Griffin Hospital Celebrating Survivors

DERBY — National Cancer Survivors Day, the world’s largest cancer survivor event, is Sunday, June 7.

Griffin Hospital’s National Cancer Survivors Day celebration of life will be held at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street, from 1 to 3 pm. The public is invited to attend and enjoy food, music, guest speakers, door prizes, and a fashion show put on by Griffin’s own Therapy Dogs.

Come learn how surviving cancer is an attitude about life and living each day to the fullest, and celebrate the contributions of families, friends, and health care providers and discuss the issues of cancer survivorship.

Anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, is a cancer survivor, according to the NCSD Foundation. Approximately 12 million Americans are now living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer.

In the United States, almost half of all men and one third of all women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.

Members of the public are also invited to join with Griffin Hospital staff for a talk by David L. Katz, MD, MPH, titled “Loving Foods that Love You Back” on Thursday, June 11, at 6 pm. Dr Katz will also explain the NuVal (food scoring system) and the Nutrition Detective programs.

The talk is being offered as part of an ongoing initiative by the Patient Centered Care Council at Griffin Hospital to showcase the ten core components of Planetree. The importance of the nutritional and nurturing aspects of food is the component being showcased during the month of June.

Planetree is a consumer-driven health care organization dedicated to humanizing health care. Griffin Hospital adopted the Planetree model of care in 1992 and is one of only six hospitals nationwide officially named a “Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospital.”

In addition to nutrition, the Planetree Components include Human Interactions, Architecture & Interior Design Conducive to Health & Healing, Empowering Patients through Information and Education, The Importance of Family, Friends and Social Support, Spirituality: The Importance of Inner Resources, The Importance of Human Touch, Healing Arts: Nutrition for the Soul, Complementary Therapies, and Healthy Communities.

Those interested in attending either event should register by calling 732-1511 or online at www.griffinhealth.org.