know

Issue 32

understanding the cancer experience

in the

complimentary
magazine

The colors of

CANCER
New look, new year at RGCF

Spiritual Direction
After Cancer
Move In New Directions
Resolutions:
Eating Well, Being Well

IN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gordon L. Black, M.D.,
Honorary
Michele Aboud
Robert Ash
Patricia Carter, RN
Ted Edmunds
Sam Faraone
Monica Gomez
Youn-mi Jaquez
Dan Olivas
Irene Pistella
Shelly Ruddock
Ruben Schaeffer
Ken Slavin
Katie Updike
Polly Vaughn
Steve Yellen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Patricia Tiscareo
PROGRAM OFFICER
Jutta Ramirez
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Cindi Martinez
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Maggie Rodriguez

THIS ISSUE:
New Directions
I find the great thing in
this world is not so much
where we stand, as in what
direction we are moving:
To reach the port of
heaven, we must sail
sometimes with the wind
and sometimes against it but we must sail, and not
drift, nor lie at anchor.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Welcome to issue 32 of In the Know: Understanding

the Cancer Experience. We are excited about ITKs fresh
look, a change that has come about from the adoption of a
new and vibrant logo approved by the foundations board
of directors. (Read more inside about the new logo in our
feature article The Color of Change).
Oliver Wendell Holmes, the great American physician,
teacher and author, was right on the money when he
talked about change and direction. While change can be a
bit scary, it is much more frightening to drift or lie at
anchor.
For the past eighteen years, the Rio Grande Cancer
Foundation has created or made it possible for others to
create programs which positively impact the lives of
people with cancer. As we edge toward two decades of
service, it is with a goal to build on the work that weve
done to date through collaboration with providers and
partners, expanded initiatives in survivorship care and the
promotion of positive health behaviors. The Foundation is
well poised and committed to meeting the changing needs
of cancer patients and we look forward to making the
journey in your good company.

To that end, this issue is aptly themed New Directions

with some concrete ideas from author Sallie Damron
about committing to moving yourself in new directions.
Check out her tips for reducing your risk of cancer and
generally improving your quality of life. Follow those
tips up with the Healthy Habits you can use to turn your
diet around as well as advice from fitness guru Sandra
Terrazas on how to start (and keep up) an exercise
program.
It is a proven tenet that prayer and meditation are
helpful to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Writer
Lisa Garibay takes us on a spiritual journey in her article
about Taking Direction from Above. In her interviews
with three chaplains, Lisa brings new light to wellness
which involves more than physical health, but the
integration of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Reverend Cindy
Anderson and Chaplains Sam Faraone and Richard Sones
for sharing their considerable insight.
In 2015, the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation will begin
embarking on some fundraising projects in which we will
need your help and participation. Well be collecting your
best recipes to be included in a Colors of Cancer
Cookbook which will be published in 2015. Break out
your best dishes to share with our ITK readers!
On behalf of the board of directors and the good staff at
the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation, we send our wishes
for a blessed holiday season filled with family, friends and
good health.
Sincerely,
Patty Tiscareo
Executive Director

Rachel Juarez

F E AT U R E S
in the

know
is published by the

18

11

Rio Grande Cancer

Foundation
10460 Vista del Sol, Suite 101
El Paso, TX 79925
(915) 562-7660
fax (915) 562-7841
www.rgcf.org
by

Snappy Publishing

New Directions

Help From Above

Eat well

Its a good time to begin again. In

this feature we offer some quick
and helpful life hacks that will
get you off and running - in a
new direction!

Spirituality is key to renewal and

growth. In this feature we talk to
three experienced spiritual guides
who can offer insight after a
cancer experience.

Understanding what foods can

offer the most healthful impact is
important in any diet. This is
especially true during and after
cancer treatment. Take a look at
what weve got cooking!

[email protected]
El Paso, Texas 79912
(915) 820-2800
Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials to In the Know for consideration should not send originals unless specifically requested to do so by In the Know in writing. Unsolicited manuscripts,
photographs, and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self-addressed overnight delivery return envelope, postage pre-paid. However, In the Know is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.
2014 Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of any article or photograph contained in this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of In the Know.
In the Know assumes no responsibility whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in In the Know. Editorial or advertising content in In the Know does not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the publishers. In the Know assumes no responsibility for the products or services advertised in this magazine. Publisher reserves the right to edit any material or refuse any advertising submitted.

MORE THAN

YEARS

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CANCER
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Our physicians provide compassionate patient care, offer the latest treatment innovations and share one goal: to be the best
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Nanda K. Gopalan, M.D. Anuradha Gupta, M.D. Stephanie C. Han, M.D. Juan Herrada, M.D. Arsenio Lopez, M.D.
Raul Portillo, M.D. Ragene Rivera, M.D. Ines Sanchez-Rivera, M.D. Panagiotis Valilis, M.D.

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915-544-6750

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HOW TEXANS FIGHT CANCER.

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JOE BATTLE
3270 Joe Battle Boulevard, Suite 312
El Paso, TX 79938
915-849-2700

Turning A Page
Change Abounds At Our Foundation As 2015 Begins

n a move as bold as the colors of all the

cancer awareness ribbons, the board of
directors of the Rio Grande Cancer
Foundation elected to retire the flowing
river logo and replace it with one that
more accurately represents the mission
and vision of El Pasos only cancer
foundation.

