancer for study on the effects of stress management techniques on immune function. Are you stressed? Do you have a family history of breast cancer? If you are a woman between ages and answered yes to both questions, the Health SMART study has tools to help you while researchers learn. All study activities will take place in the Prevention Center, which is located in the Arnold Building. Led by Dr. Bonnie McGregor, Health SMART is a study to see how stress-reduction workshops can help women with a family history of breast cancer manage their everyday stresses and cancer-risk concerns. The goal of the study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, is to see whether various stress-management and coping techniques reduce stress and improve immune function. Specifically, the study will provide women with the following: Scientifically proven stress-management techniques (such as mindfulness meditation and guided imagery) Coping strategies (such as anger management and assertiveness training) Information on health behaviors GILDA S CLUB SEATTLE Provides a meeting place where men, women, and children living with cancer, along with their families, partners, and friends, join with others to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. Visit or call (206) NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OVARIAN AND BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE ovarianandbreastcanceralliancewa@comcast.net SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION TEAM SURVIVOR NORTHWEST (TSNW) Exercise and fitness programs for everyone. or call (206) YOUNG SURVIVOR COALITION All workshops are conducted in a supportive group setting with other women who have a family history of breast cancer. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, give blood and saliva samples, and receive two hepatitis-a vaccinations. Risks involved in participating in the study include the possibility of discomfort and a bruise at the blood draw site, the possibility of distress from discussing one s breast cancer risk in a group setting, brief pain at the hepatitis-a vaccination injection site and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to the vaccine. There is no charge to participate. All participants will receive a set of CDs with relaxation exercises, a tote bag and a workbook filled with stressmanagement techniques taught in the classes. For more information about the Health SMART Study, please visit call the study information line at (206) or healthsmart@fhcrc.org.

4 The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program invites you to attend an educational event for cancer survivors. Moving beyond cancer wellness to keynote speaker Jonna Tamases Jonna Tamases is a three-time cancer survivor (Hodgkin s disease, largecell lymphoma, breast cancer). She has turned her experience into the strikingly original, funny, incredibly uplifting performance, Jonna s Body, Please Hold. Saturday, June 26, :30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Educational breakout sessions will be led by experts in the fields of: Nutrition Complementary and Alternative Medicine Exercise Fatigue and Energy Relationships and Intimacy Insurance Rights of Cancer Survivors Emotional Adaptation Cognitive Function Lymphedema Bone Health Coping with Stress Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors Cancer s Impact on Family and Caregivers Please RSVP space is limited. If you are able to join us for this event, please RSVP by: RSVP telephone online survivor@fhcrc.org fax After the shock of the diagnosis, I chose to kick my cancer out the door and live life the way I want to, not on Jayne Collins cancer survivor cancer s terms. Hosted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program a member of

5 Upcoming Events Ongoing Classes at SCCA LABYRINTH WALK - 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month, 1:15 to 4 p.m., Rm. 1006/1008, (206) Drop in the first Monday of the month. Walking an ancient spiritual path helps promote relaxation, meditation, spiritual and personal healing and enrichment. KNIT FOR LIFE KNITTING GROUP - Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m., Main Lobby, (206) Patients and families rave about this class. It s a great way to meet friends and learn a skill that requires little energy. Knitting needles and yarn are donated for this class. GENTLE THERAPEUTIC YOGA - Thursdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Rm. 3100/3102, (206) Yoga incorporates meditation, relaxation, imagery, controlled breathing, stretching, and physical movements. Good for those in treatment or who have completed treatment. ACTIVE WOMEN HEALTHY WOMEN - Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m., Rm. 1006/1008, (206) Join us for an hour long gentle stretching and strengthening class. This class is aimed at helping women cancer survivors enjoy the amazing benefits of exercise in a safe, supportive environment. SMOKING CESSATION: INFORMATION AND SUPPORT - 12 p.m. Sanctuary Women s Wellness Clinic Newsletter 5 The 17th Annual Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure Sunday, June 6 - Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Affiliate s Race for the Cure. Even if you re not registered for the Walk, you can attend the Walk Expo on June 5! SCCA s Ksenia Koon and Deb Jarvis will be presenting. The Komen Puget Sound Health Expo sets the stage for an exciting Race for the Cure weekend! Over 100 exhibitors will offer free samples, showcase the latest in running gear and sports apparel. Attend a seminar throughout the day covering the new advances in early detection and treatment, the latest groundbreaking research in the fight against breast cancer, risk reduction, and healthy living. The Health Expo is free and open to the public, so bring your family and friends! Here are some Expo highlights: Saturday, June 5, 12:30pm - 1:15pm Debra Jarvis, author of It s Not About the Hair presents, Walk on! Many times when we are faced with major life challenges we find ourselves emotionally and spiritually paralyzed and unable to move. But it s important to keep moving, both literally and metaphorically. Debra will examine what keeps us stuck and how to take the first steps forward. Saturday, June 5, 2:30pm - 3:15pm Genetic Testing What is it? Who needs it? Where do you get it? Presented by Ksenia P. Koon, MS Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure September 24-26, More than just 60 miles in 3 days, the Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a months-long journey out of the everyday. Learn how to participate at Team Survivor NW Events June 21 - Annual Golf Clinic. Improve your game for TSNW. July - Climb Mt. Adams or sponsor a climber for our July climb. We are currently at capacity for survivor climbers, but still need sponsors to make this fundraising climb a big success. August 4 - The 7th Annual Celebrating Life Dragon Boat Festival. Friends, family, coworkers, and teammates show their support and paddle on behalf of survivors. All proceeds benefit TSNW survivorship programs. Visit the Team Survivor NW website for more information: Monthly informational session on state-of-the-art smoking cessation strategies and tips. Facilitated by an SCCA Smoking Cessation Counselor. SEATTLE CANCER CARE ALLIANCE Provides complimentary classes and support activities that include beauty programs, support groups, craft and activity groups, yoga, meditation, and healing music programs. SCCA Patient and Family Resource Center at (206)

6 Non-profit U.S. Postage PAID Seattle, WA Permit No Women s Wellness Clinic ATTN: Ksenia Koon, MS 825 Eastlake Ave. E., G3-630 Seattle, WA Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Contact Us Women s Wellness Clinic To make an appointment at the Women s Wellness Clinic, call (206) To share your comments on your experience with the Women s Wellness Clinic or to suggest articles and features to improve this newsletter, contact Ksenia at (206) or kkoon@seattlecca.org. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Julie Gralow, MD Benjamin Greer, MD CLINIC DIRECTORS Barbara Silko, ARNP, PhD Heidi Trott, ARNP Nora Gant, ARNP CLINIC MANAGER Lois Williams, RN, MN, OCN CLINIC SCHEDULER Jan Foster PHYSICAL THERAPISTS Rachel Douglas, PT Lexi Harlow, DPT Shawn Israel, PT Sue Frohreich, MPT DIETITIANS Sarah Washburn, MS, RD Gretchen Gruender, MS, RD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST Katie Seitz, MSW, LICSW PROGRAM MANAGER Ksenia Koon, MS NEWSLETTER EDITOR Amy Poffenbarger