<p>Nutrition Information from Ann Fonfa, founder/president Annie Appleseed Project www.annieappleseedproject (561) 749-0084 Find us on Facebook Twitter @annieappleseed</p><p>Healthy Eating </p><p> More fresh fruits and vegetables. (Take advantage of local Farmers Markets, food coops and buying clubs - which nowadays offer more organic produce).  Reduce the use of sugar and salt - read those labels to be sure you are getting just what you want in your food and nothing else!  Never buy any soda, don’t bring it in the house no matter who asks for it. Soda is a poison to the body – those who have had chemo and/or radiation have weakened bones. Soda leeches minerals from those damaged bones! Drink water, teas, coffee and unsweetened juices.  Avoid deep-fried foods which create free radicals which can harm the body and make us more susceptible to cancer growth.  Saute with onions or garlic (or both) to reduce free radicals.  Use spices when you cook – that way you can easily use less salt and sugars. All of them offer amazing value to our bodies/health</p><p>Physical Activity</p><p> Studies are now showing TEN minutes of activity a day are going to get and keep your immune system functioning normally  Almost any type of movement works to help our bodies – jumping, walking, swimming, biking, running, shaking, dancing, and so on.  My husband is at one end of the exercise spectrum. He was Florida State Racquetball champion in 2011 and 2012. He spends 3-4 hours every single day being physically active – Pickleball has become an important part of his regimen.  I use a trampoline, a Hoola hoop, stretch bands, a stationary bike, and a yoga mat, alternating upper body/lower body every other day. It works for me. I’m not athletic. I’m spending about twenty minutes daily – and as a morning person, I do it first thing in the AM.  It’s important to drink lots of water if you work out at a high level. Don’t bother with those ‘sports drinks’ as they are mostly sugar and water. We don’t need them, nor do athletes.</p><p>Relaxation – Mind/Body/Spirit</p><p> Is there anyone without stress? I don’t think so. But stress is all about you. It’s how you handle issues. Or another way to look at, to quote Dr. Wayne Dyer:</p><p> Some people are so affected by a cancer diagnosis, they are paralyzed by it. Actually most of us are at least temporarily discombobulated (that’s probably NOT the technical term). Most of us find out balance and get started on healing. Some cannot.  But there are many ways of dealing with stress – just one is to focus each day on something good – expand it in your mind, make it important. An example from my life – I love the laugh of a child. If I can make a child in a stroller smile or laugh at my antics, I am really happy. I try to remember that throughout a rough day. One of my fondest memories is of one Halloween when I handed out whistles (I don’t give out candy – way too much sugar). Within about ten minutes I heard whistling all around the neighborhood, the kids really enjoyed the change of pace.  Many people learn to meditate to reduce the stress, the feelings of panic or anxiety. Some learn yoga or tai chi, chi gong or something similar. Whatever works for you, is great.  Maybe you discover aromatherapy – there are many lovely, soft, fragrances that can calm you down. Lavender is just one.</p><p>Detox for Self </p><p> Many self care products (also known as Health & Beauty Aids HBA) are laden with what are most likely harmful ingredients. Sadly we are not as well protected as we ought to be.</p><p> Reading labels – if you see paraben of any kind, DO NOT buy it. Parabens are implicated in cancer-causing issues. Less ingredients are better.</p><p> Artificial colors – like FD&C (yellow, red, etc.) AVOID.</p><p> Make-up – many lipsticks have lead – FDA allows because each swipe has a small amount. How many swipes do you make a day? A month? A year? Some ‘organic’ companies also offer gluten-free make-up.</p><p> Many perfumes contain chemicals (not identified) that are actually harmful</p><p>Detox for Home </p><p> What is in your cleaning products? Read those labels. Biodegradable is good.  One major company is advertising that it is working to list all ingredients including dyes, preservatives, and fragrances. The fragrances are not flower essence, but chemical mixes.  Substitute simple stuff – wet newspaper cleans windows/mirrors. Any salad oil can be used on wood surfaces (no odor!). White vinegar (Isopropyl alcohol) cleans and kills bacteria.</p><p>Dietary Supplements</p><p> There is a lot of research on dietary supplements but very few randomized clinical trials – costs a lot and vitamins are NOT patentable. Big Pharma has no interest  Many studies are showing the value for people with cancer. Most doctors, including oncologists have no training in nutrition and don’t know much about studies of dietary supplements.  Fish oil, flax oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, probiotics, turmeric/curcumin, and many others have already shown value for people with cancer(and without).  Since most Americans fail to eat enough nutritional foods, we are mostly lacking. Supplementation can help. Cancer treatments do reduce the nutrients we can absorb.</p>