President Dan Olivas explained the rationale behind

the change. Cancer is not defined by just one color
and neither is our foundation, he said. The new logo,
awash with ribbons of plum and red, yellow and blue
reflects the foundations focus and direction. The
bright colors, he added serve as a reminder that even
in the darkest of times, an ally is there.
Know more>

Ask a cancer patient about how their

diagnosis altered their life and chances
are they will answer that a cancer
diagnosis changes everything. Life at
the moment of a cancer diagnosis
becomes a bookmark in personal time,
dividing life either Before Cancer or
After Cancer.
Indeed, things in the world of cancer
have vastly changed; and many of them
for the better. For example, many
people are surviving longer and thriving
after cancer. Much of the credit for this
statistic is that cancer is being detected
earlier, presumably at an earlier and
more treatable stage. The progress in
understanding cancer isnt just limited
to the professionals. More and more
people are taking charge of their own
health and becoming attuned to changes
in their bodies. As a result, more people
are scheduling their mammograms and

colonoscopies and other diagnostic tests

as a preventative rather than reactive
measure.
Over the past 18 years, the Rio
Grande Cancer Foundation has been
meeting the needs of cancer patients
through direct grants, programs and
services. In fact, during that time, we
have contributed over $8,000,000 in
support of cancer patients in our local
community. But because there are so
many issues common to cancer
survivors, the foundation is taking steps
to ensure these issues are addressed and
accessible.
In April 2015, the Foundation, along
with partners from the cancer care
community, will conclude a communitywide cancer needs assessment survey;
the first done in over a decade.
Conducted by a Boston-based team,
Health Resources in Action, (HRia), the

process involves input from patients and

professionals alike. We are hopeful the
findings from this extensive process will
help define new directions, programs
and services.
As the Rio Grande Cancer
Foundation moves in to its third decade
of service to the El Paso community, we
believe our new logo represents our
approach straight forward and to the
point and serves as a symbol for the
complex and ongoing battle every
cancer patient faces.
We are your local cancer resource.
We are the Colors of Cancer.
To know more about our new logo visit:
www.colorsofcancer.net
To learn more about the foundation:
www.rgcf.org

A Fond Farewell
Jutta Ramirez begins a new chapter
by Patty Tiscareo

When I first began my employment

with the Rio Grande Cancer
Foundation in 1996, I was the sole
employee for the first two years.
Needless to say, conversation in the
office was terribly one-sided!
Gratefully, in 1998, our staff increased
by 100% with the addition of Jutta
Ramirez.
Over the course of sixteen years,
Jutta has served in multiple roles with
the Foundation, beginning her service
with accounting duties in the early
days, to her current role of oversight
for the annual grants distribution and
management of the transportation and
alliance programs. As with so many
small organizations, Jutta has worn
many different hats and all of them
with style and distinction.
On December 31, 2014, Jutta will
retire from her duties at the Rio
Grande Cancer Foundation. Ive

been working for fifty years, she

says. Its just simply time, she
adds.
I have had the pleasure of working
with Jutta for over 20 years, some of
that time at the El Paso Cancer
Treatment Center before it was sold in
1996. During that time, she has
continually inspired me with her
dedication to her work, but mostly for
her genuine compassion for the people
who come through our doors.
She always makes time for every
patron she counsels, says Cindi
Martinez, Program Administrator,
and treats them with respect and
compassion. She listens so
patiently to each patron and make
them feel that their problems are
shared and important, added
Martinez.
It has been an honor to work
alongside Jutta over the past two

decades. She has been my counsel,

my second in command and a model
to follow. Through lean times and
good times, she has been a constant,
only missing a handful of workdays
during her long tenure.
As Jutta retires, it is with our
sincere gratitude for having made a
remarkable contribution to the lives of
cancer patients and families in our
region, as well as the many colleagues
with whom she has worked.
On behalf of the board of directors
and the staff of the Rio Grande Cancer
Foundation, congratulations on your
richly deserved retirement! You will
be dearly missed.
P.S. If you would like to leave a
retirement note for Jutta, please visit
our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/rgcf

tio
ns

in
new

Di
re
c

Moving

By Sallie Damron

Choose a healthier and happier direction this year - a direction that will take you away from
unhealthy habits and towards an enriched and healthier existence. This direction will help you
reduce your risk of cancer through wise lifestyle choices which will improve your quality of life.
Moving in a new direction requires commitment so set yourself up for success and take
inspiration from us!

Weight Loss
& Healthy Eating
A healthy diet does wonders for your
heart and decreases your risk of many
types of cancer, so choose the direction of
healthy eating no matter what you weigh.
Incorporate into your diet more fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains. Stock your
refrigerator and cabinets with healthy
choices and eat at home as often as you
can. Take your lunch to work and pack
good-for-you snacks such as yogurt,
almonds, or fruit. You'll be less likely to hit
the vending machine or eat fast food if you
plan your snacks and meals.
If you need to lose weigh start by cutting
back on portion sizes and snacking. Try to
stop eating after 8 p.m. every day. Drink
more water and less soda or sugary drinks
(this includes juice). Avoid the temptation of
extreme dieting. Restricting entire food
groups or dropping below 1000 calories a
day might work in the short-term but the
new direction you have chosen for your life
should be one you continue to follow even
after you are down to your ideal weight.
Make a conscious decision to eat what is
best for your body most every day. When
the pounds start to drop you will be
encouraged to continue in the direction of
healthier choices and less likely to fall back
on your bad habits.
If you are eating and feeling healthier you
will be more motivated to exercise. No need
to sign up for a gym membership with the
rest of the New Years resolution crowd, you
can walk, jog, hike, climb stairs, swim, ride a
bike, even play your favorite sport. Whats
important is that you move your body. If you
do join a gym, find a workout buddy. If you
exercise with a friend you are more likely to
stick with it.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical
activity every day. If you want to lose weight
increase your activity to an hour or more a
day. Consistently exercising is not
necessarily an easy task so make sure you

celebrate your smaller victories such as

making it to the gym four days in one week
or walking every day for 30 to 45 minutes.
Reward yourself with things that feed your
healthy habit of exercising such as finding
new music for your workout or getting a
massage to relax sore muscles.
Exercising not only burns calories but it
also improves your mood, boosts your
energy and helps your body fight against
certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes,
stroke, arthritis, depression, and a host of
other health conditions and diseases.
Exercising is also an excellent stress
reducer because it naturally boosts
endorphins which trigger positive feelings in
the body; it can also distract you from what
is causing your stress.

your social life by making new friends. Join

a club or turn an acquaintance into a
confidant. Consider doing all the things you
have put off because you are too busy.
Make time for family and friends, traveling,
and volunteer work. You know the person
you want to be so turn yourself in that
direction and go for it!

