9-5-2-1-0 Simple Choices for Better Health Video Distributed to CSRA Schools

More than thirty thousand students have seen the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition’s 2012 educational video about healthy lifestyle choices to prevent breast cancer.   The BCPC is continuing its annual educational program with Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) schools in 2014 with a new video.  This year’s theme is healthy lifestyle choices to prevent many different diseases, including heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes.  This video is appropriate for any time of the year and especially for October which is Breast Cancer Awareness month and February, which is both Cancer Prevention Awareness month and American Heart month.

The video was distributed to 25 CSRA middle and high schools along with a student handout and a slideshow presentation to facilitate discussion.  Schools are encouraged to show the video to all students during homeroom or health classes. The video’s five healthy lifestyle choices are encapsulated in the title “9-5-2-1-0:  Simple Choices for Better Health.”

9-5-2-1-0

9    hours of sleep
5+  servings of fruits and vegetables
2    hours or less in front of a screen
1    hour of exercise
0    sugared drinks and snacks

The video is narrated by Dr. Robert Pendergrast.  He sees many teenagers in his medical practice and he consults with the GRU Cancer Center in Augusta about lifestyle choices to help patients fight cancer and prevent recurrence.

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BCPC donates $95,000 to GRU Cancer Center Research

BCPC President Nita Zachow presents $95,000 check to GRU Cancer Center Director Dr. Samir Khleif for breast cancer research

On  August 9, 2013, the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition (BCPC) presented Georgia Regents University (GRU) Cancer Center with a check for $95,000 for breast cancer research.  The check was accepted by Cancer Center Director Dr. Samir Khleif during a reception attended by GRU Cancer Center staff and BCPC members, including BCPC founding member, Dr. Margaret Devore. 

In anticipation of this gift, the GRU Cancer Center staff had carefully selected three breast cancer research projects to fund with the donation.  The researchers responsible for these projects are Dr. Ahmed Chadli, Dr. LesleyAnn Hawthorn, and Dr. Ravindra Kohle.  Each gave a synopsis of their research.   (Click here for more details.)

Dr. Khleif noted that “All three doctors are doing basic research that may contribute to improved treatments, earlier detection and, best of all, prevention of breast cancer.” He demonstrated his enthusiasm for the research by announcing that the Cancer Center will contribute an additional $25,000 to the projects.

The BCPC funds were raised primarily through annual golf tournaments sponsored by the Mount Vintage Plantation community and various fund raisers in area middle and high schools over the past four years.  Dr. Khleif thanked the BCPC and Mount Vintage for helping to move the vision of the GRU Cancer Center forward.

BCPC’s Nita Zachow Receives Giving Your Best Award

Congratulations to Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition (BCPC) President and Executive Board member Nita Zachow on receiving the June, 2013 WJBF News Channel 6 “Giving Your Best” award.  WJBF selects one local winner each month from nominations submitted by the community.  Nita is featured in an article and video on the WJBF website. Winners are also honored at the Annual Giving Your Best Jefferson Awards Banquet.

Nita was nominated by her sister, BCPC Executive Board Member Celeste Spence in recognition for Nita’s tireless efforts to raise money for cancer research and to educate people about how healthy lifestyles can help in the fight against cancer.  Founding the BCPC was a key part of those efforts.

Congratulations Nita!

“Giving Your Best” Winner Nita Zachow (center) with BCPC members Sherry Brooks and Nicole Caldwell.

May 18th Luncheon and Lecture Cancelled

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the May 18th luncheon and lecture “LIVESTRONG at the YMCA” have been cancelled.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

BCPC Donates Funds For Livestrong at the YMCA

The BCPC has donated funds to begin research on the impact that moderate physical activity, supportive relationships and stress reduction techniques have on quality of life for breast cancer survivors.  The research includes whether recurrence rates can be reduced through lifestyle changes five to ten years after the program  The BCPC funds will be used to offer a program called LIVESTRONG at the YMCA in the Georgia Regents University (GRU) Wellness Center.  This is a twelve-week, small group physical fitness program designed for adult cancer survivors.

In the past, breast cancer survivors have usually been told “see you in six months or a year”. It has been up to each individual to  decide if there is anything she or he can do to help prevent a recurrence.  LIVESTRONG at the YMCA  offers support to cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life.

