Upcoming GHCI Summer Classes

Our fall classes are now online! Enjoy the benefits of yoga, art and more from the comfort and safety of your own home. All of our classes will take place in a virtual online format until further notice.

All classes are free – adults only
Registration is required – call us at (810) 762-8226.

How to use online apps to participate in GHCI programs and classes

Not sure how to use Zoom? Don’t have an account? We can help!

1. Downloading the Zoom app to participate in a course.
2. Setting up a Zoom account.
3. Signing into Zoom via laptop, tablet or smartphone.
4. How to use Zoom.

Living with Cancer Support Group

Meets the 3^rd Tuesday of each month starting Sept. 15 at 12-1pm

A cancer support group for all cancer types, is open to anyone in the community going through cancer treatment or supporting a family member or friend with cancer. The meetings provide an opportunity to share information and ask questions about cancer-related topics. The group meets monthly. Currently all meetings are held virtually online.

For more information, please call Sue at (810) 762-8022.

End-of-Life Planning

Thursdays at 1:30-2:30pm
Starting – Sept. 10

A three week class. Planning end-of-life care cannot only provide relief to you and your loved ones, but also give you a sense of personal control. Planning ahead, deciding how your assets should be handled and how you want to be taken care of will give you more time to spend on doing what you love and less time to worry about coordinating estate planning, funeral services, and other important items that could affect your family. It’s best to take the time to create an end-of-life care checklist early, so the stress can be eliminated as soon as possible for you and those close to you.

Pour Painting

Tuesdays at 1-3pm
Starting – Sept. 22

A four week class. Learn how to create beautiful paintings without the use of a paintbrush. That’s the defining characteristic of this painting technique. Acrylic Pour painting combines colors into abstract cell-like patterns on the canvas. It’s a lot of fun and exciting to see colors come together in a pattern that is as unique as you are. This class is great for beginners and anyone interested in trying a new painting technique. Supplies will be provided.

Creative Healing

Tuesdays at 4:30-6pm
Starting – Tuesday, Sept. 22

An eight week class. This class provides a chance to express & treat yourself to a relaxing and restorative activity. It will also give you an opportunity to connect with others going through cancer treatment and recovery. No experience necessary. Supplies will be provided.

Dimensional Diamond Painting (Beads)

Tuesdays at 10-11am
Starting – Oct. 6

Four week class. Join us for a fun new class. Working with beads can bring calmness and stress relief. The intention of this class is help lift your spirits, relax your mind, and create something beautiful. No experience necessary. Supplies will be provided.

The Heart of Grief 

Thursdays at 1:30-2:30pm
Starting – Oct. 1

An eight-week class. Nothing can arouse stronger feelings in any of us than being told “You have cancer.” With that diagnosis often comes fear accompanied by many layers of loss: loss of our previous identity, of certainty in our future, loss of our work, previously held roles as a parent, loss of income, loss of our strength and confidence, and loss of a loved one. Our unexpressed grief can be a big source of stress as we try to hold our life together. Join us in learning a variety of ways to jumpstart your thinking and begin to open your heart to the grief you carry. We will build a trusting and supportive community together. You may even walk away feeling less alone, and a bit lighter, clearer and happier.

Beginning Yoga

Mondays at 4:30-5:30pm
Starting – Sept. 21

An eight week class. Yoga is an ancient system that offers guidelines for physical health, breathing, mental focus, concentration and meditation.

It consists of poses that develop flexibility, strength and alignment. In addition, through the practice of breathing and relaxation techniques, mental and emotional well-being is developed. Steady practice can soothe the busy mind.

Chair Yoga

Wednesdays at 3:00-4:00pm
Starting – Sept. 23

An eight week class. Chair Yoga is suitable for individuals with limited mobility. Chair yoga is adapted so that you don’t have to get up and down off the floor, but still gives you benefits of yoga including improving strength, flexibility, posture and more.

Meditation

Mondays at  3:00-4:00pm
Starting – Sept. 21 & Oct. 19

A four week class. Meditation is the process of establishing and maintaining enlightenment. When you meditate, you give your attention to one thing and do not think of anything else, usually as a way of calming or relaxing your mind.

Lymphatic Drain Massage for Self Care

Tuesday, Sept. 29th at 12:30pm

One session class. The primary purpose is to improve the flow and drainage of lymph by stimulating the lymphatic vessels. This class will teach self-massage. Helpers are welcome to attend.