Smoking Cessation

Stress Reduction
& Personal Growth

Besides exercise, a surefire way to

reduce stress is to realize that YOU are in
control of your life. You choose the direction
in which your want your life to go. You can
say no and stop taking on more than you
can handle, you can avoid people and
situations that stress you out, you can start
sharing your feelings, and you can learn to
reframe problems by viewing them with a
more positive perspective.
You can also actively engage in stress
reduction by setting aside time to relax.
Time to write in your journal, take a long
bath, get a massage, listen to music, watch
a comedy, or call a friend. Make sure to do
something you enjoy every day and above
all, keep your sense of humor. You can also
learn to reset your emotional and mental
state through meditation. Managing stress
will change the direction of your life. You will
be happier, healthier, and able to appreciate
your life and its many blessings.
The direction of personal growth is
followed by feeding your mind and soul.
Make a conscious decision to enrich your
life on a daily basis. You can take up a new
hobby or rekindle an old one. Start
journaling about your feelings and
experiences. Take a class for fun or to learn
more about a subject of interest. Expand

Besides the very obvious reason to quit

smoking (cancer), kicking the habit
decreases your likelihood of heart attacks
and stroke. You know smoking is bad for
you but that may not be motivation enough
to quit. Find the right reason for you to quit.
Perhaps protecting your family from
secondhand smoke, saving money, or
looking and feeling younger might provide
the necessary inspiration. Whatever you
choose, it should motivate you to stop
lighting up.
Although this is a personal choice, don't
try to do it alone. The support of your
friends, family, and co-workers will help
increase your chances of smoking cessation
success so make your decision known to
others. They will encourage you and help
keep you on track. You may also want to
join a support group to surround yourself
with people who know exactly what youre
going through.
Just remember that if you slip, dont give
up completely. Relapsing is common, in
fact, many smokers try several times before
kicking the habit completely. Breaking down
and having one cigarette does not mean
you have failed. Simply continue in the
direction of where you are smoke-free and
healthy.

10

MY PLAN:

BEAT
BREAST
CANCER
Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare strongly recommends a breast-health program of
annual mammograms starting at age 40. Detecting breast cancer in its early
stages can greatly increase your chances of survival up to 98 percent.
Weve made a lot of progress toward beating breast cancer, but we still have
a long way to go.
About 12,100 new cases of invasive breast cancer

are diagnosed in Texas women each year

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among

women in Texas, regardless of race and ethnicity

Among Texas women, breast cancer accounts for

30 percent of all cancer cases

Call your doctor today, get screened and encourage others to do the same.

To schedule a mammogram, call

Las Palmas Medical Center at 915.521.1150, or
Del Sol Medical Center at 915.595.9267.

L P DS H E A LT H C A R E .CO M

11

Taking Guidance From

Above
New Directions in
Spirituality After Cancer
by Lisa Y. Garibay

Spirituality is as unique as the individual it

belongs to. And an experience like cancer
can bring someone closer to the question
of faith than they have ever been before.
Thankfully, El Paso is blessed with
compassionate professionals who have
made it their lifes work to assist cancer
patients and their families during
diagnosis and treatment, as well as those
times when the end of life is near. Three of
these guides share why they do what they
do, why ones spiritual health matters as
much as the health of their body, and how it
is never too late to come back to it.
Know more>

12

Taking Guidance From

Above

Rev. Cindy Anderson

Anglican Priest

As part of her calling as a Christian and

as an Anglican priest, Rev. Cindy
Anderson has been engaged in ordained
ministry for eight years. During that time,
she has lived and worked in El Paso
while she and her family have taken shortterm mission trips to Mexico's Copper
Canyon, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Like
the apostle Paul, who worked as a
tentmaker to support his ministry, I am
bivocational, she explains, adding that
she has been an attorney for nearly 30
years and continues to practice law to
support her ministry.
Cindys faith as a Christian deems that
eternal life is not only the quantity of life
after death, but also the quality of life on
earth. That quality of life is the essence
of our spiritual well being. For that reason,
we need to prioritize spiritual well-being as
well as physical well-being, she says.
From her Christian perspective, the true
counselor is the Holy Spirit, and
Christians, whether ordained or lay, are
merely instruments in the hands of God.
Improvement that a cancer patient may
experience from Christian spiritual
counseling is, according to Cindy, a
manifestation of the grace of Lord Jesus
Christ, the love of God the Father, and the
wise counsel of the Holy Spirit.
In her time as a minister, Cindy has
witnessed several basic misconceptions
regarding spiritual counseling. The first
misconception is that God does not listen
and respond to our prayers. God may not
respond with the answer we would like,
but He does respond with the answer that
is ultimately and eternally best for us, she
explains.

