May 27, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki Share and Fund Raiser to Benefit Relay for Life Cape Ann

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

June 2nd ‘Community Reiki Share’ to Benefit Relay for Life, Cape Ann.

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

Each month a local charity is designated to receive a portion of the proceeds. Using ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ to select which charity to team with, the first step being – Basic Physiological Needs (Air, Water, Food, Shelter.) The steps to ‘Realizing One’s Full Potential!’

Charities we have partnered with include – Open Door Food Pantry, Beverly Boot Straps, (January,) Wellspring House (February,) Action Inc. (March,) Cape Ann Animal Aid (April,) SeniorCare, Inc. (May,) and for June 2nd – Relay for Life, Cape Ann.

June 20th the Relay for Life Cape Ann returns to Burnham Field. Teams participate to raise money to help the American Cancer Society’s achieve their goal to ‘end cancer.’ http://www.cancer.org. For details about the Relay for Life –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY15NE?pg=entry&fr_id=65236.

Too many lives…, my family, friends, neighbors, and patients have been touched by this disease. Join us and help raise money for this important cause while enjoying some ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the June 2nd Community Reiki Share!

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May 26, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

‘Get Fit’ – Cape Ann Health Clubs and Personal Fitness Trainers

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Don’t know about you, but I LOVE exercising outdoors amid the natural beauty of Cape Ann. Generally Cape Ann seems to have ‘blue skies and sunshine,’ (at least in my mind, 🙂 but cooler, rainy days lead me to exercise indoors with a walk on the treadmill.

You’ve Heard the Excuses – “To0 cold.” “Too snowy.” “Too rainy.” “Too Windy.” “Too Tired.” “Too Little Time….” Too Many Excuses… But with Exercise Being the #1 Prescription for Good Health, there’s NO Good Excuse, Except for ‘TOO Sick.’ When weather conditions are not the best for outdoor activities and if you don’t have home equipment, there are many health clubs right here on Cape Ann to choose from. Some may offer ‘drop in rates’ and ‘special discounts.’ Regular exercise can help reduce stress, boost immunity, improve mood, and keep you healthier! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm

Here is a Sample of Health Clubs on Cape Ann –

Cape Ann YMCA – http://www.northshoreymca.org/locations/cape-ann/
CrossFit Cape Ann – http://crossfitcapeann.com
ClubXcel and northeast pilates http://www.northeastpilates.com
Fitness Zone – http://www.fitnesszonegloucester.com
O’Niel Fitness – www.onielfitness.com
StreamlineStrength Fitness and Pilates – http://www.streamlinestrength.com
Mac Fitness Gloucester – www.macfitnessgloucester.com

and the Mac in Manchester-by-the-Sea – www.manchesterathleticclub.com

Healthier at Any Age

Need Help Designing a Safe Fitness Routine? Want to take your fitness to the next level?

Ask an Expert! Physical therapists, exercise physiologist, and professional fitness trainer can assist and guide you for a ‘safe and healthy’ exercise routine. (*Note: If you have not been exercising or have health issues, check with your physician prior to beginning an exercise routine.)

*Please Note: Some ‘confusion’ recently came to my attention about what these initials, acronyms, credentials mean – Personal Trainer (PT) or Certified Personal Trainer (‘CPT’) and Physical Therapist (P.T.) have very different backgrounds and training. Personal Trainers typically hold a certification from one of the below-mentioned fitness certification programs. A Physical Therapist on the other hand has advanced college and post-graduate studies, with a doctorate, ‘DPT’ now as the entry-level into this profession. An exercise physiologist (EP) also generally requires college study. An Exercise Physiologist is a person who generally has an academic degree in exercise physiology, or who is certified by practice exercise physiology (via the Exercise Physiologist Certified exam (EPC)), or who has a doctorate degree with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited college or university. Be sure to check it out beforehand and know what those ‘letters’ mean!

