JOY Magazine--Fall 2022

Montgomery Cancer Center has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, joining a list of prestigious cancer centers like Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson and Mayo Clinic. We are constantly striving for excellence and this accreditation confirms that we are delivering a level of cancer care that only the most elite cancer centers in America can offer. Our goal is to be here for our community with the highest level of treatment and patient-centered care, so you never have to leave home.

Get first-class cancer treatment at the best place possible. Right here at home.

MontgomeryCancerCenter.com

Hello everyone.

As I sit down to write my letter to you, I want you all to know that our “Finding Joy” article is a must read! It is a story from Susan Reed, V.P. of Oncology Services and Administrator of the Montgomery Cancer Center.  I know Susan to be a kind and caring woman as you would expect, but now, after reading her story, she is a role model for me. Her journey has taught me some valuable lessons that I will follow for the rest of my life.

My mother had diabetes, and I thought I knew a lot about the disease, but the information in our “To Life” section opened my eyes to several important NEW points we all need to know. Diabetes is very prevalent in Alabama, and it is an article you should not miss whether you have diabetes or not!

We all need to understand the advantages of boundaries in our lives to preserve our own physical and mental health. We also always need to be reminded how to stay on the path to a “Wellthier You.” Both articles are excellent in this very special Fall/ Winter Issue.

As always, Sidney Fry has outdone herself with some amazing recipes specifically for the colder months ahead. Her recipes are always delicious, and they always surprise us with added benefits, and her immune boosting chowders and soups in this issue are no exception.

And finally, it’s not too late to register for the Joy to Life Foundation’s “Walk of Life” for breast cancer. This is our first major event in more than two years.  Bring the whole family to this fabulous and lifesaving event to show your support for breast cancer!

REGISTER TODAY AT JOYTOLIFE.ORG.

Joy Blondheim

Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation

COMING THIS MONTH.

PUBLISHER

JTL Publishing

EDITOR

Joy Blondheim

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

ART DIRECTOR

Erika Rowe Tracy

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS

Big Dreamz Creative

COPY EDITOR

Jenny Enslen Stubbs

Ray Blondheim

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lita Chatham, MS, RDN, LD

Sidney Fry, MS, RD Kym Klass

Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Big Dreamz Creative, Billy Pope

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Big Dreamz Creative Cookies by lorrainesbakeshop.com

Joy is published three times per year by JTL Publishing. © 2022 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher. Joy reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Joy is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. Joy does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Joy is a news magazine with information on health, leisure activities and a healthy lifestyle. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in Joy

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

BYSIDNEYFRY,MS,

BY B I G D R E A M Z C R E A T I EV

S TE W S

Filling up with these good and good for you get-well winter soups and stews will strengthen your immune system while also helping you beat those cold weather blues.

Cold weather calls for cozy fires and piping hot bowls filled with food that’s good for the soul. But cold weather also brings worries of flu and head colds and fever and yes—likely more COVID. The good news? There are things you can add to your diet to optimize your health and boost your immune system during the depths of the cold winter weather.

Immunity-boosting foods like beans, greens and root vegetables plus aromatics and herbs and spices are all rich in micronutrients, antioxidants, amino acids, high-quality proteins and fiber. While it may be difficult to find one single food to cover all of these, it’s not so difficult to build one pot full of a lot of these foods. Soups and stews are a wonderful way to pack many of these goodies into one cozy meal designed not only to warm and fill the belly but also to keep your body healthy and strong.

These three soups are simple, delicious and loaded with ingredients that’ll keep you happy and healthy all winter long.

Add a few fresh jalapenos to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and boost those good gut bugs.

This dish has antioxidant-rich tomatoes and fiber-filled black beans.

This is real-deal tortilla soup, here.

True to its name, the entire base of the soup is thickened with charred corn tortillas that add a delightfully authentic and deliciously complex flavor to this cold-weather favorite. This is a stick-to-your-ribs dish loaded with antioxidantrich tomatoes, fiber-filled black beans and plenty of lean-protein-packed roasted chicken. Top with a few spicy capsaicin-loaded jalapenos slices and you may even increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and boost those good gut bugs, too!  SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 red bell pepper, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies

1 (16-oz) container refrigerated fresh salsa

1 (32-oz) carton reduced sodium chicken broth

4 corn tortillas

1 (14.5-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels

2 cups roasted chicken, shredded

FOR SERVING: shredded cheese, light sour cream, ripe avocado slices, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeno peppers, hot sauce, fresh lime juice and multigrain tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 7 to 8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add cumin, salt, and chili powder; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add green chiles, salsa, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes.

While soup simmers, very carefully toast tortillas on a gas burner

or under a broiler until lightly blistered, turning frequently (be careful not to burn).

Tear tortillas into several pieces; add to soup. Simmer 10 minutes.

Using an immersion blender, blend soup mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can place soup in a blender or food processor (working in batches), processing until smooth. Return soup to Dutch oven.

Add beans, corn and chicken to soup mixture. Stir and simmer an additional 10 minutes.

Serve with cheese, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, jalapenos, hot sauce and/or tortilla chips.

Double Chickpea and Saus a g e Minestrone

PACK IN

PROTEIN

Swap in chickpeabased pasta (a double chickpea-punch!) for traditional semolinabased, and you’ll double both the protein and fiber in each serving!