Cooking with Anne: A Healthy Eating Class

Tuesday, October 27 from 12-2pm

Food Demonstration Classes showcase a nutrition theme, followed by food demonstrations, discussion of the recipe’s nutrient content and preparations. Participants receive a hard copy of the recipes, with nutrient content per serving and other educational materials. Recipes and product demonstrations are designed to not only tie into the nutrition theme, but to taste good and be convenient and easy to prepare. Seeing the process and enjoying the food are important factors that can motivate healthy eating and cooking outside the class.

Weight Loss Opportunity for Cancer Survivors

Wednesdays at 5-6:30pm
Starting – Oct. 14

NOW RECRUITING FOR POST-TREATMENT PATIENTS INTERESTED IN UPCOMING WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS HERE AT GENESYS HURLEY CANCER INSTITUTE

A new weight loss program will be starting October 14th for Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute patients who are looking for a structured program to assist with weight loss. The program is centered around the successful evidence-based VA Move Weight Loss Program but modified to address the needs of cancer patients. The program is 16 weeks in duration, 1 ½ hours per week. Nutrition, behavior, and physical activity are core components to promote lifestyle change.

Attending all 16 sessions is expected; however sessions can be made up if needed.

For more information, please call Anne Cox at (810) 762-8288.

Destination Stowe, Vermont

Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11am

Zoom meeting for GHCI Patients interested in attending the 21st annual Stowe Weekend of Hope Cancer Survivor Conference – Spring 2021 Brainstorming/Planning Meeting.

Trying to maintain a well-balanced diet is extremely important during and after your cancer treatment, however, because your body undergoes a variety of changes during this time, eating the right foods sometimes can be a challenge.

That is why Registered Oncology Dietitian Anne Cox is an integral part of your cancer team at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute (GHCI).

Patients may experience weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, swallowing problems, nausea, taste changes and many other side effects from treatment. Too much weight gain also may be an issue. Anne can help patients with any nutrition-related challenge, every step of the way during and after treatment.

Eating adequate nutrients with emphasis on protein, calories and fluid during and after your cancer treatments can help decrease your side effects, maintain a healthy body weight, keep your immune system strong and reduce your risk of cancer recurrence, Anne tells her patients.

“Studies show that adult cancer patients who eat a healthy diet have fewer breaks in treatment including hospitalizations and faster recovery times.”

“I work with patients to identify what their nutrition-related issues are, what foods they like and can tolerate and what side effects they are experiencing so we can devise a nutrition plan that will work for them,” Anne points out. “This is an ongoing process throughout their treatment,” she adds. “Appetites change and side effects change, so the nutrition plan is modified as needed throughout a patient’s care. That is why I meet with patients regularly.”

Anne also is available to help patients with any questions they have regarding nutrition and cancer information they have received or found on the internet, to help identity valid and credible information and sources. She also encourages caregivers and family members to participate in nutrition counseling sessions. “Caregiver involvement is another way to support patients, and helps reinforce the information provided, which ultimately improves compliance,” Anne finds.

Nutrition services at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute are available upon referral or patient request. They include:

• Individualized nutrition counseling and management
• Monitoring of nutrition-related symptoms and concerns throughout treatment
• Nutrition recommendations and support
• General education on nutrition and cancer for patients and families
• Cooking demonstrations

In addition to these free-of-charge services, Anne also conducts cooking classes and a 16-week weight loss support group – also at no charge for Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute patients.

To learn more about the services of Anne Cox, MS, RD, CSO, call Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute at 810.762.8226.

Weight loss class at GHCI

Registered Oncology Dietitian Anne Cox offers a virtual 16-week class – one hour a week – for post treatment cancer patients who are looking for a structured program to assist with weight loss and behavioral change. Nutrition, behavior and physical activity are core components to promote lifestyle change. Topics covered include setting goals, healthy eating, establishing new behaviors, improving activity, menu planning, and conquering triggers and cues. Attending all 16 sessions is expected as the success of the class depends upon member interaction (class time to be determined based on participant schedules).

Weight loss support group at GHCI

Anne also offers a virtual on-going weight loss support group for Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute patients who have completed treatment. It is a perfect time to talk with others experiencing similar weight gain issues, share their stories, learn from each other and find ways to make their weight loss journey easier and successful.

