Podcasts that will change your life

The best gift I received during cancer treatment was my iPod (thanks, lovely husband). That thing kept me company through many a long walk, sleepless night, or lonely chemo session. And while the portable devices of many of my fellow cancer warriors blasted inspirational rock anthems or cooed soothing new age instrumentals, mine streamed talk. Talk, talk and more talk.

Podcasts were my anaesthetic - calming a brain clenched by anxiety and fear with, well, I guess nothing more complicated than perspective. Podcasts turned my attention from my own state to the state of the world. I listened to stories of political turmoil and war, profound poverty, childhood disease and economic crisis. I cried at the pain and sadness. But cheered for the inspiring people who battle injustice, advocate for the forgotten and bring hope to the hopeless. I listened to stories of health and wellness, logging advice on walking, nutrition and supplements that may help in my own fight. And, most importantly, I listened to stories of humour. Humour about movies, humour about food, humour about life.
 
Many people will tell you that you will fight cancer the way you live your life. I am someone who cries easily and laughs a lot. No big surprise that my brain would hunger for the two extremes as a way of taking its focus off the unknown.

I still rely on my portable device, an iPhone now (thanks again, lovely husband). Every night it tucks under my pillow waiting for a midnight sleepless spell. Every day it goes on my walks with me, filling my head with things more pleasant to think about than cancer and illness.

So, if you are going through a stressful time, could I recommend some podcasts? Try them out, then go exploring on your own. You will be amazed at what you find, and what you find comfort in.

1. Stand Up, Walk Around, Even for Just 20 Minutes. Fresh Air, NPR. This interview between host Terry Gross and New York Times Phys Ed columnist and author will change the way you think about personal fitness. This was a life changing podcast for me. If you only listen to one podcast today, make it this one.
2. Also from Fresh Air, Just What's Inside Those Breasts?, an interview with writer Florence Williams on her new book Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History. I don't care if you have had breast cancer or not, you need to listen to this interview.
3. Phil Donahue interviews Tavis Smiley and Cornel West on their work The Rich & the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto. Click here for Part One and here for Part Two. Listening to these interviews will make you wonder why you waste your time watching network news. PBS.
4. This American Life and Retraction. One of the most popular stories shared last year on WBEZ's This American Life was Mike Daisey's story about Foxconn, a Chinese manufacturer of iPads and other Apple products. Turns out, a lot of the original story didn't pass the sniff test, and Daisey admitted to weaving fiction into his facts. In this follow up interview, Ira Glass confronts Daisey about what he did and why. This is riveting stuff.
5. Like to cook? Like to eat? Like to laugh till the stuff you have cooked and eaten is spurting out your nose? Check out any of Spilled Milk's episodes. I guarantee Molly and Matthew will give you 15 minutes of happy.

Now, I have to get going on my walk. Where's my phone?

Monday's health links

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes for my dads. They are both on the mend and their wives are both saints. :-)

On to the links:

1. New progress in using the immune system to fight cancer. Vancouver Sun.
2. The importance of testing for stomach cancer. It's an easy test - if you are prone to indigestion, reflux or chronic stomach pain, you need to talk to your doctor about getting one. CBC.
3. Breast cancer affects 1 in 1,000 men, and they are less likely to survive it than women. Men, if you find a small lump or something feels wrong, get in to the doctor. I know you don't want to go. No, you can't just walk it off. FOX. 
4. Dire news. If things don't change, 42% of Americans could be obese by 2030. USA Today.
5. Michelle Obama's plans to eradicate "food deserts", communities where residents don't have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, are at risk. Grocers have only opened a fraction of the stores originally promised. Bloomberg.
6. Vitamins E and C may not, as previously thought, help fend of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Vancouver Sun.
7. Already in the arsenal of breast cancer warriors, Vitamin D may aid in the fight against prostate cancer. Renal and Urology News.
8. Seven foods with more Vitamin C than an orange: papaya, red bell pepper, broccoli, kale, strawberries, kiwi, and cauliflower, with brussel sprouts getting an honourable mention. Huffington Post.
9. Sad news. The Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch died Friday after a long fight with cancer. Those who look past the teen with the youthful bravado and swagger in the band's early videos would see the brilliant, compassionate, and generous man he became. Montreal Gazette.

Finally, a reminder. The days are getting longer and the sun is shining more. Please don't go outside without your sunscreen. SPF 30, as a minimum, over every part of your body exposed to the sun. Staying out for a while? Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Add a hat and sunglasses and consider clothes with good coverage as well. And, if you have had radiation as part of your treatment regime, make sure the affected area is well covered from the sun.

Health links

Both dads are home from the hospital and today is trying to be a sunny day.

On to the links...

1. How diet and exercise can impact survival after cancer treatment. CBS News.
2. ...and how it can impact fatigue levels after breast cancer. CBC.
3. A comprehensive summary of the risks of prostate cancer, and how to avoid them. Vancouver Sun.
4. Aspirin linked to lowered risk of lung cancer in women. Vancouver Sun.
5. ...and to lowered risk of dying from bowel cancer. Huffington Post.
6. A breakdown on the health benefits of chia seeds. In brief, while they are a good source of fibre, protein and anti-oxidants, they won't replace fish oil as a deliverer of omega-3s. Globe and Mail.
7. Finally, Nutella settles a class-action suit and admits what we all know - it isn't good for us. Vancouver Sun.

