Improving and Inspiring the Lives of Others
RESOURCES AND NEWS
There are so many needs and questions to be answered when a loved one is diagnosed with any type of cancer.
We are here to help. Our Friend Christopher is dedicated to giving back to the community in ways that improve and inspire the lives of others. That includes sharing resources, advocating for change, and supporting families in need.
Advocating for Change for Pediatric Cancers
What we have done - Where we are now.
February - May 2022, Our Friend Christopher joined hundreds of people and organizations across the US to advocate for more funding for Pediatric Brain Tumors and Pediatric Cacners. Our Friend Christopher Headed to the Hill Sharing Christopher's Story and advocating for additional funding for Pediatric Cancer and Brain Tumor Cancer. Brain Tumors are now the #1 cause of cancer related deaths in children under the age of 19, and the treatments for any pediatric cancers has seen little change in the last 40 years.
FEEDING
A HEALTHY BRAIN
Brain health is a critical piece of your overall health. It underlies your ability to communicate, make decisions, problem-solve and live a productive and useful life. Because the brain controls so much of your daily function, it is arguably the single most valuable organ in the human body.
SO WHAT SUPPORTS A HEALTHY BRAIN?
Exercise
Regular exercise has been shown to slow age-related brain deterioration and maintain cognitive abilities that typically decrease with age. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, avoid vascular disease leading to stroke and helps maintain a healthy supply of blood pumping to the brain. Exercising is as easy as going for a walk, playing a sport or attending an exercise class, among many others. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Examples of mental exercises include logic-strengthening education and puzzles. Games such as chess and sudoku use strategic thinking, making them mental exercises as well.
Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in brain health. Humans spend about one-third of each day sleeping, and sleep is key to brain health. Sleep plays an important role in the function of the brain, the immune system and many other systems in the body. Sleep keeps you sharp, focused and able to make thoughtful decisions. While different age groups require different amounts of sleep, the general recommendation is around six to seven hours a night. This consistent, restful sleep gives your brain time to dispose of metabolic waste and optimise memory.
Access to Care
Finally, the availability and accessibility of care and exposure to preventative programs are important for brain health. Access to care makes it possible to catch issues early, ensure proper treatment and prevent further health issues. When healthcare is not accessible, brain health is impacted.
Diet
In the same way that diet is important for the entire body, it’s important for the brain. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruit, vegetables, protein and whole grains nourishes the body and brain. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and refined sugars, however, can promote inflammation and vascular disease, resulting in tissue damage.
Environment
Your environment can also influence brain health. Environmental toxins include contaminants in water, food and the air. These toxins can all lead to neurological issues such as stroke, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Another type of environmental risk is repetitive or major head trauma. Caused by accident or in extreme sports, head injuries create an injurious setting for your brain cells.
Reference: World Federation of Nuerology
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Here is what we asked for:
1 We asked Congress to Reauthorize the STAR ACT, the most comprehensive childhood cancer act in history
2. We asked Congress to Cosponsor the Accelerating Kids' Access To Care ACT which reduces regulatory burdens that allow children with cancer to gain speedy out of state care
3. We urged Congress to co-sponsor the Stop the Wait ACT. This bill would ensure brain tumor patients and other patients with urgent financial and medical needs, get the SSDI and Medicare benefits they have earned.
4. We asked Congress to expand the NCI Glioblastoma Theapeutic Network to provide a minimum of 30 millioin annual budget
5. We asked Congress to increase the National Cancer Society Budget to 7.7 Billion.
These are all critical bills to ensure progress is made for people impacted by Brain Tumors or Cancer. https://braintumor.org/your-voice/head-to-the-hill/
BRAIN TUMOR GROUPS
