Twitter Chat Co-hosted by Oncology Dietitians and EverydayHealth.com

On Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.; Follow #HealthTalk to Join the Conversation

NEW YORK CITY, NY (October 24, 2012) -- Ambulatory oncology dietitians Amanda Bontempo, M.S., R.D., and Maria Romano, M.S., R.D., from Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care  will join the EverydayHealth.com  team in a live Twitter chat about the impact of nutrition on cancer prevention and treatment.  The chat will take place Thursday, Oct. 25 from 1-2 p.m. EST at tweetchat.com/room/healthtalk.

The American Cancer Society and other leading advocacy and medical organizations recognize the important role that a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can have on lowering cancer risk. This chat will cover the cancer-fighting properties of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, carotenoids and phytochemicals, and the best food sources for incorporating them into a daily diet.

About our experts

• Amanda Bontempo, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., earned her undergraduate degree in nutrition and food studies from New York University (NYU) and also received a master of science degree in medical nutrition therapy from NYU. She completed her dietetic internship at Montefiore Medical Center, and after graduating from NYU joined the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care full time as an ambulatory oncology dietitian.
• Maria Romano, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., completed her undergraduate degree in biology with a concentration in clinical nutrition science at Syracuse University. She then enrolled in NYU's master's program in clinical nutrition, completing her master of science degree at NYU and her dietetic internship at Montefiore. After graduating from NYU, Maria took a full-time position as a clinical dietitian at Montefiore, where she worked with general medicine patients before taking on the role of dietitian for the hospital’s inpatient oncology unit. She also has experience working in the medical center’s intensive care unit. Maria now works full-time with Amanda as an ambulatory oncology registered dietitian.

Amanda and Maria use their expertise to help patients choose foods that will provide the optimal nutritional benefit based on their individual diagnoses. They also provide guidance on food preparation, suggesting recipes and techniques that help make meals more palatable for patients. Among their special services is Eat Healthy, Shop Smart, a program for patients who are actively undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Eat Healthy, Shop Smart sessions are held within Montefiore’s on-site farmers markets, providing patients with personalized advice on how to choose fresh and healthy foods to help fight their disease and minimize side effects of treatment.  Amanda and Maria also present workshops promoting healthy nutrition and wellness for cancer prevention and survivorship. Both have extensive media experience, covering oncologic nutrition and other subjects connected to food and health.