Debbie Woodbury

A fundamental right we have as patients is that of health literacy, which the Department of Health and Human Services defines as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. In fact, I’m proud to say that I helped two people learn about and get enrolled in a clinical trial for patients with HR+, HER2- breast cancer. That’s why it was a no-brainer to become a CureClick ambassador and use Twitter, Facebook and WWGN to help “educate the public about the value of clinical research, disseminate patient-friendly information …, build awareness of specific sponsor trials, and facilitate the process for identifying and enrolling suitable participants. Clinical trials “are the key to making progress against cancer” and health literacy is the key to opening the door to clinical trials.

I recently received an email from Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University asking for my help getting the word out about her research. Following this study, Dr. Zhang’s research team is conducting a survey to understand survivors’ nutritional needs and the challenges they face in making healthy food choices. Survivors also weren’t getting enough fiber, vitamin D, vitamin E, potassium or calcium, and were taking in too much sugar, fat and sodium, as defined by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. The research team at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University is conducting a survey to understand cancer survivors’ nutritional needs and the challenges they face in making healthy food choices.

Later, I called a cancer center in New York City and was cheerily told that though my insurance wasn’t accepted, an appointment could be set up right away. I didn’t want to admit that I couldn’t cope with the stress of teaching my daughter to drive, but I just didn’t have the resources. As a stage 0 cancer patient who “only” needed a mastectomy, I was plagued by survivor’s guilt after my diagnosis. Intellectually, I know cancer isn’t my fault, but that obviously doesn’t matter.

Don’t over clean your house: I used to spend hours cleaning before company came. If you want to spend your cleaning time wisely, focus on the powder room. Seasonalize the nest: With the cold winter months upon us, there is no better feeling than the warmth and glow of a comfortable home. Soften your lighting:  Dimmers are a low cost, easy way to bring drama and coziness to a space.