Written by Dr. Gabrielle Wolk, PsyD, Clinical Associate On April 25th the Cancer Wellness Center featured a panel discussion on Psychedelics and Cancer, which I had the immense honor of moderating. The panel included Dr. Mendoza -Temple, the director of Integrative Health at Endeavor Health and Jean Lacy, the founder of Illinois Psychedelic Society and Illinois policy advocate.   Dr. Mendoza-Temple first presented various types of psychedelic medicines and how they are being researched to treat a range of mental health conditions, including the use of psilocybin (or ma ..read more

Written by Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, Oncology Dietitian Individuals diagnosed with cancer often have questions about what to eat to help prepare and recover from treatments.  Often, food is used to nourish the body towards an optimal state to support immune function and energy levels.  Sometimes, those diagnosed with cancer also have changes to their gut function.  Individuals may have some pre-existing conditions that affect their gut health as well.  Experts are learning how we can support our gut health through a lifestyle, which includes several approaches using ..read more

Written by Serena Jain, Mindfulness Specialist A wellness routine is a holistic approach to taking care your physical, emotional and spiritual health. Wellness routines are the implementation of a daily routine that integrate areas such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, work, social life, community engagement, spirituality and self-care activities such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, nature walks, journaling and many more. Having a wellness routine can support your wellbeing in many ways. These routines can be highly supportive on challenging days and provide an added boost of energy and positi ..read more

Written by Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, Oncology Dietitian Just like spring cleaning our home, now is the time for a reminder that we can also do the same with our food choices. As the days become longer and the weather becomes warmer, it is a good opportunity to refresh our approach to eating. Taking the time to clean out and restock our pantry with options will give us a chance to eat in a way that serves us well. Soon enough, we will be welcoming the fresh fruits and vegetables that easily provide an abundance of nutrients and flavor.    There are a few simple steps to ta ..read more

My dollar goes a long way at the Center Written by Dymond Redd, Marketing & Communication Associate at the Cancer Wellness Center Ryan Carey first heard of the Cancer Wellness Center after his dad, who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, started utilizing the programs and services. One of the biggest benefits of the Center was knowing there was a community of people helping his dad care for his physical and mental well-being. Ryan’s involvement quickly grew from a proud Do-It-Yourself (DIY) fundraiser, raffling off Super Bowl squares with friends or asking for donations in honor of his ..read more

Written by Mark Livshots, MA, LPC, Clinical Associate, Men’s Programming Specialist  When asked where they find the most peace and relaxation, many people may say “the outdoors”. Whether it be a forest preserve, mountains, bodies of water, or even a backyard, these sites in nature have brought solace and beauty to humans for thousands of years. Interestingly, to the surprise of some, one must not be physically active in nature to experience its benefits. A growing amount of research has shed light on the positive impact that being in nature has on our mental health. Let’s look at just a f ..read more

Written by Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, Oncology Dietitian Eat Beyond the Table in March and All Year Long  All the food we eat affects not only our health, but also the environment. Did you know that many of the food choices that are beneficial for our health also happen to benefit the planet? Minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds are included on that list. One important step towards eating with the environment in mind is to think about how our food is produced. We live in an area where we have access to local farms and farmers’ mar ..read more

Jan 2024Feb 2024Mar 2024 PreviousNext Cancer-Fighting Foods: Nutritional Guide   PreviousNext WALNUTS Walnuts were first cultivated almost 7000 years ago in Central Asia. Today, California produces 99% of the American supply of walnuts. Benefits include: Ellagitannins increase antioxidant enzymes, decreasing free radical damage to DNA that can lead to cancer. By influencing gene expression, they decrease growth and stimulate self-destruction of mouth, esophagus, breast, cervix, colon and prostate cancer cells. Melatonin has been shown to decrease growth of b ..read more

Written by Kim Matthews, MA, LPC, Support Programs Coordinator There is always an argument for the benefit of being kind to oneself, but it can be an especially beneficial practice when experiencing a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one during a diagnosis, and during bereavement. Among emotion researchers, compassion is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. Self-compassion is simply when that desire or motivation to relieve suffering is directed inward to oneself. While the definition of self-compa ..read more

Written by Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, Oncology Dietitian Nuts are actually the seeds of plants. Most are the seeds of trees; peanuts are the exception because they are the seeds of a legume. Nuts are flavorful little packages containing a hefty dose of nutrition. From protein and fiber to vitamins and minerals, all nuts offer a nutrient-packed way to enhance our diet. Nuts even contain unique cancer fighters called phytochemicals, which optimize cancer protection.  You may have heard that we shouldn’t eat too many nuts because they are high in calories. You may h ..read more