| New Directions in Spirituality After Cancer

A second misconception is that anyone

has spiritual power of their own accord.
Cindys faith believes that Christians (both
ordained and lay) are able to comfort and
counsel others only by serving them as
God's chosen instrument.
Issues of whether or not God is listening
most often come up as part of a grieving
process, especially when cancer causes
the loss of livelihood or lifestyle and
results in the patient feeling they have lost
their identity. In response to this crisis,
Cindy says, Spiritually, it is important to
remember that who we are is not the
same as what we do. Christians find their
identity in Jesus Christ, and that identity
can never be lost.
To that end, cancer can help bring forth
what is most important when those
aspects of ones identity have become
buried under too much else that lacks
meaning. Cindy notes that when we face
a crisis like cancer, we recognize very
quickly what matters most in our lives.
This realization frees people to hold on to
the relatively few things that truly matter
and to let go of the many things that do
not. In that sense, cancer can lead to a
"letting go" that is liberating.
In 2012, Cindys calling was both
challenged and strengthened by her
mothers diagnosis of Stage IV colon
cancer that had metastasized throughout
her body. Her oncologist estimated she
would live three months with
chemotherapy and six months without it.
As we left his office, I said, Mom, let's
hop a plane to Ireland. That would have
been my choice, but it was not hers. She
opted for chemo.
Cindys family respected her mothers
wishes and stood by her without question
as the matriarch suffered through
treatment, eventually surviving 14 months
beyond her diagnosis.
Enduring such an experience furthered
Cindys own compassion and has today
made her a more honest counselor. Only
now am I beginning to see the number of
lives she touched during that terribly
painful period. If I were faced with the
same choice today, I believe I would opt
for palliative care. But, I understand my
mother's choice, and I continue to respect
it, she says.
For patients or caregivers just beginning
a spiritual journey, Cindys words of
encouragement come from Psalm 46:10 in
The Bible: Be still, and know that I am
God. Anderson says, Be still and know
that the God of the universe knows you,
loves you, and hears you.

Chaplain Sam Faraone

Spiritual Care and Bereavement
Coordinator for CIMA Hospice,
Chaplain for the El Paso Police
Department, Chaplain for the El Paso
Fire Department, and Chaplain for the
El Paso Field Division of the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Even though he was only a young high
schooler, Chaplain Sam Faraone felt he
knew what his life purpose was. He
combined a calling from God with a desire
to help people and pursued an education
that prepared him for pastoral ministry.
Today, Sam is a hospice chaplain and
bereavement coordinator with more than a
decade of experience. Prior to this role, he
was a full-time senior pastor for 25 years.
He has served with law enforcement and
public service agencies in El Paso since
1992.
To Sam, wellness is much more than
physical health, involving the integration of
physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Spiritual wellness is the foundation of
overall wellness because it is the pathway
to establish peace and acceptance in our
lives, he explains. Frequently, I
encourage people to focus on the
sovereignty of God as a means of finding
inner peace in the midst of turmoil. I like to
think of the sovereignty of God as a
default setting for my faith when life
doesn't make sense.
In his experience, Sam has seen
definite improvement in those who have
come to him for spiritual counseling. With
gratitude to the Lord, I have seen people
regain peace, contentment and joy, he
recalls.
This is not to say that he doesnt also
deal with those in so much pain they
cannot see a purpose for spirituality. He
not only hears patients declare that there
is no hope or that they are beyond help,
or their familys insistence on an instant
solution, he believes in the power of giving

13

them space to express these things,

saying, People need to be heard
especially when they are hurting
emotionally.
He also stresses that it is perfectly
normal for these feelings to occur, stating
that every change one encounters in life
causes a grief reaction, and that grieving
can affect every area of our lives. Sam
urges new cancer patients and their
caretakers to explore spirituality and a
dedication to maintaining the wellness of
this aspect of life alongside that of their
physical being as a foundation in life
when all else seems to be unsteady. Its
the means of maintaining our equilibrium,
he explains.
Major changes in life can be positive if
we allow them to give us new perspective.
Change presents an opportunity to realize
that God is good; every day is a gift; every
relationship is precious; and we have
creating the legacy we want to leave.
Like his colleague Rev. Cindy Anderson,
Sams base line for giving spiritual counsel
is scripture, and he quotes the same
passage. I believe that Be still and know
that I am God is a great place to start, he
says. Begin a new and honest journey to
contemplate the sovereignty of God, the
character of Jesus, and the comfort of the
Holy Spirit.
Chaplain Richard
Sones
Del Sol Medical
Center
Like his peer Sam
Faraone, Christian
Chaplain Richard
Sones felt called to
ministry in high
school, but initially
took a different path.
After graduating from Baylor, he moved to
the East Coast to pursue a career in
computing. Shortly after arriving, however,
he experienced so much anxiety and
sleeplessness over ignoring his calling that
he resigned from the company he was
going to work for and committed to
entering a seminary. The next night I slept
like a baby, he recalls.
Today, Richard strives to bring that kind
of peace to those he counsels, with three
decades of experience behind him. He has
been the chaplain at El Pasos Del Sol
Medical Center for two years and an Army
chaplain for 28 years before that, serving
in Waynesboro, Missouri; Clarksville,
Tennessee; Frankfurt, Germany; Saudi
Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert

