November 26, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Practice Gratitude – It’s Good for Your Health

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

grat·i·tude ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

“she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support”

Synonyms: gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks, appreciation, recognition, appreciation

A Sense of Gratitude Improves Your Health

Studies on gratitude support an association between gratitude and a sense of well being. One study by Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, leaders in the field of research on gratitude showed that after keeping a ‘gratitude journal for 10 weeks, people were

more optimistic
felt better about their lives
began to exercise more
went to the doctor less often.

Practicing Gratitude Enhances Relationships

In one study, individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner felt more positive toward the other person and felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship.

Expressing Gratitude to Employees Motivates Them

People want to feel that they are doing a good job and are members of a team. The best way to promote teamwork and motivate employees is to treat staff as valued members of the team.

10 Ways to Practice Gratitude:

Count Your Blessings
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Thank Someone (Mentally or Out loud)
Write a Thank-You Note Once a Week
Practice Optimism
Daily Prayer
Daily Mindful Meditation
Promote Teamwork (at Home and Work)
Celebrate Successes
Perform Acts of Kindness

Sources and More Information –

Digdon, N and Koble, A. Effects of Constructive Worry, Imagery Distraction, and Gratitude Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Pilot Trial. July 2011. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Vol 3. No 2. pages 193–206

Emmons RA, et al. “Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology(Feb. 2003): Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 377–89.

Grant AM, et al. “A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way: Explaining Why Gratitude Expressions Motivate Prosocial Behavior,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (June 2010): Vol. 98, No. 6, pp. 946–55.

Lambert NM, et al. “Expressing Gratitude to a Partner Leads to More Relationship Maintenance Behavior,” Emotion (Feb. 2011): Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 52–60.

Layous, K, et al. Delivering Happiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research for Treating Major and Minor Depressive Disorders. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2011; 17 (8): 675

Roberts, H. (2005). Creating motivation, identifying incentives and enablers, and encouraging staff development. Community Eye Health, 18(56), 122–124

Sansone RA, et al. “Gratitude and Well Being: The Benefits of Appreciation,” Psychiatry (Nov. 2010): Vol. 7, No. 11, pp. 18–22.

Seligman MEP, et al. “Empirical Validation of Interventions,” American Psychologist (July–Aug. 2005): Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 410–21.

How to Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal– Write ‘3 things to be Grateful for’ Daily. Do this for 21 days and it becomes a habit.

Here are my ‘3 things to be grateful for today,’ –

1) I am Grateful for the Beauty of Last Night’s Full Moonrise Over the Ocean. (2) I am Grateful for Today’s Sunshine. (3) I am Grateful to Have Work That Brings Me Joy.

Easier to Feel Grateful When Living on Cape Ann. ~ Happy Thanksgiving. Karen

November 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE-OUT is November 19th

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Thursday. November 19th. Great American Smoke-Out. STOP NOW!I know, you have heard it all before… But for those of you still smoking, maybe this time it will sink in! You Deserve to be Healthy!

And if you want to Stop Smoking, Help is Available to Make It Easier.

STOP SMOKING TODAY

Know the Risks of Tobacco Use and Smoking –

A set of lungs before, and after a lifetime of smoking

Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body
Smoking Causes Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke
Lung Cancer is the most preventable cause of cancer death.
80% of lung cancer deaths are related to smoking
Besides lung cancer, tobacco use also increases the risk for other cancers; the mouth, lips, nose and sinuses, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovary (mucinous), and acute myeloid leukemia. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2014)
In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths; this equals about 480,000 early deaths each year. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2014; and US Surgeon General Report 2014)
Tobacco use accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, causing 87% of lung cancer deaths in men, and 70% of lung cancer deaths in women. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2014)
Smoking causes 8 out 0f 10 cases of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.) * 1 in 4 people with COPD never smoked.
Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke
Smokeless/Chewing Tobacco can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer of the mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, and pancreas.
Second-hand smoke can harm others and increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Second-Hand Smoke Harms Others

THE GOOD NEWS – STOP SMOKING and –

Decrease your risk of heart disease; benefits begin immediately after stopping!
2-5 yeas after smoking, your risk for stroke is decreased.
5 years after you stop, your risks for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder drop by half
10 years after you stop smoking, your risk for lung cancer decreases by half

Sources, More Information and Help to Stop Smoking –

Continue reading →

November 17, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Help Stop Lung Cancer – ‘Lung Force Giving Day’

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November 17th. Today is ‘Lung Force Giving Day’ at the American Lung Association. Join me in this effort to stop lung cancer! Donate or become a social ambassador and spread the word!

