At this time of year, we are often more aware of how important our family, friends and social support are. Cancer Services often sees clients who aren't as fortunate to have that social support.
One client of ours had a troubled life and was diagnosed with cancer on top of that. Cancer Services has been able to get help for her to pay for her medications, a $1000 grant for other expenses, and some much needed peer support and assistance.
She said, "If it wasn't for Cancer Services, I wouldn't have made it through this year. You are all wonderful!"
As you celebrate this time with family and friends, we want to thank YOU for making it possible for us to help people like the woman we mention above. Thank YOU for encouraging your friends and family to participate in the ride and to give to Cancer Services through generous donations on your fundraising page.
It is because of people like you with compassion for those in need in our community that Cancer Service is able to continually meet needs and help people make it through!
Have a wonderful day and be thankful for what you have been blessed with!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
One client of ours had a troubled life and was diagnosed with cancer on top of that. Cancer Services has been able to get help for her to pay for her medications, a $1000 grant for other expenses, and some much needed peer support and assistance.
She said, "If it wasn't for Cancer Services, I wouldn't have made it through this year. You are all wonderful!"
As you celebrate this time with family and friends, we want to thank YOU for making it possible for us to help people like the woman we mention above. Thank YOU for encouraging your friends and family to participate in the ride and to give to Cancer Services through generous donations on your fundraising page.
It is because of people like you with compassion for those in need in our community that Cancer Service is able to continually meet needs and help people make it through!
Have a wonderful day and be thankful for what you have been blessed with!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
Recently, Cancer Services received a call from the brother of a client who has bone cancer. He expressed gratitude for the services and staff here at Cancer Services. He stated that they are thankful for the doctors and nurses at the hospital, but without Cancer Services, the medical help from the hospital would not have done much good.
What his brother received from Cancer Services was much needed physical, emotional and financial support that he would not have found anywhere else.
As we get close to the big day, let's keep these things in the forefront of our minds as we encourage others to join us in this monumental day and raise money for people and their families who desperately need Cancer Services and the support they can give to any and everyone in our community who is courageously going through cancer!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
Don't forget to register and make your fundraising page!
The sister of a client we serve who has lung cancer recently called and said, "We have been so grateful for your help. I can't thank you enough! Cancer Services is such a wonderful organization!"
Cancer Services is able to pay for his medications, nutritional supplements, get him massages and relaxation through our "Survive and Thrive!" wellness programs, and pays for transportation to Duke for critical treatments.
As we prep for the big ride day, let's continue to think of people like this and the hope and support Cancer Services can provide! It's inspirational!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
What's Your Courage?
Cancer Services is able to pay for his medications, nutritional supplements, get him massages and relaxation through our "Survive and Thrive!" wellness programs, and pays for transportation to Duke for critical treatments.
As we prep for the big ride day, let's continue to think of people like this and the hope and support Cancer Services can provide! It's inspirational!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
What's Your Courage?
Here's proof that Cancer Services does put smiles on the faces of people in our community with cancer. Our staff recently assisted a client in Yadkin County with dentures because he'd had all of his teeth pulled due to head and neck cancer treatments.
Cancer Services called to check in with him and he's so happy that he'll soon be getting his dentures. He said he's very appreciative and that he's looking forward to "walking around and being able to smile again."
Now that makes us smile and also encourages us to grin and bear the cold during our courageous ride on New Year's Day! = )
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
Don't forget to register and create your fundraising page!
Hydration Tips for Cyclists:
Before a Ride: Start hydrating 48 hours in advance to make sure your fluid status is adequate on race day. Fluids that are best for hydration during the day include water, juices, milk or soymilk and unsweet tea. [For some ideas on healthy beverages, visit this site: Fluids and Cancer: What Should I Drink?].
Sodas and sweet tea hydrate, however they provide more sugar than is necessary. Alcohol is also not the best way to hydrate, so keeping that in moderation is the best idea, even on New Year's Eve before the race! If you do partake in more than moderation on New Year's Eve, it is even more crucial for you to be sure you're getting adequate water before the ride.