Savory broth-based soups not only soothe the soul, but they also offer loads of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Nutty chickpeas are an excellent source of fiber, folate and plant-based protein. Swap in chickpea-based pasta (a double chickpea punch!) for traditional semolina-based, and you’ll double both the protein and fiber in each serving! Don’t be intimidated by the large amount of antioxidant-packed garlic here; its flavors will mellow as the soup simmers. Turkey-based sausage tends to have less saturated fat and fewer calories, but sub in pork, venison or chicken sausage if you prefer. Be sure to soak up all those flavors with a crusty heel of whole grain bread!   SERVES 6-8

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces mild Italian turkey sausage, casings removed

5 garlic cloves

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped carrot

1 (32-oz) carton reduced sodium chicken broth

1 (14.5-oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (14.5-oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups chopped zucchini

DIRECTIONS

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage to pan; cook 5 minutes, stirring often until sausage starts to brown and crumble. Increase heat to medium-high. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink. Add carrots, broth, tomatoes, basil, pepper and chickpeas. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.

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Broth-based soups not only soothe the soul, but they also offer loads of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley

4 ounces chickpea pasta (or other legume or whole-grainbased pasta)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Add zucchini and parsley; simmer 10 minutes. Add pasta; cook an additional 10 minutes or until pasta is done.

Ladle soup into serving bowls; top with cheese. Serve with crusty whole grain bread.

This simple-but -satisfying chowder

is full of immunity boosters: beta-carotene and fiber-packed sweet potatoes, vitamin-C and K-loaded kale, antioxidant-packed garlic and omega-3-rich walnuts. A small hit of smoky, salty pancetta infuses maximum yumminess into the entire pot full of plant-based goods. SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces pancetta, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

5 cups 1-inch cubed sweet potato (about 2 large)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup lite unsweetened coconut milk or half-and-half

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 cups thinly sliced lacinato kale

1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

DIRECTIONS

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add pancetta; sauté 6 to 7 minutes or until crisp. Remove pancetta from Dutch oven using a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Reserve drippings in Dutch oven.

Sauté onion and shallot in hot drippings over medium heat. Cook 5 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add sweet potato, salt, and pepper to pan; sauté 10 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 20 minutes.

Combine 2 cups sweet potato mixture and coconut milk (or half and half) in a blender or food processer; process until smooth. Return mixture to Dutch oven.

Stir in soy sauce and vinegar; simmer 15 minutes.

Add kale; simmer 2-3 minutes or until kale starts to wilt.

Ladle into bowls; top with reserved pancetta and walnuts. Sprinkle with additional black pepper.

MAJOR IMMUNITY

BOOST

This recipe loads up on good-for-you ingredients including beta-carotene and fiber-packed sweet potatoes, vitamin-C and K-loaded kale, antioxidant-packed garlic and omega-3rich walnuts.

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THE MAIN INGREDIENT

15 BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE You actually need the fat from the pancetta to help absorb those immunity-boosting fatsoluble vitamins!

Meet Sidney

Sidney Fry is a two-time James Beard Award-winning food and nutrition writer who loves creating simple, healthy recipes and thoughtful, actionable content for the hungry consumer. A healthy living proactivist, Sidney is also a registered dietitian nutritionist, recipe developer and mama of three based in Birmingham, Alabama.

When life gets tough, taking the time to search for moments of joy can seem like a futile exercise. According to Susan Reed, Vice President of Oncology Services and Administrator of The Montgomery Cancer Center, it’s not. It’s the way to ensure cancer can’t truly win.

by Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

BY BIGDREAMZCREATIVE

PHOTOGRAPHY

one da y a t a time

It was six weeks after her husband’s death when JOY interviewed Susan Reed, and she generously talked about her day-to-day so far.

“Some days, it’s just tough to go on. I miss him in the big and small moments. Other days, it’s easier. I talk about him when I can. I know some people are hesitant to talk about family members who pass, but for me, to do that would be to forget, and I don’t ever want to forget him."

"It’s been the honor of my life to be able to care for him and be with him at the end.”

Cancer has been and still is—a big part of Susan Reed’s life. It’s a fact that’s hard to reconcile with her easy smile that appears so often and is so freely given to most anyone she encounters. Reed is a cancer survivor. Her husband died of cancer in April 2022. And she’s the Vice President of Oncology Services and Administrator at The Montgomery Cancer Center. Cancer’s kinda everywhere Reed looks. So how does she maintain the hope that’s evident in that aforementioned sunny disposition? How does she provide the care and compassion to others facing cancer that her career demands? And what wisdom can she share about outliving the love of your life? JOY magazine recently sat down with Reed to find out.

JOY: What was your journey to your position at The Montgomery Cancer Center?

Reed: I was an accountant working for Price Waterhouse doing audits, and Baptist Health was a client. I spent months at Baptist doing that work, and what I witnessed made me want to be a part of that team. I saw such service. I saw how they shoulder the responsibility to take care of their community, and I felt like I had something to offer that mission. So, I called the CEO at Baptist and said, I don’t know if you have a position open or what that would be, but I want to come work for y’all. They found a place for me, and that was 2010. I was working at a physician’s practice, when in 2015, the administrator at the Cancer Center retired, and they moved me into that role. My husband became a patient here in 2013, so we kinda joked that I was uniquely qualified for the job. It was supposed to be temporary, but here I am. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.

What’s your personal history with cancer?

In 2011, when I was 31, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At that time, UAB was the closest place offering the surgical treatment and radiation that I needed. The treatments worked, and I’m now 10 years cancer free, so it is really behind me. There are some lifelong implications when it comes to medicines I can take. My salivary glands don’t work so well anymore. So, I do still think about it, but not often. One thing that does stand out though: I sure wish I’d had the resources we now offer at the Cancer Center. Having to go to Birmingham just made everything more complex. I’m so glad we can now help Montgomery patients get treatment here at home.

