Inside This Issue

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Lymphedema? 1

Tips for Cancer Survivors to Manage Stress 2-3

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month 4-5

Walk With a Doc 6

Words of Encouragement 6

Dates to Remember 7

Help is Needed!If you have any suggestions for articles for the quarterly ANGEL Network newsletter, contact Linda Stevens-Butts at 330-452-6906 or email stevensL7@aol.com. Articles for the next newsletter are due by January 4, 2016.

E-Newsletter AvailableWant to receive the ANGEL newsletter electronically? Submit your email address to becky.bondoni@cantonmercy.org. Help us conserve our natural resources and reduce printing and mailing costs.

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November 2015

If breast cancer surgery or radiation involved your lymph nodes, there is no sure way to

prevent lymphedema. But you can lower your risk or lessen the severity of lymphedema by paying attention to changes on your treated side, following a few precautions and getting medical help quickly if signs occur.

Here are some specific ways to help prevent lymphedema:

• Avoid injury. On the side where you had lymph nodes removed or had radiation treatment, do not get vaccines, injections, acupuncture, blood draws or blood pressure tests. Consider wearing a lymphedema bracelet on that arm to alert providers. If you had treatment on both sides, choose the side that had fewer lymph nodes removed or was treated longest ago. In some cases, your leg may be used for these procedures.

• Clean cuts and scrapes quickly. Apply a topical antibiotic to avoid infection. If you get an infection, treat it immediately. Call your doctor if you have an infection and get a fever or feel cold, see redness or swelling, or feel heat near a scrape, cut, burn or injury.

• Keep your weight down. Extra pounds increase your risk. If you have lymphedema, losing weight may help reduce symptoms.

• Use care during travel. The lymphatic system is sensitive to decreased cabin pressure and high altitudes. If you have lymphedema, wear a compression sleeve, garment or bandages when you fly. To control swelling, use a compression glove and squeeze a rubber ball to stimulate lymph flow. Consider carrying an antibiotic with you. If you do not have lymphedema, your provider can tell you whether to wear special garments when you fly.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Lymphedema?

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Stress can interfere with clear thinking, memory and sleep. And although stress is a normal part of life, it can become overwhelming. Fortunately, there are

ways to help you cope with the stress of cancer and cancer treatment.

Journal WritingJournal writing is a great way to help clarify and express your feelings. You can share your journal writing with others if you like, but sometimes it’s good to have a private place to write about your feelings. Your writing does not need to be “good” or “bad.” You are simply using writing as a tool to express yourself.

Tips for Cancer Survivors to Manage Stress

Yoga and Tai ChiAnother good strategy to help with stress is to use the mind-body practices of yoga or Tai Chi. Both activities combine gentle movements with breath work. It is best to find a teacher who has experience working with cancer survivors. Always talk with your oncologist or navigator before starting a new physical activity.

Guided ImageryGuided imagery is using your imagination to help manage physical and emotional discomfort. Guided imagery is sometimes also called “guided visualization.” It helps to have someone who is experienced with the guided imagery who could lead this activity, or you could listen to a CD or a tape.

Guided imagery uses all the senses to help create a healing experience. This works best if you practice daily. Over time, you will find that you become more relaxed, and that those positive feelings last long after the guided imagery session is over.

Therapeutic Art and MusicUsing the arts to express yourself can be very comforting and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Many cancer centers offer therapeutic art and music activities. You don’t have to be an artist or a musician to participate in these activities.

Like journal writing, art and music offer a positive way to work through our emotions. Becoming involved with an art or music activity also provides a mini-retreat from the day-to-day challenges of cancer treatment.

Breathing for Peace and CalmDid you know that you have a tool with you all the time that helps you cope with stress? You can actually soothe your nervous system by simply changing the way you breathe. When we are stressed or nervous, we tend to breathe very shallow breaths in the upper part of our lungs. Pausing to take a deeper, slower breath helps to smooth your nervous system which helps you feel calmer. Practice slow, deep, relaxing breathing when you are not feeling stressed to become familiar with this skill when the going gets tough. Breathe in through your nose and count to six, then exhale through your mouth while counting to eight.

Keep the pace of your breath comfortable, but really think about making your breathing slower and deeper than normal. If you begin to feel light-headed or dizzy, go back to your normal breathing pattern.

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• Prevent sunburn. Use SPF15 or greater sunscreen, with UVA and UVB protection.

• Spray bug repellent to prevent bites.

• Keep your skin moist. Using a nutrient-rich lotion will nourish and protect your skin.

• Dress comfortably. Avoid tight rings, watches, bracelets, clothes, sleeves and cuffs. Try to avoid carrying heavy purses, bags or groceries on your treated side.

• Stay away from extreme cold and heat. If you want to use a hot tub or sauna, the National Lymphedema Network suggests you limit use to no more than 15 minutes. Keep the affected area out of the hot tub.