Personal Training

Personal Fitness Trainer – Here are the Top 5 National Fitness Certification Programs –

1. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
2. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
3. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
4. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
5. National Strength and Conditional Associations (NSCA)

Top 10 Fitness Training Certifications Listed on the Live Strong Website – http://www.livestrong.com/article/436098-top-10-best-personal-trainer-certifications/

Indoors or Outdoors, the Key to Optimal Health is to Get Moving and ‘Get Fit!’

Exercise Makes Me Smile

Enjoy these Personal Mantras/Positive Affirmations from Our ‘Motivation to Exercise’ Hypnosis Program –

” Exercise Energize.” “Exercise Makes Me Smile!” “Exercise Makes Me Feel Good!”

* Note: If you have not been exercising or have health issues, check with your doctor first for safe exercise guidelines (an ‘exercise prescription’) before beginning a new exercise program.

Exercise safely, get fit, and enjoy greater levels of health and wellbeing. ~ Karen Pischke, BSN, RN

~ 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

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.

May 8, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Get Fit – Walk, Run, Hike Cape Ann’s Beaches and Trails

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Get Your Sneakers and Hiking Boots On! Warmer weather is here to stay. Spring is a great time to get moving and get fit! Ralph Waldo Emerson said – The First Wealth is Health! No time like the present to begin focusing on Your Good Health!

Plenty of Exercise Opportunities on Cape Ann, indoors and outdoors!

If you haven’t been exercising all along or took the winter off, begin with a discussion with your physician and ask for safe exercise guidelines. Start where you are. Set goals. Gradually increase either intensity, frequency, or duration. (One at a time!) See safety guidelines for exercise below.

Best Cape Ann Beaches for Walking – Good Harbor, Long Beach, Wingaersheek (Gloucester) Singing Beach (Manchester-by-the-Sea,) and Cape Hedge Beach (Rockport/Residents Only Parking.)

* Cape Ann Residents Get Your Beach Stickers! Visitors – Prepare to Pay for Parking; Car pool, ‘park and ride’ or take the C.A.T.A. bus.

Walk or Run. Enjoy Cape Ann’s fresh air while you move your body to a healthier you! On your own or with friends. Goals Can Inspire and Motivate you. Train and Prepare for a 5 K (3.1 miles.)

Get Fit At Any Age

Spring/Summer Local Walking/Running Events (5 – 8 Kilometers.)

May 8th – Back Shore Gloucester 8K (5 miles)
June 20th – Father’s Day 5K (3.1 mile) and 10K (6.2 mile) Rockport
June 25th – Fiesta 5K (3.1 mile) Gloucester
Sept 7th – Run the Goose* 7K (4.3 miles) (*Love Goose Cove!)

Information About Trail Hiking –

The Essex County Trail Association – http://www.ectaonline.org/

Team Gloucester – http://teamgloucester.com/

Essex County Greenbelt Association/ – http://www.ecga.org/explore_our_properties/properties

Manchester Essex Conservation Trust – http://www.mect.org/getoutdoors.html

Mass Audubon – http://www.massaudubon.org/

New England Forestry Foundation – http://www.newenglandforestry.org/find-a-forest.html

Trustees of Reservations – http://www.thetrustees.org

My Favorite Hikes on Cape Ann – Dogtown, Halibut Point State Park, Ravenswood, Coolidge Reservation, and Many More! Fun for the Whole Family!

Family walking in the woods

Remember to Exercise Safely! Check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program, especially if you haven’t been exercising or have a medical condition (disease.) Begin ‘where you are,’ and go from there. Always exercise within safe guidelines as prescribed by your doctor and any personal limitations you might have. *If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath or chest pain with exercise, stop and rest. If chest pain and/or shortness of breath continues – call 911! And even if it goes away with rest, follow-up with your physician to report and have it checked out.

For information on Safe Exercise –

Check With Your Physician. Ask a Fitness Expert for Advice!

Exercise Safely, Make it Fun and Enjoy the Health Benefits for Mind, Body & Spirit!

May 5, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrate Nurses Week!

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

May 6th – May 12th is National Nurses Week.