Turkey Creek Nature PreserveDesoto Falls

Tell us about your husband, Darren. Darren and I met at work; he was the IT guy for Baptist, and I had called the help desk. We got married in December 2011. In spring 2013, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He was an otherwise healthy 42-year-old. He’d noticed some issues but thought they were just changes due to him getting older or thought maybe he should eat a little better, and he didn’t get them checked out. But when he mentioned them to his primary care doctor, he told Darren to get a colonoscopy, so he did. Before they woke him up, they called me back and asked if we had a family surgeon. I was like, wait. What? Do people have family surgeons? They explained he had colon cancer, and he’d need surgery to remove it. When he woke up, I had to tell him. He had surgery that week, and the surgeon was adamant that we meet with oncologist Dr. Scott McDaniel. We did, and he ordered some imaging scans to make sure the cancer was gone. It wasn’t. It had spread to his liver and lungs. Over the next

nine years, Darren underwent chemo and radiation and more surgeries and was amazing through all of it. He was a quiet, private person by nature, but he opened up about his cancer experiences to others, and I think him sharing his story really helped people. He died this past April.

What do you want people to take away from his story? The face of cancer is changing. Cancer is developing in younger and younger people. You know your body better than anyone else; if something feels off or wrong, pay attention to that and go get it checked out. Darren said multiple times that in retrospect he should have known and could have found out earlier.

How has Darren’s cancer affected your work at the Cancer Center? Me watching him go through treatment changed how I manage this place. It hammered home that our job here is as much about the caregiver and family as it is the cancer patient. So much of cancer treatment is outpatient today, and that means families are the ones providing so much of the care.

How has losing Darren impacted your outlook on life? When cancer goes to your heart, it wins; don’t let it. And you can fight back by looking for the joy in every day. It is there, and it may be hard, but you can find it. We both kept working. We traveled and enjoyed great times together. Life is still moving around you, and it doesn’t have to be over before it’s actually over just because of cancer. This sounds odd, but a cancer diagnosis can even be a blessing. It changes your perspective in a powerful way; it did mine. Things I thought were important, I realized, they’re not. I set my priorities carefully now. I choose how I spend my time with a different mindset.

Darren’s faith was important too. Never once did he question or say, “Why me?”. Because of that, he impacted so many people with his walk through cancer. He was an upbeat force around people who I know needed that, so there are positives there.

And despite what we do here, there is still a lot of joy and hope at Cancer Center. I want people to know that. It is an incredible place providing amazing care. Darren had everything he needed here, and the nine years he got were more than anyone said he would have. He didn’t want to waste a moment of that time though in a car or on a plane, so the Cancer Center let us stay home.

Surviorship Starts on Day 1

I don’t really like the “lost the battle” analogy when someone dies from cancer. Cancer survivorship starts on the day of diagnosis, so every day you survive, you win; you are a survivor right then.

Go easy on yourself. As Darren was coming to the end of his life, I was very distraught by the fact that he wouldn’t eat or drink. I was trying so hard to make sure I was giving him food he liked. A nurse pulled me aside and said, “This is not about the food you are giving him; his body is preparing for the end. You need to let that go.”

Second, just do the next right thing. And what I mean is, you don’t have to know what happens a year from now. You don’t have to know what next month looks like. Just know what you need to do today. You can’t let the future’s uncertainty overwhelm you. You have to accept that it is unknown. Finally, don’t compare your grief to others; don’t judge it. We’re all different.

Uplifting artwork, decor and colorful objects throughout the Montgomery Cancer Center bring a sense of joy to the environment.

ADVICE FOR CARE GIVERS

is a

Forming a team for the WOL is a great way to build cooperation among your employees or colleagues. It’s a meaningful way for groups of family and friends to honor a loved one. And teams make a BIG impact when it comes to fundraising for the Foundation. We LOVE our teams, and we really love some of the creative and clever names they’ve come up with in the past. Check these out for inspiration and start brainstorming your team name now!

I walk formy Mom!

“After her diagnosis, we always walked together. That was 'our thing!' She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Her beautiful smile conveyed to the world her equally strong and joyouspersonality. This will be the first walk without her here but I will be there and make her proud!

KIDSZONE!

OUR TEAM KNOWS

HOW TO HAVE FUN!

The Walk of Life is a fun event for the whole family. Join the after party for activities galore and fun entertainment for all ages (and some just for kids!).

GAMING • RACES • EXTRA KID FUN “

-Brandi Madderra, daughter of Janette Crook

NEW THIS YEAR:

A fundraising club for participants who raise $200 or more. You will receive a wristband for entrance to the Heart & Sole Tent at the After Party with exclusive opportunities including brunch from Peppertree Steaks & Wine, BlueBell ice cream, fun prizes and gifts, and several drawings for big prizes!

BUNDLE UP SOME GOOD (S)

GEARUPWITHJOYTOLIFE.

Choose your bundle:

SHE BUNDLE SHE long-sleeved tee, SHE tumbler, Survivor pink cap and a Butterfly card

$50

Great Ways to find us:

PRAY IN PINK 30-30-30 BUNDLE 30 wristbands, 30 shower cards, 30 brochures and a Butterfly card $35

Visit liveheregivehere.org and click on the “podcast” menu button to tune in to all our episodes.

PODCASTS. JOY MAGAZINE. SOCIAL MEDIA. Get news and information in a variety of formats Find them all at joytolife.org.

TOTE BUNDLE JTL Tote, JTL luggage tag (with car tag artwork), gray distressed cap and a Butterfly card

$40

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER AT JOYTOLIFE.ORG TO GET JOY TO LIFE EVENTS, GOOD NEWS AND EVEN RECIPES DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMAIL INBOX.

