CellMark Biopharma Executive Appointed To International Editorial Board

CellMark Biopharma, a global innovator in medical nutrition combining scientifically based medical research with innovative multi-platform technology congratulates Erica Boliek on her appointment to the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism official journal, Clinical Nutrition.

Fort Myers, US – January 5, 2016 — European and United States share a common, yet highly disturbing cancer statistic: 20-40% of cancer patients die from malnutrition and not the cancer itself. CellMark has taken yet another step in reaching its highly ambitious goal of cutting those deaths in half through its Medical Nutrition line as well as its ever increasing presence and influence in the international nutrition world. CellMark Biopharma proudly announced that Erica Boliek, Chief of Research and Development, has been added to the editorial board as a reviewer for The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism official journal is Clinical Nutrition with an impact factor 3.41, making it #12 among the 59 journals of Nutrition and Dietetics. It is an international journal providing essential scientific information on nutritional and metabolic care and the relationship between nutrition and disease both in the setting of basic science and clinical practice. As a reviewer for the journal, Ms. Boliek, will be a part of the peer-reviewing process that subjects scientific research papers to revision based on the scientific merit and validity of the article and its methodology before being published.

Ms. Erica Boliek, M.M.S., PA-C, is a clinician-scientist who has spent her time cultivating broad experience in various research fields and medical nutrition development. Among her other credentials are Board Certified Athletic Trainer, CPCC (certified professional cancer coach) and manuscript reviewer and editor for the Journal of Athletic Training and the American College of Sports Medicine. She has published works in the Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants and lectured globally.

CellMark Biopharma congratulates Erica Boliek and is proud to have her as part of the management team at the company fostering a better today and future for everyone.

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology, Cancer, cancer super drink, Clinical Trials, Daniel Von Hoff, Stand Up To Cancer, Oncology, Pharmaceutical, Research, Health, CellMark Biopharma, Derek Vest, Kalos Therapeutics, Erica Boliek, Dr. Stan Headley, Craig Pisaris-Henderson, CellAssure, Cognify

Contact Info:
Organization: CellMark Biopharma LLC
Address: 1591 Hayley Ln Ste 201 Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: 888-444-7992

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com

How Can I Help My Spouse Now That They Are Diagnosed With Cancer?

A diagnosis is no longer the death sentence it once was. The American Cancer Society states that 13.7 million people have survived cancer, as of 2012. New treatments and technologies are helping people to live for many years after a cancer diagnosis. One of the most important adjuncts of treatment is the support of spouses and family members. If your spouse has been diagnosed with cancer, there are a number of ways you can help them through the difficult emotional and physical phases that can occur during treatment.

When Your Loved One Is Diagnosed

The day of diagnosis may be one of the most monumental days of the individual’s life. It is a time when people must come face-to-face with their own mortality. Previous feelings of power, health, confidence and control may be shattered when faced with the prospect of cancer treatment and possible death.. After the cancer diagnosis, loved ones will experience a number of different emotions and thoughts, some of which may be disturbing to hear. Resist the urge to try to “fix” the situation for them and just let them verbalize the depth and variety of issues that have come to mind. This is a time when the spouse should encourage the patient to talk about their feelings and express your own feelings. This honesty can bring you closer for the task ahead. Reassure the patient that you will be there for them, whatever happens, and commit to working as a team to achieve the best outcome possible.

Planning For Treatment

Cancer treatment can be an absorbing experience that requires a great deal of time, energy and emotional upheaval. Be frank in planning for childcare, financial needs, time away from work and other practical matters that must be arranged. Discuss how family and friends should be told about the diagnosis. Offer to be the gatekeeper for phone calls and visits. If possible, do preparatory work that will make life easier while you concentrate on treatment, such as stocking food in the pantry and making your home easier to maintain.

When Treatment Begins

Cancer treatment can become a maze of appointments, procedures, results and communications. You can help your spouse by taking over the job of organized these matters. It is likely there will be times when the individual does not feel physically well or emotionally strong enough to manage these matters. This assistance can be particularly important in case the individual experiences “chemo brain” during treatment. This condition causes confusion and memory problems as a result of chemotherapy. You can allow your loved one to concentrate on getting well by being the “go-to” person for these important issues. Be supportive of the individual’s personal needs and

Caregivers Must Care For Themselves

The task of caring for someone who is under treatment for cancer can be exhausting. It’s also important for caregivers to do those small things that help them to feel more rested and more normal. Get your hair done or take time to go shopping. Have a drink with friends or engage in your favorite hobby. Be aware that burnout can happen and try to care for yourself while caring for the loved one with cancer.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer embark on a journey back to health that can be physically difficult and emotionally taxing. These actions can aid their treatment and recovery, as well as deepen your relationship.

http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@research/documents/webcontent/acspc-042151.pdf

http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/03/how-you-can-help-a-spouse-with-cancer/

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/emotionalsideeffects/copingwithcancerineverydaylife/a-message-of-hope-for-spouses-families-friends

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com

How Can I Help my Parents After the Diagnosis of Cancer?