• Care for your nails. To avoid cuts that could become infected, gently push back your cuticles with a towel after showering. Do not cut them. Acrylic nails might cause infections.

• Exercise. Research shows exercise may help prevent lymphedema. After surgery, make sure you begin exercise slowly and increase your effort gradually. Physical therapists and other providers can show you how to exercise to protect your lymph system. If you have lymphedema, wear bandages or a compression garment during exercise. Watch for pain and swelling.

• Protect your hands, fingers and arms. Use an oven mitt for cooking and baking, and keep your affected arm away from steam. Wear gloves to garden, clean and do house repairs. An electric razor helps avoid nicks – which can become infected – to your underarms.Resource: Living Beyond Breast Cancer – www.lbbc.org

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Lymphedema?(continued from page 1)

Achieving a State of CalmnessIf you are feeling that stress and anxiety are getting the better part of you, consider trying one or more of these activities. These five strategies can help you express yourself by using your body and mind to release stress and create a state of calmness.

Remember, if you continue to experience stress and anxiety, and you find that it is interfering with your day-to-day living, talk to your health care provider and consider seeking supportive counseling to help you work through these challenges.

Resource: CONQUER, Susan Yaguda, RN, MSN, Coordinator, Integrative Oncology

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November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Surely the public is already well aware of this horrible disease. After all, Alzheimer’s has directly

affected approximately one in every two families and the others must have certainly noted its prominent coverage in the news. We don’t really need more awareness, right?

Wrong. By merely learning the seven facts below you will be helping to reduce the Alzheimer’s problem. That’s right…making you aware of this information and encouraging you to share it will facilitate a more informed and more effective approach to combating the threat we face from this disease.

Alzheimer’s currently affects more than 5 million Americans and that number is likely to triple by 2050. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA and is climbing steadily in the rankings. Also, Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia and accounts for about 65% of all dementia worldwide.

7 Facts You Need To Know1. We generally detect Alzheimer’s at the end-stage of the disease.

On average, Alzheimer’s follows a 14-year course from the onset of the first symptoms until death. There is some variability across patients but 14 years is pretty typical. The more surprising news is that, on average, we diagnose Alzheimer’s in years 8-10 of that disease course. This means that for most patients, symptoms go undiagnosed and untreated for at least seven years, during which time the lesions spread through the brain and cause irreparable damage. Be aware that we diagnose Alzheimer’s disease far too late to optimize the effects of currently available treatments.

2. Memory loss is not a part of normal aging. The point about end-stage detection raises an obvious question about “why” we diagnose this disease so late. There are many contributing factors but most of them can be reduced through awareness and education. Some patients resist medical attention in the early stages because they fear a stigmatizing label or because they are misinformed to believe that Alzheimer’s cannot be treated. Many people, including a startling number of physicians, incorrectly believe that memory loss is a normal part of aging. Improving the timeliness of diagnoses for Alzheimer’s is, in many ways, a problem that can be addressed through awareness and education. Be aware that memory loss is not a part of normal aging and, regardless of the cause of the memory loss, timely medical intervention is best.

3. Current Alzheimer’s drugs are probably more effective than you think.

Our widespread practice of late detection has many negative consequences. For example, one of the reasons that current treatments are often deemed ineffective is because they are routinely prescribed for patients with end-stage pathology who already have massive brain damage. With earlier intervention, treatment can be administered to patients with healthier brains, many of whom will respond more vigorously to the recommended therapy. Yes, we need better treatments, but a great start would be to intervene earlier with the treatments we already have. Be aware that currently approved treatments may be more effective than some headlines indicate.

November – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

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4. Alzheimer’s disease can be treated. Another treatment related concept about which everyone should be aware is this. Preventing or slowing further brain damage is preferable to letting the damage spread without constraint. Yet, many physicians, patients, and caregivers conclude that any treatment short of a cure is not worthwhile. While today it is true that we have no cure for Alzheimer’s, that does not mean there is no treatment. With a good diet, physical exercise, social engagement, and certain drugs, many patients (especially those detected at an early stage) can meaningfully alter the course of Alzheimer’s and preserve their quality of life. Be aware that “we have no cure” does not mean “there is no treatment”.

5. The Alzheimer’s drug pipeline is full. Through an intense research effort over the past 20 years, scientists have gained a lot of insight about Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms and about other factors that increase the risk for the disease. Much has been learned and some very promising drugs, based on sound theoretical approaches, are in FDA clinical trials right now. While much of the disease remains shrouded in mystery and we may still be a long way from better treatments, it is possible that an effective agent is already in the pipeline. Be aware that, although we don’t know when, better treatments for Alzheimer’s are certainly on the way.

