Resistance Training: Questions Answered
As we ring in the New Year, it is coming time to tackle those resolutions! According to a national survey, staying fit and healthy and losing weight were the two most popular New Year’s resolutions in 2015 [i]. If this year’s resolutions follow the trends from last year, health and fitness is most likely at […]
Magic Mouthwash: What’s That?
Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment may experience painful mouth sores (oral mucositis) or ulcers that interfere with eating, speaking, and even swallowing. For some, relief can be found through Magic Mouthwash, the name given to a mouthwash available by prescription. It’s Magical Magic Mouthwash, also referred to as Miracle Mouthwash, is not prepared […]
The Return of the Fist Bump and Air Kiss
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), flu season has already started! Here are some tips on what to do when those around you are sick, how you can help them, and how to keep from catching the flu yourself. Get a flu shot! It’s not too late – unless you’ve developed symptoms already. […]
4 Apple Recipes for Winter
The weather is cooler, the leaves have fallen, and you know what that means—apple season has arrived! Apple season lasts long past autumn, thanks to how easy it is to keep apples fresh into the winter. Apples are a delicious fiber and vitamin packed fruit. Whether you have a basket full of apples from an apple-picking trip, […]
A Comforting Holiday Recipe
There’s nothing like comfort food when your appetite is fleeting. According to Wikipedia, comfort food is “food that is prepared traditionally, that may have a nostalgic or sentimental appeal or simply provide an easy-to-eat, easy-to-digest meal rich in calories, nutrients, or both.” With that in mind, I can’t think of a better example of comfort […]
Got Dry Mouth?
Xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth, is a common side effect of head and neck radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Radiation doses of 25 Gy or greater are associated with reduced salivary flow and function. Saliva acts as a natural buffer in the oral cavity, bathing the oral tissues and teeth. Thus, reduced salivary flow can result in an […]
Mouthcare During Treatment
Here are some quick tips for care for your mouth while undergoing cancer therapy: 1. Vomiting After vomiting, your mouth may feel acidic and sour from the hydrochloric acid that has regurgitated into your mouth. Before reaching for that toothbrush and toothpaste, consider rinsing your mouth with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 […]
Cancer and Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect from certain chemotherapies, radiation treatment, medications and antibiotics. Since chemotherapy is meant to damage rapidly dividing cells, this can also include the lining of the digestive tract. As a result, fluid is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract as efficiently, which causes the frequent, loose, soft, or watery bowel movements […]
Not Hungry During the Holidays?
Holidays can also be a stressful and an overwhelming time — especially if you are not interested in food or eating because of cancer symptoms or side effects of your treatment. Well meaning friends and family go out of their way to bring “your favorite foods” only to be disappointed when you don’t find them […]
Gluten Free Or Gluten Fear?
What and where is gluten? Gluten and related proteins are found in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. The jury is still out on whether oat proteins, or proteins from other grains that contaminate oats are the main problem for those on a gluten free diet. Thousands of foods contain these grains, which means that completely avoiding […]