Storm; Mogadishu, Somalia; El Salvador

and Kabul, Afghanistan. The veteran also
pastored churches in Amelia, Virginia and
Ft. Worth.
These tours of duty, both in and outside
of El Paso, have convinced Richard that
fear is as damaging to ones health as any
physiological condition. It can not only
cause ailments by itself, it can hamper
traditional forms of treatment, he explains.
Spiritual fitness is like an inoculation
against fear. There is a power unlocked
through faith that enhances the benefit of
physical fitness.
While acknowledging that every
individual has their own different path of
integrating spirituality into a healthier
lifestyle, he says overall that people
experience a sense of relief and renewed
hope once they do so.
Spiritual hope encompasses our day-today physical experiences, but also
transcends them. Another significant
source of relief is the realization that
people are people. We all have similar
hopes, fears, frailties, and temptations, he
says.
Like Sam Faraone, Richard is more than
willing to be the one who simply listens
when a patient or caregiver needs to
express what they are going through. Just
knowing someone understands and is
willing to stick close by is a significant
source of comfort, he said.
The obstacles to faith that this chaplain
has come up against include perceptions
that spiritual counseling is the process of
telling someone what they did wrong or a
form of proselytizing. To address the
second misconception first, Richard tries to
ascertain the persons faith group, if they
have one, and then work with them within
their own frame of reference. I also make
it clear that I wouldnt be as bold as to act
as their judge, he stresses. I start by
learning where they are, what strengths
they have and try to help them build on
those strengths.
When people confront the struggle that
cancer can mean loss of a former
livelihood or lifestyle, Richard is quick to
offer help during this this difficult process.
The last line of an old hymn says, And
the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace. The
most important things in life are intangible.
Getting help on a spiritual level helps put
things in perspective make that truth more
clear, he explains, noting that, for him,
there is more to life than the clutter.
Cancer can force those distractions out of
ones life.

That perspective is one that can not only

help those facing cancer keep going, it can
also lead them to thrive by seeing new
connections all around them. Cancer,
especially from the moment the diagnosis
is uttered brings on feelings of
helplessness. While those feelings are in
themselves not good, they can serve to
open the door of reliance on others,
Richard says. He cites the Biblical example
of the apostle Peter, who learned to sit still
while Jesus washed his feet. Letting
others help is also a way to let others in. It
is one of the keys to significant
relationships.
Finally, and probably most significant,
any kind of suffering will give insight into
other peoples suffering, Richard says.
Experiencing his wifes own cancer journey
(from which she eventually passed away)
no doubt contributed to the chaplains
capacity for understanding, which he is
now able to pass on to those he counsels.
There is another side to loss and grief,
though, and Richard knows it well after all
that he himself has been through. He
refers to Lamentations, possibly the
saddest book in the Bible, and its
description of the prophet Jeremiah, who
expresses bitter sadness over his peoples
exile and confinement in Babylon. But in
the heart of the book, he says that the
mercies of the Lord are the reason we are
not overcome. They are new every
morning.
For Richard, remembering passages like
this and the timeless beliefs they stem
from is all the reminder necessary to jumpstart or re-invigorate ones spirituality
during challenging times or a new year.
The focus of faith always brings one back
to positivity.
Every day can be a waste or a blessing.
Filling up a day with fear and regret is a
day lost. Filling up a day with purpose and
a thankful heart is a day well spent, he
says.

14

Make your list, check it twice!

Here are our

suggestions for new
years resolutions
By Cindi Martinez

As we so often do at the start of a new year, everyone is rushing to make resolutions. But in addition to
promising to get organized or financially sound, why not focus on what really matters: getting and staying
healthy. While we cant prevent cancer, there are things we can do to reduce the risk of getting cancer
and other chronic diseases. Here are our top 12 tips for keeping cancer at bay.
Dont use tobacco. Smoking is the
single most preventable cause of
cancer death in society. Smoking
damages every organ in the human
body, is linked to at least 15 different
cancers, and accounts for some 30%
of all cancer deaths.
Eat a well-balanced, colorful, low fat
diet. This doesnt mean giving up all
your favorite foods. The key is
moderation. Eating red or processed
meats, like hot dogs, or high fat foods
once in a while wont make you a
target for cancer but they should not be
the bulk of your diet. Experts say a
healthy diet should be plant-based,
meaning eating lots of vegetables and
fruits; at least five servings per day are
recommended.

Get plenty of physical exercise. The

link between physical activity and a
reduced cancer risk is well known.
Exercise is known to improve
hormonal, immune, and metabolic
functions in the body and these
functions provide protective benefits
now and in the long term to lower the
overall cancer risk.
Control your weight. Maintaining a
healthy weight helps reduce the risk of
cancer and other chronic diseases,
such as heart disease and diabetes.
Being overweight or obese increases
the risk of several cancers, breast
(among women past menopause),
colon, esophagus, kidney, and other
organs.

Get plenty of sleep. Many health

problems have been linked to a lack of
sleep and even short periods of sleep
deprivation can promote glucose
intolerance, cause hormone
imbalances and raise blood pressure.
Getting enough sleep does help you
control weight gain. Getting too little
sleep has been linked to heightened
binge eating.
Drink Plenty of Water. This is an easy
one. Research suggests that drinking
plenty of water may reduce your risk of
getting bladder cancer. Water dilutes
cancerous agents in your urine.
Additionally, drinking lots of water will
aid in the elimination of toxins from
your body.

 Drink less alcohol. Having more than two

alcoholic drinks a day for men, and one
for women, increases the risk of many
cancers including mouth, throat, larynx,
esophageal, liver and breast. One drink is
defined as one 12-ounce beer, a cocktail
containing 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor,
or 5 ounces of winethats about a
standard wine glass about half full.
Protect your skin from sun damage.
There are one million new cases of skin
cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year,
outnumbering all other cancers combined,
according the National Council of Skin
Cancer Prevention. Sun exposure adds up
day after day, and it happens every time
you are in the sun, even if you are
indoors. Sun blocks are extremely
beneficial. Its a good idea to wear
protective clothing, and when outside use
a wide brim hat and sunglasses.
Take early detection seriously. Regular
self exams and professional screening for
various types of cancer, such as breast,
skin, colon, and prostate cancers can
increase your chances of discovering
cancer early. Ask your doctor about the
best cancer screening schedule for you.
Manage your stress. High stress is linked
to a higher risk for developing cancer.
Research found that emotional stress can
hamper the immune system and lower
DNA-repairing capability, leading to a high
risk of cancer.
Practice Safe Sex. Unsafe sex can result
in the infection of the human papillomairus
(HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer
and a risk factor for many other types of
cancer. HPV is a common sexually
transmitted infection that is spread
through sexual, skin-to-skin contact.
HIV/AIDS is also associated with some
types of cancers.
Reduce exposure to pesticides. Many
studies have shown that individuals
occupationally exposed to pesticides have
unusually high rates of several cancers.
Research suggests that children may face
a cancer risk from home and garden
pesticideseverything from exterminator
services to garden weed killers to the
insecticide strips that hang on many
porches.

