December 20, 2021
Tower Cancer Research Foundation Workshops
Tower Cancer Research Foundation’s patient support division has teamed up with the Marilyn Magaram Center’s Nutrition and Wellness Clinic to bring free monthly nutrition classes to cancer patients and survivors. The series is taught remotely via Zoom where participants are able to sign up for presentations on various evidence-based nutrition topics. The nutrition science lecture is led by Shely Salemnia, MS, RD, CLE, followed by a cooking demonstration by Jenica Smith, MMC Project Coordinator. UC Master Gardener and the MMC’s own Andreas George recently joined the team as the Garden Coordinator, teaching participants about how they can easily grow various vegetables at home. These workshops are being developed and presented based on the interests of the participants.
The pilot session took place in August where participants learned all about the power of protein and the importance of this macronutrient during cancer treatment. The team then developed a workshop series discussing cruciferous vegetables and how important they are for cancer prevention with the following topics: “Broccoli and Its Cousins,” “Arugula and Its ‘Unbe-leaf-able’ Benefits,” and “Rooting for Root Vegetables.” Salemnia provided details about the research which demonstrates that consumption of cruciferous vegetables may prevent various types of cancer, then Smith incorporated the vegetables into easy and delicious recipes that the participants could make and enjoy at home. The food demonstration recipes are outlined below:
July 2021: “Peanut Butter Energy Bites” and “Pomegranate & Pistachio Granola Bars”
September 2021: “Garlicky Greens” and Orange and Arugula Salad”
October 2021: Broccoli 3-ways: “Basil Broccoli,” “Spicy Broccoli & Cauliflower Tofu,” and “Broccoli and Potato Soup.”
November 2021: “ Radish & Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Toast” and “Creamy Smashed Turnips”
In addition to the food demonstrations and nutrition lectures, George provided exciting home gardening tips for the vegetables that the participants learned about. Each session was jam-packed with scientific information and fun cooking lessons to empower participants with the knowledge to make evidence-based decisions on what and how to eat to improve quality of life no matter where they are in their journey.
We have received extremely positive feedback from the workshop participates who are eager to learn more about nutrition education as it related to cancer, gardening, and how to prepare easy and delicious recipes at home. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Tower Cancer Research Foundation through the end of the 2021-2022 academic year.