The Selma Times-Journal

Vowing to be healthy in 2007? The Cancer Project is too.

On Saturday, Jan. 13, the Washington D.C.-based organization will host a free health seminar about cancer prevention and survival at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Birmingham oncologist Groesbeck Parham and his wife, chef Katherine Parham, will lead the seminar, titled “How to Eat Your Way Into Good Health in 2007.” The first Cancer Project event of its kind in Selma, the seminar will help participants understand the role of healthy diets in cancer prevention and survival, said Cancer Project spokeswoman Edith Sodolo.

“We host cancer prevention and survival cooking classes all over the country and Selma just happens to be one of those areas in the country that’s overlooked,” Sodolo said.

“So instead of just hosting a regular class, we decided that in order to really get this information out to the people of Selma we would host this event with one of the local doctors who does a lot of community outreach.”

Sodolo said more than a third of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are due to poor diet. Fatty foods and added fats and oils, particularly saturated fats, have been linked to an increased risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer. Recent studies have revealed that a vegetarian diet that is high in fiber and low in fat helps prevent cancer and its recurrence.

Following Dr. Groesbeck Parham’s presentation, Katherine Parham will lead a cooking demonstration and tasting of simple vegetarian dishes published in the Cancer Project’s survivor’s handbook. Participants will receive a free copy of the handbook and additional literature on cancer prevention, Sodolo said.

The Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Minority Office, Selma City Government, Bama Kids, the Tri-County Sickle Cell Agency, the UAB 1917 Clinic and the Black Belt Health Initiative support the seminar.

To register, contact Hubert Brandon at (334) 834-4045. Seating is limited.