Monday's health links

Sorry for the dead air. My dad and dad-in-law are facing some serious health challenges and there just hasn't been time for posting. But things are looking good today, so let's get back at it.

On to the links...

1. Fast food in Canada and the US is saltier than elsewhere in the world. Having just dined at Fat Burger last night, I would have to concur. But it was yummy. So one more reason to employ moderation. Some foods are treats, not fuel. CTV
2. Exercise during breast cancer treatment helps you avoid depression and fatigue. And, helps cut down on constipation - so it's a win-win-win situation! Toronto Sun.
3. Using yoga to help fight breast cancer. Vancouver Sun (video)
4. If you still aren't eating your greens, here is a great summary of what you are missing! Top performers: kale, dandelion, spinach, chard, and collard greens. Seattle Times
5. Still need convincing? Criminy! Ok, how about this - cruciferous vegetables, like leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower, may improve chances of surviving breast cancer. Huffington Post
6. Really - still not convinced? What about what you're modelling for your kids? Here are some tips on getting kids to eat vegetables. Among the tips - kale chips, greens in smoothies, planting a garden and, and my favourite, talking with them about why vegetables are important. Don't lecture, but be honest about the risks of a bad diet. Kids get it. Washington Post.

Have a great week! 

Health links

Hi folks. Well, it is the first day of spring and the weather has never been more wacky. Summer temperatures in Central Canada, snow in the lower mainland of BC. What the fudgsicles is going on Mother Nature?

But the crocuses are up in the garden and, gosh darn it, I am going to slip an extra fleecy on under my rain gear and take the kids outside to the park. We got super cool Nerf laser guns from Santa and they are the perfect thing for enticing kids away from their gadgets and books into the grey great outdoors.

Just a small, self-righteous moment, if I may. It is now, let's see, 9:57 am and I have already consumed my weight in spinach. Not adding spinach to your morning smoothie yet? You fool. I know in the past I have extolled the virtues of kale chips and  turmeric tea, so I understand that I may have lost some of you. But you have got to believe me on this one! As long as you have a good base of banana and berries, you can slam in spinach, wheat germ, hemp seeds, chia seeds, just about anything. Just, um, remember to brush your teeth after. I haven't yet...hold on...

OK - clean teeth...on to the links...

1. In my last post I said the province was considering it, and now a decision has been reached. British Columbia bans people under 18 from using tanning beds. Vancouver Sun.
2. Mark Bittman discusses the new study on the link between red meat and disease. While he doesn't disagree, his point is too much red meat is only one small part of a larger problem.We need to take a long hard look at how we produce and consume food, and whether we or the planet can sustain it. New York Times.
3. A new way to screen breasts. A Richmond, BC company is completing work on an ultrasound system that uses a 360 degree rotating ultrasound transducer to capture a realistic, not squished image of the breast. Seattle PI.
4. A diet to help lower your risk of colon cancer. Huffington Post.
5. New American guidelines for cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears). Medical News Today.
6. The benefits of hemp seed. And no, one of them isn't getting you high. Good lord. National Post.
7. And, from the same writer, the benefits of chia seeds. And remember, when you hear people touting the benefits of plant-based omega-3s that they are not as readily converted to the form your body wants as fish-based omega-3s. But if you don't get enough fish in your diet, hemp and chia seeds are good, easy ways to fill in the omega 3 gap. And that doesn't even take into consideration their other nutritional benefits. National Post.

Have a great day!

Monday's health links

Sorry for the brief posting today, but folks in our neck of the woods are scrambling to entertain our kidlets at home due to teacher job action. I'm on a break between Bill Nye the Science Guy videos, math games and crafting fiestas - so sorry if I'm a little light on content.  I'll try to make up for that with great recipes tomorrow.

1. Considering banning teens from sunbeds in British Columbia. I've had skin cancer and breast cancer and if teens had any idea what they could lose in pursuit of their bronzed bods they would think twice about engaging in this dangerous activity. But I guess that is the point - they have trouble making connections between choices now and results in the future. Their parents, on the other hand, should know better. There is reassuring news in this article, though; a group of students in North Vancouver is rallying to promote a tanless prom. Vancouver Sun. By the way, if anyone still needs educating on skin cancer risk and prevention, this Health Canada website is a good resource.
2. Following BPA bans in Canada, France, Turkey, Denmark and Japan, the FDA in the US is considering following suit. Forbes.
3. Ice cream is as addictive as cocaine, say some researchers. You didn't have to tell me - I have long referred to Cherry Garcia as my crack. Huffington Post.
4. After five years of consultations, Health Canada has no plans to require manufacturers to clearly state that "whole wheat" bread is not "whole grain" bread. So, the job is yours. Whole wheat bread is only marginally better for you than white bread. If you are looking to improve your health (all of you folks who are going to live forever can ignore me now), choose products labelled "whole grain." Look at the ingredient list and make sure the term "whole grain" appears in the first few ingredients; any further down the list and it is simply garnish, IMO. Vancouver Sun.
5. The USDA and FDA are under growing pressure to change they way they inspect food. They key? Preventing outbreaks rather than responding to them. But it's going to take more money. Washington Post.

Finally...

xkcd

New recipes...

Sorry - forgot to post a note here but I've added some great salad recipes over on my recipe blog.

Enjoy!