As we say hello to 2022, some of us are also saying hello to some New Year resolutions that we will probably not keep. Each year, with every good intention, I say “I want to lose 15 pounds by the summertime”. I start the year off strong and by the time March comes around, I am already back into some of the same habits as the previous year. This year will be different! The goal will be to focus on healthy lifestyle changes that are sustainable and connect with organizations that have free resources to keep me engaged and motivated throughout the year. So in no particular order, we will share information about some organizations that can help us all focus on our personal Health & Wellness Journey for 2022!
5 Organizations That Help Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER (LBBC)
LBBC is a national nonprofit that connects people with trusted information and a community of support. When discussing the long-term impacts of breast cancer, LBBC’s core focus is on diet, nutrition, and exercise. The LLBC website has various blog posts that address almost all aspects of health and nutrition that anyone could think of. Even better is that many articles are written by patients, caregivers, and providers. These varying viewpoints ensure that any visitor to the site will undoubtedly find content that speaks to them.
To learn more, head over to their diet, nutrition and exercise page. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for news and updates.
Through the Unite for HER Wellness Day program, breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients learn about the benefits of complementary therapies and create a personal plan for incorporating these fully-funded services into their treatment and recovery.
All program participants receive a HER care box package, as well as an invitation to experience a virtual Wellness Day in the comfort and safety of their own home without delay. Through the UFH at Home program, participants can learn about integrative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, Reiki, yoga, meditation, nutrition, professional counseling (including sexual health), and caregiver support, as well as meet care providers.
Each care box contains educational resources, healing, and healthy self-care products. The hallmark of their program is a wellness passport, valid for 12 months and worth $2000 of integrative therapies and services from approved providers (located on the provider list) for therapies participants feel will best support their everyday health and wellness.
I have personally received a box, and the items inside are great; the network of resources is impressive. I would encourage everyone to request a box to improve their wellness regardless of treatment status.
Please visit th UFH Wellness site and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more information.
Strength for Life’s mission is to INSPIRE, EMPOWER, and STRENGTHEN cancer patients and survivors on their healing journey. The four key components of their program are exercise classes, empowerment programs, wellness retreats, and resources. While the in-person exercise classes are held in New York, the other programs have virtual options without residency restriction. For each 8 week class, participants are given free exercise equipment to keep after completing the course.
Strength for Life’s Wellness Retreats offers cancer patients and survivors a way to balance their lives emotionally, spiritually, and physically after a life-changing diagnosis. Through inspiring discussions, empowering classes, and a supportive atmosphere, Strength for Life provides the tools to embark on a new journey of healthful, whole living. Retreats are offered to men and women regardless of cancer type and are provided at NO COST to participants. Wellness retreats are held at the Hyatt Wind Watch Hotel in Hauppauge, NY.
For more information, visit their website, SFL.org. You can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE (PCRM)
PCRM is taking A 4-Pronged Approach to beat Breast Cancer. It is believed that “A healthful diet and lifestyle can help reduce your risk of Breast Cancer or reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence.”
PCRM’s 4-Pronged Approach:
- Choose Plant-Based Foods
- Exercise Regularly
- Limit Alcohol
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
You are invited to take the 4-week challenge and to read more about this 4-Pronged Approach to Beat Breast Cancer by visiting PCRM.org Each registered participant will receive a free digital goodie bag packed with coupons, recipes, and more! You will also get four inspiring weekly messages with “breast-ever” tips for powering through the four steps!
Amor Healing Kitchen provides nutritious, plant-based meals made with love by teen volunteers for people facing health challenges. Fulfilling the mission while supporting local farmers, empowering teens, and bringing awareness to the connection between our food and our health.
While the Amor Healing Kitchen delivery service is only for specific areas of Charleston, South Carolina, they will offer an 8-week Nature’s Nutrients program from January 24 – March 13, 2022, that will be held on zoom with no residency restrictions. The Nature’s Nutrients program is the perfect opportunity for cooks of all skill levels to explore the benefits of plant-based living.
Participants will receive:
- Eight certified AMOR Healing Kitchen Classes (6 are live via Zoom & recorded for your convenience)
- Nature’s Nutrients Plant-based Program Binder
- Over 20 AMOR recipes
- Certificate of completion for Nature’s Nutrients program
- An invitation to Nature’s Nutrients graduation gathering
- AMOR Healing Kitchen gift bag
To gift a loved one or to learn more about their programs, please visit AHK.org and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
No matter how you plan to stay healthy this year, remember to give yourself some grace if you have any kind of backslide. This is a marathon and not a sprint. There will be times where you have the best week ever and there could also be times where you do not. We just want you to be mindful of making small changes that lead to big results, opposed to quick, drastic, temporary changes that may not be as sustainable.
If there are some organizations that you know of that are experts in nutrition and exercise, please tag them below. We love to share and discuss resources. You never know who you could be helping out! We would like to wish you the Healthiest, Peaceful, and Prosperous 2022 ever! Be well and stay safe!