During a Ride: During your training rides and on ride day, hydration on the bike is key. There will be rest stops where you can refill your water bottles, but be sure that you start with one or two of them on your bike. You might choose to fill with water and eat snacks occasionally, or you might want to drink a sport drink during the ride. Fluid recommendations during a ride are: 4 to 5 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
After the Ride: After finishing your event or training ride, it is important to rehydrate your body. If it's particularly cold on ride day some good options for hydrating and warming up are soup, hot chocolate, coffee and hot tea. It's important that you replace the fluids that you lost on the ride. The easiest way to tell if you've rehydrated is by making sure your urine color is light yellow.
Start a good hydration habit during your training rides and it will be easy as a snow cone on the bid day!!
Go Polar!
Before a Ride: Start hydrating 48 hours in advance to make sure your fluid status is adequate on race day. Fluids that are best for hydration during the day include water, juices, milk or soymilk and unsweet tea. [For some ideas on healthy beverages, visit this site: Fluids and Cancer: What Should I Drink?].
Sodas and sweet tea hydrate, however they provide more sugar than is necessary. Alcohol is also not the best way to hydrate, so keeping that in moderation is the best idea, even on New Year's Eve before the race! If you do partake in more than moderation on New Year's Eve, it is even more crucial for you to be sure you're getting adequate water before the ride.
During a Ride: During your training rides and on ride day, hydration on the bike is key. There will be rest stops where you can refill your water bottles, but be sure that you start with one or two of them on your bike. You might choose to fill with water and eat snacks occasionally, or you might want to drink a sport drink during the ride. Fluid recommendations during a ride are: 4 to 5 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
After the Ride: After finishing your event or training ride, it is important to rehydrate your body. If it's particularly cold on ride day some good options for hydrating and warming up are soup, hot chocolate, coffee and hot tea. It's important that you replace the fluids that you lost on the ride. The easiest way to tell if you've rehydrated is by making sure your urine color is light yellow.
Start a good hydration habit during your training rides and it will be easy as a snow cone on the bid day!!
Go Polar!
[Training Tip from Mock Orange Bikes]
For a ride like the Polar Bear Ride for Courage, it is important to dress properly! As the ride begins in the morning on January 1, it is likely it will be a bit cool. The most important thing to remember in cold conditions is that layering is the key.
Upper Body:
The NOGGIN!
Finally, it is always good to have some sort of head covering under your helmet. It can be a light skull cap or a full-on balaclava based on the climate, but for sure in January in North Carolina some sort of head/ear piece will make for more of a pleasant experience.
- We can't wait to see your outfit on Jan 1st! Go Polar!
[A big THANK YOU to Jay from Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-Salem, NC for providing this training tip. Join them for group training rides on Saturdays leaving from the shop at 10am. These rides have two groups, one for experienced riders and another for beginning riders. For more information, stop by the shop or call them at (336) 722 6678.]
For a ride like the Polar Bear Ride for Courage, it is important to dress properly! As the ride begins in the morning on January 1, it is likely it will be a bit cool. The most important thing to remember in cold conditions is that layering is the key.
Upper Body:
- Ideally when it's cold you will want to begin with a base layer. This first layer is for wicking purposes: it will keep your skin dry.
- Next, you will probably want to put on some kind of mid weight jersey for insulation purposes. Depending on the temperature you may want to put on some arm warmers at this point.
- Next, add a long sleeve jersey.
- Finally, an outer layer is a good idea. A vest will suffice in mild conditions, while a full windproof jacket is good for the cooler temps.
- Gloves should be worn. Gloves are available in several different weights for varying conditions from fairly mild to extremely cold. The warmer your hands are the more enjoyable your ride will be.
- For your lower half, knee warmers will suffice in milder NC January weather. However, you will likely need to do a full leg cover with either tights or leg warmers.
- A thicker wool sock may not be a bad idea either as cold feet are not happy feet.