Nurses of Cape Ann and Around the World, Join me in the Celebration!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UWLIgjB9gGw#t=1

Nurses make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. Considered by many to be the ‘Heart & Soul’ of health care, nurses often work long hours and put others’ needs before their own. Nurses work in a variety of positions and settings, at the bedside in hospitals, extended care facilities and hospice, in wellness and integrative medicine centers, medical offices, schools, rehabilitation, public health and community centers, people’s homes, private practice, administration and even battlefields.

Historical nurse pioneers and leaders such as Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale were, and continue to be inspiring role models for nurses around the globe.

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month/pictures/women-in-science/illustration-of-florence-nightingale-holding-lamp

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May 1, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Fund Raiser ‘Reiki Share’ for Gloucester’s SeniorCare, Inc

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Monthly ‘Community Reiki Share’ offered in Manchester-by-the-Sea at the Manchester Community Center – on the MBTA Train line; wheelchair accessible.

Each month a local charity is designated to receive a portion of the proceeds. We are using ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ to select which charity to team with. The first step being – Basic Physiological Needs (Air, Water, Food, Shelter.) The steps to ‘Realizing One’s Full Potential!’

Charities have included – Open Door Food Pantry, Beverly Boot Straps, (January,) Wellspring House (February,) Action Inc. (March,) Cape Ann Animal Aid (April.) And this month – SeniorCare, Inc. SeniorCare Inc. provides and coordinates services and information to elders and people with disabilities, enabling them to live independently at home or in a setting of their choice while remaining part of their community. SeniorCare, Inc. – http://www.seniorcareinc.org

Let us know if you have a charity and would like to team up with us for June!

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April 21, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrate ‘Earth Day’ on Cape Ann – Tomorrow, April 22

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

‘Earth Day’ is Tomorrow – April 22nd! Celebrate on Cape Ann!

Tomorrow is the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day, what many consider to be the beginning of the environmental movement.

http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

Spend the Day in a Healthy Way ~ Celebrate and Enjoy Nature on Beautiful Cape Ann!

Sun Setting on the Annisquam River

Walk, mediate, dance, or sing as you enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches – Wingaersheek, Good Harbor, Long Beach (Gloucester,) Cape Hedge, (Rockport), Singing Beach (Manchester)
Sit and meditate or gather shells at one of the smaller beaches – Plum Cove (Gloucester,) Niles Pond, Black and White Beaches (Manchester) Front and Back Beach (Rockport) or along the salt marsh (Essex.) Enjoy diverse nature, animal and bird life.
Kayak or canoe the Essex or Annisquam Rivers. (*Be prepared for cold water temperatures!)
Bike along Route 127 or Bass Rocks, a favorite place for artists, and enjoy waves crashing on the rocks. (Be sure to wear a helmet!)
Hike or mountain bike thorough undeveloped woods in Dogtown and be transported back in time. Explore the Babson Boulders, inscribed with virtues such as – ‘Help Mother,’ ‘Study.’
Enjoy a panoramic view of Cape Ann from Pole’s Hill (Gloucester.)
Enjoy leisurely strolls at Coolidge Reservation (Manchester,) Halibut Point State Park (Rockport) Ravenswood (Gloucester) and Cox Reservation (Essex.)
Make time for a picnic lunch at Stage Fort Park or Manchester Harbor
Enjoy digging in the warm earth and plant a tree, some flowers, start a vegetable garden.
Take a pair of gloves and a plastic bag and clean up litter wherever you go. Every little bit helps!

If you can’t make it to Cape Ann tomorrow, spend some time in the outdoors wherever you can – enjoy the sun on your face, a cool breeze, rivers, ponds and oceans, smell the fresh air, the scents of spring and renewal wherever you are! Enjoy a ‘daily attitude of gratitude’ of all that we reap from the earth, and be sure to ‘give back’ in return.

If you can’t get out, enjoy the meditative sights and sounds of ‘Spring Thaw 2015’ –

~ Happy Healthy Earth Day! ~ 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

March 8, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Secrets to a ‘Long and Happy Life’

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

‘Fukuju’ in Japanese means ‘Long Life and Happiness.’

