Prostrate Cancer Program Presentation

Review this informative presentation by Johannes Vieweg, M.D., Department of Urology and Prostate Disease Center, University of Florida.

Presentation of State of Florida Prostrate Cancer Program

Seeking Research Study Participants

University of Florida researchers are seeking female breast cancer survivors to participate in a research study.

Study involves a 30-45 minute interview that will ask for breast cancer survivors' thoughts and opinions about their current and future health.

Participants should have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy for breast cancer 5 or more years ago.

Participants may be compensated.

In order to participate or get more information, please call or email:
Dr. Christopher Harle
Phone: 352-273-6081
Email: charle@phhp.ufl.edu

Cancer Connections December Meeting

Please join us Wednesday December 14th, noon to 1 at Hope Lodge,  for our last meeting of 2011.  We will have a short presentation by Matthew Tenney about the new Kids Kicking Cancer program (matthew@truefreedomfoundation.org), which meets on Mondays at the Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine.  The rest of the hour will be spent in a "Meet and Greet" format. This will give cancer-related care and service providers an opportunity to meet fellow healthcare professionals from this area, and to share information.  Please bring any informational brochures, business cards, fliers, coupons, etc. that you would like others to take with them for future reference. As always, we welcome cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.  This is a good opportunity for you to learn about the services available to you, including support groups.

Please be sure to pass on this invitation to anyone who might like to join us.
RSVP if possible, please, by 5 p.m.  Monday, December 12th. Email: BnBBarb@aol.com

Ligth the Night Walk

Light the Night walk is THIS Thursday (November 17, 2011) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium/North Lawn on the University of Florida. Each survivor will get an illuminated balloon and T-shirt for participating in the walk. All other walkers will be named “Champion for Cures” if they raise $100 and will get a balloon, T-shirt, and refreshments. Hope you all can make this wonderful event as we raise money for LLS!

Florida Cancer Specialists
Web: www.flcancer.com

Support Group Facilitator Needed

The Community Cancer Center of North Florida is looking for someone to facilitate a general cancer support group at their clinic in Lake City the second Thursday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm. The day and time may be negotiable.

If interested, or for more information, please contact Sarah Gillespie at 720-982-7727 or sgillespie@epluscancercare.com

Cancer Connections has its own Facebook page

Thanks to Kathy Travis of Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine,
Cancer Connections now has its own facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cancer-Connections/274549155901702

Cancer Connections November Meeting

Please join us on Wednesday November 16 at noon at Hope Lodge for a presentation by Susan Swirlbul of Caretenders Home Health Care.  Susan will be talking about Caretenders' unique palliative care program for "homebound" geriatric patients.  This program is ideal for patients experiencing a life threatening or life limiting illness.  This is care that focuses on patient/family quality of life, pain and symptom relief, health care choices and the "whole" patient experience.  Caretenders'  palliative care program is not Hospice care, but could be an appropriate precursor.

We ask that you RVSP to Barb Thomas, bnbbarb@aol.com,  no later than Monday November 14th.  This helps to ensure that we will have enough food on hand for everyone attending.

Do Complementary Therapies Work? – Ask the expert about herbs, acupuncture, and other complementary therapies

CancerConnect Live Web Chat with Dr. Barrie Cassileth, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Dr. Cassileth is a world-renowned authority in integrative medicine. She is a researcher, educator, and planner who has worked in complementary (integrative) medicine and the psychosocial aspects of cancer care for more than 25 years.  She has just released a new book, The Complete Guide to Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care. MSKCC’s Integrative Medicine Service’s Web site, www.MSKCC.org , offers evidence-based information about herbs, vitamins, and unproved cancer treatments at no charge to professionals and the public.

On Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 6:00 PM EST you’ll have the opportunity to hear a brief presentation and to ask the expert, Dr. Barrie Cassileth, about helpful, evidence-based complementary therapies. You’ll learn how to recognize bogus “treatments” you will want to avoid.

