In This Issue: • Finding Reliable Health Information Online • All About Gluten • Valentine’s Day Dessert: Pears Hélène

How to Find Reliable Health Information on the InternetWhen you’re facing a serious illness, the Internet can be a valuable resource. A good online search can help you find answers to your questions and connect you with people and resources to help when you need it most.

But a bad search can get you wrong or outdated facts, medical information that may not apply to you, or even worse, an invitation to be scammed when you’re most vulnerable. Here are some ways to stay savvy as you search:

•  Look for trustworthy and reliable Web sites as your sources. Sites affiliated with government agencies, hospitals, universities, and major public health and health advocacy organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, are often the best places to find quality information on the disease. These organizations work to provide fact-based articles that are reviewed by noted experts and updated often.

•  Be suspicious of Web sites that make claims of “miraculous cures” or “secret ingredients” only available from one company, sites that feature stories of people who have had amazing results from a product without showing clear scientific data, and sites that make it hard to connect with the person or business running the site. These types of sites may contain information that is not based on careful science and may deliver misleading information in order to sell you a product.

•  Although the Internet can be a useful way to learn more about health information, programs, and services, it is not meant to take the place of a doctor’s care. If you have a serious illness, seek the advice of a trained health professional who can look at the specific details of your health and help you make informed choices.

ClICk on this symbol throughout this e-newsletter for links to interactive simple solutions.

February 2013

ClICk HeRe for help finding trust-worthy and reliable

online sources for cancer information.

Beware BacteriaKeeping a clean home is an important part of staying healthy. Harmful germs and bacteria can thrive in dirty kitchens or bathrooms. But home isn’t the only place we need to take precautions. Studies show that bacteria can flourish in our homes away from home too, including office settings and hotel rooms.

In a study of offices in several US cities, researchers found the highest level of bacteria on chairs and phones. The desktop, keyboard, and mouse in most offices showed lower levels. In hotels, a recent study found that the toilet and sink were some of the most contaminated areas, but other commonly touched and rarely cleaned surfaces – such as lamp switches and TV remotes – were also germy.

For most people, this kind of exposure isn’t a problem. Steering clear of germs and bacteria is important for people with cancer or other serious illnesses, however, who may have lowered immune systems. If you are concerned about infections, use moist cleaning wipes to clean surfaces you touch – whether at home, in public, at work, or while traveling. Washing your hands frequently will also help avoid the risk of illness.

2February 2013

ClICk HeRe to learn more about how to avoid infections while getting cancer treatment.

Gluten 101“Gluten-free” labels seem to be popping up in every aisle of the grocery store on foods including cereal, peanut butter, pasta, soup, and baking mixes. But don’t be fooled into thinking foods without gluten are always better for you.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It helps dough rise and keeps bread from falling apart, makes it chewy, and adds to its flavor. It’s often added to other foods, like cakes, cereals, and pasta, to improve their texture.

Should I avoid eating gluten?

There is no reason for most people to avoid gluten. Those who are not sensitive to gluten have the flexibility

to choose from a wider variety of foods in order to eat a well-balanced diet.

People who have celiac disease should avoid gluten because it may damage their intestines. According to the National Institutes of Health, celiac disease affects 1% or less of the US population.

Are gluten-free foods healthier?

Gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier. Some are actually higher in fat, sugar, and total calories and lower in fiber and vitamins than their versions with gluten.

People who can’t eat gluten should read food labels to find the most nutritious options.

Hepatitis C and Baby BoomersIf you were born between 1945 and 1965, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you talk to your doctor about getting tested for the Hepatitis C virus. Why this group specifically? A surprising 75% of adults with Hepatitis C were born in those years, for reasons that aren’t entirely understood.

It’s thought that tens of thousands of people have contracted the disease but don’t know it. People with Hepatitis C can live without symptoms for decades. But if left untreated, it can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

A one-time test will tell you if you have Hepatitis C. If you do, you’ll be given a treatment plan. The virus can be successfully treated, and new medicines are now available that can shorten treatment time for many people.

Appetite LossEating right is important for everyone, but it can be difficult for someone with a serious illness like cancer. Some patients continue to enjoy food and have a normal appetite throughout their treatment. Others have days when they don’t feel like eating as much or at all.

