Evidence Update: Therapeutic Benefits of Massage during Chemotherapy
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage during Chemotherapy Patients with cancer commonly experience disease or treatment side effects, including pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety. An expanding body of literature supports the use of therapeutic massage as an adjunct to conventional therapies to manage these side effects. A recent research study examined cancer patients’ perceptions of pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety provided during chemotherapy. The study included 58 patients who were receiving chemotherapy and/or biotherapy. Patients had a choice of a 20-minute hand and/or foot massage by a licensed massage therapist while they received chemotherapy. There was a statistically significant reduction in each of the following variables: pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety following massage. Results demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with therapeutic massage as part of their care. In order to be controlled for bias, further research should include comparison to a control group that did not receive the massage. This study, however, contributes to the building body of research that documents the benefits of massage for cancer patients, during and after treatment. Robinson JG. Therapeutic Massage During Chemotherapy and/or Biotherapy Infusions: Patient Perceptions of Pain, Fatigue, Nausea, Anxiety, and Satisfaction. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2016 Apr;20(2):E34-40.
Nutrition Q&A: 17 Healthy Tips for 2017
Q: I’m always a bit overwhelmed with New Year good intentions, but how can I follow through ? A: 17 Tips for 2017! With the arrival of the New Year, I challenge everyone to focus on positive things you can do for your health. New Year’s resolutions tend to be the same every year–eat healthier, lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, etc. Everyone has such high hopes and expectations, yet few of us set up a plan to help us succeed. So, instead of diving into the year with blinders on, in honor of 2017, here are 17 things you can do for a better YOU, and assist in keeping you free of cancer and/or recurrence. These tips include some general things YOU can do as well as some top cancer-fighting foods to be sure you’ve included in your nutrition. Seven General Things YOU can do: If overweight, strive to become a healthy weight. Being a healthy weight is the single most important thing, next to not smoking, that can decrease your risk of cancer and/or cancer recurrence. Facts on obesity and cancer. Hydrate. Your body is made of 70% water. Proper hydration is critical for your body to function at its full potential. Cut back on red meat consumption. Red meat should be kept at a minimum of 18 oz. or less per week. Red meat consists of beef, pork, lamb, venison, veal. When eating red meat, choose grass-fed options when available. Increase physical activity. Physical activity is the single most important thing you can do to keep healthy, cancer-free, and decrease your chance of recurrence. You may want to consult this quiz on your activity level. Eliminate all processed meat like bacon, luncheon meat, sausage etc. Processed meats are harmful because they are high in sodium and loaded with nitrites. Nitrites are a known carcinogen and should be avoided at all cost. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum, if at all. General guidelines for Men: 2 drinks per day, for Women: 1 drink per day. Cut back on saturated fat. Saturated fat is an inflammatory fat. Chronic inflammation can contribute to a number of health issues. Saturated fats can be found in meat (especially those heavily marbled) chicken skin, full-fat dairy, butter, margarine, and coconut oil. Top 10 cancer-fighting foods: Blueberries have the highest antioxidant power among all fruit, due largely to the number of phytochemicals they possess. They’re also an excellent source of vitamins C and K, manganese and a good source of dietary fiber. Legumes provide 20% of the daily value for fiber and 10% of the daily value for protein. Legumes are an excellent source of folate, also providing iron, magnesium and a handful of phytonutrients. Cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Cherries have good anti-inflammatory properties, and contain a variety of phytochemicals contributing to its antioxidant properties. Flaxseed and chia seed are both excellent sources of magnesium, manganese, thiamin, and fiber. They are a good source of selenium and provide protein and copper, as well. Both are an excellent source of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Walnuts are good for us for many reasons, but mostly because of the antioxidant properties they have due to the large amount of phytochemicals they provide. They’re an excellent source of copper, manganese, and a good source of magnesium as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. Grapefruit. One-half of a medium grapefruit provides almost all of your vitamin C needs for the day and are also loaded with cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, and one serving provides 10 percent of the daily recommended potassium. In addition to beta-carotene, tomatoes contain a number of other carotenoids. Carrots contain 200% of the daily value for vitamin A in a half-cup, along with providing fiber and vitamin K. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C and provide a heavy dose of phytochemicals. Whole Grains are good sources of fiber. They also provide magnesium, protein, manganese, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and selenium. More information on cancer-fighting foods.