To submit questions and register, visit: http://cancerconnect.com/dr-cassileth-webchat/

Cancer Connections: Life After Breast Cancer

WHERE: HOPE LODGE:  2121 SW 16^st Street, Gainesville
WHEN: Wednesday, October 12^th,  2011   12-1 p.m.
SPEAKER: Dr. Tina Lam
TOPIC: Life After Breast Cancer
RSVP to Barb Thomas: bnbbarb@aol.com 

Free Martial Arts Program for Kids with Chronic Illness or Pain

Beginning November 7th, 2011, classes will be held on Mondays at Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine, 1000 N.E. 16th Ave. Bldg. F, Gainesville, FL
Class 1 : 4:30-5:20 p.m.
Class 2 : 5:30-6:20 p.m.
For more information on how to enroll in this free program, please call Shands Arts in Medicine at 352.733.0880

Yoga and Meditation Classes

Dear Friends in Yoga,
As we move into the fall season, what better time to begin a process of self-renewal, self-reflection and self-discovery.  Shands yoga and meditation classes provide an excellent opportunity to support your health and lift your spirits.  For more information about any of these offerings, feel free to contact me. 

Also, please note that the Yoga of Awareness for Cancer Program, scheduled to begin next Tuesday, September 27th, still has openings if you or someone you know is interested in attending.

Warmest regards,
Tammy

Chair Yoga for Wellness
Mondays 4:00pm - 4:45pm (Begins Oct 3)
in the Criser Cancer Resource Center, South Tower, 1st floor
While appropriate for all, this restorative chair yoga class is dedicated to those living with health conditions who desire restorative movement, breathing exercises and guided relaxation.  Free.

Community Yoga
Mondays 5:15pm - 6:30pm
in the Criser Cancer Resource Center, South Tower, 1st floor
This is a longer community class that includes meditative flow, toning postures, breathing exercises and guided relaxation. Cost is $5.

8-Week Yoga of Awareness for Cancer Program
Tuesdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm  (Sept 27 - Nov 15, must pre-register)
in the Criser Cancer Resource Center, South Tower, 1st floor
Appropriate for anyone desiring to live with greater skill & ease.  Cost is $75.

Beginning Meditation
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30pm - 4:00pm
in the Sanctuaries of Silence and Peace, South Tower 2nd floor
Guided meditation to support your peace of mind and happiness.  Free.

Lunchtime Yoga for Staff
Thursdays 12:00pm - 1:00pm
in the Serenity Room, North Tower, 7th floor, rm #7502
Flow in and out of this class as time permits, and enjoy an opportunity to relax your mind, restore your body and renew your well-being. Offered to all hospital staff.

Yoga for All
Thursdays 4:00pm - 5:00pm 
in the Criser Cancer Resource Center, South Tower, 1st floor
Join us for an hour of gentle stretching, adaptive postures and breathing exercises designed to tone the body and lift the spirits. This class is suitable for patients, family, staff and members of the community.  Free.

Tammy L. Bernard, M.Ed., RYT
Shands Arts in Medicine
Yoga and Meditation Instructor352-733-0880

Need Space for Kids Kicking Cancer Classes

We are looking for a space to have our out-patient Kids Kicking Cancer classes, which is a free program for kids in pain in the Gainesville area.  The program should get substantial media/PSA exposure, so we thought a local business might like to offer space after hours as an in-kind donation.

We are looking for a carpeted space of at least 500 sq ft, preferably with easy RTS access, once per week, around the 6-7 p.m. time.  Thus, most meeting spaces with easily moveable chairs/tables would work.

If anyone knows of some good options, please contact me.

Here are some links for more info on Kids Kicking Cancer.

http://powerpeacepurpose.com/stress-switch/

http://www.cambio.com/shows/cambio-cares/cambio-cares-gerard-butler-jessica-biel-and-friends-help-kids-kick-cancer

Thanks!!!

Be peace,

matthew tenney
Executive Director
True Freedom Foundation, Inc.
www.truefreedomfoundation.org
813.944.7135

Dear Yoga Friends,

I am pleased to share that the second 8-Week Yoga of Awareness for Cancer Program will begin on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 and will be held in the Family Room of Shands Cancer Hospital from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. 

