Boost Your Immunity!

If you're undergoing treatment for any cancer or other problem, it's possible your white blood cell count could be affected.  That means your immune system has to work harder to keep you healthy.  Luckily, these tips can give your immune system a boost and ensure you feel well.

Make this your go-to snack
It's yogurt! the creamy dairy product has several immunity boosters, including vitamin D and calcium.  Pick brands with live and active cultures.  They contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that help fend off stomach bugs.

Get your zzzs
Aim for seven or eight hours a night--it's key to helping your immune system restore itself.  While your body rests, it releases cytokines, proteins that help stave off infections.

Stay Active
You don't have to run around the block, but you should keep up with the activities you love--knitting, dancing, playing cards.  Your hobbies will keep you happy while undergoing treatment.  That will help you dodge depression, which often strikes during cancer treatment and can suppress your immune system.  If you lose interest in activities you love and are irritable, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider.

Become a wash-a-holic
Washing your hands is the most important thing you can do to avoid infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Scrub for at least 20 seconds and use soap and warm water.  Do so when you use the bathroom, before or after cooking, after touching pets, or after sneezing or coughing.

This information came from Linday Bosslett in the Living with Cancer Magazine, Vol 16, No 2, spring 2013

Lady Di's Tea Room

WOW ladies and board members had a wonderful lunch at Lady Di's Tea Room.  Pretty little sandwiches, lovely tea, and yummy scones with clotted cream and lemon curd!  We also had fun talking too!

Bucket List Fundraising Garage Sale!

One of our members, Angie Janson, is having a fundraising garage sale to help her family go to Vietnam.
Here are the details:
When: July 13-14th This weekend!
Time: 8am-4pm
Where: Our house: 5950 SE Kelly, 97206
Why: to raise money to go to Vietnam
Deal: Sunday at 3pm fill a bag for $2.00!
How to Help: Come to the sale and spread the word about the sale, it’s big!
Website address: http://www.angiesbucketlist.com

Alexis Restaurant

The gals of WOW had a great dinner at Alexis Restaurant.  We tried many new dishes and had wonderful conversations.  The restaurant even gave us a delicious dessert on the house!

How to Help Me as I Face Serious Illness

• Don't avoid me: be the friend or loved one you've always been.
• Listen and Validate: This experience can be scary.
• Ask--don't assume: How you feel about this experience may be totally different from how I feel.
• Keep confidences: Although we may share friends and loved ones, please keep what we discuss between us unless I say otherwise.
• Call me: to tell me you'd like to come and I will let you know if this a good day or not.
• Don't stay too long
• Please don't expect me to talk too much
• Send a card: I treasure your written words; they let me know you care.
• Give privacy when needed: At times I won't be able to see or talk to you.  Please don't take this personally.  Knowing you understand and accept this really makes me feel supported.
• Bring Food: on a certain day each week.  Disposable containers are great.
• Touch me: A simple squeeze of my hand can tell me you still care, even when words just don't seem to work.
• Bring something to do: this relives me from feeling the need to be a host or to entertain you.  Sometimes I don't have the energy to talk; however, your presence may be very comforting.
• Weep with me when I weep: Laugh when I laugh.  don't be afraid to share this with me.
• Take care of the children for me:  I need a little time to be alone with my loved ones.  My children may also need a little vacation from my illness.
• Take my shopping list: and make a special delivery to my home.
• Help me celebrate holiday and life: by decorating my room or bringing tiny gifts of flowers or other treasures.
• Help my family: I am sick, but they are also suffering.  Offer to come stay with me to give my loved ones a break.  Invite them out, take them places, listen to them.
• Help keep my house clean and pretty:  Or water my flowers, mow my lawn.
• Pray for me: But understand if I don't meet your spiritual expectations all the time.

This information is from Providence Community Care Program 

Bucket List Request

One of the members of WOW is fundraising for a bucket list wish to go to Vietnam with her family.  Please visit her website to get more information.  http://www.angiesbucketlist.com

Glass Blowing Event

 A couple of us went to Taft on the Oregon Coast and learned how to blow glass and made beautiful glass floats.  It was a lot fun, but boy those ovens are hot!  The young men who helped us were so patient and were just great.

Celebrate Life Concert!

Celebrate Life Concert

Save the date!!!
March 2nd
WOW's first Concert Fundraiser!

March 2 at Montavilla UMC 7 pm. Location is 232 S E 80th, Portland.

Our guest entertainers are :
The fabulous Nan Collie and Kath Fallon from Motherlode and Bittersweet fame, Fidler Crystal from Medford, Gwen & Terri fabulously talented, Chicamarimba that will fill... the entire space with great sounds and smiles

Hosted by none other than Linda Vogt

We will be doing pre event ticket sales until Feb. 20 to allow time for US Mail to return tickets. Checks can be made payable to “UPUMC” for “WOW Celebrating Life”. Tickets are $ 20

There will also be a drop off for non perishable food items that will be donated to Common Cup & Hard Time Supper both outreach programs in our community.

Face Book

We have a new Face Book page.  Please visit and like us!
Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/WomenOfWonderwow?fref=ts

The holidays

Small get together for the holidays.

The Trail Blazers

Three of our WOW members and thier families were treated to a Trail Blazer's game.  It was a blast!  We were in a suite which included food and drinks, a great view, and the Blazers beat the Nuggets!