When a family member receives a diagnosis of cancer, it changes the dynamic within the family radically. When it is parents who are diagnosed, the focus can shift radically. Parents who formerly prided themselves on taking care of others now need taking care of themselves, and this change can cause a variety of reactions in these individuals’ children, of whatever age. Here are a few tips on how to best provide help practical assistance and emotional support for a parent who has been diagnosed.

Emotional Reactions to the Diagnosis
Learning you have cancer is a life-changing experience for individuals, who now has to confront their own mortality, the rigors of treatment and the uncertainty of the outcome. They may have good days and bad days, that is, days when they feel strong and ready to fight the disease and other days, when they feel overwhelmed and frightened. The children of diagnosed patients can also experience this shifting emotional state. Teens may express anger, optimism or detachment at different times. Adult children may feel depressed, hopeful or helpless, in turn. All of these emotions are normal and should be acknowledged as part of the experience of having a loved one with a serious illness. Matters that seemed to be important in the past seem less critical as the family begins to focus on the person that is ill and what the person means to each individual member. The main concern should be to find ways to offer practical emotional and physical support to the ill parent.

Talk Openly About Emotions
Many families are shocked and fearful after learning their parent has a serious disease. These emotions can cause family members to shut down, fearful about bothering others about their questions and concerns. When this occurs, it only serves to make the family atmosphere more anxious and under stress. Parents from past eras or different cultures may have particular problems expressing their fears. Although some families are not comfortable expressing emotions, try to get past this reservation and open up about your feelings. Encourage the parent to express his or her feelings, as well. In this way, emotions will be out in the open and others can provide support as it is needed.

Educate Yourself
Learn as much as you can about the disease and recommended treatments from cancer-related Internet sites or from books at your local library. This information will allow you to understand the procedures that your parent is undergoing. Internet forums or support groups can put you in touch with others whose family members are dealing with the same diagnosis.

Be An Advocate For Your Parent
Your parent may become overwhelmed by the amount of information he or she receives. Scheduling and remembering appointments can be a burden when the patient is not feeling well from treatment. Take over these tasks for your parent, making notes and organizing appointments so that the parent can concentrate on getting well. Make sure that the parent is getting the correct treatment, as prescribed, that medications are taken as directed and that the patient is eating and sleeping properly. These small actions can make treatment a little easier on the patient.

Offer Practical Assistance
Driving your parent to appointments, picking up supermarket items and helping with laundry or housecleaning can make the burden of treatment less exhausting. If you can’t do these chores yourself, hire someone to do them. Grocery delivery services are available in many larger communities. Relieving the parent of these small chores can help them preserve their energy for more important things.

Share Little Luxuries
Take the time to spend a day at the beach, a pedicure, an afternoon at the movies or other small pleasure that the parent enjoys. These escapes from the rigors of treatment can create special moments that make the experience less taxing.

A parent’s diagnosis can be an opportunity to bring family members together for a common goal. Helping the parent also help to reduce your own anxiety about treatment and the prognosis for the future.

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com

How Can I Help My Grandparent Now That They Are Diagnosed with Cancer?

When a grandparent is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the entire family group. The adult children of the individual often react with shock and distress about the risk of losing the parent. Grandchildren who are very young may only understand that the elder is sick, but he or she can sense the concern in others. Older children may not know how to interact with the patient or may wonder how to provide assistance. Teen grandchildren may react with anger or avoidance. A wide range of confusing emotions and reactions are normal after the diagnosis of a serious illness. Parents and the ailing family member should work together to provide information for children and to help them understand what is happening. These feelings should be acknowledged and accepted, so that the family can continue to provide the practical assistance and emotional support the patient needs.

The Day of Diagnosis
The first day that an individual learns he or she has the disease is just the beginning of a long journey that can be physically difficult and emotionally exhausting. The ailing family member may go through a number of emotions, such as shock, disbelief, fear, anger or despondency. As a grandchild, you too will have to deal with your own fears about the seriousness of the illness. If you are an adult grandchild, you can be there from the first day of diagnosis, ready to lend your support, your presence will trigger the impulse to be brave and will intensify the desire to fight the disease.

Informing Young Grandchildren
Don’t try to hide the diagnosis from young children, who are very sensitive to the changes of emotions, activities and schedules in a household. Information provided to these children should be at the level of understanding they can handle. Don’t be afraid to use the word “cancer,” but make it clear that they didn’t cause the cancer, and they cannot catch it.

