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Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation APRIL news

Thanks to the Friends of Seacoast, the residents enjoyed their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with Irish Step dancers and an Irish concert by Sgt. Dan Clark.  They also enjoyed the St. Joseph’s celebration with zeppolis fresh baked by Donut Jims.  Other weekly concerts were offered by professional entertainers including the Honky Tonk Women’s singer Sheila Schrank.

The Friends of Seacoast enhance the resident’s lives at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with hours of enjoyment by providing the finances needed for special entertainment, supplies and community outings.  Any and all dontations to the Friends of Seacoast are gratefully accepted.  Their next meeting will be held on Tuesday April 14 at 6pm at the Bank of Gloucester.

The Cape Ann Museum has been offering Seacoast ongoing programs.  This artistic expression project has included poetry, painting, a museum tour and art demonstrations within the Seacoast facility. 

The next museum tour is scheduled on April 7th.  The next museum visit to Seacoast titled “Portraits from Cape Ann museum” is scheduled for April 28th.

Beth Wein will return to Seacoast each month to give a presentation about Gloucester’s history.  These slideshows focus on various pieces of our city’s history.  It’s called the History SHARING program because Beth will share what she has learned about the topic while the audience is encouraged to share what they know.  The next visit is scheduled for April 20th at 2pm

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Fund Raiser for Cape Ann Animal Aid Tuesday, April 7th!

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Monthly ‘Community Reiki Share’ offered in Manchester-by-the-Sea. 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.)

Maslows Hierarchy Of Needs.svg

Charities have included – Open Door Food Pantry, Beverly Boot Straps, (January,) Wellspring House (February,) Action Inc. (March.) And this month – Cape Ann Animal Aid. Animals need our help too! Many of the attendees of the Monthly Reiki Share are huge animal lovers. Some have ‘loved and lost’ their beloved pets. At this month’s Reiki Share we remember and honor Johnny Cat, Luna, Ruby and Ava. Let us know if you have a charity and would like to team up with us for May!

Continue reading →

Getting Fit on Cape Ann Waterways
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Getting Fit on Cape Ann Waterways

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Start your paddles!! Nothing like a meditative paddle on the beautiful waterways of Cape Ann! 

Sun Setting on the Annisquam River

Sun Setting on the Annisquam River

A sure sign of spring! Last Sunday I saw the first surf-ski on the Annisquam River. A stealth looking Epic V10 Sport, like the one in this photo from Gloucester’s Wings and Waves Photo Art –  https://www.flickr.com/photos/wingsandwaves/9348952657/in/album-72157634766231655/   Maybe they were practicing for one of the upcoming rowing races! A Fitness Challenge!

Andrew's Point

Andrew’s Point

Whether on the Essex River, Ipswich Bay, Manchester and Rockport Harbors, Gloucester’s inner and outer harbor, or one of the many quiet coves, there are plenty of beautiful waterways to choose from. And a boat or board for someone of all ages and skill levels to paddle around Cape Ann! Continue reading →

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Fit Middle Aged Men Shown to Have Lower Cancer Risk

Dreamtime Wellness ™ Photo copy

More Reasons to Get Fit Gloucester!  

A Study Showed that Fit Middle Aged Men Were Found to Have Lower Risk of Colon and Lung Cancer! 

In the news, March 26th… a study published on-line by the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association/JAMA Oncology showed a link between cardiovascular health and a decreased incidence of  colon and cancer.

These findings were first presented June 2, 2013 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Ill. The lead researcher, Dr. Susan Lakoski* reported at that time, “While poor fitness is already known to predict future cardiovascular disease, this is the first study to explore fitness as a marker of future cancer risk prognosis,” (*Susan Lakoski, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and director of the cardiovascular prevention program for cancer patients at the University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care.)

Source –

Middle Aged Couple biking GMG

Something to consider – men (and women!) who exercise may also be more likely to focus on an overall healthy lifestyle choices, such as healthy exercise, healthy eating, abstaining from smoking, and minimizing alcohol use lowers your risk of heart disease and cancer. Healthier Lifestyles for a Healthier YOU! Spring is a great time to focus on YOU and YOUR Good Health!  

~ 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.

 

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Are You at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

Dreamtime Wellness ™ Photo copy

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

 

March is Colon-Rectal Cancer Awareness Month! Too many of my friends, relatives, patients, and clients have been affected by this disease. March 5th was National Colon Cancer Day. That date came and went, but I could not let the month pass without bringing attention to the importance of Prevention, Screening, and Early Detection of Colon-Rectal Cancer.

Prevent. Screen. Treat. Early Detection Saves Lives.

Prevent. Screen. Treat. Early Detection Saves Lives.

Cancer of the colon and/or rectum (colorectal cancer) can begin without symptoms, which is why early screening is important. Pre-cancerous and benign polyps can be removed before they become cancer. While routine screening often begins at 50, screening for those at higher risk may begin as early as 30’s. Having a family history of colorectal cancer puts you at higher risk. Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer –

  • Family history of colon and/or rectal cancer
  • History of colorectal polyps
  • Obesity
  • Lack of Physical Activity
  • Smoking 
  • High-Fat (Saturated/Trans-fat) Diet
  • Alcohol Use

Colon Cancer Facts from the American Cancer Society –

  • Approximately 5%,  (1 in 20 Americans) will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in their lifetime.
  • Second Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths in Men and Women
  • Approximately 9o% Cure Rate When Caught Early!

3d rendered illustration of a polyp removal

The Good News – Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Improves Outcomes and Saves Lives!!  ** Ask Your Doctor About Screening!