The Longest Living Woman in the World Just Celebrated Her 117th Birthday! http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/03/04/worlds-oldest-person-117-birthday-japan/24362311/

Misao Ōkawa (大川ミサヲ) Born March 5th, 1898 is the oldest living woman. She currently resides in a nursing home in Osaka, Japan. (See link above for more of her story.)

When asked her advice on ‘longevity,’ Misao-san answered

“Eat and Sleep Well.” Misao-san reports sleeping 8 hours a day, and eating sushi. mackerel (‘Saba’) being her favorite. (Hey Joey, More ‘Good News’ for Gloucester Fisherman!)

SUSHI

Benefits Sushi is high in natural Omega-3 fatty acids which has been reported to help decrease inflammation. Information on Omega-3 and health benefits from Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614 Over the past few years we have seen an increase in Sushi offerings on Cape Ann: Latitude 43, The Rudder, Madfish, the Franklin, Midori, and the Studio are some of the Cape Ann Restaurants offering Sushi.

Risks Sushi also has some risks involved if the fish is not properly stored and prepared. Raw (and even cooked) seafood is not meant for daily consumption due to levels of mercury. For more information on mercury in fish and shellfish – http://water.epa.gov/…/fishshellf…/outreach/advice_index.cfm Note: Woman who are pregnant or nursing, young children, and people on chemotherapy or otherwise immunosuppressed are advised to avoid raw/uncooked fish and meat. Check with your doctor for advice.

For more on healthy vs. unhealthy sushi – http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_250/259_healthiest-and-unhealthiest-sushi.html Note: FDA recommends women who are pregnant only eat fish and other seafood that has been cooked thoroughly. Also, it is recommended to avoid raw seafood or meat if you are on chemotherapy or otherwise immunosuppressed. For information on what is safe to eat when on chemotherapy – .http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000061.htm

Many studies on inflammation and fish use fish oil supplements to increase intake of omega-3. **Check with your doctor first if you are considering fish-oil supplements, especially if you are taking blood thinners! When in doubt, check it out and ask your doctor’s advice!

“Learn how to Relax” was Misao-san’s other advice. Though the article does not mention specific relaxation techniques, meditation is practiced daily in the Japanese culture in many forms. One common form is through ‘Sei Shin Toitsu’ – ‘mind-concentration.’ (More on Meditation, Reiki, Sei Shin Toitsu and other relaxation techniques in upcoming posts.)

A Relaxing Reiki Session

I wonder if Misao Ōkawa knows about ‘Reiki Ryoho?’ The Japanese Healing Method/Art for mind-body improvement. Founded by Mikao Usui Sensei (August 15, 1865-March 9, 1926.) Daily practice of ‘Reiki Ryoho’ in the form of self-Reiki is said to invite ‘Health and Happiness.’

Reflecting twice daily on the Reiki ‘Gokai’ or Precepts, also known as ‘Reiki (Kyogi) Principles,’ as part of Reiki practice helps create feelings of ‘inner peace and calm.’ A wonderful way to begin the day with ‘positive affirmations!’ ‘Work diligently’ refers to ‘working on self for self-improvement’ and greater levels of health. Inner peace has a way of ‘rippling out’ to others. May you enjoy peace and calm today!

Join me for a cup of tea! TODAY there is a Fund Raiser for the Continued Reconstruction Efforts in Japan held at Showa Institute in Boston. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, contact Kyoko Wada – http://spouses.mit.edu/mit-events/event/15955591

Powered Macha

To Learn Simple Relaxation Techniques for Stress Reduction and Increased Calm Contact me – www.dreamtimewellness.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Next Reiki Training Shoden (1st Degree/Beginning Level): Sunday. March 22nd in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Reiki Ryoho Shoden Level focuses on ‘Self-Reiki.’ Only 12 More Days Until Spring!! Celebrate Spring by spending the day in peaceful relaxation and harmony as you learn simple techniques for Relaxation and Self-Care.

~ May You Enjoy a Long and Happy Life! – Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.