Staying Connected, Whether Near or Far Away
Keeping grandchildren informed about the elder’s illness could differ whether he or she lives close by, or lives far away. Children may be aware of when the elder family member is ill from treatment or cannot interact with them as before because of fatigue. The parents should make sure that children know this is all part of the treatment that can will get the elder well again. When the elder lives far away, children may not be aware of these day-to-day changes. Parents should prepare children, in advance of a visit, for changes in appearance or activity level. Either way, children should be encouraged to bring pictures they have drawn or books they have enjoyed, to share with the elder. Sharing the time and interests can have a beneficial effect on the patient and will ensure that children understand that the illness is not to be feared and avoided. Adult grandchildren can offer support and diversion by keeping the elder informed of events in their lives and in the world, at large.

Offering Practical Assistance
At whatever age they are, children can benefit from offering practical assistance to the patient. Simple chores such as sorting laundry, walking the dog, putting away groceries or doing household chores will allow the children feel they are contributing to the care of the patient, as well as let the elder feel loved and cared for. Teen and adult grandchildren can schedule appointments, drive to treatments and do errands for the patient.

Be Honest At The Appropriate Level
Children with family members who are seriously ill naturally have questions about their dying. Be honest about the uncertainty of the situation, but also offer hope about the ability of treatment to help the elder feel better. Keep the information at a developmental level they can understand, without using complex terminology that can be mysterious or unsettling. Adult grandchildren may be aware of the seriousness of the illness. They should continue to offer support, as needed, to help the patient cope with the condition. Often, the simple act of being present to read to the patient or be on hand is the best gift you can give a grandparent dealing with illness.

A diagnosis of a cancerous condition, though troubling, can be an opportunity to draw a family closer and provide assistance for the patient dealing with emotions and discomforts of this difficult time. It can also provide children and grandchildren with practical tools for dealing with life’s common problems.

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com

How Can I Help My Child Now That They Are Diagnosed With Cancer?

A diagnosis of cancer can turn a family’s world upside down, but when it is a child that is diagnosed, the impact is even stronger. The fears about treatment and outcome can go very deep in parents, who must continue to be supportive and positive. Siblings of the patient may have a variety of reactions, and these emotions must be understood and honored, even as other events are occurring. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness.

Educate Yourself
As a parent, you will probably feel shock, sadness, disbelief or even guilt when your child is diagnosed with cancer. Your fears about the child’s prognosis may be overwhelming. Parents should arm themselves with as much information as possible about the particular forms of cancer, options for treatment and the many specialized

medical terms used in this area of medicine. Navigating the complex world of medical treatment, insurance forms and other issues will take up a considerable amount of time and energy, and parents can arm themselves with knowledge to help make the process easier.

Reassuring the Patient
Your child will no doubt have many questions about his or her illness and its seriousness. Your job will be to try to find ways to explain the complexities of the illness in language that is suitable for the child’s age and level of understanding. Allow the child to explore fears about death or disability. Reassure the child about the vast numbers of children who have had cancer and recovered. Purchase some books on the topic and discuss the information on cancer contained in the stories. Teens with a cancer diagnosis will need more sophisticated information, and connection with other teens that are dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be particularly important in this age group. Find a cancer support group or online forum so they can feel connected to others going through the same types of experiences.

Including the Siblings
A cancer diagnosis alters the entire family dynamic, so make sure you are available to answer the questions of siblings and deal with their fears about the patient’s condition and the future. Include the siblings in discussions about scheduling and have them help out with chores that will need attention while you are busy with the patient. If children must stay with other family members or friends during the treatment period, discuss how you will stay connected so that everyone stays informed.

Make Arrangements to Keep the Child Engaged
Your child’s schedule and ability to participate in activities may be affected by treatment, but you should still arrange to keep his or her life as normal as possible during this time. Children should be encouraged to return to school as quickly as possible. Parents should be in close contact with the school principal and teachers, to ensure that the child can continue academic pursuits, whether in class or at home. Children often have to explain to their peers what’s going on with their treatment, so help your child provide answers to these questions as simply as possible to facilitate their interaction. Certain accommodations for time away from classes or for physical effects from treatment may have to be arranged with teachers and school officials. However, encourage having friends over to visit and keeping in touch through Facebook or texts to keep your child engaged with others.

Schedule In Some Fun
In the seriousness of dealing with a major illness, don’t forget to take time out to have fun together as a family. Plan a day at the beach or an afternoon at a local amusement park. Time away from thoughts about cancer and treatment can help your child to deal with the intensity of the experience. This respite away from doctors and medical concerns can help to refresh your spirit and recharge your energy so that you can deal with these issues more effectively on your return.

Reach Out To Others
Being the parent of a sick child is a difficult role that can be made easier by interaction with others who are going through the same experiences or have gone through them in the past. Join a support group or find other parents online with whom you can air your fears and concerns.