Colorectal Screening Includes (but not limited to):
  • Colonoscopy
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) (*Easily performed at home or in the doctor’s office.) **
  • Stool immunochemical test (FIT) **
  • Stool DNA test (sDNA) **

** According to the American Cancer Society, if these tests are positive a colonoscopy is recommended. Video of Katie Couric and a screening colonoscopy –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbUesuxT1IE

 “An Ounce of Preventions is Worth a Pound of Cure.”  Though at the time, this quote by Benjamin Franklin referred to fire fighting, the advice rings as true today as it did in the 1700’s
Decreasing the Risk of Colon-rectal Cancer –
(Many of the ‘cardiac risk factor reduction’ recommendations mentioned in earlier posts apply to ‘colorectal cancer risk reduction.’)
  • Physical Activity (of 30 minutes, 5 x a week)
  • Maintain Healthy Weight
  • Avoid Smoking
  • Minimize Alcohol (2 Drinks for Men, 1 for Women; per day. No need to start if you don’t currently drink.)

**Diet may also play a role in preventing colon cancer, but the study results have been mixed. Some dietary recommendations that may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer:

    • Minimize Red and Processed Meats
    • Limit Saturated Fat in Your Diet
    • Diets Higher in Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains may be beneficial

** Talk to your physician about colorectal screening and prevention!

** TREATMENT for Colorectal Cancer – Conventional Treatment for Colorectal Cancer May Include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation

‘Integrative Health Therapies’ for Added Support – Integrative Health Therapies are complementary therapies offered ‘in addition to’ (not in place of,) conventional therapies for supportive care and to minimize side effects of treatment. Integrative therapies may include: acupuncture, massage, meditation, reiki, tai chi, and yoga. To learn more about supportive, integrative therapies offered during cancer treatment –  www.nccih.nih.gov.  Many hospitals now offer integrative therapies as part of comprehensive health care programs. Ask your physician about incorporating integrative therapies in your plan of care.

Finding an integrative health provider – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/howtofind.htm. and  https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/selecting Warning: Some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies may not be recommended with your condition. Some herbal and over-the-counter (OTC) products may even interfere with your treatment! ASK Your Oncologist, before pursuing complementary, alternative and integrative therapies. Let your physicians know if you are using CAM therapies or herbs/supplements.

The ‘Integrative Health Model’ is meant to incorporate conventional medicine with complementary therapies that have been demonstrated to be safe, effective and potentially minimize negative side effects, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction.

Sources and More Information: American Cancer Society – http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/colorectalcancer.pdf

Center for Disease Control –
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/colorectalawareness/
National Cancer Institute –  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/colorectal
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health –
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/cancer/camcancer.htm
Nip Colon Cancer in the Butt!  Prevent, Screen, Detect and Treat EARLY!
Wishing you the Best in Health,   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.
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Beat the Winter Blahs – ‘Just Try It’

Here at MAC, we have it all!  We invite you to try 6 of our most popular group fitness classes at MAC for free – pilates, spin, TRX, yoga, zumba and barre (registration required).  Look for our ad in your local newspaper, around town or on our website http://ow.ly/KAmIm.  You can also call our membership department and ask about our Spring promotion – 978.526.8900 ext. 1.  ‘Just try it’ – TODAY!

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Celebrating Spring and Healthy Herring

Dreamtime Wellness ™ Photo copy

The Long-Awaiting Coming of Spring Begins Tomorrow!

As Joey mentioned, it’s time for the ‘Annual River Herring Count’ – April 1st – May 30th. 

Herring 1280px-Clupea_harengus_Gervais.flipped

In honor of herring, here is information about their ecological importance and health benefits! Herring are – 

  • High in Omega-3, (healthy fatty acids EPA + DHA, which are considered important for brain function, eye health, and may help decrease inflammation.)
  • Source of Vitamin D
  • Considered to be lower in mercury levels due to their small size (Note: Pregnant women need to check with there physician regarding fish consumption.)
  • Important part of the marine food chain.
  • Harvested sustainably
  • Extremely valuable to the fishing economy in Northeastern United States

Food Chain and Herring

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/fish-herring-wcani

River (Alewife and Blueback) Herring –

  • Their health and well-being are a reflection of the overall state of the coastal ecosystem.
  • Their count can represent the health of marine life, as well as any watershed problems (such as man-made alteration of the natural hydrology, and water pollution.)

Fishing for Herring – Join the Count!  April 1st – May 30th.

To become a volunteer monitor and help efforts to protect this important species, contact:

Dave Sargent/ Alewife Warden @ 978-282-8018 – dsargent@gloucester-ma.gov

or Max Schenk @ 978-282-8025 – mschenk@gloucester-ma..gov

Herring Grilled Nishin

Grilled (‘Nishin’) Herring

I don’t know about you, but I am craving some grilled herring as I write this!  (‘Nishin’ is Japanese for herring.) – http://tokyostation-yukari.blogspot.com/2010/01/grilled-nishin-herring.html

Sources  –

Association to Protect Cape Cod. – http://www.apcc.org/herring/

Dr Weil – http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400957/Herring-or-Sardines.html

Fisheries and Oceans, Canada – http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/education/lessonplans-lecons/whale-epaulard-eng.html

National Geographic – http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/fish-herring-wcani

Natural Resources Defense Council – http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp

NOAA Fish watch – http://www.fishwatch.gov/seafood_profiles/species/herring/species_pages/atl_herring.htm

 

Happy, Healthy Spring to All of You!  And May the River Herring be Healthy Too!   

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

 

Owner and Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit. www.DreamtimeWellness.com Follow 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.