MINNEAPOLIS — The European Society for Medical Oncology Congress took place a couple weeks ago. One of the studies presented says cancer patients should consider fasting to alleviate the side effects connected with chemotherapy. Specifically, researchers say eating only 200 calories a day for two days before chemotherapy and also one day after the treatment helps prevent fatigue in women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Read more here.
It’s Buddy Check 11 Day!
Perhaps the Beatles said it best --- “I get by with a little help from my friends.”
‘Friend’ = ‘Buddy’. On the 11th of every month, Buddy Check 11 Day, Health Fair 11 reminds you to check yourself for signs of breast cancer. Then call/email/text a ‘Buddy’ and remind her to also do a self-exam.
It’s the 11th. Do your breast self-exam (BSE) today. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has instructions on how to properly check yourself. Be on the lookout for any lumps, bumps, rashes, or puckering. Does your skin feel unusually warm? That is also a sign of possible breast cancer. If you notice anything that’s out of the ordinary, contact a medical professional for a clinical exam.
Who’s your Buddy?
Also today, contact your Buddy and remind them to do their self-exam. Your Buddy can be a great sounding board to discuss what you find and vice versa. When you both do regular self-exams and receive annual mammograms, you hold each other accountable. Indeed, you can “…get by with a little help from my friend.”
Speaking of friends...
Check out this group of women undergoing breast cancer treatment and recovery at Allina Health system in the Twin Cities.
The women call themselves the Dragon Divas. They bond by paddling dragon boats on an area lake. The Divas say the exercise and camaraderie helps them deal with the side effects of cancer treatment. It also boosts their morale and physical fitness. Click here to learn more about the Dragon Divas or click here to watch a video produced by Allina.
Help Health Fair 11 help you
You can be part of our Buddy Check 11 program in 2024.
Health Fair 11 is responsible for writing and sending monthly reminders. Health Fair 11 is looking for new sponsorships to sustain our work. In return, we’ll include your company’s logo along with a message about its work. You may also have access to the Buddy Check 11 public service announcements that air on KARE 11 TV. (KARE is our media partner.)
Health Fair 11 is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide health education and free or low-cost health checks. To learn more, or suggest financial opportunities to explore, contact us at 763-797-7299 or reach us via email at healthfair@kare11.com .
Thank you for being part of our Buddy Check 11 family.
Take charge of your health! See you next month!