#update12

Hydration, hydration, hydration! Water and liquids or fluids are vital to health. All body cells need water to function. If you do not take in enough fluids or if you lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, you can become dehydrated. If this happens, the fluids and minerals that help keep your body working can become dangerously out of balance. You do get some water from the foods you eat, but a person should drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid each day to be sure that all the body cells get the fluid they need. For more information, visit American Cancer Society:http://bit.ly/1cN2XOl

Good carb, bad carb Carbohydrates are the body’s major source of energy. Carbohydrates give the body the fuel it needs for physical activity and proper organ function. The best sources of carbohydrates – fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – also supply needed vitamins and minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients to the body’s cells. For more information, visit American Cancer Society:http://bit.ly/1cN2XOl

It's almost lunch time! What healthy fats are you eating? Fats play an important role in nutrition. Fats and oils are made of fatty acids and serve as a rich source of energy for the body. The body breaks down fats and uses them to store energy, insulate body tissues, and transport some types of vitamins through the blood. You may have heard that some fats are better for you than others. When considering the effects of fats on your heart and cholesterol level, choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats more often than saturated fats or trans fats.  Good sources of fat include vegetable oils (like olive, canola and peanut oils) and seafood. For more information, visit American Cancer Society:http://bit.ly/1cN2XOl

We will be posting cancer nutrition related posts all week in honor of National Nutrition Month! Nutrition is important for cancer prevention, care and survivorship.  What are some of your favorite healthy foods?

In their own words: John Fechino

Massey Cancer Center not only saved my husband’s life, the staff there also gave us the strength to make it through.

On July 15th, we learned Jim had cancer, Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Without immediate treatment, Jim would not live three months. Within hours of the diagnosis, Jim was admitted to Massey Cancer Center’s Critical Care unit. Thankfully, Jim was asked to participate in a trail program being administered in conjunction with Johns Hopkins. Though his chances for achieving remission were about 30%, thankfully Jim achieved remission. After a total hospital stay of 68 days over a course of 4 months, Jim received compassionate care that saved his life and his spirit.

With more than 1,500 people supporting VCU Massey Cancer Center through fund and friend raising with the Massey Challenge powered by HDL, Inc., we need you to join the party leading up to and on race day by volunteering!

We are recruiting volunteers for March 27, 28 and 29 for a variety of needs outlined below. Volunteers must be 16 or older, or 12 if accompanied by an adult.  To sign up for available volunteer opportunities, please [email protected] or call 804-828-1450.  Volunteer needs March 27 and 28: Massey Challenge Booth @ the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k Expo Shifts available: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m., 4:30-6:30 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Five volunteers per shift. Enthusiasm encouraged! Help promote the Massey Challenge, assist with performance shirt sales and distribution, prize wheel spins for donations, and provide markers to sign the annual Banner of Hope. Must be able to stand for the duration of shift. March 29: Massey Alliance Waterstop @ the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k  Shift available: 7:30-11:30 a.m. (four-hour shift; please arrive promptly at 7:30 a.m.) 100 volunteers total! Volunteers help set up, maintain and distribute water and PowerAde to 10k participants as they run and walk by. Groups are encouraged to volunteer together. Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. March 29: Massey Mile Cheer Group @ the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k Shifts available: Flexible! Anytime between 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  We need more than 500 people total!  Appearances by special guests throughout the morning! Join the Massey Mile Cheer Station where more than 500 Massey and 10k supporters will join us to enthusiastically “put cancer on the run” and pay tribute to those who have battled cancer along miles 3-4. Grab your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors, and wear your VCU gold and black attire and meet us there! BYO food, drink, chairs, etc. For more information on the Massey Mile, check out our Facebook event.