Evidence Update: Benefits of Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients
There is evidence that exercise after the diagnosis of breast cancer improves mortality, morbidity, health related quality of life, fatigue, physical functioning, muscle strength, and emotional wellbeing. Based on scientific data, breast cancer patients should participate in rehabilitation programs including aerobic and strength training. A 2016 meta-analysis study that included 2,659 breast cancer survivors compared a control group of non-exercising women with an exercising intervention group. Compared with the control group, quality of life was significantly improved in the exercise intervention group, especially in mental health and general health as well as emotion well-being and social well-being, https://www.childinjuryfirm.com/ativan-lorazepam. Exercise alleviated the symptoms of depression and anxiety in the exercise group. Furthermore, exercise was also associated with positive outcomes in body mass index, lean mass, and muscle strength. Zhu G, Zhang X, Wang Y, Xiong H, Zhao Y, Sun F (2016). Effects of exercise intervention in breast cancer survivors: a meta-analysis of 33 randomized control trials. OncoTargets Ther, 2016 Apr 13;9:2153-68. doi: 10.2147/OTT.S97864.
Patient Perspective: Celia
Four years ago, I was watching an NFL game in October. Being in the marketing field, I mentioned to my husband how remarkable it is that Breast Cancer Awareness had grown into such a movement that even football players wear pink. A week later I felt a lump in my right breast. Because of all the Breast Cancer campaigning happening, a little voice told me that I should have this checked out. It was probably a cyst, I thought. I was only 41… It turned out to be Stage 2 and I had the option of a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I chose a bilateral mastectomy so I wouldn’t have to live with the fear of the cancer returning. After 5 grueling months of treatment, I was cancer free! I had a Pink Party and celebrated with my family and friends. I thought I could just pick up my life where I left off. Two years later, I was in the midst of divorcing, starting a new life and looking forward to a new journey when a routine exam found a rogue lymph node. Here we go again… surgery, chemo and this time radiation for good measure. That’s where TurningPoint came into my life. My oncologist recommended physical therapy in advance of radiation as a preventative treatment to counteract any potential side effects. My PT’s weren’t just my “physical” therapists, they were like real therapists! They made me feel comfortable, made me laugh and made me look forward to coming to treatment every week! The entire staff at TurningPoint made me feel well cared for and welcome. TurningPoint is just that – a place where I made a choice to put myself and my health first, with the help of some extraordinary people. I am Grateful and Blessed for this experience.
Patient Perspective: Mary Lynn
I received my original diagnosis on June 23, 2016 after having my annual mammogram and ultrasound. In mid-January of this year, I had my third breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy (left breast) and reconstruction (both breasts). I was anxious to get back to a “new normal” routine. Unfortunately, two weeks after the reconstruction surgery, I had an emergency appendectomy. Before my surgeries, I was attending yoga classes 2-3 times a week, plus my home practice, and walking my 85-pound lab five mornings a week for about 2.5 miles. I work part-time as the administrative assistant at the preschool where I taught for many years. My husband Frank and I have one adult son. Frank retired several years ago, but started a new career in nursing after my diagnosis. (He did an outstanding job!) The love, encouragement, and support I received from my immediate family, my church and work families, and many friends and neighbors were incredible. My emotions and my body were on such a roller coaster. My faith and support groups helped get me through so much, but my physical well-being was shot. Although I was fortunate not to have radiation or chemotherapy, the four surgeries had certainly taken a toll. Both my breast and plastic surgeons had recommended TurningPoint. I began that part of my journey in March—and what a journey it has been! My physical therapists knew exactly what I was feeling, both emotionally and physically, and they knew how to help fix it. I looked forward to my session every week! In the beginning, when I was asked about my goals, my first one was to be able to walk my dog again. It’s been a long road, but I am now walking her again. Also, one year and one day later (June 24, 2017), my son and I participated in the Susan G. Komen 5K (I was a member of TurningPoint’s Team). I’ve started back to my yoga classes, attend TurningPoint’s Stretch & Strengthen class on Fridays and I’m trying Pilates on Wednesdays. (Pilates is hard and new to me, but my core is thanking me!) Although, my weekly physical therapy sessions are complete, TurningPoint continues to monitor and help me manage my lymphedema, giving me advice and encouragement all the way. I can truly say the whole experience has been “my turning point”!
Evidence Update: New Food Labels for 2018
On May 20, 2016, the FDA announced that there will be a new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods. This new label will reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The intent of the new label is to make it easier for consumers to make better-informed food choices. The new label is set to launch January 2018, but you may have already seen it on some of your favorite foods. Compliance date is set for July 26, 2018, with an additional year to comply for manufacturers with annual food sales of less than $10 million. The significant changes include: Serving size and serving per container: The number of “servings per container” and the “serving size” have changed. They now reflect what people actually eat and drink rather than what is recommended. For instance, a recommended serving size of ice cream is ½ cup, but, on the new label serving sizes with be more realistic and will reflect what people typically eat at one serving which is 2/3 cup. Calories: Calorie listed will be in a larger and bolder type. Calories from Fat: Calories from fat will no longer be listed. Research shows the type of fat consumed is more important than the amount. Added sugar: Finally added sugars will be required on all food labels. “Added Sugars” in the form of grams and as a percent Daily Value (%DV) is now required on the label. “Added Sugars” include sugars that have been added during the processing or packaging of a food. Scientific data shows that it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugar. Potassium and Vitamin D: The lists of nutrients that are required or permitted on the label have been updated. Vitamin D and potassium are now required on the label because Americans don’t always get the recommended amounts. No longer will Vitamins A and C be listed on the label since deficiencies of these vitamins are rare today. The actual amount (in milligrams or micrograms) in addition to the %DV must be listed for vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. The daily values for nutrients have also been updated based on newer scientific evidence. The daily values are reference amounts of nutrients to consume or not to exceed and are used to calculate the %DV. Footnote: The footnote at the bottom of the label has changed and will better explain the meaning of %DV. The %DV is listed to help you understand the nutrition information in the context of a total days’ worth of eating. For more details, check out the FDA Information: https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm#dates
