Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology

10/16/2025

🎃 Roasted Spaghetti Squash Seeds – a crunchy, seasonal snack perfect for October!

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this simple, wholesome snack that’s fun to make and delicious to eat.

Prep time: 20 min | Cook time: 30 min | Servings: 2

Ingredients:
½ cup spaghetti squash seeds (or pumpkin seeds)
½ tsp olive or avocado oil
1 tsp maple syrup
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
Clean nd dry seeds thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Toss seeds with oil, maple syrup, cumin, cinnamon, and salt.
Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake 15 min, stir, then bake 10–15 min more until golden & crispy.

✨ Adapted from EatingWell

Get the entire recipe here:

These Roasted Spaghetti Squash Seeds from Simms/Mann are a crunchy, nutrient-dense snack or side packed with flavor, perfect for a plant-based cancer-friendly diet.

10/09/2025

10/08/2025

🎨 AYA Paint Day!
Come join us Saturday, October 11 at 12 p.m. for a relaxing and creative afternoon!

The AYA Oncology Program at UCLA Health and United on Campus (formerly LLS Club) are teaming up to host a Paint Day for young adults affected by cancer.

🖌️ Enjoy a chance to unwind, connect, and create some cool art alongside other patients and students.

📍 Sost — spots are limited! To RSVP, click here: https://bit.ly/46VVvhs

10/01/2025

09/27/2025

💪 Nut Butter Oat Energy Balls – your new go-to snack!

Quick, easy, and packed with energy—these no-bake bites are perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday boost, or a post-workout snack.

Prep time: 15 min | Servings: 12

Ingredients:
¾ cup Medjool dates, chopped
½ cup rolled oats
¼ cup natural peanut or almond butter
Chia seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Soak dates in hot water 5–10 min, then drain.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until finely chopped.
Roll into 12 balls, garnish with chia seeds if desired.
Chill at least 15 min. Store in fridge up to 1 week.

✨ Adapted from EatingWell

Fuel your day with these wholesome, delicious bites! Get the full recipe here:

These Nut Butter Oat Energy Balls from Simms/Mann are the perfect no-bake snack for cancer patients. Easy to digest, low-fat, and full of energy-boosting ingredients.

09/24/2025

09/23/2025

🌟 Meet Carly, Our New Young Adult Social Worker!

We’re thrilled to welcome Carly to the Simms/Mann Center team! As a licensed clinical social worker, Carly is dedicated to supporting adolescent and young adult patients and their families, helping them navigate the unique challenges of an oncology diagnosis.

Carly brings a wealth of experience—from pediatric inpatient care to transplant support—and a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. She leads our Young Adult Support Group and is committed to creating a safe space where patients and families feel heard and supported.

Outside of work, Carly enjoys exploring LA, playing softball, and spending time with her two dogs, Koa and Sulley, and her cat, Rebel. 🐾

Welcome, Carly! We’re so grateful to have you on our team. 💛 Click to learn more: https://ucla.in/4gLXRE7

08/18/2025

🥦 Nutrition plays a vital role in healing—mind and body.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating survivorship, your nutritional needs change—and we’re here to support you.

At Simms/Mann, our registered dietitians specialize in oncology care. We offer:
✅ One-on-one consultations
✅ Personalized nutrition plans
✅ Guidance for managing side effects
✅ Practical tips, recipes, and follow-up support

Let us help you feel your best through every stage of your cancer journey.
📞 Schedule a session: 310-794-6644
📧 Or email: SimmsMannCenter@mednet.ucla.edu

08/16/2025

The Los Angeles Lakers opened their training facility doors to highlight integrative mental health for those facing cancer treatment.🏀 The Simms/Mann Center showcased how whole-person care meets center court. Click to be inspired by this unique partnership:

Breadcrumb Home Simms Mann Mental wellness a joint mission of the Lakers and the Simms/Mann Center Simms/Mann Center staff Kelli Sargent, left, Dr. Valentina Ogaryan, Dr. Shannon La Cava, Emma Veilleux and Dr. Alison Wong. (Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Lakers) July 14, 2025 By UCLA Health 1 min...

08/15/2025

🍳 Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Herbed Yogurt: Quick Comfort, Big Flavor 🍅

This 12-minute dish is as nourishing as it is simple. With protein-rich eggs, antioxidant-packed tomato sauce, and a creamy herbed yogurt topping, it’s a perfect go-to for anyone seeking warmth and healing through food.

Why it works:
✅ High in protein to support energy and recovery
✅ Gentle flavors with bright herbs for digestion
✅ Ready in under 15 minutes

👨‍🍳 Full Recipe: https://www.uclahealth.org/simms-mann-center/recipes/eggs-tomato-sauce-with-herbed-yogurt

08/09/2025

“I’ve been very lucky in my unluckiness.”

Izak Ben-Meir, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and longtime UCLA Health patient, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at 56. Now, 13 years later, he reflects on his journey—marked by innovative treatments, powerful support, and the healing power of poetry.

In this moving story, Izak shares how the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology helped him find meaning in the midst of uncertainty—and how writing haikus gave him a way to process it all.

📖 Read the full article: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/izak-ben-meir-considers-himself-very-fortunate-13-years-after-myeloma-diagnosis

08/03/2025

Upcoming Webinars from Simms/Mann UCLA Center
Swipe through to explore two empowering sessions focused on integrative care and nutrition for cancer patients and survivors.

📅 Aug 15, 12–1 PM
Following Osler’s Adage: Integrative Medicine in GI Cancers
With Dr. Sidharth Anand, MD, MBA (UCLA GI Medical Oncology)
➡ Explore evidence-based approaches to nutrition, psychosocial therapy, exercise, and supplements for colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers.

📅 Aug 21, 12–1 PM
Nutrition & Symptom Management in Breast Cancer
With Emma Veilleux, MS, RD
➡ Get practical, myth-busting guidance on managing weight, diet, and recurrence risk during and after treatment.

🔗 Register now: https://www.uclahealth.org/simms-mann-center/our-services/educational-programming