Patient Perspective: Hani Levy
My Breast Cancer Journey I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 38 years old. I felt a lump in my breast, but as a mother of 2 girls it was difficult to go to the doctor. I started to feel bad and lose weight. At my ob/gyn appointment I mentioned my symptoms and the lump I felt in my breast. My doctor sent me for lab tests and mammography. I remember feeling that something was wrong and then I got a phone call a few days later from my doctor. My husband and I could not believe that I had breast cancer! I had no family history and I maintain a healthy life style. It was hard to accept. I had so many plans, I passed the CLEP (college credit) test and I was going to study for the NPTE (Physical Therapy) exam. Most importantly I wanted another child. We make plans and God has his own plans for us. I had to put all my plans on hold for at least a year. I came to TurningPoint after my lumpectomy. My friend Claire is a former patient and told me about the clinic. I felt bad both physically and emotionally, https://buyzolpideminsomnia.com. I could not pick up my girls and was about to start chemotherapy. TurningPoint was there for me. The whole staff supported me and my goals. Everyone gave me good advice on how to cope with my situation. I started to go to the Pilates group which is also my support group. Lauren and Anita are like two angels, always there to show me I can do it and even if I can’t that it’s not the end of the world. This group of women is amazing! They gave me strength and reminded me of who I am. The journey did not end when I finished chemotherapy and radiation. This is a journey I will take the rest of my life, and TurningPoint is helping me make this journey! I am so grateful to Claire who introduced me to TurningPoint. The whole staff is always there to give hugs or the advice that I need.
Nutrition Q&A: March is National Nutrition Month
Q: What exactly is National Nutrition Month? A: Education on healthy lifestyle. March is National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education campaign of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as The American Dietetic Association). National Nutrition Month takes place annually to educate the public of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Each year the Academy sets a themed campaign that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and exercise habits. This year’s theme, “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” encourages everyone to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experience that food can add to our lives. This year the Academy encourages adding the different flavors of herbs and spices to our food. By using more herbs/spices we can drastically reduce the use of sodium and fat in our diet. Being mindful of sodium consumption and keeping saturated fats at a minimum are two of ten cancer preventing guidelines from the American Institute for Cancer Research. Adding herb/spices to your food is a quick and easy way to add flavor and hidden health benefits. A number of herbs/spices also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in the fight against cancer and recurrence. The list of anti-inflammatory herbs/spices is quite extensive, and you may be using a number of them currently and not even realizing the benefits they provide. The list includes: Basil, Bay Leaf, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Clove, Dill, Garlic, Ginger, Marjoram, Mustard, Nutmeg, Paprika, Parsley, Pepper, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme, and Turmeric. As always I encourage you to get these in the form of seasonings rather than in supplement form. Happy cooking!
Nutrition Q&A: Heart Health
Q: In this, the American Heart Month, what can I do to decrease my risk of heart disease? A: There are risk factors we can assess. February is American Heart Month. Here at TurningPoint, breast cancer s our focus. We are passionate about keeping you in the loop with the latest research on breast cancer and ways to decrease recurrence, and during the month of February I like to spend some time on another health issue I’m passionate about—cardiovascular health. And maintaining good cardiovascular health will also help with maintaining a healthy weight, which is a factor in reducing recurrence of breast cancer. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in three deaths is a result of heart disease or stroke. Heart disease is known as the silent killer because most of us don’t know what puts us at risk. Knowing the risk factors is the first step that puts you in charge of your health and gives you the advantage of making changes. There are 10 things that put you at greater risk: Age, Sex, Family History, Race, Smoking, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Inactivity, Weight, and Diabetes. We are unable to change our age, sex, race and family history, but we have total control of changing the others. What you do or don’t eat, whether you smoke, and if you’re physically active, are all choices made by you and can directly affect your health. This year instead of focusing on what NOT to do, focus on the positive changes you can make to decrease your risk for heart disease. Here are some suggestions: Avoid saturated fats. Sources of saturated fat include: Fatty meat. Poultry skin, Whole milk, Lard, Coconut oil, Palm kernel oil, Palm oil, Butter, Cream, and Cottonseed oil Read ingredient lists to make sure that the foods you choose do not contain partially hydrogenated oils. These are trans fats. Choose healthier sources of fat. Choose: Olive oil, Canola oil, Walnut oil, Nuts, Seeds, and Avocados Eat fatty fish at least two times each week. The following are fatty fish: Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Bluefish, Mullet, Anchovies, Herring, and Sardines. If you do not like fish, you may consider taking a fish oil supplement that provides at least 1 gram (g)/day of combined eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Decrease the amount of sugar you consume. Eat several sources of soluble fiber each day. Good sources include: Citrus fruits, Apples, Pears, Prunes, Peaches, Plums, Barley, Oats, Legumes, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and Carrots Increase your intake of foods that contain calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include: Milk (skim) , Milk products(skim) , Fortified orange juice, Fortified breads, Fortified cereals, Beans, Dried figs, Calcium-fortified tofu, Canned salmon with bones, Almonds, Dark-green leafy vegetables, and Broccoli Eat plenty of potassium-rich foods. These include: Potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Bananas, Oranges, Halibut, Lima beans, Tuna, Swiss chard, Acorn squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Grapes, Raisins, Pistachios, Flounder, Parsnips, Pinto beans, Wheat germ, Brussel sprouts, Prunes, Spinach, Salmon, Cantaloupe, Lentils, Milk (skim) , and Milk products(skim) Eat more fresh herbs and decrease your sodium consumption to 1,500 mg per day. Eat several servings of nuts each week. The best kinds of nuts are: Walnuts, Almonds, Brazil nuts, Pecans, and Pistachios Use garlic, onions, and leeks often when preparing food. Choose cereals that contain more than 5 g of fiber/serving. Good choices include: Raisin bran, Shredded wheat, Grape-Nuts, Fiber One® You don’t have to tackle all of this at once. Pick a couple a week and commit to making a change!
Patient Perspective: Monica Jones
I would like to thank TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation for their great services and facility. I am a two time breast cancer survivor. I came to TurningPoint hoping that with their care I would not have to endure additional surgeries due to tight and painful scar tissue that rendered me almost helpless. My first visit with the TurningPoint staff let me know I would finally get the treatment that I so desperately needed. Prior to TP, I had been to several other PT clinics through the years with only minimal relief and was left with a great deal of pain. My breast surgeon and reconstruction doctors recommended TurningPoint some time ago. At the time I was too sick from chemo and did not want to drive across town. I should have followed that advice because TurningPoint is worth the drive. Since my first appointment at TurningPoint I have received extraordinary care from the entire team. My physical therapy team, Lauren and Anita, made me feel like I am their top priority. First impressions are everything. From the point of contact via the appointment scheduling to walking into the tranquil office, I felt genuine concern for me and my needs. It starts with a warm smile and greeting from the front desk and office staff regarding my concerns. Everyone is polite and patients are treated with integrity no matter what demographic background. At my first appointment I was worried about the routine exam because I was in so much pain. My therapist, Lauren, assured me I was in good hands and helped me to relax and gain her trust. I can truly say I received some relief from the constant pain and am on the road to feeling better. I have been provided the tools I need to keep making strides in hope for a full recovery. I have begun going to the gym for water exercise classes! I would recommend TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation to all survivors looking for a great support team as well as an exceptional physical therapy clinic. I only wish they had an office on my side of town! Monica Jones
