Patient & Family Education NewsPRINCESS MARGARET … · The Princess Margaret Education Awards: Thank health care workers that give you the education you need for your cancer care

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The Princess Margaret Education Awards: Thank health care workers that give you the education you need for your cancer care

The Healing Power of Protein

No Saints Around Here: Caregivers for People with a Cancer

Diagnosis

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The Princess Margaret Education AwardsThank health care workers that give you the education you need for your cancer care

Is there a health care worker or team that gave you or your loved one the education you needed for your cancer care?

If so, there is now a way to thank them for their help.

What are the Princess Margaret Education Awards?The Education Awards recognize (thank and honour) Princess Margaret health care workers that go above and beyond to give you the education you need. This could be someone who took the time to explain information to you that you did not understand. It could also include:

• Talking with you about your cancer and treatment,

• Giving you resources to help you know more about cancer and treatment

• Teaching you about your cancer treatment,

• And more.

Why are the Education Awards important? Patients and families will help choose which Princess Margaret health care workers that win the awards this year.

When you nominate (help pick) someone for the award, your name is listed on the nomination form. If they win, they will know you took the time and energy to thank them for their help.

How can I nominate someone?You are able to nominate a single person (for example, a nurse, dietitian, librarian, doctor) or a health care team (for example, a clinic, or program).

There are 3 types of awards you can nominate them for:

1. Innovation in Education. This award is for a team or person who has made and shared an innovative (new and unique) education program or experience.

2. Outstanding Contribution Cancer Education Award. This award is for a team or person who has made outstanding (great or special) strides in cancer education.

3. Excellence in Education Administration. This award is for a team or person who has made sure an education program is organized and well managed.

To nominate health care workers, you must:

• Fill out a short nomination form online: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/cancereducationawards

Or

• Get a paper copy of the nomination form from the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library, located on the main floor atrium, or ELLICSR: Health, Wellness & Cancer Survivorship Centre, located in the basement of Toronto General Hospital. Once it is complete, you can drop the form off at either the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library or ELLICSR Centre.

The last day to nominate is August 15th, 2015.

There are more details on each of the awards on the nomination form. If you have any questions about the awards or who you can nominate, email Luanne Mackenzie at: [email protected]

The Healing Power of ProteinBy Tammy Fansabedian MHSc, RD, Registered Dieitian, Head & Neck Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

The side effects of cancer and its treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery) can make eating difficult. Getting enough nutrients can be a challenge when it’s difficult to eat. It is very important to get enough protein because your body needs it to heal.

For people who normally eat meat, a majority of protein usually comes from meat products. Taste changes can make meat taste ‘metallic’. Some people have problems

swallowing, meaning foods with a rough texture like meat that are hard to swallow are often cut out of the diet. When meat is cut out of your diet, other protein sources need to replace it.

Why is protein so important?Your body uses protein to repair tissue and keep your immune systems strong. You need to eat more protein when you are sick or healing. If you don’t get enough protein from your diet, your body will start breaking down muscle to get the nutrients it needs. Losing your muscle means your ability to move and function, and your strength can get worse.

How much protein do I need?Protein needs are different for everyone depending on your weight, your health, and your need for protein. A registered dietitian can help you find out how much protein is right for you.

What are some good sources of protein?Eating meat may be an easy way to get a lot of protein, but there are other ways you can get protein in your diet. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting the amount of red meats you eat, including beef, lamb and pork. Canada’s Food Guide suggests eating other protein-rich foods like beans, lentils, and tofu instead. Here are some common foods you may want to try and the amount of protein per serving.

Food Item Quantity Approximate Grams of protein

Chicken Breast 3 oz, cooked 25g

Salmon Filet 3 oz, cooked 19g

Canned Tuna 120g tin 30g

Egg 2 large 12g

Milk, 2% 1 cup 8g

Greek Yogurt, Plain 100g 10g, may vary

Tofu, Soft Variety 5 oz 9g, may vary

Tofu, Firm Variety 5 oz 22g, may vary

Cheddar Cheese 2 oz 14g

Cottage Cheese 1 cup 26g

Chickpeas 1 cup 14g

Quinoa 1 cup, cooked 8g

Peanut Butter, Smooth

2 Tablespoons 8g

Ensure® Plus Calories

237mL bottle 13g

While it is normally good to eat different foods in your diet, your protein options may be limited during treatment. That’s okay for the short term. If you can eat eggs, try making them in different ways to get some variety. If you find you can eat yogurt and cheese, try different flavours or types to avoid getting bored of eating them every day.

