Spirituality and Cancer: Tapping into the deeper dimensions of healing with Susan Conrad, MDiv
Thursday, May 22nd, 4-6pm

The diagnosis of cancer often brings with it a search for answers to deeper questions about life, death, and the nature of our existence. What does it mean to truly embrace life? How can we develop a meaningful connection to ourselves, others, and the world around us through this frightening time? How can we foster emotional and spiritual wellbeing? How can we ignite our healing spirit? In this interactive and enjoyable session, we will explore: the definition of spirituality and how it differs from religion the positive effects of a spiritual practice on health and healing tools for developing your own spiritual practice No charge, though registration required. Held at 2200 Post Street, 1st floor, Hellman conference room. Please register with the Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693.

Food for Life: A Course In Healthy Cooking with Kirsten Doyle, RN, Certified Nutritional Consultant and Natural Chef
Mondays, June 9th through June 30th, 6-8pm

Co-sponsored by The Cancer Project, this four-week course will provide information and cooking demonstrations on how to prepare meals that are delicious and nutritious. The principles of low-fat vegetarian cooking are useful to persons with cancer and other illness, as well as to the general public. Topics will include:

• Favoring Fiber
• Discovering Dairy Alternatives
• Replacing Meat
• Antioxidants & Phytochemicals

No charge, though pre-registration is required. Space is limited. To register, contact the Cancer Resource Center at 415-885-3693. Held at Ida's Cafe, 2356 Sutter Street (between Divisadero and Scott streets).

Self-Help Acupressure for Health and Symptom Management with Jaynie Farnsworth & Susie Plettner
Tuesday, June 24th, 4-6:30pm

This seminar will focus on a particular type of acupressure, called Jin Shin Jyutsu. Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient art of balancing the body's life energy for optimal health, vitality, and well-being. Daily use of the Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure points will alleviate stress, revitalize the mind/body, and enhance the body's ability to heal itself. In this free workshop you will learn:

• the history of Jin Shin Jyutsu
• the location of the 26 safety energy pressure points and how to apply them.
• complete self-help acupressure techniques that reduce side-effects of chemo-therapy, as well as specific aliments like backaches, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, fatigue, breathing disorders, digestive stresses, skin disorders, and much more!

No charge, though registration required. Light refreshments served and you are welcome to bring in additional food. Held at the UCSF Medical Center, 2200 Post Street, 1st floor, Hellman conference room. Space is limited. Please register with the Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693.

Nutrition & Chemotherapy: Coping with side effects with Greta Macaire, RD
Wednesday, July 9th, 4-6pm

In this seminar you will learn tips to help minimize nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, & constipation. You'll hear about how to gain/lose weight in a healthy manner, the importance of food safety during cancer therapy, and also supplements that may interact with your treatment.

No charge. Register with the Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. Held at UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero, 3rd floor.

The Healing Power of Poetry with Sally Love Saunders
Thursday, July 24th, 4-6pm

Is there a connection between the sources of poetic inspiration and the roots of healing? Many people who write poetry -- either professionally or casually - think so. You are invited to join other closet or would-be poets to explore this for yourself and experience the joy of self-nurturance through poetry. You will learn techniques for transferring feelings into written words and strategies to help get in touch with your creative potential, enabling you to express yourself more eloquently. Bring in a favorite poem(s), a pencil and a notebook.

No charge, though registration is required. Please register with the Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. Held at 2200 Post Street, 1st floor, Hellman conference room.

Fat: Friend or Foe? with Greta Macaire, RD
Wednesday, August 13th, 4-6pm

This seminar will focus on the various types of fats and their role in health. We'll discuss the latest research in cancer with regards to fats that harm and fats that heal. You will learn tips on choosing quality oils and how to include healthy fats in your diet. We'll also provide you with healthy fat recipes you can make at home.

No charge. Register with the Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. Held at UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero, 3rd floor.

What You Need to Know About Clinical Trials with Ellyn Cohen, PhD, Bev Fein, RN, MSN & Rachael Hajnal, BSN, MPH
Thursday, August 21st, 4-6pm

Clinical trials can increase the treatment options for eligible cancer patients, but making the decision to participate can be a challenge. Knowing what to expect and the potential risks and benefits are extremely important in helping you to make an informed decision. In this seminar we will talk about what you might expect in a clinical trial and how to make this important decision. We'll also discuss the various types of trials, the phases of trials and what they mean, safeguards to protect participants, important questions to ask, and resources for finding a trial that meets your needs.