Nutrition Class Available for Cancer Patient and Families

The cancer services program of Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital is pleased to offer a community nutrition class for cancer patients and their families and caregivers titled Eating Well through Cancer Treatment. The two-hour class will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2008 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital conference rooms located on the first floor.

Presented by the registered dietitians and oncology nurses of Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital, the class will provide information regarding general nutrition and explain how nutrition can be affected during cancer treatment. The oncology nurses and dietitians will discuss several of the side effects that occur and affect healthy nutrition during cancer treatment and offer suggestions to alleviate those side effects. Some of the side effects of cancer treatment are neutropenia (low white blood cell count) anemia, anorexia (decreased appetite) weight loss, sore mouth, diarrhea, constipation, taste changes, fatigue, etc.

Each participant will receive a free cookbook entitled “Eating Well Through Cancer” written by Holly Clegg and Gerald Miletello, M.D. while supplies last. The lunch portion of the program will be from’noon to 1:00 p.m. followed by an educational information session. Selections from the cookbook will be included in the food assortment. Interested individuals must pre-register by calling Spectrum Health Crossroads Radiation Therapy Center at 832-5817 by March 3, 2008.