The Goal – Raise $$$ for innovations in research and personalized treatments against the #1 cancer killer – Lung Cancer.

Innovative Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer have improved the outcome of lung cancer. Innovative research and personalized treatmentt are the goals for this fund-raiser.

The Facts –

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of men and women.
Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer.
The lung cancer death rate in women increase in the last 37 years, while falling 24% among men.
More American women die from lung cancer than breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer combined.
More American men die from lung cancer than colon cancer and prostate cancer combined.
People that smoke are at increased risk for lung cancer (And other cancers, heart disease, stroke, COPD.)
Anyone can get lung cancer; Non-smokers too.
Exposure to radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Like carbon monoxide, you cannot see or smell radon; it is colorless, odorless gas. To find out more about radon and how to order a test kit – http://www2.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional

Indoor Levels of Radon in Essex Are Higher Than the National Average Due to the Granite. – http://county-radon.info/MA/Essex.html

You don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer. Check out this video – http://www.lungforce.org/vision-video

Talk to your doctor about risks, prevention and early detection. Regardless of the cause of lung cancer – smoking, radon, asbestos, pollution – prevention and early detection can save lives.

Continue reading →

November 11, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

NON-Smokers Get Lung Cancer Too – Know the Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Lung Cancer Affects Non-Smokers as Well as Smokers

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80% of the cases of lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking cigarettes; that leaves 20% not linked to smoking.

Cigarette Smoking Remains the # 1 Cause of Lung Cancer.

Smoking is the #1 Cause of PREVENTABLE Death.

STOP SMOKING

There are different types of lung cancer. Smoking remains the main cause of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-fact-sheet.html

Risks by Gender – While the risk of lung cancer deaths are higher in men that smoke (85%) than woman that smoke (70%), the risks for Lung Cancers in NON-Smokers is higher for women (20%) than men (8%.)

According to a report by the American Cancer Society (written by Stacey Simon,October 30th 2015,) “as many as 20% of the people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year do not smoke or use any other form of tobacco.”

Some Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in NON-Smokers –

Radon gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is radon gas. Like carbon monoxide, radon gas is odorless and colorless, and can’t be seen or smelled. You can easily test your home for radon.
Secondhand smoke.
Cancer-causing agents at work. (Eg. asbestos, chromium, diesel exhaust, and more.)
Air pollution.

Gene mutation –

According to the American Cancer Society –

“Gene changes related to lung cancer are usually acquired during life rather than inherited.”
A particular kind of gene mutation is much more common in lung cancer in non-smokers than smokers.
“Acquired changes in certain genes, such as the TP53 or p16 tumor suppressor genes and the K-RAS or ALKoncogenes, are thought to be important in the development of non-small cell lung cancer.(http://www.cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-what-causes and http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/geneticsandcancer/genesandcancer/genes-and-cancer-gene-changes)
Gene changes related to lung cancer are usually acquired during life rather than inherited.
Acquired mutations in lung cells often result from exposure to factors in the environment, such as cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Some gene changes may just be random events.

Talk to your doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Sources and For More Information –

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/why-lung-cancer-strikes-nonsmokers

http://www.dana-farber.org/Adult-Care/Treatment-and-Support/Treatment-Centers-and-Clinical-Services/Thoracic-Cancer-Treatment-Center/Understanding-lung-cancer-risk-in-patients-with-inherited-EGFR-T790M-mutations.aspx

http://journals.lww.com/jto/Abstract/2014/04000/Hereditary_Lung_Cancer_Syndrome_Targets_Never.9.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about your risks, prevention, diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. If you are ‘at risk’ for lung cancer, ask your doctor about available screening tests.

