Participant

Estate Planning 101

Written by Nancy Bulzoni, CWC Executive Director I am a planner by nature. However, there remain a few things where procrastination still rules. For me, one of those areas is a comprehensive long term estate plan. This can include …

Navigating Your Healthcare Team

Written by Gina Baldacci, LCSW Navigating the healthcare system and all that it entails can certainly feel (and be) overwhelming after receiving a cancer diagnosis. However, know that you are not alone in this process. In addition to your …

7 Tips for Managing Grief During the Holidays

Written by Donna Oldenburg, LCPC, NCC Holidays are a challenging time for those who are grieving. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season can act as grief triggers, and pressure to be “in the holiday spirit,” can prove overwhelming when …

Longevity Kitchen: Okinawa, Japan

There are regions of the world where people live well into their 90’s and even into the 100’s: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece and Nicoya, Costa Rica. When studied, theses people share common habits like …

Cancer in the Family

Written by Katie Hull, LCSW, Clinical Intake Associate Our focus is often on the cancer patient, rightly so, however it is important we recognize cancer’s impact on the family unit, specifically children and teens. While children and teens may …

Hiking for Health & Happiness

Written by: Kimberly Matthews, MA, LCPC There is a strong body of research that demonstrates the positive effects of hiking on the body and the mind. While practicing social distancing, we can benefit from hiking in our local forest preserves and …

Couples and Cancer: Increasing Your Fun Quotient

Written by: Megan McMahon, PhD, Clinical Director Cancer is stressful and, often, all consuming. It has a way of becoming the focus of our day to day, not just psychologically, but practically as well. The time spent in navigating our way around …

Why Consider a Support Group?

Written By: Kim Matthews You can review research literature to discover numerous benefits of support groups. Research studies, as well as the Center’s own group evaluations, have shown that participation in cancer support groups can reduce …

Apps That Support Your Mental Health and Wellness

Written by: Michelle Mattero While we are all doing our best to manage the numerous challenges of the pandemic, many individuals are experiencing stress and anxiety more than ever. During this time of social distancing and isolation, it can feel …

Program Recap: Blood Cancer Q&A

This week, the Cancer Wellness Center partnered with Leukemia Research Foundation to offer our participants a Q&A on Blood Cancers. Dr. Jayesh Mehta, from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, answered …

Phyto-What?

Written by Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, Oncology Dietitian Have you heard that you should “Eat the Rainbow”? The colorful natural pigments in plant foods are called Phytochemicals. These “plant chemicals” that organically exist in foods like …

Pantry Meals

Written by Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, Oncology Dietitian What are the best foods to buy when are under a self-quarantine, and is it possible to consume a nutritious diet? The good news is that nutrition can still be your priority if …