What do you give a crap about this holiday season?

The Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa, New Zealand's colon cancer charity, has launched a fun campaign for the holiday season.  The campaign, "I Give a Crap" centers around taking the embarrassment out of talking about colon cancer.  

This fun campaign video, features well-known New Zealanders, including Jurassic Park and Piano star Sam Neill, gold medalist Valerie Adams, and rugby stars Ben and Owen Franks.

How many of us need to lose people we love before we can bring ourselves to start talking about poo? My dad died of bowel cancer. I wish he’d talked about his symptoms sooner, because then my boys might still have their granddad. ~Nigel Latta 

So, Give a Crap this Christmas and make a point of talking to your loved ones about colon cancer.  There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

For more information on colon cancer, please visit the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation website.  

Fiber Up!

According to research, approximately 50% of colorectal cancers can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes.  One of these changes can be adding fiber to your diet.  But, how do you get more fiber?

Simple.

There are several easy and quick ways to get more fiber in your diet.  Focus your weekly menu on whole plant goods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nuts.  These all provide fiber and are good for you too!

So, where do you begin?

• Add beans or tofu to soups, stews or stir-fries.
• Eat whole grain bread and pasta.
• Try unprocessed, cooked grains like bulgur, whole wheat couscous, quinoa, and whole-grain polenta.
• Add nuts, seeds, or flax seed to your morning cereal or smoothie.

But, Beans?!

Dr. Fuhrman, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat to Live and  board certified family physician specializing in lifestyle and nutritional medicine, recommends eating at least 1 cup of beans daily.  There are several varieties to choose from.  You can thrown them on your salad, put them in soups and stews, or even blend them into dips for raw veggies.  Check out Dr. Fuhrman's article - Beans: The Ideal Carbohydrate for more information and helpful tips on adding beans to your diet.

Need help coming up with a way to get more beans?  Try the Five Bean Chili below!

Five Bean Chili

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

4 hours

Total time

4 hours 10 mins

Author: Julia - www.momontherunx2.net

Recipe type: Main

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean, ground turkey OR 1/2 pound tofu, diced
• 1 Tbs minced, jarred garlic
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 3-4 Tablespoons chili powder
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2-3 dashes hot sauce, optional

Instructions

1. Brown turkey and onions in skillet until turkey is no longer pink. (If using tofu, just saute onions and garlic and add to crock pot.)
2. Add garlic and continue cooking 2-3 minutes.
3. Drain turkey and onion mixture and add to crock pot.
4. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Note:  When choosing canned products, choose low-sodium/no-added-salt varieties and BPA-free cans.

What are you waiting for?  Go add beans to your grocery list!

For more information about colon cancer, make sure you visit the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation website.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-201312030000--tms--premhnstr--k-e20131204-20131204,0,99413.story

Caring for a Colon Cancer Patient

Caring for a loved one with colon cancer, or any cancer, is a difficult and stressful time. But, it is one of the most amazing gifts you can give your loved one while they are ill. Any support or help will be appreciated, even if you just stop by to listen or do some housework.

Some of us are, or will, be the primary caretaker for a loved one with cancer, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Ask the doctor questions if you are at the patient’s appointment and do not understand something he or she says.
• Be prepared for your loved one to have changes in their behavior and moods. Medications, stress, worry, and discomforts can cause them to become moody, depressed, or angry.
• Encourage the patient to be active and independent as much as possible. This will help them regain their sense of self-confidence and self-reliance.
• You cannot take care of someone else if you do not take care of yourself. Eat properly, get enough sleep, and take time for yourself.
• Ask other friends or family members for help.
• Keep a positive attitude, especially around your loved one.
• Keep in mind, this is not about you. It is about the patient.
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Let your loved one set the tone for the day – they might be talkative, sad, upset, angry, quiet, etc.
• Consider joining a support group to share your experiences and learn from others. 

For more helpful tips and information, please visit the Newly Diagnosed and Helpful Links pages on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation.



Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/tips-family-friends http://coloncancer.about.com/od/additionalresources/a/supportlovedone.htm

What's in your grocery cart?

Add antioxidants to your grocery list!  Antioxidants are an important part of nutrition that helps minimize the impact of free radicals in your body.  Free radicals are found in your body, as a byproduct of cell metabolism and in the environment through sunlight, pollution, and cigarette smoke.  Free radicals cause oxidation within your body that can cause cell and tissue damage.  This damage could play a role in colon cancer, as well as other cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and some eye diseases.  Interestingly, the same process that causes oxidation in your body is the exact same process that causes metal to rust.

What should you put on your list?

Berries –Berries might have cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure and positively impacting blood vessel health, according to research.  The best berries include blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

Other types of fruit – Other fruit also has antioxidant properties.  The best fruits in this category are prunes, red delicious apples, granny smith apples, sweet cherries, plums, and gala apples.

Curcumin – Curcumin is found in turmeric, a spice that is used to prepare curry.  Preliminary research indicates curcumin may prevent cancer and possibly slow the spread of cancer.  It also believed it can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Cruciferous vegetables – Research indicates that these types of vegetables can have a protective effect on prostate, colorectal (colon) and lung cancers.  Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, kale, and turnips.

Other food sources of antioxidants – dried red kidney beans, cooked artichokes, pecans, cooked russet potatoes, certain teas, and dried black beans.

According to experts, the best way to get antioxidants is through food sources.  While there are antioxidant supplements available, there can be serious health risks associated with these.  Talk to your doctor prior to taking any supplements or for more information.

Your Grocery Challenge for this week – PICK TWO ITEMS FROM THIS LIST AND PUT THEM IN YOUR CART.  Even better if it is a fruit or vegetable you have never tried.  Your body will thank you. 


Find more helpful tips on Prevention at the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation website.  And, while you are there, make sure you visit the Expert Opinions section for articles and information by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D., a board-certified family physician, nutrition researcher, best-selling author, and one of the country's leading nutritional medicine experts.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/20-common-foods-most-antioxidants

http://healthletter.mayoclinic.com/

http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/eating-prevent-cancer