If you smoke, Stop Now. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation. Feel free to contact me for information. Stay tuned for more information on lung cancer and smoking cessation to be posted in the coming days.

Awareness is power. For better health, take an active role in your healthcare. ~ Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

November 6, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Are You at Risk?

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Here are Some Facts:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death
Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women
More people die each year from lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined
Smoking is the # 1 Risk for Lung Cancer (80%–90% of lung cancers are attributed to cigarette smoking!)
Non-smokers can get lung cancer too!

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer –

Smoking Cigarettes
Second Hand-Smoke
Radon (2nd leading cause of lung cancer.)
Other Chemicals (asbestos, arsenic, diesel, exhaust, nickel, tar, soot, some forms of silica and chromium.)
Personal or Family History of Lung Cancer
HIV infection
Radiation Therapy to the Chest
Beta-carotene supplements.
Arsenic in drinking water (primarily from private wells) can increase the risk of lung cancer. For more information, visit the EPA’s Arsenic in Drinking Water.

How to Prevent Lung Cancer – For information visit Lung Cancer Prevention.

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives!

Here is a Cancer Survivor’s Story – http://www.lungcancer.org/find_support/stories/23

Free Lung Cancer CT Screening – At Lahey Burlington and Peabody. Call 855.CT.CHEST to find out if you qualify or log onto = http://www.lahey.org/lungscreening/

Sources of Information and to Find Out More –

American Cancer Society – http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/specialcoverage/how-acs-fights-lung-cancer
American Lung Association – http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/
Center for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
NIH National Cancer Institute – http://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-prevention-pdq#link/_AboutThis_13_toc

Do You Smoke Cigarettes …? NOW is the Time to STOP!!

Talk to you doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Continue reading →

November 1, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Bargains for Seniors at Walgreens – First Tuesdays.

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Senior Day

Tuesday, November 3

20% off merchandise.
Discounts available for 55+ and AARP members.**
**Note: Balance® Rewards card required.

Did you know ‘First Tuesdays’ at Walgreens are ‘Seniors Day?’ – Every 1st Tuesday of the month you can receive discounts on store merchandise. (Some restrictions may apply. Check at your local Walgreens.

Rewards Cards Available – Shop and Save. As a Balance Rewards member you earn 5,000 points and receive a $5 reward to redeem on your next purchase. Earn 18,000 points and save $20.00. The more points you earn, the bigger your reward.

Don’t You Just Love a Bargain?

Flu Shots Available at Walgreens – 100 Rewards Points. (Check with your doctor about getting a flu shot.)

Best in Health, Karen

October 29, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Art of Living: Life Beyond Cancer’ Conference

Friends of Mel 2016 Conference

Sponsored by Friends of Mel Foundation. www.http://friendsofmel.org

SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 14th at the QUINCY MARRIOTT.

To REGISTER ON – LINE and for a List of Workshops and Seminars – http://friendsofmel.org/conference/

This conference is designed to help survivors and their caregivers navigate the road to healing with a full day of professionally led workshops and skill building seminars that address such issues as –

Opening Keynote –

Trauma to Treasure: Finding Strength Through Life Challenging Experiences

Cancer presents a profound challenge to living a “normal” life but also provides survivors an opportunity to create a path for living that is consciously chosen. This presentation will focus on the inherent strengths of individuals to build a future based on lessons learned from their cancer experience. Matthew J. Loscalzo, LCSW – City of Hope. Executive Director Supportive Care Medicine, Liliane Elkins Professor in Supportive Care Programs, Professor, Population Sciences

SAMPLE of WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

Immune-Targeted Therapy: Inspiring Your Body to Kill Your Cancer
Cognitive Health for Cancer Survivors
Being a caregiver: What’s It All About?
Self-Care and Empowerment Through Integrative Therapies
and Much More.

