North Texas Cancer Expo: Full Schedule Released

After much anticipation, the full schedule for the 2017 LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE North Texas Cancer Expo presented by Briggs Equipment is now available!  Review the sessions available at this FREE event on Saturday, September 16th and reserve your seats by registering today!

8:00 AM - Expo & Registration Opens

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Opening Session

Welcome
Patricia Thomson, Ph.D., Executive Director North Texas Chapter
Don Armstrong, Expo Chair & Survivor

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM - Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions

Movement and Yoga
Start your day with an energizing easy yoga session with tips on how to stay fit.

The New Normal
Join keynote speaker Lila Javan as she discusses life after cancer and finding balance in survivorship.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions

Disease Updates
Hear the latest in groundbreaking research updates from a panel of top oncologists in North Texas.

Finish Your Race
Author and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survivor Don Armstrong empowers you to find your true purpose and live with an unstoppable passion.

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM - Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions

Cancer Prevention Through Nutrition
Enjoy an educational cooking demonstration and tasting with certified nutritional coach and culinary instructor, Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D.

Let's Talk About Cancer
A diverse panel of caregivers and survivors discuss the lines of communication patients face during cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch & Keynote Speaker

Lunch Welcome
Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D., Executive Director, North Texas Chapter
Dr. Brian Berryman, Texas Oncology

Keynote Speaker
Lila Javan, Survivor

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM – Concurrent Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Food Saved Me
Let Katherine Lawrence show you how you can cook faster, retain more nutrients, remove toxins and reduce food costs.

Side Effect Management
Join Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, and LLS partner, as experts share the best ways to manage the effects of cancer treatment.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Concurrent Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Mindfulness and Meditation
Research shows that meditation can improve everything from memory to mental acuity to anxiety.  Join our meditation coach for tips to use every day.

Survivorship Panel
Survivors and parents of survivors share their experiences and answer questions about survivorship at all stages post-treatment.

3:00 PM – Expo Closes

Eating & Cancer Prevention: 5 Questions With Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D.

North Texas Executive Director Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D. is hosting four free classes centered around how your diet can play a role in cancer prevention and survival.  She sat down and answered five questions about the connection between cancer prevention and what you put on your plate.  

What peaked your interest to learn more and get a Plant Based Nutrition certification to teach others about healthy eating?

I began eating healthy over 7 years ago as the result of a radio show I heard.  Dr. Joel Fuhrman was talking about the wonders of eating a plant-based diet.  I had been on blood pressure and cholesterol medicine and thought I was a victim of my genetics.  Everything changed for me after that.  Because of the results I have seen I want to share what I know with others who may not have heard that you can take control of your health.  Empowerment is the key to great health.

What is the most common misconception you’ve heard about healthy eating?

When people hear that I eat a plant-based diet they think I eat lettuce for every meal.  While greens are important they are just one component of such a varied diet.  I eat more now than I ever have and I have stacks and files of recipes.  There are so many options.  Pizza, pastas, tacos, chilis, soups, wraps, the list goes on.   I think people will get excited when they see all of the delicious food you can eat and not adversely affect their health or weight.

What is the top take-away you would like session participants to learn?

You have the power to control what goes on your plate- the power to determine if you live a healthy life.  By filling your plate with healthy options you leave less and less room for the unhealthy foods.  Soon you will not want to have those unhealthy foods around because you will feel so good eating all of your new healthy choices.  We are not victims of our genetics – you can overcome your genetic destiny and chart a new healthy course for your life.

Some worry that eating healthy can be too expensive to maintain.  How do you address that?

While you can spend all of your money buying exotic foods, eating healthy can be very basic.  Buying frozen fruits and vegetables, dried pastas and rice and canned goods is a great way to start out. I buy a lot of my groceries at Costco or Kroger.  Good healthy food does not have to cost a lot.  Making rice or pasta bowls filled with veggies, rice, beans, sauces, and pastas is a quick way to prepare a healthy meal that everyone will love.  The key to eating healthy is to make it easy and great tasting.  Plus, it can be a way for families to plan the menu together and have fun putting the meals together.  Teaching healthy eating habits at an early age sets children up for a lifetime of success.

Say someone would like to learn more about healthy eating.  Where should they go?

Well, first I would suggest that they come to my classes.  Even if they can only make one or two I will be providing a ton of resources, recipes and information to get them on their way.  Plus, I have a website that everyone can access to find out more about healthy eating.  Two hours on a Saturday will be well worth the investment.  

Learn more about her classes and how you can sign up for them by clicking here.

Cancer Prevention & Survival Courses: 4 Part Series

North Texas Executive Director Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D. is hosting four free classes centered around how your diet can play a role in cancer prevention and survival.  You may have seen her lead a similar class at the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference & Expo last September.

Below is a list and description of each of the classes being held.  Each class will include a cooking demonstration and samples.  Classes are limited to 25 people per session and will be held at the Dallas Leukemia & Lymphoma Society office (8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251).  You can register for the classes individually or sign up for all four!  Signing up for all four classes at once ensures that you will not be placed on a waiting list for later classes.

Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer
Saturday, February 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Certain diet patterns seem to have a major effect in helping people diagnosed with cancer live longer, healthier lives.  In this class, you will learn about the right food choices that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as prevent a recurrence.
Register here.

Fueling Up On Low-Fat, High-Fiber Foods
Saturday, February 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The easiest way to be healthy is to build your meals from foods that are naturally low in fat and to use cooking methods that do not require added fats or oils.  In this class you will learn how to prepare delicious, low-fat dishes made from whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Register here.

Discovering Dairy and Meat Alternatives
Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In this class, you will explore a variety of vegetarian sources of protein, all of which are low in fat, high in fiber, and loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients.
Register here.

Cancer-Fighting Compounds and Healthy Weight Control
Saturday, March 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Both antioxidants and the body's immune system are critically important in fighting cancer.  In this class, the instructor will discuss and demonstrate healthful dishes loaded with immune-boosting nutrients such as beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin C, and zinc - helping you learn how to easily and naturally maintain a healthy weight and a cancer-fighting nutritional regime.
Register here.

These classes are sponsored by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.  If you have questions about the class, contact Patricia directly at Patricia.Thomson@lls.org