6. Taking good care of your heart will help your brain stay healthy.

Know this; the health of your brain is very closely tied to the health of your body, particularly your heart. Researchers have shown conclusively that high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity all confer greater risk for cognitive decline. The mechanisms that keep oxygen-rich blood flowing through your body play a key role in maintaining a healthy brain. Everyone should be aware about the close association between vascular health and cognitive health. Be aware that maintaining good vascular health will help you age with cognitive vitality.

7. Managing risk factors may delay or prevent cognitive problems later in life.

There are well-identified risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease that are within our power to manage. These include diabetes, head injuries, smoking, poor diet, lethargy, and isolation. With greater awareness of these facts, we can imagine a world where diabetics take more care to control their blood sugar, where helmets are more prevalent in recreational activities that are likely to cause head trauma, where people smoke less and eat more fruits and vegetables, and where everyone makes a better effort to exercise and to stay socially engaged on a regular basis. While these facts may not be well known, they are all well proven. Galvanizing an effort to publicize them is one purpose of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Be aware that many risk factors for Alzheimer’s can be actively managed to reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline.

So why bother with Alzheimer’s awareness? Because it is a terrible disease poised to ravage our aging society and the lack of education and awareness has lead to a stigma that prevents a more proactive approach to early intervention. The result is that we diagnose it too late, which hampers the efficacy of available treatments. A more educated public could manage risk factors to minimize the likelihood of Alzheimer’s, could monitor personal cognitive health with greater vigilance, and could seek medical attention at the earliest sign of decline. Physicians could then diagnose problems earlier and prescribe appropriate treatment including diet, exercise, and drugs to slow disease progression as much as possible. In the end, we could have fewer cases, more effective treatment, slower progression, higher quality of life, and lower healthcare costs. The social, emotional, and fiscal benefits of awareness and education in this area are too large to quantify.

Resource: www.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-awareness-month

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Walk With A DocMercy Medical Center hosted this area’s first Walk With A Doc event on October 10. Walk With A Doc is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reversing the nationwide epidemic of obesity. Mercy Medical Center will host walks once a month where medical professionals will meet with members of the community for a brief talk about timely healthy-related issues, blood pressure screenings, and a walk around Mercy facilities.

Join Edward Walsh, M.D., radiation oncologist and medical director of Mercy Cancer Center, and Sarah Grabowski, M.D., radiation oncologist, on November 18 at noon at Mercy Cancer Center atrium. For more information, visit www.cantonmercy.org/walkwithdoc.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

God is Always ThereWe often feel as though God is far away And we often feel that He Is distant when we praySo often we feel lonely, Not knowing where to turn Just a touch from God above, Our longing spirits yearnSo many times in our lives, God seems slow to act We cry out in desperation, But it’s faith we often lackFor God is not being slow In coming to our aid He comes through in His time, We just need to learn to waitThe Lord is never distant, He is there by our side And continues to walk with us Through the storms in our livesHe always hears our hearts cry And answers all our prayers, He won’t leave us all alone, For God is always there.

~ By M.S.Lowndes

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The ANGEL Network mission is to reduce the number of deaths within the African American

female population by offering early detection programs, access to screening, and empowering African American women on breast health practices so that they will take an active part in their own health care.

All women are at risk for breast cancer. But statistics show that although there is a lower incidence of breast cancer in African American women, there is a much higher mortality rate as compared to women of other races.

THE ANGEL NETWORK

What is an ANGEL?• One Voice At A Time – Women

raising awareness in our community about the ANGEL Network.

• Certified breast health advocates provide education and guidelines on good breast health to women of all ages, but especially those 40 and older.

• ANGELS are breast health advocates teaching instructional breast exams to fellow women.

• ANGELS help women navigate the health care system so they have easy access to mammograms, breast exams and pelvic exams.

• ANGELS identify fellow women who need breast exams, mammograms, transportation and sometimes just a comforting and understanding ear.

• ANGELS help with the ANGEL education booth at health fairs and community events.

Dates toRemember

Upcoming Events &

Please mark your calendars!

2015-2016 ANGEL Network Meeting dates: Mercy Hall Auditorium

November 16, 20155:30 p.m.

February 15, 20165:30 p.m.

May 16, 20165:30 p.m.

August 15, 20165:30 p.m.

November 21, 20165:30 p.m.

Mercy Plans for New Massillon Health CenterMercy Medical Center purchased the former Moose Lodge, located at 2935 Lincoln Way West in Massillon. Plans are underway to renovate the facility and create a new Mercy Health Center in Massillon with an expected opening next fall.

Annual Pink Duck Sale Held at Mercy

Employees from Mercy Health Center of North Canton purchased pink ducks to support breast cancer awareness.

My 101.7 once again held its Adopt-a-Duck program throughout the month of October. Pink ducks, which offered discounts at many Stark County businesses, were sold for $5, and a portion of the proceeds benefitted Mercy Breast Care Center. Mercy employees and visitors purchased 200 ducks at the hospital’s main campus and off-site locations. That’s $1,000 raised for breast cancer education and awareness in Stark County!