NEW THIS YEAR FOR YOUNG ADULTS:

Body Image, Self-esteem and Relationships
Getting Connected as a Young Adult in Boston

To Learn More About Melanie Simmons, the inspiration behind Friends of Mel and to order Mel’s Bracelets – http://friendsofmel.org

Mels Bracelet

Read About “The Impact of STRESS While Living with Cancer” from Friends of Mel’s Founder, Pauline Alighieri – http://huff.to/1EagW7z

For More Details, to Donate, or to Register for the Conference – http://friendsofmel.org/conference/

SAMPLE SESSIONS OF MASSAGE and REIKI – OFFERED at the FRIENDS of Mels’ Conference. Join Karen Lohnes SW, LCMT, RMT (Gloucester MA,) and me. We will be there along with other integrative therapy providers offering information, education and sample sessions of Integrative Therapies. Integrative Therapies include Acupuncture, Hypnosis, Massage, Meditation, Reiki, Yoga. These therapies can aid in symptom management, relieve stress, improve comfort, and promote wellness for those undergoing treatment for cancer and beyond treatment for self-care and empowerment. Take an active role in your health care plan.

NOTE – Consult your oncologist physician or nurse prior to using Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Therapies. Some therapies and supplements may be contraindicated for your care. Discuss with your doctor.

For Information About Complementary Therapies – https://nccih.nih.gov

Join me Over the Bridge. Saturday. November 14th

Wishing You the Best in Health, Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

October 21, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week – Men Are At Risk of Breast Cancer Too

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is breast cancer awareness month and this week is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. While more rare than in women (< 1% of breast cancer according to the national cancer institute,) breast cancer in men is often further along when diagnosed due to less routine screening or awareness of risks. Knowledge is Power – Increased awareness leads to early detection and increased survival.

Couples with Breast Cancer Husband and wives faced with breast cancer, and their inspiring stories – Meg and Gerard Campion and Kara and Mike Selsman. Kara’s breast cancer was caught at an early stage due to routine screening. By the time Mike’s breast cancer was diagnosed, it was more advanced with metastasis to the lungs and bones. Hear their stories and efforts and increasing awareness of male breast cancer.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/10/20/husband-and-wife-battle-breast-cancer-together/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gerard-meg-campion-male-breast-cancer_561bcd56e4b0e66ad4c88624

Marines with Breast Cancer at Camp Lejeune –

Are You At Risk of Male Breast Cancer? Increased risks for male breast cancer include –

radiation exposure
high levels of estrogen
inherited genetic mutations
family history of breast cancer

EARLY DETECTION – Self-Breast Exams for Men and Women. What to look for and report to your physician –

Lump or thickening in the breast, chest or underarm area
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling, pulling in, puckering or redness of the skin of the breast or nipple
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Discharge (drainage) from the nipple

Note – Men tend to have much less breast tissue compared to women, so some of these signs can be easier to notice in men than in women.

Prevention of Breast Cancer (for Men and Women) Includes a Healthy lifestyle —

healthy eating
regular exercise
maintain a healthy weight
don’t smoke,
limit alcohol.

Check with your physician about prevention, risks, screening, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

For more information about risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of male breast cancer –

http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/male-breast-treatment-pdq

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/male_bc

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerScreeningForMenAtHigherRisk.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/basics/symptoms/con-20025972

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763567

Early Detection Saves Lives – Breast Cancer Awareness for Men and Women

Enjoy today in a health way, and be well, Karen Pischke

October 10, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breast and Liver Cancer Awareness Month – Special Offering at Dreamtime Wellness™

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is Awareness Month for Breast and Liver Cancer.

Did you know that there is a calendar signifying cancer awareness months? With more types of cancers than months in a year, multiple types of cancers are represented some months. Not all types of cancer are represented on this calendar. https://d2agz4bw2vcggl.cloudfront.net/choosehope/uploads/user/files/CA_Awareness_Calendar3.pdf

How many people face a diagnosis of cancer?

