Wellness Wednesday with Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation

Learn more about Wellness Wednesday: https://tinyurl.com/WWednes 

Chemo brain, including memory and cognition challenges, can be a debilitating and frustrating side effect of cancer and its treatment. And while the causes of chemo brain are still being researched, issues with concentration and memory are widely reported amongst cancer patients and survivors.  

Join Dr. Karan Dixit, Neuro-oncologist at Northwestern Medicine, where he’ll share insights on chemo brain and other commonly experienced cognitive changes, including:  

· What the latest research is telling us  

· Signs, symptoms, and risk factors  

· Why keeping a journal can be a helpful tool  

· Preventative measures and treatment options  

About the Speaker  

Dr. Karan Dixit is a Neuro-oncologist at Northwestern Medicine. His clinical interests include primary brain and spinal cord tumors and neurologic complications from cancer and its associated treatment. Dr. Dixit has a specific interest in low-grade glioma, central nervous system lymphoma, and understanding the relationship between neurocognitive decline and longitudinal changes in structural and functional neural connectivity.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “scientists have studied many foods and dietary components for possible associations with increasing or reducing cancer risk.” And while there is not definitive evidence, we do know that chronic inflammation over time can lead to changes in the DNA, which can lead to cancer.   

Join us for April’s Wellness Wednesday where we’ll welcome back Chris Rosandich, Nutrition and Wellness Manager from Cancer Support Center, to continue our conversation on a “cancer fighting diet.” Chris will focus on ways to build and support a healthy digestive system the connection, and:  

 - Tips to boost immunity levels   

- Causes of inflammation   

- Foods and lifestyle choices that lower inflammation   

A special thank you to our Wellness Wednesday program partners WEX and the Bellick Family.   

Learn more about Wellness Wednesday & access the recording visit rolfefoundation.org

About the speaker:

Christine Rosandich is the Nutrition & Wellness Program Manager for The Cancer Support Center (CSC) located in Homewood and Mokena. Christine has a master’s degree in Health & Nutrition Education from Hawthorn University and holds additional certifications including Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University and Nutrition and Cancer from Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

According to the National Cancer Institute, as many as half of patients with cancer have problems sleeping. Whether it’s insomnia or abnormal sleep-wake cycles, consistent lack of sleep has a tremendous impact on both physical and mental health. That, along with the pain that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, adds another layer of stress and discomfort to daily life.

For more information on Rolfe and Wellness Wednesday visit: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/

Balancing Life With Cancer: Creating Boundaries for Patients, Caregivers and Loved Ones   “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” -Brené Brown   

It’s often challenging to focus inward when it comes to priorities. From family to work to friends, and even pets, it is all too easy to put ourselves on the back burner. Yet research shows there is great importance—and benefits—to putting ourselves first when it comes to our physical and mental health.   Setting personal boundaries and priorities are practices that include changing our mindset about not only what we say “no” to, but also “yes.”   

This month, we welcome back licensed clinical social worker, Roslyn Turner, to discuss how to set clear boundaries for ourselves and others. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, are a caregiver, or are supporting a loved one with cancer, setting boundaries can help all involved. Roslyn will share:   

· What creating boundaries look like, and why its an important habit   

· Tips to setting boundaries with family, friends and work   

· How to say “no” so you can focus on what really matters   

About the Speaker: Roslyn Turner, LCSW (Outpatient Oncology Social Worker)   

Roslyn Turner is a licensed clinical social worker with Illness Navigation Resources. She received her bachelor's degree in communication from Lake Forest College and her master's degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. While her specialization is working with patients and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, she is passionate about helping all individuals facing medical challenges and more general life stressors and transitions.    

Her focus is helping individuals and caregivers navigate the complex practical and emotional concerns that come with a medical diagnosis and has extensive knowledge of additional resources for oncology patients and families. She also has experience facilitating oncology support groups.   

To access the slides for this episode, watch full episodes and learn more about Rolfe Foundation and Wellness Wednesday click here: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/

The New Year brings opportunities to start fresh. But what if we stopped making resolutions, and focused on making new habits instead? New habits that can strengthen both the body and the mind.  Gaining strength in whatever form that is—core, balance, power, posture—works to connect your body with your mind. 

Join us in our first Wellness Wednesday of 2022, where Lily Horowitz from The Core Method will showcase:  

• How to be connected to, and properly engage your body through Pilates 

• Simple exercises to strengthen your core (hint: it’s not about having a 6-pack) 

• Tips, tricks, and advice to make this doable whether you’re going through chemo, treatment, or not.  

About the speaker:  

Lily Horowitz is a leading certified Pilates instructor with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is a Core Guru and the founder and creator of The Core Method®️ in Northbrook Il and has devoted her life to helping clients get strong from the inside out.  

To access the slides for this episode, watch full episodes and learn more about Rolfe Foundation and Wellness Wednesday click here: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/

When it comes to pancreatic cancer, early detection is key. And while there is not currently a reliable test available, some of the world’s leading researchers are looking to change that.   