Simple ways to pump up your protein!Try some of these quick tips to boost protein in any meal:

• Cook an egg or two in broths or soups

• Add some grated cheese to eggs, baked potato, pasta, or cooked vegetables

• Stir in a few spoons of nut butter into oatmeal, smoothies, or puddings

• Use a liquid meal replacement like Ensure or Boost as the base for smoothies. Blend in some fruit, ice cream, or nut butters for a sweeter version. Try avocado and greens for something more savoury.

• Blend tofu into creamed soups. This is a great way to introduce tofu into your diet if you haven’t tried it before.

• If you’re missing the flavours of meat but have trouble swallowing it, try adding beef, chicken or fish into a big stew and pureeing it into a thick soup. You can also do this with legumes like chickpeas, lentils, or kidney beans.

If you would like to speak to a registered dietitian, ask a member of your healthcare team for a referral.

No Saints Around Here: Caregivers for People with a Cancer Diagnosis By Aileen Trang, MSc, Patient Education & Research Coordinator, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who currently are caregivers; those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregiving.”

– Rosalynn Carter, former USA First Lady

On June 23rd, Robin Forbes, Practice Lead for Social Work at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, gave a talk on caregiving.

Robin explained that a caregiver (sometimes called an informal caregiver) is a person who provides ongoing care and help, without pay, for a family member or friend in need of support for a physical, cognitive or mental health condition.

Caregivers provide a wide range of support and play many roles, including guardian, waiter, navigator, advocate, and protector. Caregiving can be complicated and require a lot of time. As such, caregiving can have a huge impact on the caregiver.

Robin shared the results of a survey conducted in Canada in 2006 that said 41% of Canadian caregivers reported caregiving had a negative effect on their mental health, while 38% reported a negative effect on their physical health. In another study, researchers found one in four caregivers showed signs of distress like anger, depression, and being overwhelmed and unable to continue providing care.

Despite all of these issues, most caregivers find caregiving for a loved one very rewarding. However, the message from these studies is that it is important for caregivers to care for themselves. To help manage the responsibilities, a caregiver can:

• Make a caregiving plan

• Set limits, like with your time

• Exercise

• Keep in touch with others

• Not take on tasks because someone else thinks you should do it

• Ask friends and family to help

• Speak up for yourself, express what you need, and share how you feel

• Be honest about what you can and cannot do

Sacrificing yourself will not make your loved one better. Even short breaks are better than nothing. Some ideas for short breaks include:

• Rest your eyes

• Listen to music

• Go for a walk or stretching

• Watch a favourite TV show

• Meditate

• Write in a journal

For longer breaks, get help from someone else by either hiring help or finding someone who can volunteer a few hours. Longer breaks can be as simple as:

• Seeing a movie

• Meeting friends for lunch

• Going for a run

• Playing a sport, like a tennis match or round of golf

• Watching a performance or sports game

• Taking a short vacation

Robin also shared that Princess Margaret’s Psychosocial Oncology Clinic will be starting a clinic for caregivers later this year. More information will be announced on www.thePrincessMargaret.ca.

For books, pamphlets, and information on support services for caregivers, visit the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library, located in the main floor atrium.

Thank you to Robin Forbes for an informative presentation. Thank you to Starbucks for providing coffee.

The information contained in this newsletter is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. © University Health Network - Princess Margaret Hospital - Patient and Family Library - 2015

Patient & Survivorship Education Editor: Alaina Cyr, Patient Education Coordinator | Editorial Board: Nazek Abdelmutti, Daniela Fierini, Robin Forbes, Myann Marks, Lauren ShorserGraphic Artist: Kristin Foster | Please forward comments, questions or submissions to [email protected]

The Patient Education and Survivorship Programs are supported by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

“When you’ve had cancer, every day is a gift.”

“ Thanks to the groundbreaking research, the care of Dr. Messner and the compassion of the whole team at The Princess Margaret, I’m here today.”

See Chris Taylor’s story at www.thepmcf.ca

A gift left in your Will can save lives. If cancer is your cause, support one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. To learn more about planning your gift, call 416-946-2295 or email [email protected]













–Chris Taylor

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Patient & Family Education NewsPRINCESS MARGARET … · The Princess Margaret Education Awards: Thank health care workers that give you the education you need for your cancer care