Here are some statistics from 2015 – http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-044552.pdf Here you will also find information about ways to prevent and treat cancer, and good news about prevention and survival rates.

The Good News, According to the American Cancer Society –

A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented
All cancers caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented.
Many of the more than 3 million skin cancer cases that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.
Screening can prevent colorectal and cervical cancers through early detection and removal of precancerous lesions.
Screening is known to reduce (death rates) for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and lung (with long-term and/or heavy smokers)
Healthy Lifestyles (healthy weight, healthy nutrition, exercise, no smoking, minimal alcohol) can help prevent cancer
Improvement in survival rates over the past 30 years reflects both the earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives – Ask your doctor about ways to prevent, screen for, and treat cancer.

Mammogram Fact Sheet – http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet

What to Expect From a Mammogram –

Information about Liver Cancer – http://www.cancer.gov/types/liver/patient/adult-liver-treatment-pdq

A diagnosis of cancer and having to undergo treatment may cause anxiety and depression and effects families as well as patients.

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/emotionalsideeffects/copingwithcancerineverydaylife/a-message-of-hope-emotional-impact-of-cancer

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15295777

Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to cope and deal with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

**Reiki may be helpful for decreasing stress and anxiety in patients receiving treatment for cancer. This study indicates a significant decrease in anxiety after a Reiki Session, and potential for improved comfort – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21998438

Read further for SPECIAL OFFERINGS at Dreamtime Wellness™ this October –

Continue reading →

October 3, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

October Community Reiki Share to Help Support Children in Africa

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Tuesday. October 6th. ‘Community Reiki Share’ in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Join us in Supporting the Kangemi Charity and Children of Nairobi, Kenya. Having just returned from a sabbatical in Africa, it seems appropriate that this month’s Reiki Share is donating proceeds to an African charity. All are welcomed to attend to enjoy a Reiki Session while supporting this worthy cause!

This month’s choice of charities was inspired by Advanced Western and Japanese Reiki Practitioner (Komyo Okuden/3rd Degree) and FOB Suzanne Sweeney, owner of Energize Body and Mind here in Gloucester. Suzanne’s mother-in-law Prafulla Ganatraa, coordinates the Kangemi Charity in Kenya, helping to feed, clothe and educate children in an impoverished area of Nairobi.

Reiki Teacher Prafulla Ganatraa helping children in Nairobi, Kenya

Suzanne’s husband Mehul Ganatra had this to say about The Kangemi Charity “this is a grass-roots charity started by my mother (a Reiki master) and a few of her Reiki friends three and a half years ago. The goal is to feed the children of the Kangemi slums (located in Nairobi, Kenya). The slums have a population of about 120,000 with no access to basic facilities (e.g. sewerage, medical). What started out with feeding 50 kids every Sunday has now grown to over 300! In addition to one meal a week, they also occasionally provide some clothing (school uniforms) and blankets. Thanks to some generous donations, the charity now pays the school tuition for 74 kids in primary school and 3 students in secondary school. There is definitely a need to do more. Please note that 100% of the donations my mother receives go towards helping the kids.”

In her efforts to help the children, Prafulla Ganatraa is also teaching them Reiki, demonstrated in this photo. Join us in helping support the wonderful work she is doing!

Kangemi child offering Reiki 12074487_1057218587662087_4089829940452143502_n

Kangemi Child Offering Reiki in Nairobi Kenya

To Attend this Month’s Reiki Share or to Donate to the Kangemi Charity, Email info@DreamtimeWellnessc.com or Contact Suzanne Sweeney via Email -EnergizeBodyandMind@gmail.com.

You can come as an observer, to donate, join in a meditation, and/or enjoy a Reiki Session. Participate in some or all of the evening and enjoy the sense of peace, comfort and calm that Reiki provides.

‘Community Reiki Share.’ Tuesday. October 6th. 5:15 pm – 8:15 pm at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. On the MBTA Train line; wheelchair accessible. Reiki Sessions ‘By Donation.’ $20.00 suggested donation. ($10.00 for Seniors.)