MOVING IN A NEW
DIRECTION
How to Start and Exercise Program
By Sandra Terrazas, PT, MBA
It is simple: commit to starting and never restarting. Exercise is the one thing that
you never finish. Exercising throughout ones lifespan is the secret to the fountain of
health. If it were only that easy! The top two excuses are: 1) I dont have time and 2)
I dont have the will. Exercise will buy you time and has to be at your own free will.
So you are ready to start, then what? You must consider many things for sticking
to the program.

First is the cost. Often times, the

cheapest facilities are so full that it
makes it difficult to actually get your
workout done, which leads to frustration.
Second, the location that makes your
workouts more feasible. Consider the
options of closer to work versus closer
to home. Third, a buddy system in
which you have support at home, work,
and in the gym. Fourth, if you are
considering a personal trainer, make
sure they are qualified. Lastly, you must
have the nutritional component
addressed along with exercise to obtain
greater benefits. The number of calories
consumed must equal to the calories
burned in order to maintain ones current
weight. Weight loss is accomplished by
either consuming less calories or
burning more calories. The greatest
result is less calories consumed and
more calories burned.
Then you ask yourself, why will I put
myself through this, yet again? This
time set measurable goals that are
attainable. The components of exercise
are Frequency, Intensity, Time, and
Type.
An example of setting fitness goals is:
Walking, 3 times a week at moderate
intensity for 1 month. A great idea is to
obtain a calendar and fill it up with
monthly goals and break it down weekly
so it turns into a must do check off list.
Make yourself accountable and dont let
yourself down.
The U.S. practices reactive
healthcare. We react after a diagnosis
then try to commit to reverse or fix the
effects. Instead, we should be proactive
and work on prevention. The greatest
prescription given by health
professionals is to exercise because it is
the anecdote for many health issues.
Exercise is an investment in ones
health. It makes you healthy and both
prevents or delays a multitude of
disease processes. The investment
truly translates into dollars in your
pocket. Many people save money by
getting off medications and paying less
for doctor visits or diagnostic exams.
Furthermore, less time off from work and
gas money to make the appointments
saves money. Wellness is priceless.
Why exercise? Because you can and
one day you wont be able to exercise.
This time be the difference in your life.
There is no time like now. You get one
life to live and it is your life. Let this be
the time when you choose to start your
program. No excuses.

15
17

Know when to go pro

How to find a personal trainer
By Rafael Nigaglioni
The benefits of hiring a personal
trainer is one of the most successful
ways to improve your health and fitness.
Today, personal trainers are used by
people of all ages, fitness, and economic
levels to help make lifestyle changes.
The fitness industry does not offer a
standardizing or governing body that
qualifies and defines a personal trainer;
essentially anyone can be a personal
trainer. There are infinite types of
certifications many of which require a
weekend course with or without an
exam. Few certifications require a
Bachelors degree in a fitness
background related field. Furthermore,
continuing education in fitness related
courses are usually minimal or not
mandatory. Consequently, the personal
training industry has questionable areas
in which current knowledge and
expertise may be lacking to safely
develop training programs.
How do you know which personal
trainer is the right choice for you? How
do you know if youre hiring an
experienced educated exercise
specialist? Are their workouts effective
and efficient? Do they motivate their
client? Do they correct form? Are they
attentive?

Here are some suggested tips you

might use to identify the best trainer
for you.
Ensure that your personal trainer is
CERTIFIED. Ask about specific
certifications and areas of expertise.
Ask for a copy of a current
certification along with a copy of their
CPR card.
Assure that your medical, surgical,
and injury history are considered
when incorporating your program.
Injury and the effects of exercise to a
medical condition can be detrimental
to your health if not cleared by a
physician and managed appropriately
by personal trainer.
Ask for references of current and past
clients.
Ask to see exercise profiles of
existing clients to see if the
development and design are goal
specific and seek to achieve a
desired fitness outcome.
Observe a session while other clients
train. See if their style fits your
personal needs.
Hire your trainer based on safe longterm results.
Your trainer should emulate the fitness
lifestyle that they are selling you.