Helpful Resources:

• http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/childrendiagnosedwithcancerdealingwithdiagnosis/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-dealing-with-diagnosis-cancer-is-a-crisis-for-the-whole-family
• https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000844.htm
• http://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/child-adolescent-cancers-fact-sheet
• http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-returning-to-school
• http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/childrendiagnosedwithcancerdealingwithdiagnosis/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-dealing-with-diagnosis-how-parents-react
• http://www.cancerindex.org/ccw/guide2sg.htm

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com

Chemo Brain

Cognify

On your day of diagnosis, your life changes irreparably. You know that you will need every possible physical and mental resource you can martial to win your fight against your illness. Unfortunately, just as you need all your willpower and intelligence to fight your disease, you may find yourself in a mental fog, thinking more slowly than usual, forgetting things, or struggling to concentrate. This doesn’t mean that you are going crazy or that your disease has spread to your brain. It is known as “chemo fog” and is a common side effect of your various therapies and one that can be ameliorated with treatments such as Cognify by CellMarkBiopharma.

What is Chemo Brain?
What doctors call chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment or dysfunction or cancer-therapy associated cognitive change are a set of mental changes experienced by many patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. These

changes, according to the American Cancer Society, can last for months or even years. Typical components of chemo fog may include:

• difficulty concentrating
• memory problems
• slow thinking
• struggling with speaking or writing
• inability to multitask

These problems are not just due to chemotherapy, but to a variety of factors including the cancer itself, sleep problems, nutritional deficits, stress, hormone treatments, and other medications. These mental changes can last for months or even years after treatment and may interfere with your ability to work, attend school, take care of children, or otherwise handle common chores such as managing your household finances.

What Can You Do as a Patient
Preventing chemo brain should start as soon as possible after your day of diagnosis, even before you start your chemotherapy. One key to controlling many of the side effects of your disease and treatment is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many studies have shown that exercise helps maintain brain function and mood. Even taking short walks around your neighborhood or peddling a stationary bicycle while watching television can reduce symptoms of chemo fog. Simplifying your daily routine and writing reminders on a calendar or programming them into your phone will help you minimize the impact of mental fog on your regular life. However, to start the Day of Diagnosis so that you are optimizing your chances of preventing chemo brain starting a natural solution, like Cognify, to combat this and support you and your ability to function at work, with family, and all activities of daily living. This proactive approach will provide you the patient with the ability to deploy the neuroprotective components of our medical nutritional formula and aid in prevention of chemo brain.

What Can You Do as a Family Member
As a family member of a patient or survivor, you are an essential part of the struggle against the illness and its side effects. You can help in assisting the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle by preparing nutritious meals and taking the patient out for short daily walks. Help your family member cope with cognitive deficits by setting up automatic bill pay, a phone-based organizer system, and perhaps a meal delivery service to help with organizing daily life. As the mind, like the body, keeps in shape by being exercised, schedule time with the patient to play chess or Scrabble, do crossword puzzles, read and discuss books, or attend cultural events.

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com

What is Cancer Cachexia or Cancer Anorexia

Cancer can produce a wide range of side effects that many patients know little or nothing about until they begin to experience them. This includes cancer anorexia (also called cancer cachexia), a condition that affects nearly 80 percent of all cancer patients. Here is a closer look at why this syndrome occurs and what it does to a patient’s health when left untreated.

Cancer and the Human Body
The side effects of cancer change between almost every patient depending on where the cancer is, the stage of their cancer, and their battery of treatments. There are currently over 100 different forms of cancer, and all of these diseases have their own unique side effects. Cancer cachexia has been diagnosed in patients with all known forms of cancer and accounts for around 20 percent of all cancer deaths.

What Is Cancer Anorexia?
Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome that can be the result of any number of factors including the patient’s cancer treatments. This syndrome is characterized by a severe drop in the patient’s weight. Instead of losing fat, these patients will often lose a large amount of muscle fibers and other soft tissue. In addition to losing weight, patients that develop this syndrome will typically experience chronic fatigue and pain throughout their body.

The Physical and Psychological Effects of Cancer Cachexia
Cancer and its various treatments can take an incredible toll on a patient’s body. The loss of muscle and other soft tissue can weaken a patient to the point that their body is unable to fight off common infections. Those that are experiencing this syndrome can also struggle with depression as they become too weak to engage in everyday activities. Over time, cachexia can result in severe malnutrition, dehydration, and death.

Treating This Condition
The latest strategies are to address the initial stages of cachexia with advanced medical nutritional supplementation. The patient and their doctor will generally come up with a number of meal plans to ensure that their body is receiving vital nutrients. In the late stages of this syndrome, the doctor might suggest prescription medication to increase one’s appetite and reduce nausea. Catching and treating this syndrome as early on as possible will drastically improve one’s treatment options.

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