Radio Interview: Georgia News Network Feb 2018
TurningPoint Featured Rebecca Cowens-Alvarado, TurningPoint Executive Director, and Robyn Cohen, TurningPoint patient, volunteer and advocate, chat with John Clark of Georgia News Network, about TurningPoint’ mission, services, history and programs.  Robyn shares her story of how TurningPoint was in fact, her turning point!
October 2016 Best Self
TurningPoint Executive Director featured Check out the October issue of Best Self Atlanta to see TurningPoint’s Executive Director Jill Binkley featured on the cover and featured in the article “Beyond the Pink”.
Patient Perspective: Ashley
This spring, two months after my diagnosis and three weeks after my mastectomy, I called to make an appointment with TurningPoint to begin my physical therapy. I knew I wanted to have my Physical Therapy with TurningPoint for two reasons. First, my good friend Ashley had told me that TurningPoint was the only answer to assist me in the best recovery experience. Second, I wanted to be with a practice that focused entirely on breast cancer patients. I wanted the best of the best (don’t we all?). I had started to develop some pretty intense cording and knew I needed help to gain relief. I have been so impressed with Grayson and Anita who provide a personalized experience, always checking on my family and recent doctor appointments. They were very understanding when chemo, fatigue, or a PICC line got in the way of my progress. In a world where one can feel like just another patient and in and out of so many doctor’s appointments it was such a sweet breath of fresh air to be a part of the TurningPoint family–where you looked forward to the appointments instead of having anxiety; where you left feeling relaxed and encouraged instead of defeated. I never left feeling sore or tense. It was always the exact opposite. I looked forward to my PT appointments because I knew my therapist would release tension; not cause it. I was declared cancer free on June 29. I have now completed chemo and have just finished my reconstructive surgery August 4. Overall, as I’m coming to a close on this part of my breast cancer journey and starting the new journey of a survivor I can look back and say confidently that there were five things that supported me through these 6 months: my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ, my Browns Bridge Church community, my family and friends, my amazing doctors and TurningPoint. These five all go together. Not one of them is the weakest link. I would not be where I am today without each of them working together.
Nutrition Q&A: Best for Your Breast
What can I do to increase my chances of survival from breast cancer? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second most frequent cause of cancer mortality among women. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 1% of those diagnosed with breast cancer are men. During the month of October we celebrate prevention and survival.  It’s also a time to address new strategies and research that increase both survival rate and foster increased prevention. I feel more research is always needed to get closer to finding a cure, but at the same time I realize the dire need to understand the cause. Though the exact cause has not yet been determined there has been a lot of research on ways to both decrease our risk of both developing breast cancer and of breast cancer recurrence. Research has directly linked excessive body weight, unhealthy lifestyle and physical inactivity to certain types of cancer. Recommendations may seem simple, but reinforce important day-to-day advice: Maintain a healthful body weight – According to a wide scope of research, those who carry excess body weight, particularly in their midsection, are at greater risk for cancer and recurrence. Obesity-related diseases are linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers like breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy body weight can significantly reduce cancer risk and chance of recurrence. Maintain a healthful diet – A poor diet, one high in refined grains, saturated fat, fast food and low in fruits/vegetables and whole grains can increase your risk of developing cancer. Be physically active – According to scientific literature, exercise promotes decreased cancer risk and decreased risk of recurrence, not to mention overall well-being. The good news is, it doesn’t take hours of running uphill to reap the benefits. Simply standing instead of sitting, walking, gardening, stretching, or practicing yoga and meditation are ways to restore health. The well-known cancer organization, The American Institute for Cancer Research, http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/ offers solid recommendations for cancer prevention and their web-site offers a wealth of information on the most current research in the field of cancer.
