Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/61344
TIPS & TRENDS TIPS & TRENDS Food Choices Made Simple Good nutrition is a priority for cancer patients, but it's not always easy to figure out which foods make the best meal choices—espe- cially when you're eating out. Now Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) is helping diners in its treatment facilities se- lect foods based on their nutritional value. The Traffic Light System, now operational in several CTCA dining rooms, helps clearly convey food options on menus by designat- ing them as "Red Foods," "Yellow Foods," or "Green Foods": mÍ 0#"Í $--"1Í are calorie dense with lim- ited nutrients. They are high in saturated fat, sugar, cholesterol, and/or salt. They can contribute to unwanted weight gain and should be eaten only occasionally. qà 6ß)),4à #,,"0 are mainly processed foods. They have some nutritional value but contain moderate levels of saturated fat, added sugar, and/or salt. In large serving sizes, they can con- tribute to excess calorie intake. Yellow foods should be carefully selected, eaten only in moderation, and screened for portion size. qà$/ßß+à#,,"0 are the healthiest choices. They are excellent sources of important nutrients needed for health and well-being. Green foods are also low in saturated fat, added sugar and salt, and calories. They can—and should—be eaten every day. Kalli Castille, director of nutrition and culinary at CTCA in Tulsa, Oklahoma, says, "This system is a useful guide to our every- day lifestyle. Look at the food items you are choosing and try to stick mostly with the green options. Use red items sparingly. If you currently use red items at all meals, try limiting them to one meal per day. This will eliminate counting calories or grams of carbohydrates." THOUGHTFUL HOSPITAL VISITING As a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Peg's Group, an independent fee-for-service group of Cancer Navigation Consultants, Kathy Gurland is dedicated to helping patients and their loved ones navi- gate their cancer journeys. One issue that Kathy says arises again and again among her patients and their families is the topic of hos- pital visiting. Should we visit? What's the right etiquette? What do patients really want to hear? Here, Kathy offers a collection of guidelines to ensure that the visit is a positive experience for both the patient and the visitor. pÐ"ML¦RÐ?QQSKCÐRF?RÐ GR¦QÐMI?WÐ RMÐ@PGLEÐ̀MUCPQ Ð@?JJMMLQ ÐMPÐ DMMB Ð Each hospital and patient is different, so ask about the hospital's rules and what the patient needs. pÐ"MÐ?QIУ"MÐWMSÐLCCBÐ?LWRFGLE ¤Ð'DÐRFCÐ?LQUCPÐGQÐLM ÐMffCPÐNP?ARGA?JÐ suggestions such as slippers or socks, a comfy blanket or pillow, or a light sweater—or offer to lend an electronic book device or portable DVD player. pÐ"ML¦RÐRCJJÐQRMPGCQÐ?@MSRÐMRFCPÐNCMNJCÐUFMÐF?TCÐF?BÐRFCÐQ?KCÐGJJ- ness. Patients deserve to feel that their experiences are unique, regardless of their diagnosis. pÐ"MÐ@PGLEÐQMKCÐLCUQÐDPMKÐRFCÐMSRQGBCÐUMPJB Ð CGLEÐGLÐRFCÐFMQNGR?JÐ can foster feelings of isolation. pÐ"ML¦RÐ AMKNJ?GLÐ?@MSRÐUF?R¦QÐEMGLEÐMLÐ GLÐ WMSPÐ JGDCèPCKCK@CPÐ who the visit is about. pÐ"MÐR?ICÐ?ÐKMKCLRÐ@CDMPCÐRFCÐTGQGRÐRMÐPCDMASQ ÐJCRÐEMÐMDÐUF?RCTCPÐ else is on your mind, and enter the room acutely aware of why you are there. Patients say that the most comforting visits come from those who are mindful, genuine, and concerned. For more information about Kathy and Peg's Group, visit pegsgroup.com. GIVE THANKS Oncology nurses play an invaluable role in cancer care, providing education, care, and support throughout the cancer jour- ney. Now patients have the opportunity to thank these professionals by nominating them for the monthly "Who Helps You Learn Well" contest on the Patient Cancer Resource Guide website. The oncology nurse with the most referrals each month will receive a gif and a donation and will be acknowledged on the website and in its e-newsletter. For more information or to nominate an oncology nurse, visit http://patientresource.net/Who_Helps_You_Learn.aspx. cfthrive.com summer 2012 | cancer fighters thrive 23