Join Pray in pink october

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

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Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Montgomery Cancer Center

Baptist Health

The JK Lowder Family Foundation

Rheem Manufacturing Company

Commissioner Ronda Walker Coca Cola Bottling Neptune Technology

OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery Vintage Hospitality Alabama Power Pickwick Antiques

Gardner Carpet & Flooring Tang’s Alterations

1

Take Your Health in Your Hands

Doctors and nurses are essential, but you shouldn’t put your health solely in their hands. When it comes to beating breast cancer, a little DIY healthcare is key.

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, and the more the word gets out about the importance of taking a proactive approach to breast health, the more often the disease is caught in its beginning stages, when it can be treated most successfully.

It’s why the death rate for breast cancer has fallen since informative and educational campaigns promoting breast cancer awareness have been carried out in our country.

But there is still more we can all do. Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as today’s leading cause of cancer death in American women. And while the mortality rate has fallen in Alabama, it is still higher than the national average.

women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their liftime

Research focused on ways to prevent, detect and treat this disease is ongoing, but it is crucial to stay informed and take your health in your own hands. That means getting regular mammograms and other screenings.

Another key step is routinely conducting breast self-exams. A breast self-exam (BSE) accomplishes several things.

First, it can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This knowledge may help you identify any breast changes that should be promptly reported to your healthcare professional.

While the American Cancer Society considers BSE an option for women starting in their 20s, many experts recommend that women do a monthly BSE, regardless of age.

A breast self-exam is not hard. It doesn’t take much time or effort. There are several methods. You can even do it in the shower. And, it could save your life. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating:

Your chance of surviving breast cancer is greatly improved with early detection and treatment.

Touch Exam in the Shower:

First, examine your right breast.

• Place one hand behind your head.

• Choose one of these three patterns:

• With finger pads (not fingertips) of the three middle fingers of left hand, apply three levels of pressure (light, then medium, then firm) in overlapping, dime-sized, circular motions to feel entire breast tissue, including underarm.

• Check for lumps or thickenings.

• Repeat exam on left breast, using finger pads of right hand.

Touch Exam

Lying Down:

• First, examine your right breast.

• Place your right hand behind your head.

• Follow the same technique as in the shower. Check for lumps, knots, or thickenings.

Visual Exam:

• Stand in front of a mirror.

• With your hands firmly pressing down on your hips, check for changes in the shape, size or skin texture of your breasts.

• Also, check nipples for any unusual discharge.

Always report any changes or irregularities you feel or see to your healthcare professional right away.

A proper and possibly life-saving BSE is simple. Take a few minutes to perform one of the above touch exams and remember to stop and give your breasts a good look, too.

• Then put your left arm behind your head and repeat steps with right hand on left breast.

Standing or Sitting:

Examine each underarm with your arm only slightly raised.

UP & DOWN CIRCLE WEDGE

Visit joytolife.org for more information about our self exam shower card.

A DISCUSSION WITH JANNAH BAILEY

When she received her breast cancer diagnosis, Montgomery native Jannah Bailey took a normal knee-jerk reaction to the news and turned it on its head, finding the strength to fight. But she wasn’t alone. An army of friends and family stood beside her to help.

Tell us about your cancer diagnosis and treatment. I had noticed a “dimple” on the underside of my right breast that was slowly getting bigger.  I thought it was like cellulite, just another sign of getting old! I heard Joy [Blondheim, co-founder of the Joy to Life Foundation] speak, and she talked about the different signs of breast cancer. One was dimpling in the breast.  It, of course, caused me concern. During this same time, our group of six longtime friends had gone on a girls’ trip, and one of those ladies had a lump she was telling she was concerned about. Shortly after the trip, she was getting her diagnosis, and I went with her. Sitting with her in the doctor’s office and hearing them tell her she had breast cancer, I realized that I probably did too. I decided to go and have my dimple looked at. My GYN was pretty sure it was cancer with just a look at my breast, so I went immediately to the Breast Cancer Center where I got an ultrasound and biopsy.  I was diagnosed with Stage One Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I had surgery on March 26, 2015, and 42 radiation treatments.

FIRST-HAND ADVICE AND INSIGHT TO HELP CAREGIVERS COPE

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

What was your first thought when you heard the diagnosis?

My initial reaction was anger. After working so long at Child Protect and seeing the results of what some pretty awful people did to kids, I didn’t understand why my family and I had to go through this. I did good in the world, so why me?  It really sucked! But after crying and shouting in the car by myself, I then asked, why not me? How can I use this experience to encourage and support others with this same disease? That tiny change in my own attitude gave me the strength to fight and make sure cancer didn’t win.

Through the treatment process and after, what did you want and need from your friends and family?

I could not have made it through the initial surgery and follow-up treatments without my family, friends and even people I barely knew, but it was really after all that when I needed and relied on them the most. The fear of the cancer coming back is always in the back of my mind, and to be able to pick up the phone and call or text or meet for lunch just to express that helped give me the courage to stay positive.

What forms of help and support really stood out?

The cards and calls that came when I really needed them. The push to stay positive while ensuring me that I needed to acknowledge my feelings of anger and sadness. One of my friends, Laurie Weil, dropped off a blanket and the sweetest note to my office right after I started radiation. That blanket still means so much to me. It continues to give me hugs, and now when I know of someone else who has been diagnosed, I too gift them with a blanket. I also received a piece of art from Kay Sasser Jacoby the day before my surgery that I have hanging today in my house where I see it every single day. “With each new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

In March of 2022 , Jannah Bailey accepted the position of President/CEO of the River Region United Way, becoming the organization’s first female in this position in its almost 100-year history. Prior to this role, she served at Child Protect, Children’s Advocacy Center as its executive director for 21 years.