To learn more about the weight loss class or support group at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute, call 810.762.8226.

Anne Cox offers a few general tips that may help cancer patients:

• Eat foods that smell good.
• Eat foods you enjoy so you will feel satisfied.
• Choose foods that are high in protein.
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber.
• Try new foods and recipes.
• Eat small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.
• Try to stay as active as possible so you will have a good appetite.
• Try smoothies, juices and soups if you don’t want solid foods.
• Suck on hard candies if you have a dry mouth or a bad taste in your mouth.
• Try not to skip any meals; eating small meals several times a day may help.

About Anne Cox

Anne Cox, MS, RD, CSO, joined Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute multidisciplinary team in 2009. She has been a registered dietitian for 25 years and has been board certified in oncology nutrition for 11 years. She also is an American College of Exercise (ACE) certified health coach.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to accompany our patients through their cancer treatment and offer ongoing nutrition support to help them reduce their risk of cancer recurrence. As a former hospice dietitian, I focus on quality of life as an integral part of the care I provide. Seeing patients through a holistic lens has helped me better understand their needs, which helps me develop the best possible nutritional intervention for each individual.”

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

• GHCI is open for patients in treatment.
• GHCI requires everyone to wear a mask in the facility. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one.
• We are not cancelling treatments or essential appointments.
• Effective immediately, we are allowing patients to have ONE visitor (age 16 and older) only if the patient needs assistance getting to their appointment or if the patient is a new consult.

Please call us at 810.762.8226 if you have questions.

All classes have been cancelled until further notice. In an effort to protect our patients currently in treatment, we are limiting the number of people coming into our building by cancelling non-essential programs and classes. We will re-evaluate this decision throughout the summer. Class participants will be informed of class restart dates. You also can check this webpage regularly for updates. If you have questions about the classes, please call Sue Root, director of Quality of Life programs, at 810.762.8022. 

Your health and safety is our highest priority. Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute is monitoring the coronavirus situation closely and has launched a webpage that contains current information regarding the coronavirus. As new information becomes available, we will update this page.

We will continue taking precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients.

Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, our medical team and administrators closely are following the guidelines and direction of the CDC as well as local and state public health experts. Rest assured we are taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Information about this outbreak is changing rapidly. To obtain the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, we recommend these resources:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • CDC.gov/Coronavirus
• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
• Genesee County Health Department
  • Gchd.us/Coronavirus

Frequently asked questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a newly identified virus called coronavirus that first was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It since has spread to multiple locations worldwide. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:

1. It is newly identified and health officials are still learning about it.
2. Two other human coronaviruses – MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV – have caused severe illness.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

According to the CDC, symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Other symptoms may include aches and pains, nasal congestion or runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. Some people who are infected may not develop symptoms.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe. Some people who are infected don’t develop any symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in six people with COVID-19 become seriously ill and have difficulty breathing. About 80 percent of those infected recover without special treatment.

How does the virus spread?

COVID-19 germs are spread like the common cold: from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth that may spread in the air or land on surfaces when a person coughs or sneezes. 

It also can spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

How long can the coronavirus linger on surfaces?

Medical experts don’t know for certain. Some studies show it lasts three hours on certain surfaces, up to 24 hours on other surfaces, and as long as nine days on another surface type.

What preventive steps can I take to reduce my risk?

• Stay home when you are sick with a fever, cough or upper respiratory symptoms.
• Wash your hands often, thoroughly, and frequently – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply the gel liberally and let it dry. It takes about 20 seconds for the sanitizer to work.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid large crowds (eg, sporting events, concerts, large community gatherings where people could be carrying the virus).  
• Avoid shaking hands or hugging.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (phones, keys, light switches and doorknobs are easily forgotten areas to clean). Wear gloves when you disinfect and throw them away each time.

What should I do if I think I may have the coronavirus?

• Call your primary care physician if you have a fever and other symptoms of a respiratory illness such as a cough or shortness of breath. 
• In addition, contact your physician if you have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or if you recently traveled to an area that has an outbreak of the illness. Your physician can determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
• Make sure you call before visiting your physician or an emergency department and alert them that you think you may have COVID-19. They will provide you with guidelines to follow and protection when you walk in the door. 
• Stay at home and away from others if you are sick.
• You also can call the Genesee County Health Department at 810.257.3612.

