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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sleepless Nights and Cheesecake - Happy Shavuot!

By: Shera Dubitsky, Clinical Supervisor

When most people think about the holiday of Shavuot, I imagine that the first association is with the receiving of the Torah. It is tradition to stay up all night learning and studying. Another coveted tradition is eating dairy throughout the duration of this holiday. So, it all comes down to sleepless nights and cheesecake. Sound familiar? I suppose that when you are hit with a diagnosis of cancer, there are probably many sleepless nights and binging on cakes (well, maybe not while undergoing chemo).

There are a plethora of articles out there about healthy lifestyles and nutrition when it comes to living with cancer. Judaism also purports leading a healthy, balanced life. How do we then make sense of celebrating this holiday via a sleepless night and cheesecake? What are the takeaways?
  • Perhaps it’s okay to stay up every once in a while or have a decadent treat on occasion, without beating yourself up about it. 
  • On the topic of healthy lifestyles and nutrition, it is important to take care of yourselves. I encourage all of you to download and read the transcript from Sharsheret’s Symposium, "Surviving Young: Life after Breast Cancer", for tips on diet, exercise, and healthy living.  
  • Sometimes you may find yourselves pushing beyond your limits; however, you may learn things about your strength and resolve that until now have remained hidden.  
I wish you a very happy holiday and a Chag Sameach,

Shera

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