Free UC symposium for cancer survivors, community

The virtual two-part wellness event will focus on integrative health and cancer survivorship

Two University of Cincinnati centers are teaming up to offer a virtual event to shine a light on wellness. The UC Center for Integrative Health and Wellness and the UC Cancer Center’s Survivorship and Supportive Services Programs are presenting the event specifically for cancer survivors.

The two-part series, called “Optimize Your Well-Being: Prevent. Heal. Thrive.,” will be held this fall and in the winter of 2021 to cover a variety of topics related to overcoming cancer and achieving mind, body and spiritual health.

The first part will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a full schedule of interactive presentations by regional experts on well-being and health. Part two of the symposium will be held during the same time frame on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. Each date will feature a unique slate of topics and presenters.

Portrait of Sian Cotton

Sian Cotton, PhD, director of the UC Center for Integrative Health and Wellness and professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UC, who is co-chairing the event.

Topics will range from nutrition and exercise in cancer prevention and care to reducing risks by reducing chemicals in your environment to mindfulness to sexual health and more — over 18 interactive discussions and presentations in all.

Keynote speakers for October will be Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, and Alison Jefferies, co-authors of “Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six.” They will discuss the six areas where individuals have control in optimizing health and well-being.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together safely to learn about ways we can reduce our risks for cancer, thrive during survivorship and have an overall better quality of life,” says Sian Cotton, PhD, co-chair of the event, director of the UC Center for Integrative Health and Wellness and professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UC. “We’re bringing together some of the greatest minds and spirits in the fields of integrative health and cancer survivorship to specifically spotlight ways we can help survivors and caregivers live their best and healthiest lives.”

Photo courtesy of Natalie Grainger/Unsplash. 

How to attend

“Optimize Your Well-Being: Prevent. Heal. Thrive.” is free and open to all; space is limited and registration is required for this virtual event. To learn more and to register, visit uc.edu/optimize or email the organizers at optimize@uc.edu.

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