What one thing that you did for yourself (exercise, mediation, prayer, some other habit, etc.) most helped you cope?

My family was my No. 1 reason for never ever giving up. Making future plans, no matter how big or small, also has helped me. Having something to look forward to gives you an excitement and anticipation of the future that you don’t want to miss out on. Hiking, one of my favorite hobbies, became even more important to me. It is where I can be quiet and disconnected, away from all of the stress and noise. I love the mountains, and that is where I feel the closest to God.

What advice would you give others on how to approach and help their loved one going through cancer treatment?   To me, the most important thing is to allow your family member/friend/whoever you know who is going through cancer to feel their feelings. Don’t discount their anger or sadness but just let them go through it and listen. Love and support them through it all. Send a card randomly. I promise those cards, calls or texts came at the exact time that I needed them. Let them talk about it. And don’t hesitate in telling them about stuff you have going on in your own life. I still wanted to hear about my friends’ and family members’ struggles and challenges, so I could be there for them, too. That gave me something else to focus on that wasn’t just me and my cancer.

FEELINGS

HEAR FROM SURVIVORS, COMPANIONS AND CAREGIVERS IN OUR Real Life SECTION

“

”WITH EACH NEW DAY COMES NEW STRENGTH AND NEW THOUGHTS. – Eleanor Roosevelt

H E PATH T O A

Wellthier You

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

TAKE THESE SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL WELLNESS. YOU’RE WORTH IT!

Hydrate.

Water is a basic building block of wellness. Every single cell in your body depends on water to do its job. Without enough water, cells just don’t function correctly, leading to a host of negative effects on your overall health, from mild to more serious. On the flipside, staying hydrated brings with it a long list of health benefits, so drink up. But how much? The standard water consumption is eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. But every body is different, and some folks need more than that. When you exercise heavily or sweat excessively due to heat or other exertion, you’ll need more to replace the fluids you’re losing. And the older we get, the more likely we are to let ourselves get dehydrated. Aging brains don’t always send our bodies the “I’m thirsty” signal. And in related “what you put in your body” advice: Cut back on sugar and booze.

Get Moving.

You don’t have to do an intense, hour-long workout session to reap the good effects of exercise. Even a small amount of activity can bring powerful benefits. Try setting reminders on your phone to alert you to do some basic stretches four or five times a day. And each day, try to take a couple of 15- to 20-minute walks around your yard or around the block.

Get outside.

You know you feel a little better and a little brighter when you get a good dose of sunshine and fill your lungs with fresh air. But there’s real science behind the idea too. Sunlight increases your levels of the valuable vitamin D and regulates your circadian rhythm, which means better and more restorative sleep. Experiencing the great outdoors also increases levels of serotonin (the “happy” chemical) in your brain. And the outside air can improve digestion and boost your energy.

THE PATH TO A WELLTHIER YOU

Embrace the morning.

Multiple scientific studies show that “morning people” tend to be more productive, more positive and generally, healthier than night owls. They also selfidentify as happier. And you can become a morning person even if you weren’t born one. It starts with going to bed a bit earlier and then rising at roughly the same time every day to make it a habit.

FLAHE M PTY

Practice gratitude and giving back.

HALFF U L L

Even in hard times, most of us can find something to be thankful for if we stop and think about it. So that’s exactly what you should do each day. Look for the blessings, both big and small, all around you. Focus on them and let gratitude lift your attitude. Then, pass it along by being a blessing to someone else.

Get organized.

Organization will make your life less stressful and bump up your energy and confidence. Recent studies have shown that people who see their homes as cluttered and chaotic suffer higher rates of depression and fatigue. In contract, those who describe their homes as neat and organized had lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and felt more relaxed in their living spaces. When you feel more restored and rested in general, this can improve every area of your life. It can help you sleep better, stick to other healthy lifestyle choices like eating right and exercising, and strengthen relationships by giving you more time for others (and putting you in a better mood when you’re with them).

Never stop learning and growing.

Continued self-development and selfimprovement keeps your mind sharp and adds to your sense of purpose, which in turn lifts your mood. Plus, by being open to and exploring new things, you’re likely to find a new interest or hobby to dive into. Having a passion always pushes your wellness quotient higher.

YOU’RE WORTH IT.

Be intentional about smiling.

This one’s easy. Make a point to smile throughout your day, even if you don’t think you feel like it. Often, just this tiny facial flip-up can change the direction of your perspective too.

Stay Connected.

We all get busy, but when you’re moving too fast, sometimes, your priorities get out of balance, and you don’t even know it. Pay attention to what you’re putting the most emphasis on in your life. Are they the things that will really matter in the long haul? Be sure to make time for friends and family. A simple check-in call or text once a week can keep bonds tight, but don’t forget to plan actual face time too. Nothing is as good for our emotional and mental health as a warm hug and good laugh with someone we love.

facts & figures you want to know

DON’T COAT IT sugar

DEMYSTIFYING DIABETES

Diabetes is a prevalent disease in America and in Alabama, and most of us hear a lot about it in ads for pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements and more. But how much do you really know about it?

Diabetes is a serious chronic health condition, yet preventing it (in some cases) and successfully managing it after diagnosis doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by arming yourself with the essential information.

SERIOUS STATS

Diabetes was the SEVENTH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH in Alabama in 2019.

10.8 %

According to BRFSS, 14.8 %

OF ALABAMA’S ADULT POPULATION report they have been told they have diabetes, compared to the U.S. prevalence of 10.8 percent.

KNOW THE DISEASE

The bodies of people who have diabetes either don’t use insulin correctly or don’t produce enough insulin, and both situations are problematic, because insulin is an important component in the process our bodies use to turn the food we eat into the energy we need to function.