- A good quality shoe cover is also a good idea when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
The NOGGIN!
Finally, it is always good to have some sort of head covering under your helmet. It can be a light skull cap or a full-on balaclava based on the climate, but for sure in January in North Carolina some sort of head/ear piece will make for more of a pleasant experience.
- We can't wait to see your outfit on Jan 1st! Go Polar!
[A big THANK YOU to Jay from Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-Salem, NC for providing this training tip. Join them for group training rides on Saturdays leaving from the shop at 10am. These rides have two groups, one for experienced riders and another for beginning riders. For more information, stop by the shop or call them at (336) 722 6678.]
At Cancer Services, we provide all of our services free to charge to people with all types of cancer in our community. One of those services is to help women feel beautiful and at ease during their treatments.
Cancer Services offers them a private fitting room with bras, prosthesis, and wigs galore and someone to help them find the perfect fit!
One of the women who was in our office recently told her patient advocate "I haven't felt this beautiful since before my surgery (6 years ago)!" She just moved here and came in to get a new prostheses & bra. Her whole day was brighter!
As we face the challenge of riding through wind and raising money for people in our community with cancer, it's important to remember how many people are able to have a brighter day due to the services Cancer Services can offer at no cost to them!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
Register for the Ride!
Cancer Services offers them a private fitting room with bras, prosthesis, and wigs galore and someone to help them find the perfect fit!
One of the women who was in our office recently told her patient advocate "I haven't felt this beautiful since before my surgery (6 years ago)!" She just moved here and came in to get a new prostheses & bra. Her whole day was brighter!
As we face the challenge of riding through wind and raising money for people in our community with cancer, it's important to remember how many people are able to have a brighter day due to the services Cancer Services can offer at no cost to them!
- Anna Cohn (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
Register for the Ride!
In thinking about your training rides, many people are so focused on getting on the bike that they forget breakfast! However, your body needs that energy to make the most of your ride.
I've talked before about the importance of having some simple carbohydrate (healthy sugars), complex carbohydrate (whole grains), protein and a little fat. One way to get a combination of these is with the following oatmeal dish. (To read more on the health benefits of oatmeal, click here).
The oatmeal is the wholesome foundation that provides a great source of fast- and steady-burning carbohydrates. A side of whole grain toast and almond butter or peanut butter is optional and is only needed if you're going on a longer ride. A glass of orange juice or piece of fresh fruit serves up a good dose of vitamins and minerals.
Oh, and even though it's not listed below, feel free to add a cup of coffee or tea if you normally have one in the morning. My personal favorite is jasmine green tea. Yum!
Berry Vanilla Oatmeal
- Julie, Your Train Polar Dietitian
Don't forget to register!
I've talked before about the importance of having some simple carbohydrate (healthy sugars), complex carbohydrate (whole grains), protein and a little fat. One way to get a combination of these is with the following oatmeal dish. (To read more on the health benefits of oatmeal, click here).
The oatmeal is the wholesome foundation that provides a great source of fast- and steady-burning carbohydrates. A side of whole grain toast and almond butter or peanut butter is optional and is only needed if you're going on a longer ride. A glass of orange juice or piece of fresh fruit serves up a good dose of vitamins and minerals.
Oh, and even though it's not listed below, feel free to add a cup of coffee or tea if you normally have one in the morning. My personal favorite is jasmine green tea. Yum!
Berry Vanilla Oatmeal
- ¾ cup water
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup old fashioned oatmeal
- 2 Tbsp dried berries, your choice
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp 100% fruit spread (same as berry of choice)
- ¼ cup nonfat milk
- Combine the water, salt, oats, and berries in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender. (~5 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and berry spread
- Add skim milk.
- Julie, Your Train Polar Dietitian
Don't forget to register!
When someone comes to Cancer Services, our caring team of professionals are ready and equipped to help with all types of needs anyone with cancer may have...from peer support to financial assistance, help paying for medication and bills to just tips on how to eat healthy during treatment!