“In my case, I googled ways to build my immune system and read about the importance of adding daily exercise to my schedule. I also made changes to my diet to add more nutritional foods. Praise God, I am 13 years cancer free! I am sad to say that many survivors don’t have the time or figure they have no means to improve their health. They just wait for the next visit to their Oncologist.”  Nita Zachow, BCPC President

Now, cancer survivors can be proactive regarding their health by participating in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.  Doctors at GRU are supporting physical activity with qualified instructors. The program includes a pre- and post-test of aerobic endurance, muscle strength, balance and flexibility. Thus far, the average participant has seen up to 50 percent improvement!

The BCPC-funded program is targeted at breast cancer survivors.  It is free and includes a three month complimentary membership to the Family Y. Participation is by self-referral with physician permission.

We need partipcants!

If you are a breast cancer survivor, please consider joining LIVESTRONG at the YMCA offered at GRU.  Classes begin March 5th.   Contact Janet Thornburg at 803-349-8101, to enroll or ask questions.

Hear Tamara Hill: “No More Resolutions — Make a Change, Once and For All”

Tamara Hill, former WJBF NewsChannel 6 “Fitness Expert”, and Host of “Fat Chat”, Augusta, GA, will present a free lecture on how to get off the diet roller coaster.  She will speak Saturday, January 26, 2013, at 11:30 am at the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition’s luncheon at New Life Natural Foods, 2825 Washington Rd., Augusta.  This presentation is open to the public and lunch can be purchased from DiChickO’s to enjoy during the lecture.

Almost 19 years ago, I, Tamara Hill, was exactly where the average woman is right now. I was riding on that diet roller coaster year after year: LOSE-GAIN, LOSE-GAIN. Trying the latest diet, diet pill, shake, potion, or lotion I kept hearing about and seeing on TV. “Dieting” –what a Losing Game!! But, I’m happy to say that I won the war with my body and have kept 100 pounds off for almost nineteen years now. “If I can do it, so can you!”

There is “no perfect” way to lose weight or to good health, but I know for certain that quick fix remedies don’t work. Let me feed your head full of the good stuff. I’ve learned a few important lessons along the way. Small adjustments in routines, habits, attitudes, and behaviors in your lifestyle can and will reduce the risk of health problems and help you gain control of your weight. I’m living proof that my approach works. Let me help you get healthier, so that you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

So, if you are truly tired, frustrated, and discouraged from being on that diet roller coaster year after year and want to make a change once and for all, then please come hear me speak at the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition luncheon.

More About Tamara:

Guest on the Montel Williams Show in February 1996

Featured in: First for Women magazine – February 11, 2002

American Fitness magazine – Nov/Dec 2000

Successful Slimming magazine – March1998

McCall’s magazine – October 1997

Ms. Fitness magazine – Summer 1996

Prevention’s Guide to Weight Loss – June 1996

Radio Fitness Personality on James Brown Radio “Chit Chat” program, FOXIE 103, WTHB 1550AM in Augusta, GA and JOY 102 in Aiken, SC.

Health/Wellness guest on Christian TV Channel WBPI 49 with Dorothy Spaulding

One of 100 Regional Winners of the 1995 Milk Fit Woman Award

Motivational/Fitness Speaker at Health Fairs, Organizations, Church groups, and Corporations

Wellness Coordinator and Fitness Instructor for six years for Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Aiken SC

Aiken Standard Newspaper Column entitled “Fat Chat” in 1997

 

January 2013 Luncheon Meeting Announced

Save the date!

BCPC’s  First Quarter Luncheon Meeting
Speaker: Tamara Hill
“No More Resolutions — Make a Change, Once and For All”

Saturday, January 26, 2013
11:30 am
at
New Life Natural Foods
Conference Room
2825 Washington Rd., Augusta, GA
(Fairway Shopping Center)

Please arrive by 11:15 to order your lunch at DiChickO’s, located inside the New Life store.  You will find the menu online, and can call them at (706) 737-8805.  Only food purchased at DiChickO’s may be brought into the conference room.

No reservations are required, but please do come out and support our organization.