Most food we consume is broken down into sugar, which is released into your bloodstream where your cells can use it as fuel. Insulin, released by your pancreas in response to higher blood sugar levels, is the

compound that allows your cells to take in the blood sugar.

When your body doesn’t have the proper amount of insulin or your cells quit responding to it, your cells don’t get the blood sugar they need, and your blood sugar keeps rising. If this continues, it can damage your heart, leading to heart disease. It can result in vision loss, and it can also cause kidney disease, all dangerous conditions that decrease your wellbeing.

life-long condition

TYPE 1 DIABETES

People with type 1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes as it is mostly diagnosed in children and young adults, can’t make their own insulin, and therefore can’t regulate the level of sugar in their blood. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin shots for life.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

develops over time

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes is similar, yet quite different and affects many more people than type 1. According to the CDC, about 90-95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2, and these people make insulin, yet their bodies can’t use it well. Type 2 takes longer to develop, often years, which is why it is most often diagnosed in adults.

KNOW YOUR RISK

According to the CDC, you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:

Have prediabetes. Are overweight. Are 45 years or older. Have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes.

Are physically active less than three times a week.

Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds.

Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian American people are also at higher risk.

Having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may also increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes

KNOW THE SIGNS

Type 2 diabetes most often starts in adults, and its symptoms can take several years to develop. Some people never notice any signs. This makes it key to know if you’re at risk of developing diabetes.

Here are some of the more common symptoms to look out for:

STAY AWARE

With the initial onset of Type 2 diabetes, you may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to discuss your risk factors with your doctor, and if you are at risk, monitor your blood sugar with routine tests.

Extreme thirst Losing weight without trying

Blurry vision Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Urinating a lot, often at night

Extreme tiredness

Extreme hunger

Slow-healing sores

Very dry skin Experiencing an increase in infections

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov

More than 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes.

Some people have higher-thannormal blood sugar levels that are not quite high enough to get them a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. This is called prediabetes, and the CDC states that approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes, which raises their risk for later developing type 2 diabetes, as well as bumping up their likelihood of dealing with heart disease or suffering a stroke.

Eighty percent of the people with prediabetes have no idea they have it. This is another reason to get regular checkups and discuss your medical history and risk factors with your doctor.

TO

As with many health issues, prevention of type 2 diabetes is possible. You can stop or stave off the onset of diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes like:

eating healthy food being active

losing weight

Although diabetes is serious, if you are diagnosed with the condition, with proper care and attention, you don’t have to let it slow you down. Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage it with healthy eating and exercise. Others require oral medications and/or insulin shots to help regulate their blood sugar.

While there is no diabetes cure (yet!) you can live with it. Take your medicine as prescribed. Stay on top of it with regular health checkups. And take advantage of resources like diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services offered by Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists accredited and American Diabetes Association recognized organizations throughout the state. These services help you find the right way to manage diabetes in a way that fits you. Learn more about the DSMES guidance and help available in Alabama at alabamapublichealth.gov/diabetes/self-management or call 334-206-9376.

In it Win it

Jessica Wisdom is a diabetes specialty CRNP (certified registered nurse practitioner) who works to both treat and educate people with diabetes. She also has type 1 diabetes. She offered this advice for living with diabetes. “I always say I have diabetes; diabetes does not have me. I am in control of my own health. It’s easy to fall into the trap of diabetes burnout. When I remember that I am the boss of my body, it empowers me to keep going and make the best choices. That’s something I try to give to each of my patients,” she says. “Also, diabetes is a team sport. The healthcare provider is the coach, and the patient is the quarterback. Nick Saban can give Bryce Young all the plays and tools he needs to win, but if Bryce doesn’t get out there and execute those plays on the field, Alabama is losing tonight. Providers and patients have to work together to create the best possible outcomes for patients.”

39 BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE KNOW THE GOOD NEWS

goods great

PRODUCTS, PLACES & THINGS WE LOVE

NORTH

Even more tastey delights and culinary adventures await around the state. Headed west? Check out a few more of our favorites. Stop in Selma for some cajun flavors at Bayou Rouge Bistró or track down an Abadir’s pop-up around the Black Belt to overload your tastebuds with Sarah Cole’s Egyptian-influenced eats.

FOOD-FOCUSED FUN

Mentone’s Andiamo Lodge opened in early 2022, and it’s a perfect fit for the small mountain town in northeast Alabama, with its tin-topped, cabin-like exterior that blends beautifully into the landscape. The main house’s large den boasts a warm focal point: a massive stacked-stone fireplace that sets the tone for the rest of the natural, rusticchic decor: the rock, shiplap, exposed wood beams and wide-planked wood floors. The look carries into the Lodge’s six guest rooms, each with a working stone fireplace and its own unique style, thanks to original art and comfy beds outfitted in high-end lines (including Alabama’s own Redland Cotton sheets). Coffee and breakfast are part of your room rate. Selections change daily but might include fluffy goat-cheese frittatas and sweet-tart grapefruit brulee or hearty, veggie-studded breakfast stratas and fresh blueberries with yogurt, plus pastries. And the food focus continues with Andiamo’s packed calendar of special experiences, including pop-up dinners paired with hands-on cooking classes led by some of the South’s favorite chefs.

