Blogs
Simple yet impactful insights.
The Ever-Expanding Importance of the Gut Microbiome
Your body is home to trillions of bacteria (as well as viruses and fungi) that make up a complex ecosystem known as the microbiome. These microorganisms work alongside our own cells supporting and enhancing our biological systems and overall health. The best way to...
Colorectal Cancer and Clinical Trials – New Opportunities
When HCB2’s founder Melinda Conklin and her late husband Rich learned of his diagnosis of advanced stage colon cancer in 2010 at the young age of 41, clinical trials were not discussed as an option. As a frantic wife and mother of our two children, Melinda ventured...
Screen by 45 to Thrive!
Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2) enthusiastically supports the current efforts to lower the colorectal cancer screening age to 45 for everyone of average risk. To be clear, the current recommendations state that those in the Black community need to begin screening...
We want you to Fight Right! What exactly does this mean?
Why does HCB2 focus on cancer prevention and use the phrase, let’s “Fight Right”? Two stories led us to the creation of the Fight Right initiative! First, several years ago an early morning show began a cancer awareness segment. To highlight the successes of...
Salt! More or less?
Salt! More or less? Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2) has considered salt an important component of our healing belly basket since the program’s inception in 2016. Full of minerals and electrolytes, salt helps our muscles move, helps our nerves function, keeps our...
Exercise and Cancer
Great benefits of moving at any age and any stage! Why Exercise During Cancer Treatment? Physical activity while patients receive cancer treatment has been shown to have both short term and long term benefits. Physical activity is known to combat treatment-related...
“Can We Talk” Breaking the silence about colorectal cancer.
HCB2's website has downloadable resources which may help you and your loved ones reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Specifically, the "Can We Talk" one pager consists of six questions to ask yourself and your loved ones to assess your risk of a future colorectal...
We’re Strolling through our Colon!
Thanks to the Prevent Cancer Foundation grant, HCB2 was able to purchase an inflatable colon to assist with our work in offering education about colorectal cancer and early detection. The 10 foot Colon is an entertaining, educational tool perfect for school,...
Keep Fighting! Really?
“Keep Fighting” or “Keep up the Fight” are common encouragements sent to cancer patients and caregivers, but what exactly does this mean? My late husband Rich Conklin received these messages from well meaning family and friends countless times each day. Immediately...
Mind Your Minerals: The Importance of Magnesium
What is Magnesium and what does it do? Some call magnesium the “mineral of movement” - which is appropriate as HCB2 talks a lot about bowel movements throughout our work! Magnesium in appropriate amounts can certainly help to get you regular, but did you know that it...