Evidence Update: Financial Burden of Breast Cancer
The Financial Burden of Breast Cancer A recent study examined the financial impact of lymphedema following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Researchers in Australia surveyed 361 women who had either breast cancer without lymphedema (209 patients) or breast cancer with lymphedema (152 patients). The results showed that both breast cancer and lymphedema result in significant out-of-pocket financial costs borne by women during and after treatment. For breast cancer patients with lymphedema, 80% indicated that their breast cancer diagnosis had affected them financially compared with 67% of patients without lymphedema. For patients with lymphedema, 56% indicated that lymphedema affected them financially and that costs increased with lymphedema severity. The cost of compression garments formed a large proportion of these costs, as well as attendance at physical therapy and treatment of cellulitis in patients with more significant lymphedema. Researchers noted the significant knowledge gap regarding the additional impact of lymphedema on breast cancer survivors. While this study was conducted in Australia, it applies equally to breast cancer patients in the United States. Insurance often does not cover compression garments and patients face significant out-of-pocket costs for therapy to treat lymphedema. The cost for management goes up when lymphedema is more significant. The education and surveillance for early detection offered to all our patients by TurningPoint helps maintain lymphedema, when it occurs, at as low a level as possible. This reduces the physical, emotional and financial impact of the condition. TurningPoint also reduces barriers to lymphedema care by providing financial assistance for treatment and garments for patients in financial need. Boyages J et al. Financial cost of lymphedema borne by women with breast cancer. Psycho-oncology. 2016 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/pon.4239. [Epub ahead of print]
Nutrition Q&A: Winter Squash
Q: Is there much nutritional value in winter squash? A: Think antioxidants and more! If I asked you to name a food rich in antioxidants, I bet you wouldn’t think to mention winter squash. Usually, green leafy vegetables get all the credit for providing the bulk of antioxidants in your diet, and most people are surprised to find out that winter squash happens to be an excellent source. Most people think of winter squash as a nutritionally void “starchy” vegetable and are shocked to find out how much this winter vegetable has to offer. From the well-known Butternut and Spaghetti squash to the more unusual Kabocha and Hubbard squash, these vegetables are harvested in the fall, when they are hard and ripe and most can be stored and enjoyed throughout the winter. Winter squash is naturally low in fat. What little fat the squash has comes from anti-inflammatory omega-3s fatty acids. One cup of baked winter squash will provide you with approximately 340 milligrams of omega-3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Winter squash is also a good source of fiber, providing 3 grams per ½ cup serving. Winter squash supplies a substantial amount of potassium and vitamin C which keeps bones healthy, muscles pumping, blood pressure in check, and your immune system healthy. Winter squash also provides 10% of your daily allowance for folic acid which is also beneficial for heart health. The deep orange color of squash indicates one of the most noteworthy health benefits–carotenoids, which protect against heart disease and cancer. One of the most abundant carotenoids found in squash is beta-carotene (Vitamin A). Providing 163% of the Daily Recommended intake. Cancer can’t grow if it’s not allowed to oxidize. Beta-carotene, which is the key antioxidant in winter squash, protects the cell from harmful oxidation, https://holisticdental.org/xanax-treat-anxiety/. Quick tip for buying winter squash: choose squash that is unblemished and feels heavy for its size. Pick a squash with matte skin rather than glossy. A shiny exterior indicates it was picked too early, and won’t be as sweet as a fully grown squash. Most winter squash is available late into the fall. Store whole butternut squash in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) with plenty of ventilation; it should keep for up to three months. Cut squash will stay fresh for up to a week, wrapped, in the fridge. See 11 Varieties of Winter Squash. Nutrition Breakdown Per 1 cup cooked, approximately 205 grams Calories: 82 kcal Fat: 0.2 g Vitamin A: 1,144 mcg = 163 percent of DRI Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg = 20 percent of DRI Vitamin C: 31 mg = 41 percent of DRI Folate: 39 mcg = 10 percent of DRI Potassium: 582 mg = 12 percent of DRI