andiamolodge.com

LOVIN’ LUCY’S

Founder Lisa van der Reijden opened her restaurant Lucy’s in Auburn in June 2018 to offer the community the opportunity to forge connections through food, just as she did growing up in a big Greek family. Stir in a dash of her ingredient-driven food philosophy, and you get a gathering place for making memories and a menu packed with the fresh, bright flavors that come from dishes built using the bounty of local farmers. It’s a combo that Auburn diners are eating up. They’re loving Lucy’s, and its popular selections include the Juicy Lucy Burger, a beef patty topped with salty-sweet bacon and onion marmalade, spicy poblano aioli and sharp white cheddar; lemon-lavender donuts with citrus sugar; and Lucy’s creative tasty twist on traditional eggs benedict: the chicken and waffle bennie with Conecuh-sausage gravy, a poached egg, honey and Lucy’s potato hash. lucysauburn.com

FILL YOUR BELLY AT THE BELI

The Beli’s rainbow-lettered sign and cute cottage-like style are inviting. But the true appeal is inside this charming little beach deli (the name is a mash-up of the two words) across the street from the sea and sand in Gulf Shores where hearty sandwiches stuffed with creative combos of super-fresh ingredients are being served. Sate a large appetite with the Big Momma, a behemoth of provolone, feta, turkey and jalapenos smothered in raspberry jam and hot sauce. Or go for the best-selling The Miss V, with spicy pimento cheese, stacks of sliced turkey and salami topped with lettuce, tomato and chive mayo on toasted sourdough. Make The Beli a stop for your belly the next time you’re down on Alabama’s coast.

thebeligs.com

SOIUTH

Staying a while on the coast? There’s no shortage of fresh seafood prepared just right.

Another favorite is Fisher’s in Orange Beach. Fine dining and dockside options mean their always-yummy menu can be enjoyed just about any time of day.

D ALI N G

BY KYM KLASS

WHETHER ON A ROAD OR ALONG A HILLY TRAIL THROUGH THE WOODS, RIDING A BIKE PROVIDES A WEALTH OF HEALTH BENEFITS THAT EXTEND FAR BEYOND BASIC PHYSICAL FITNESS.

Cycling improves cardiovascular health. In addition, you can reap these benefits:

• Lower blood pressure

• Strengthen your heart and your muscles will also strengthen, which will make walking and climbing stairs easier.

• Increased muscle mass will increase your metabolism, which can be beneficial with your efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

Robert Traphan cycled for recreation and transportation growing up through grade school, and in college, to get around his Connecticut campus. But after his bike was stolen prior to moving to Montgomery, it was years before he purchased another one (in 2007)—and when he started riding with the Montgomery Bicycle Club. For the past 15 years, he has ridden regularly.

He does this for the camaraderie, the health benefits reaped and for both the increase in mental and physical strength. Traphan, who has served as president of the MBC since September 2016, said cycling has helped him lose weight.

“Cycling improves cardiovascular health,” he said. “It can lower blood pressure and strengthen your heart. As you cycle more, your muscles will also strengthen, which will make walking and climbing stairs easier. An added bonus of increased muscle mass is that it will increase your metabolism, which can be beneficial with your efforts to maintain a healthy weight and a healthy BMI [body mass index].”

Other health positives provided by cycling include decreased stress levels, prevention of and management of disease, improved joint mobility and strengthened bones. Both road and trail cycling can also improve balance and coordination and increase brain power.

“Although cycling primarily uses the leg muscles, if you practice proper posture while cycling, you can also strengthen your core muscles in your abdomen and back,” Traphan said. “Proper head posture will also help strengthen your upper back and neck muscles.”

Mentally, cycling offers the chance to socialize when on group rides or to meditate and destress when on a solo ride, he said. Group rides include time with Bruce Herbitter, an avid cyclist and founder of the Prattville Bike Shop. Herbitter noted the mental escape and stress relief that can come from sharing the experience.

“Riding with others promotes a sense of belonging and strengthens emotional and mental health,” he said. “The noise of the pedals, chain and gears while riding can be very relaxing.”

He said fitness improvement is rapid in cycling—with regular riding. Your resting heart rate will go down, although not as much as runners, he notes. Legs become muscular, but not bulky as a weightlifter’s would. “Your backside gets smaller, (and) on an upright bike, core shoulders and arms also get a workout. And on a recumbent, just legs.”

If you’re new to fitness or coming back from an injury or illness, you can cycle at a low intensity, according to an article on healthline.com. As you become more fit, you can increase the intensity or continue to cycle at a chill pace.

“The noise of the pedals, chain and gears while riding can be very relaxing.”

GET G OING

Visit the Montgomery Bicycle Club at mgmbikeclub.org for road bike routes in Pintlala, Montgomery County and Prattville. Check out Montgomery MultiSport Group Rides, a public page on Facebook, for more routes and group rides. And mark your calendar for the Glassner Autumn Challenge on October 22 on the campus of Alabama State University. Find details on Montgomery Bike Club site.

Studies have shown that even sedentary people reap the health benefits of cycling, so it can be a great introduction for exercise novices. Cycling can ease feelings of depression or anxiety, as focusing on the road or your cadence when cycling can help you develop concentration and awareness of the present moment.

Herbitter began riding in 2001, after becoming overweight and out of shape. Cycling has helped him stay fit, connected to the community and has allowed him to enjoy miles and miles of countryside.

“Bikes build bridges across all sorts of divides,” he said. “When (you) ride with someone, you are more likely to be able to talk about differences in a nonadversarial way. I use time on a bike for relaxing my mind, while exercising my body.”

YOUR PATH

Alabama has a long list of bike trails to traverse, both paved and more rugged.