Yoga of Awareness is an evidence-based mind-body program developed at Duke University Medical Center.  As reported on CNN, Business Week and USA Today, participants experienced improved sleep, vigor and relaxation.  The program includes: Gentle Yoga, Guided Relaxation, Mindfulness Practices and Skillful Living Lessons.  It is appropriate for all members of the Cancer Community - survivors, caregivers, family members and medical staff.
 
For more information and to register, please contact Tammy Bernard, M.Ed., RYT at: Tammy@yogaforhealthcare.com or 352-219-8012.  Enrollment is limited and requires a brief phone consultation.  Please feel free to share this email and the attached flier with anyone who may be interested in attending.

All the very best,
Tammy

Not As I Pictured

Visit www.NotAsIPictured.org for information on and to obtain a copy (free for personal use) of John Kaplan's inspiring documentary. 

The documentary holds relevance for any cancer patient fighting the fight as well as for survivors of the war. Not As I Pictured is an autobiographical 54-minute film following Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist John Kaplan’s unexpected cancer journey. Free national distribution began in January 2011; the film will air on PBS stations nationwide beginning September 2011.

An educational guide from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in booklet form, accompanies the film to help viewers and support groups use the project to continue their own focus on a positive attitude toward diagnosis, treatment, and the joy of recovery.

Although the topic is serious, Not As I Pictured is upbeat, very positive, and ends with John’s remission and return to health.  

Cancer Connections

Cancer Connections will meet on Wednesday August 24th at noon, Hope Lodge, to hear Michelle Bishop's presentation on caring for the emotional health of cancer patients.

Please RSVP Barbara at BnBBarb@aol.com by next Monday the 22nd if you want to be counted in for lunch, and as always, please feel free to forward this to anyone whom you think might be interested in attending.  

The 2011 Annual Mens Health and Manpower Expo

Free Food, Gifts, Job Information, Educational Workshops and Health Screenings

Special Session: Learn How to Become a Prostate Cancer Educator and Advocate. Call (352) 294-5340 to register for this UFPDC Retool Training Program.

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 am to 1:00 pm.

Greater Bethel Ame Church

701 Southeast 43rd Street

Gainesville, Florida

Registration and Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.

For transportation call: (352) 294-5340 

For more information, call (352) 294-5340  or visit http://www.urology.ufl.edu 

Update for Stephen Foster Neighborhood/Kopper Hazardous Waste Site

Alachua CHD and Florida DOH to hold open house to answer questions about all recent published health reports and to collect health concerns.

Please come to an Open House on Monday, August 29, 2011 at the Alachua County Health Department Auditorium, 224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville. Stop by anytime at your convenience between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. Come to learn more about our review of soil and sediment test results, cancer data and other site-related information. Please share your health concerns for us to consider in a future report.

Cancer Connections

Join Caner Connections on July 27th at Hope Lodge in Gainesville for a presentation by Shine and Elder Options. For more information or to RSVP, please reply to bnbbarb@aol.com.

SHINE and the programs of ELDER OPTIONS are dedicated to empowering patients, families and caregivers to make informed decisions about aging in place, healthy aging and about Medicare/Medicaid health insurance options by offering free and unbiased individual counseling, group presentations, evidence-based community education and the ELDER HELPLINE.
ELDER OPTIONS is the Mid Florida Area Agency on Aging and has many resources to help elderly, low income or disabled cancer patients and other seniors:
·         Disability programs and services
·         Transportation
·         Meal programs
·         Legal assistance
·         Caregiver support
·         Consumer issues
·         Subsidized housing
·         Emergency resources
·         Financial assistance

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is the statewide, volunteer program of the Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs offering free counseling and assistance on Medicare/Medicaid, supplemental insurance, long term care planning, prescription drug assistance plans, Medicare fraud, and more.   

Database for Young Adult Survivors of Adolescent and Childhood Cancers?

Investigators at the Institute of Child Health policy at the University of
Florida are designing a study to look at social networking among Young Adult
Survivors of Adolescent and Childhood Cancers. We would appreciate any
information on how to access a database that contains the contact information
for young adults aged 21 to 30 years who have ever been diagnosed with
cancer, and who have completed treatment within the past two or more years.