These tips from the American Cancer Society book What to Eat During Cancer Treatment may be helpful for anyone dealing with appetite loss:

•  Eat your biggest meal of the day when you feel hungriest, even if that means a sandwich for breakfast or eggs for dinner.

•  Consider adding finely chopped meats, cheese, or hard-boiled eggs to soups, sauces, or casseroles for extra calories and protein.

•  Package leftovers in single-serving containers for convenient re-serving later; large servings can seem overwhelming when your appetite is poor.

•  If drinking seems easier than eating, sip hot cocoa, milk, milkshakes, smoothies, soups, or canned nutritional supplements.

•  Eat small, frequent snacks throughout the day.

•  Eat food cool or cold to decrease its smell and taste.

•  If appetite problems don’t get better over time – or if you lose your appetite and don’t know why – talk to your doctor.

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Zumba: All the RageAre you still keeping your New Year’s resolution to get more exercise? More than 40% of American adults make New Year’s resolutions, and almost half of them keep those resolutions for at least 6 months. One of the most common is to get more exercise.

But if you’ve already fallen off the resolution wagon, try shaking things up with Zumba, a fitness program that combines Latin/international music and dance.

Zumba originated in Colombia and came to the United States in 2001, when it exploded on the Miami fitness scene. Fans of Zumba say the constant change from fast to slow routines, boisterous music, and calorie-burning dance moves helps keep exercise fun. And when exercise is fun for you, you’re more likely to stick with it.

In many communities, several types of classes are offered for different fitness goals, such as toning, sculpting, and strength training. Other classes are geared toward different age groups, including children and baby boomers.

Of course, any kind of dance program can get your heart pumping and deliver health benefits. The important thing is to get moving on a regular basis. You’ll do your body good!

ClICk HeRe to learn more about how exercise and keeping a healthy weight can lower cancer risk.

ClICk HeRe for more ways to manage loss of appetite from cancer treatment.

Did you know certain viruses and bacteria can cause cancer? ClICk HeRe to read more in our Expert Voices blog.

A Perfect Pear Pears Hélène8 pears

4 cups water

4 teaspoons lemon juice

11/3 cups sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 pint each vanilla and chocolate low-fat frozen yogurt

Grated chocolate for garnish

Peel, core, and halve pears.

In large saucepan over medium heat, bring water, lemon juice, and sugar to simmer. Add pears and simmer for 10 minutes. Add vanilla extract.

Cool pears and syrup mixture.

Drain pears, then fill pear halves with a scoop each of vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt and top with grated chocolate.

Serves 8.

Approximately 280 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving.

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In the Next Issue: • What to Know About Colon Cancer Screening • How to Read Food Labels • Recipe: Tomato and Basil Frittata

Articles contributed by Kirsten Eidsmoe, Stacy Simon, and Becky Slemons.

All content for HealthyLiving is provided by the American Cancer Society.

©2013, American Cancer Society, Inc. No.0115.66

To sign up for this e-newsletter, please ClICk HeRe. To learn more about American Cancer Society programs, services, and upcoming events, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

February 2013

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Fresh pears are available in abundance for most of the year including winter, when many other fruits are out of season. Pears are also delicious canned and dried. Common varieties of pears include Anjou, Asian, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, and Seckel. All are sweet and juicy, and several can appear either green or red.

Choose the perfect pears by selecting firm fruit and storing them in a paper bag at room temperature. Check the pears each day for ripeness by gently pressing the stem ends with your thumb. When they yield to the pressure, they’re ready to eat. To ripen them more quickly, store the pears in a sealed plastic bag with a ripe banana. Once the pears are ripe, refrigerate them until you’re ready to use them.

Pears are an excellent source of fiber. A medium pear contains 4 grams of fiber, provides a good source of vitamin C, and has only 100 calories.

This Valentine’s Day, put your new pear knowledge to good use and indulge yourself and your dinner guests with this sweet, guilt-free treat from the American Cancer Society cookbook Celebrate! Healthy Entertaining for Any Occasion.

ClICk HeRe to order this and other great books from the American Cancer Society bookstore.