Each year, Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation awards a number of grants, often funding projects or programs that are novel and not duplicative of current initiatives. In addition, Rolfe encourages the sharing of information and resources between the scientists, and among institutions pursuing pancreatic cancer research for the greatest opportunity for advancement.   

In our final Wellness Wednesday of the year, we’ll showcase the impact of your donations. Drs. Chuan He, Marc Bissonnette and Kay Macleod will share the latest breakthroughs their research has uncovered, including:   

- An epigenetic blood test for pancreatic cancer   

- What the gene BNIP3 tells us about pancreatic cancer progression   

- A look at what’s ahead in pancreatic cancer research   

Featuring: Dr. Chuan He Ph.D., Dr. Marc Bissonnette M.D., and Dr. Kay Macleod Ph.D.   

A special thank you to our Wellness Wednesday partner WEX - Wolverine Execution Services and the Bellick Family.

To access the slides for this episode, watch full episodes and learn more about Rolfe Foundation and Wellness Wednesday click here: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/

About the speakers:   

Dr. Chuan He   

Chuan He, Ph.D. is the current John T. Wilson Distinguished Professor at the University of Chicago and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) since 2014.   

Dr. Marc Bissonnette   

Marc Bissonnette is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology at the University of Chicago. He is a member of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center.   

Dr. Kay Macleod   

Dr. Macleod is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (B.Sc. Hons) and obtained her Ph.D. from the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. Macleod's research is focused on understanding the role of mitophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer.

This World Pancreatic Cancer Day we want to share a story of hope. Listen as Rolfe Foundation board member Aaron Colwell tells his story of disbelief and determination, struggles and strength as he recognizes the five-year anniversary of his diagnosis.

A candid look into a difficult time, Aaron speaks of his diagnosis, discussions with doctors, the effect it had on his family, the multitude of emotions he felt and so much more.

To learn more about Rolfe Foundation visit: rolfefoundation.org

To access more free resources, visit the Rolfe Foundation YouTube channel

In recognition of World Pancreatic Awareness Month, November’s edition of Wellness Wednesday will focus on the latest surgical and medical approaches in sequencing therapy and newest research protocols for treating pancreatic cancer.     

Drs. Melissa Hogg and Mark Talamonti, leaders in multi-modality care and clinical trials will discuss and showcase groundbreaking videos of robotic pancreatic surgery, a minimally invasive approach. Dr. Hogg and Dr. Talamonti will also highlight new data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, discussing:    

– Treatment options for an inoperable disease.    

– New laparoscopic approaches to pancreatectomy.    

– Efforts to better understand surgical complications to improve outcomes.    

Featuring:  

Mark S. Talamonti, MD Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem   

Melissa E. Hogg, MD MS, Director of HPB Surgery at Northshore University HealthSystem and Director of Advanced Robotic Training for the Grainger Center for Simulation and Innovation

To download slides: https://rolfefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pancreas-Research-Program.pptx

For more information about pancreatic cancer for patients and families: https://rolfefoundation.org/

For more resources for cancer patients and caregivers visit: https://www.cancerwellness.org

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLoombzmqb2Lv2aZkIxByMhkpOXWKXHiE

#PancreaticCancer #NorthShore #UniversityOfChicago

Join us as we discuss a “cancer-fighting diet,” and explore how you can minimize your risk, without giving up sugar entirely. Join Christine Rosandich, Nutrition and Wellness Manager at the Cancer Support Center as she covers:   

- What is a “cancer-fighting diet”  

- Which foods to eat, and which to avoid  

- How much sugar is too much sugar  

- Best practices for reducing sugar intake 

A special thanks to our Wellness Wednesday partner, Wolverine Execution Services, and the Bellick family.  

To download slides: https://rolfefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Rolfe-Pancreatic-Cancer-Foundation-A-Cancer-Fighting-Diet-The-Truth-About-Sugar-FINAL.pdf 

For more information about pancreatic cancer for patients and families: https://rolfefoundation.org/ 

For more resources for cancer patients and caregivers visit: https://www.cancersupportcenter.org/ 

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLoombzmqb2Lv2aZkIxByMhkpOXWKXHiE

#PancreaticCancer #CancerDiet

While pancreatic cancer is rare, roughly 80% of pancreatic cancers are not diagnosed until they have spread. This is why pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Alison Klein, M.H.S, Ph.D., Director of National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry at Johns Hopkins is working to change these statistics and determine options to stop the cancer.  

Join us in a conversation with Alison where she’ll discuss the path to pancreatic cancer, including: 

• Identifying key genetic clues 

• Why tracking family history matters 

• The difference between inherited genetics and acquired genetics 

• The importance of looking at lifestyle factors and high-risk populations 

About the Speaker  

Dr. Alison P. Klein is Director of the National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry. She is a Professor of Oncology and Epidemiology with a joint appointment at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  Her research focus is to identify the genes and environmental factors that cause pancreatic cancer and translate these findings into improved patient care and risk assessment.  

A special thanks to our Wellness Wednesday partner, Wolverine Execution Services and the Bellick family.  

To access the slides for this episode, watch full episodes and learn more about Rolfe Foundation and Wellness Wednesday click here: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/