If you have any suggestions, please contact the project coordinator
Onyekachukwu Osakwe (e-mail: oosakwe@ichp.ufl.edu; phone: (352) 231-6945).

Thank you for your assistance.

Onyekachukwu Osakwe, MBBS MPH CPH
Institute for Child Health Policy
College of Medicine
University of Florida

3rd Annual Rural Tobacco Summit

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL RURAL TOBACCO SUMMIT!  Please visit www.ahecregistration.org and select the Suwannee River region to register for free today to attend this educational training. You will not only receive valuable information on tobacco cessation, you will earn free CE/CME’s for your participation.  DON’T DELAY……..REGISTER TODAY!

Cancer Connections

Please join us on Wednesday June 22 at NOON at Hope Lodge, for a presentation by Vonceil Levine of Haven Hospice: "Living to Love." Vonceil will discuss grief reactions when cancer patients experience loss: loss of health (including resulting loss of appetite), loss of lifestyle, routine, work.  She will discuss coping strategies for the patient, as well as for caregiving family members—to help them manage their own grief.  And she will explain how you can best care for yourself, as your own caregiver.  "Living to Love" will be informative and encouraging, whether you are your own caregiver, or caregiver for a loved one.

Please share this invitation with anyone who might be interested in attending. RSVP, if possible, no later than Monday June 20th, especially if you would like to be counted in for lunch  ($3 donation, please.)  You are also welcome to bring a healthful side dish to share, or to bring your own lunch. 

Cancer Connections welcomes healthcare professionals who treat or provide a service to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, as well as patients, survivors and caregivers.

For more information or to RSVP, please reply to bnbbarb@aol.com   

Demonstration Project

The University of Florida (UF) and Florida Department of Health (DOH) have embarked on a ten (10) month demonstration project to evaluate the effectiveness of the services of Community Health Workers (CHWs) using quality of care indicators associated with the CHW profession. As part of the demonstration project, the DOH will support the salary of three CHWs for five of the ten months to document their effectiveness.We are willing to partner with three different health or service organizations in Florida.

The eligibility criteria for partnering organizations are: [1] Health or service organization in Florida; [2] Clear job description for hired CHW; [3] Commitment to employ the CHW for a minimum of five months after DOH Salary support; and [4] Commitment to complete an end of demonstration project efficacy survey. If you or your organization is interested in partnering on the CHW demonstration project, please complete attached form and e-mail or fax to Ms. Shannon Pressey (spressey@cop.ufl.edu / 727-394-6014).

For more information about the CHW demonstration project, please contact:

Shannon Pressey, MS
Research Programs Coordinator
Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy
College of Pharmacy
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32610
Office: 727-394-6162
Email: spressey@cop.ufl.edu

Do you have cancer-related actvities/research to share?

Keep our members and community informed. Share your news about cancer-related studies, workshops, research and more right here on The Cancer Resource Blog.

Research Study: Young Adults

Paid research study with free counseling and free nicotine patches for young adults 18-30 who drink alcohol and are interested in quitting smoking. Call 352-334-7900 ext. 3512.

Young Adult Smoking Cessation Program, Alachua County Health Department

Wanted for University Study: African American Men with Prostrate Cancer

Who is Eligible?
Any African American/Black Men who have had a diagnosis of prostrate cancer in stage 1 or 2 within the last 3 years.

What is the Study About?

Men will be asked to talk about their health experiences both with cancer and other issues, and to discuss their views and experiences related to their relationships when dealing with prostrate cancer.

Each participant will complete a face-to-face interview lasting roughly 1 to 2 hours. Men will be compensated $25 for their time.

How to Arrange an Interview?

If you are eligible and would like to participate, please call or email the Study Director. Please leave your name, phone number(s), email address, and the best time to call you.

Contact: Lauren R. Gilbert, Sociology Dept., University of Florida, phone: 414-617-1377 or email: l.r.gilbert@ufl.edu.