From the first meeting of the front desk volunteer who greets everyone with a smile, to the loving hug of the patient advocate, Cancer Services offers insight and hope to those going through cancer and their family. When someone comes in they may feel hopeless but they will leave Cancer Services knowing they have hope and support they desperately need.
As one Cancer Services client recently told the Cancer Services' staff:
- Anna (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
For more information on Cancer Services, visit our website. And don't forget to REGISTER FOR THE RIDE!
From the first meeting of the front desk volunteer who greets everyone with a smile, to the loving hug of the patient advocate, Cancer Services offers insight and hope to those going through cancer and their family. When someone comes in they may feel hopeless but they will leave Cancer Services knowing they have hope and support they desperately need.
As one Cancer Services client recently told the Cancer Services' staff:
"I just wanted to tell you that you were my angel. You have helped us so much and taken the stress off of our family during a difficult time."
~ Mother of client, a 9 yr old girl being treated for osteosarcoma at Brenner's Children's Hospital at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.Let's ride hard for this little girl and help encourage others through our fundraising page as we come together as a community to "enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer and provide the gift of life through education!"
- Anna (Coordinator of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage)
For more information on Cancer Services, visit our website. And don't forget to REGISTER FOR THE RIDE!
You might be a seasoned cyclist or you might be a newbie. Either way, nutrition and how you fuel your body is key during training as well as during your event. For both of the Polar Bear Ride for Courage routes there are 3 things you absolutely have to know about nutrition for cyclists.
1. You need to EAT! Whether it's 25 miles or 62 miles, you are going to need to eat something along the route. You could probably make it if you didn't, but will feel MUCH BETTER if you have something. Things that I usually use on rides have a combination of quick carbohydrate, longer lasting carbohydrate, protein and possibly some fat.
Samples of this combination are:
2. You don't have to use any brand name products. There are a lot of products marketed to athletes that make you think you need them for good performance. However, most of those products exist primarily for profit, not for your performance!
It's not necessary to use any special products when training. What's most important is that you determine what works best for you, whether it's as simple as banana, pretzels, peanuts and water or whether it's an expensive energy bar.
3. Don't try anything new on ride day! The last thing you need is to feel sick on the day of your ride! If you plan to drink alcohol on New Year's Eve, don't drink more than normal. It could come back and get you while you're on the bike! Also, be sure that the foods you use during training are the same foods that you have on ride day.
Stay tuned for more tips on nutrition and training as well as stories that will encourage you to support Cancer Services' mission "To enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer and to provide the gift of life through education".
What's YOUR Courage??
- Julie, Your Train Polar Dietitian
For more healthy eating tips, visit Julie's website at www.cancerdietitian.com.
1. You need to EAT! Whether it's 25 miles or 62 miles, you are going to need to eat something along the route. You could probably make it if you didn't, but will feel MUCH BETTER if you have something. Things that I usually use on rides have a combination of quick carbohydrate, longer lasting carbohydrate, protein and possibly some fat.
Samples of this combination are:
- power bars or bites
- trail mix
- peanut butter sandwich
- fruit
- sport drink
2. You don't have to use any brand name products. There are a lot of products marketed to athletes that make you think you need them for good performance. However, most of those products exist primarily for profit, not for your performance!
It's not necessary to use any special products when training. What's most important is that you determine what works best for you, whether it's as simple as banana, pretzels, peanuts and water or whether it's an expensive energy bar.
3. Don't try anything new on ride day! The last thing you need is to feel sick on the day of your ride! If you plan to drink alcohol on New Year's Eve, don't drink more than normal. It could come back and get you while you're on the bike! Also, be sure that the foods you use during training are the same foods that you have on ride day.
Stay tuned for more tips on nutrition and training as well as stories that will encourage you to support Cancer Services' mission "To enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer and to provide the gift of life through education".
What's YOUR Courage??
- Julie, Your Train Polar Dietitian
For more healthy eating tips, visit Julie's website at www.cancerdietitian.com.