Who is at greatest risk for contracting COVID-19?

The elderly and people with chronic health conditions such as lung disease, diabetes, asthma, heart disease or a weakened immune system are at highest risk. Cancer patients undergoing treatment as well as newly diagnosed patients and those in remission also are considered a high risk for contracting COVID-19. Those most vulnerable for having serious complications from COVID-19 should make sure they have an ample supply of their needed medications.

As a cancer patient, are there special precautions I should take?

The health and safety of our patients is our number one priority. Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute is monitoring COVID-19 closely and has implemented several precautionary measures for patients to ensure you can receive your needed treatments safely.  

We are screening patients for COVID-19 symptoms and are limiting visitors. If visitors have traveled overseas – or have a household member who has traveled – we are asking these visitors to postpone their visit.

In general, cancer patients should follow the same procedures as the rest of the population such as washing hands frequently and avoiding large crowds of people. Because cancer patients are considered a high risk for contracting COVID-19, the CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to decrease exposure to the virus.

If you are receiving cancer treatment that suppresses the immune system and you develop a fever and respiratory symptoms, call your oncologist immediately.

Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute will continue to make changes to its current procedures as the coronavirus situation evolves. Please check this website regularly for updates.

Should I wear a mask when I come in for treatment?

The CDC does not recommend face masks for healthy people as protection from respiratory diseases including COVID-19. A mask doesn’t help with prevention. It helps if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

The CDC recommends mask use for people who are sick and show symptoms of COVID-19. 

Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute may recommend masks for patients who are sick or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. 

Are there ways to strengthen my immune system?

• Get plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest ways of suppressing the immune system. If you are not getting a minimum of six to eight hours of sleep a night, scientific evidence demonstrates that the immune system may be compromised.
• Exercise. Take a walk and get some fresh air.
• Make healthy food choices. Approximately 70 percent to 80 percent of our immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract, which directly is impacted by the food we eat.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.
• Avoid smoke or smoking.
• Make sure any other medical conditions you have are under control.
• Try to reduce stress, which also is bad for the immune system.

What else should I know before I arrive for treatment at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute?

You may be prescreened for COVID-10 symptoms when you first enter the building and may be asked to wear a mask that we will provide.

If you have a fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath, contact your oncologist before your appointment.

In addition, to reduce the spread of infection, we are limiting visitors to one adult (at least 16 or older) who does not exhibit any of the COVID-19 symptoms and who has not recently traveled to a high-risk area. No one under the age of 16 will be allowed in the building.

Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute is taking additional precautions to protect our patients, employees and visitors. These include:

• Screening patients, visitors and employees for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Limiting patient visitors to one adult (16 and older) during each patient visit.
• Restricting incoming business or community visitors.
• Limiting work meetings and activities on campus.
• Not permitting anyone age 16 or younger inside the building.
• Working closely with public health officials to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and remain proactive in ensuring patient, visitor and employee safety and protection.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Suzy Hosler
Executive Director
Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute
810.762.8226
shosler@ghci.org 

(GENESEE COUNTY, MI) The Community Foundation of Greater Flint has awarded a grant of $25,000 to Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute (GHCI). These funds will be used to support the institute’s patient support services such as nutritional care and patient transportation to and from cancer treatment appointments.

“On behalf of our patients, staff and physicians at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute, I would like to thank the Community Foundation of Greater Flint for its generous grant,” announces Suzy Hozler, executive director of Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute. “The funding will assist our patients with transportation, supplemental food support, and help with financial hardships patients may encounter, especially during these difficult times.”

Every year, thousands of Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute patients receive lifesaving care in a warm and welcoming setting. From aggressive treatments to state-of-the-art technology, Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute focuses on exceptional care, spiritual and emotional healing, and the best chance for a healthy, cancer-free tomorrow.

To learn more about the services and programs offered at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute, call 810.762.8226.

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) serves the common good in Genesee County—building a strong community by engaging people in philanthropy and developing the community’s permanent endowment—now and for generations to come. CFGF helps donors support the causes they care about, today or through their estates. Since 1988 the Community Foundation has granted more than $130 million to nonprofit organizations to build a thriving community. CFGF serves Flint and all of Genesee County including its Community Funds in Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flushing and Grand Blanc.