SWAYBACK TRAIL:

Generally considered a moderately challenging route, this 8.7-mile loop trail near Wetumpka takes an average of 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. alltrails.com

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK:

In this state park in Birmingham, there are approximately 30 miles (and growing) of mountain biking trails, with a mix of mostly single track and some double track trail with about 1,600 feet of combined climbing on the main loop. alapark.com

LAGOON PARK TRAIL:

Located on 176 acres, the Lagoon Park Trail offers miles of natural-surface, single-track and double-track paths for bicycling and walking, running, bird watching and photography.  lagoonparktrail.com

CHIEF LADIGA TRAIL:

Nicely paved from the trailhead near Anniston to the Alabama/Georgia state line, this inviting trail calls travelers of all types, including inline skaters, bikers, recumbent riders, wheelchair users, hikers and even equestrians. alltrails.com

CHEWACLA STATE PARK:

From 1 mile to 8 miles, the trails in this Auburn park offer rock gardens, short climbs, flat loops and wind past waterfalls and lakes. Chewacla has a great partnership with Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers that offers a great trail system to the public. alapark.com

TOGETHER

THE

PACE

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

Photography by Billy Pope

THE NAKED TRUTH

Body image is an issue that so many people struggle with, and parents want to ensure their kids grow up confident and comfortable in their own skin. But can you teach them to love themselves if you don’t practice what you preach?

BY LITA CHATHAM, MS, RDN, LD

If you have kids, maybe you’ll agree that they are simultaneously the best and the worst.

A four-year-old child can send you over the moon with a hug and a whispered, “You’re the best mommy ever.” Then, they'll bring you to your knees by asking why your belly is “so big” while you’re in your most physically and emotionally vulnerable state: naked.

There I was, a 30-something mom of two, who’s always been self-conscious about her weight and body, standing in front of a wide-eyed, precious girl that I love more than life itself. I felt the sting of that question wash over me as I stood there totally (literally!) exposed. As I internally gathered myself, and picked my jaw, and my heart, up off the floor, a few things ran through my mind:

What kind of person walks in on someone getting undressed and asks something like that?!

She didn’t ask this question to hurt my feelings.

Well, a tiny person does. She has no context for this question. This is like asking someone why their hair is brown or their dress is pink.

My feelings are hurt because of my shame about my body.

I don’t want to pass this body shame on to her.

“Well, baby, every ‘body’ is different, and that’s ok! Some people have little bellies, and some people have big bellies. Some people are tall, and some people are short."

As the shock of being emotionally assaulted by my preschooler slowly subsided, I took a deep breath and grabbed a towel. I attempted to channel my inner Brené Brown by choosing “courage over comfort,” and I fumbled through a response that sounded something like this:

“Well, baby, every ‘body’ is different, and that’s ok! Some people have little bellies, and some people have big bellies. Some people are tall, and some people are short. Mommy has blue eyes, and you have green eyes. We’re all different and that’s a good thing.”

She seemed satisfied with that, and thankfully, she has the attention span of a four-year-old, so she moved on to the next thing quickly. Since then, I’ve thought a lot about the kind of parent I want to be and the message I want my babies to grow up with. I have realized that it’s not possible to give my children a message of self-love and acceptance if I can’t extend those things to myself. I can’t teach my daughters that their worthiness isn’t defined by pounds or inches if that’s how I’m measuring my own. I can’t give them the inner strength to be confident in their own skin if I can barely stand being in my own.

I know there are more hard questions like this one in our future, which is why I’m working on getting comfortable with being vulnerable. If I’ve learned one thing about parenting, it’s that I have no idea what I’m doing. Parenting is hard. Having someone’s childhood in your hands is a lot of responsibility, and I sometimes wonder how many of my mistakes and shortcomings my children will talk about in future therapy sessions. Let’s be realistic. The answer probably isn’t zero.

I’ve also learned that parenting can be a wonderful gift of self-discovery if you let it. Parenting forces you to peel back all your protective layers and really look at yourself and why you feel, think, say and do the things you do. Parenting will expose all the little vulnerable pieces of yourself that you hide from the world; unfortunately you can’t hide them from your children.

Had I responded differently by letting my shame take the driver’s seat, my fouryear-old would have learned from that one interaction that talking about bodies is off limits. That having a “big” belly is something to be ashamed of and avoided at all costs. If I continued to send that message to her over time, we might be headed for trouble.

But, thanks to a little bit of humility and a lot of time spent listening to Brené Brown discuss her research on courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy, I was able to acknowledge and accept the shame I felt and not pass it on.

How do I know I didn’t pass it on? We’ve had a few follow-up scenarios where my daughter will come over to me and ask when her belly will be “big” like mine. Yep. It stings every time. But, maybe it’s like exposure therapy at this point. As many things as I’m destined to get wrong, there’s one thing that I REALLY want to get right, and that is to teach my daughters that they are enough just as they are. More than anything, I want them to grow up with a strong sense of self-worth and belonging. I don’t want them feeling like they have to hustle for acceptance by losing weight or being a certain shape or size.

And you know what? I really want that for myself and for you, too!

LITA

Lita Chatham, MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian, mama and public health advocate. She believes that eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated and that strict rules and rigid diets do more harm than good.

Lita is passionate about sharing a common-sense approach to healthy eating and encouraging everyone to reject false and misleading nutrition claims—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! She also believes that changing our mindset to one that eliminates blame, shame and guilt in relation to body size/weight is the first step in ensuring future generations develop healthy relationships with food and their bodies.

Breast cancer may not have a cure yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t beat it

Breast cancer. They’re the last two words anyone wants to hear. But there is hope, because the UAB Medicine Breast Health Clinic is here providing a full range of options and treatments. Our trained breast surgeons have dedicated their practice to the treatment of all diseases of the breast with comprehensive, compassionate, state-of-the-art care—individualized to your specific needs.

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MULTISPECIALTY

Pamela Strickland, MD and Katelin Holmes, DO