The Marie Keating Foundation’s free six-part Cancer and COVID-19 webinar series brings expert advice on a wide range of topics into the homes of cancer patients and survivors
Cancer patients and survivors are being urged to sign up for a free six-part Cancer and COVID-19 Wellness Webinar series, which starts this Thursday, May 7th, and aims to give expert advice to those on a cancer journey on how to stay healthy while at home or cocooning.
The Marie Keating Foundation initiative covers topics such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, managing stress and managing side effects of treatment.
The series, kindly supported by Roche, is delivered by the cancer charity’s Director of Nursing Services, Helen Forristal who will be joined each week by expert speakers in their respective areas.
Anyone currently undergoing cancer treatment or recently finished, is more vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. The Foundation has noticed a rise in calls and emails reflecting the feeling of increased levels of stress and anxiety out there. Each one-hour episode is designed to provide vital support and reassurance while allowing those most at risk to remain safe in their homes.
Director of Nursing at the Marie Keating Foundation, Helen Forristal said “Despite restrictions with social distancing and cocooning, it is imperative that we remain together as a community while we are apart and offer support and advice to anyone who needs it during this challenging time. Our webinar series is designed to give those on a cancer journey and their families a sense of togetherness as well as tailored information to help everyone stay health while staying safe at home.”
The webinar series starts this Thursday at 11am, covering the important topic of diet and nutrition with Aveen Bannon, registered dietitian.
“Correct nutrition advice for cancer patients is really crucial in ensuring that strength and weight is maintained during treatment. This has never been more important than during this challenging time when cancer patients are cocooning and out of their usual routines. All of us can fall into bad habits when we are at home for so long and it is so important that all of us take our nutrition seriously at this time. I am delighted to be contributing to the first episode in this webinar series and hope that it can bring some sense of control and reassurance in relation to good food choices while at home to everyone who tunes in” Aveen Bannon, dietitian and founder of the Dublin Nutrition Centre
“This time is challenging, not being able to see or hug loved ones and the feelings of isolation that can come from cocooning are difficult to deal with. Having support and advice available online and using technology to feel connected is so important right now. I will be tuning in for the webinar series as it is crucial that I take all the advice and help I can get to ensure I am as strong mentally, physically and emotionally as I can be, while I am on on-going treatment and cocooning. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to myself to do the same. We may all be a part but it is important that we stay connected and continue taking support where we can, so that we can all come through this safe and well and stronger than before” Deirdre Dowling, metastatic breast cancer survivor and member of the Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living Support Group
The six-part series is designed to be enjoyed as a series but if preferred individual sessions can be subscribed to as well. Registration for each webinar is free and attendees will be sent a link to their chosen webinar two days before the event. Visit www.mariekeating.ie/event for information on the webinars on offer and to register for free.
For more information on the webinars on offer and how to sign up, click here.