Functional Fitness level tests that

measure baseline strength, agility,
speed, cardiopulmonary endurance,
and body fat composition are
excellent precursors in program
development that can be retested to
determine the effectiveness of your
program
Recommendations to completely alter
your food intake should be done by
the consultation of a registered
dietician, nutritionist, and/or
physician. Also, remember that
supplements are not regulated by the
FDA and should be used with
caution.
Most reputable and experienced
trainers have very limited pricing
options. Simply stated, they know the
value of their expertise and do not
need to discount their rates.
Remember, nothing in fitness is
guaranteed. It takes hard work and
discipline to achieve results. Fitness is a
life-long lifestyle that will be sustained
with the support of a good personal
trainer.
Rafael Nigaglioni, PTA, CPT, CWC
is the Fitness/Wellness Director at
Spectrum Fitness
www.spectrumfitness.org

know
in the

18

Healthy Habits | eat, live and be well

oday it seems we are drowning in
nutrition information. Everyone
from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to Dr. Oz
seems to have something to say
about how we should eat. So with everyone
on the internet, authors of fad diets, and
even articles such as this one telling what to
eat and how, what are we to believe? The
Average Americans simply wants to know
what to put in their mouths three times a
day.
Research is finding the importance of
eating fruits and vegetables and how our
diets affect our overall health. The USDA
recently announced that animal fats are
good for you reversing a ban of more than
30 years on high fat red-meat, eggs and
dairy. I will discuss these developments and
include a couple of recipes that punch a
powerful message to your body.
Over 200 studies examined the
relationship between fruit and vegetable
intake and cancers of the lung, colon,
breast, cervix, esophagus, oral cavity,
stomach, bladder, pancreas, and ovary were
reviewed. A statistically significant
protective effect of fruit and vegetable
consumption was found in 128 of 156
dietary studies in which results were
expressed in terms of relative risk. For
most cancer sites, persons with low fruit and
vegetable intake (at least the lower onefourth of the population) experience about
twice the risk of cancer as those with high
intake--even after control for potentially
confounding factors. It would appear then
that major public health benefits could be
achieved by substantially increasing
consumption of fruits and vegetables.
(Glady Block, 2009).
By 1980 the USDA urged Americans to
eat less high-fat red meat, eggs and dairy
and to replace them with more calories from
fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates.
Mounting research challenges the notion
that fat makes people fat and is a dire risk
factor for heart disease. New research
suggests that its the overconsumption of
carbohydrates, sugar and sweeteners that
are chiefly responsible for the epidemics of
obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Refined
carbohydrates like those in wheat bread,
hidden sugar, low-fat crackers and pasta
cause changes in our blood chemistry that
encourage the body to store calories as fat
and intensify hunger, making it that much
more difficult to lose weight.
Heres the good news: We have known
for quite some time that fats found in
vegetables like olives and in fish like salmon
can actually protect against heart disease.
Now its become clear that even the
saturated fat found in a medium rare steak
or a slab of butter public-health enemies

Super Foods to Turn

Your Diet Around
By Beverly Cotton

Nos. 1 and 2 has a more complex and , in

some cases, benign effect on the body than
previously thought. Our demonization of fat
may have backfired in ways we are just
beginning to understand.
For many, conflicting information makes
healthy eating a daunting task. This list can
help you sort out the healthy eating
dilemma.
Do one recommended change until you
are comfortable with it and then move on to
the next. Keep up with the changes listed
below until you have adopted all five. You
will feel the difference.
Remove the bad fats and replace with
good fats. BACON is a simple acronym
for remembering which fats are best for
you:
B = Butter
A= Avocado and avocado oil
C= Coconut oil/cream/milk
O=Olive oil
N=Nut oils
Change the meat you eat. Ideal protein
choices:
Organic eggs from free-range chickens
Grass-fed beef
Grass-fed, free-range, organic poultry
Grass-fed lamb
Wild game birds (pheasant, duck, goose,
grouse)
Wild game (elk, bear, beaver, etc.)
Whey protein
Replace and reduce refined sugars in
your diet. Here are two natural
alternatives:
Stevia Derived from a South American
shrub. A little goes a long way. If you use
too much it has a very bad taste. Just a
few sprinkles will do.
Minimally processed (organic) honey.
Look for honey from the area where you
live.
Replace grains with pseudo-grains.
Pseudo-grains are seeds and grasses we
commonly classify as grains but which
truly are not. These are super foods
known to be high in protein and fiber. Why
should we dump the grains? Grains are
often processed, which reduces their
nutritional value. Many people have
intolerance to gluten, a protein found in
some processed grains. In the United
States corn and soy are commonly
genetically modified. Eating or overeating
grains on a regular basis can lead to
elevated insulin levels and insulin
insensitivity. These are the recommended
pseudo-grains:
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Teff

Millet
Wild rice.
Drink more water! One of the most
common symptoms of dehydration is feeling
tired. When that tired feeling hits you in the
afternoon, try drinking water instead of a
sugary drink. You might discover that a
healthy glass of water eliminates fatigue,
makes you feel better, and helps you focus
more sharply.
The benefits of water are numerous
from cleansing the kidneys and supporting
healthy skin to increasing concentration.
Water supports healthy digestion and bowel
movements. Ideally you should drink a
minimum of half your body weight in ounces
of water every day.
So, moving to healthy eating does not
mean you have to spend all your time in the
kitchen or that you must give up all your
favorite foods. Following these five steps
can move you to feeling better and enjoying
life more.
The two recipes which follow are
examples of how you can easily prepare
delicious dishes that will actually add to
the quality and possibly the years of
your life.
Mediterranean Salmon
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
cup olives, pitted, drained
Sea salt and ground pepper
4 (6 ounce salmon fillets
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
In a medium bowl combine tomatoes,
olive oil, vinegar, olives, onion, capers, salt,
and pepper. Set aside. Heat saut pan
with coconut oil over medium-high heat.
Saut salmon 3-4 minutes per side or until
cooked through. Add basil to reserved
tomato mixture. Serves 4.

Roasted Chicken and Kale

1 (3 pound) free-range, organic
roasting chicken
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
3 lemons cut into wedges
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon butter, softened (organic
butter)
teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
cup water
10 cups (packed) kale, remove stem,
chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
teaspoon sea salt
Preheat oven to 400. Season the inside
cavity with teaspoon sea salt, half of the
lemon wedges, and the rosemary spring.
Place in roasting pan. Rub the chicken with
the butter, and squeeze the remaining
lemon wedges over the surface of the
chicken. Sprinkle with black pepper and
thyme leaves. Add water to the bottom of
the roasting pan. Roast the chicken
uncovered for 1 1/2 2 hours. Until the
meat reaches and internal temperature of
170 F and the meat surrounding the thigh
joint is no longer pink. Remove the chicken
from the oven, and wait 5 minutes before
carving.
While the chicken is resting, prepare the
kale. Place the kale in a large bowl along
with the olive oil and toss well. Spread the
kale out on an ungreased baking sheet and
sprinkle with tea sea salt. Transfer to the
oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the
kale begins to brown around the edges and
is cooked through. Serves 4.
Beverly Cotton is a Nutrition Consultant for
Standard Process, Inc. in Austin, TX. She will
begin work on a Masters in Nutrition this coming
spring at the University of Bridgeport. Beverly
also holds undergraduate and graduate degrees
in business. She resides in El Paso, TX.

20

CALL FOR ENTRIES

COLORS OF
CANCER
COOKBOOK
The Rio Grande Cancer Foundation invites
you to grab a spoon and get cooking in
our first edition of the Colors of Cancer
Cookbook.
Each dish tells a story and we want to
share yours. In this special collection of
recipes we honor those who have touched
our hearts and taste buds.
Do you have a special recipe that brings
back warm memories? Submit it to the Rio
Grande Cancer Foundation for
consideration!
Heres how:
Entries can be submitted by mail, e-mail or
by visiting our website or facebook page.
Please include your name, contact
information, the person you are honoring
and their story. All recipes should include a
list of ingredients and preparation
instructions as well as the number of
people the recipe serves. (A sample can be
found at right.)

10460 Vista Del Sol Dr #101,

El Paso, TX 79925
(915) 562-7660

www.rgcf.org

2015
PREMIERE
EDITION

21

Poppos Red Chile

Poppos Red Chile
Submitted by: Patty Tiscareo
Poppo (AKA Ralph Tiscareo), did not believe in purchasing red chili in a jar or a pouch or in the
frozen food section. It was simply unacceptable when good, homemade red chili was both easy and
fun to make, although a bit of a mess to clean up! Poppo left us in 2008, but the legacy of his
sauce lives on in his recipe.
Ingredients:
1 bag of dry red chili pods (preferably from the region)
All these ingredients to taste:
Cumin
Garlic
Onion
Corn Oil
Salt & Pepper
Clean the chili pods by breaking off the stems and removing the seeds. Remove as much of the
veins as you can. Rinse the pods.
Add the chilies to a large cooking pot with enough water to just cover. Bring to a boil. Remove from
heat and let sit for 10 minutes, until the chilies have softened and plumped up.
Reserving the soaking water, remove the chilies from the pan and place in a blender. Add the garlic,
salt, ground pepper, cumin and 1 1/2 cups of the soaking liquid. Pure for 2 minutes, until the sauce
is completely smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If you want more heat, add in a
few of the seeds or veins and pure some more. Add more salt if needed.
Pour the sauce through a sieve into a skillet. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the sauce. Bring to a
simmer and reduce heat to maintain the simmer, cook for 10 minutes. Skim off the foam. Remove
from heat.
Store in freezer bags or in a glass container. Use for your favorite red chili dishes!

know
on the go!
in the

understanding the cancer experience

events & happenings

TEAL Fundraiser

In keeping with their pledge to ensure

that women of all ages are informed
about the warning signs of Ovarian
Cancer, survivor Rachel Schaeffer
Barraza, her spouse Andy Barraza and
their daughter, Hope held the third
annual TEAL Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Fundraising event.
Began in 2012 with a hot dog eating
contest at Rachels family business, the
iconic Coney Island Hot Dog, the event
took on new cuisine as 75 friends and
family convened at Italians Restaurant
for a five course meal prepared by
Chefs Keely and Jon Paul.
Money raised at this event is used to
continue to promote awareness of
Ovarian Cancer exclusively in El Paso
through the T.E.A.L fund for Hope,
which is administered by the Rio
Grande Cancer Foundation.
T.E.A.L. stands for Timely Education
Awareness Love and our goal is to
increase awareness for ovarian cancer
by educating young women and their
families about the early warning signs
in hopes of detecting the cancer at an
early stage and increasing the rate of
survival, says Rachel Barraza.
The fine wines were supplied by
Glazers and music was provided by the
duo of Billy Townes and Patty Tiscareo
with selections from their Comes in All
Colors tribute CD benefitting the Rio
Grande Cancer Foundation.

HAIR WARS
The wrap up video and presentation
of a $1,000 check to the Rio Grande
Cancer Foundation wound up the first
El Paso Hair Wars competition. Held
in May 2014 and presented by Windy
City Media, the event featured the
nationally recognized salon competition
where top local salons in each region
had the opportunity to showcase their
artistic side by featuring one-of-a-kind,
extravagant creations down the runway.
Partial proceeds from the event
benefitted the Four Seasons Beauty
program at the Rio Grande Cancer
Foundation.

Logo Launch Party

Friends and colleagues of the Rio Grande
Cancer Foundation met at the El Paso Club
on Thursday, November 13th to celebrate the
launch of the foundations new logo. The new
look is in keeping with the foundations
direction in support of cancer survivorship and
incorporates the message that cancer is not
just defined by just one color.
Board president, Dan Olivas explained that
the new logo conveys the diversity of the
types of cancer people experience and the
myriad of ways in which the Rio Grande
Cancer Foundation helps.

Rio Grande Cancer Foundation

10460 Vista del Sol Suite 101
El Paso, TX 79925

NON PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
EL PASO, TX
PERMIT N0 173

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