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.

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!

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.

March 20, 2015 by eandrews2015

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!

March 19, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrating Spring and Healthy Herring

The Long-Awaiting Coming of Spring Begins Tomorrow!

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

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

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

March 17, 2015 by Seacoast Nursing & Rehab

Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation

Thanks to the Friends of Seacoast the residents enjoyed many activities including their Valentine’s Day with beautiful décor, a concert with love songs and a dessert buffet . The Superbowl Celebration, weekly concerts and the monthly dinner theater with entertainment by Sheila Schrank were all a great time thanks to the Friends.

Special thanks to the Students from Eastern Point School, West Parish Students and the Freshman Class of Essex Tech who made handmade Valentine Cards for the Seacoast Residents. Every resident received a lovely Valentine Card.

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 the special entertainment, supplies and community outings. Any and all donations to “The Friends of Seacoast” are gratefully accepted.

The Friends of Seacoast are grateful for the gifts received in honor of loved ones.

We are looking forward to many upcoming events with the support of the Friends of Seacoast including a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Irish Step Dancers, an Irish concert by Sgt. Dan Clark, weekly Musical Entertainment, Dinner Theater with catered foods from local restaurants, Community Outings and more…

The Singing Trooper

The next Friends of Seacoast Meeting is scheduled for March 10^th @ 6:00PM at Bank Gloucester.

Alison Cox, Activities Director

March 13, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Spring Cleaning for Your Health

Spring is Just One Week Away! A welcome sight after the long winter we’ve had in New England. The mountains of snow are beginning to melt and signs of spring are finally cropping up.

‘Bluebird of Happiness’. Photo Courtesy of Michael Chamness. © Wings & Waves Photo Art. Gloucester MA.

Did You Make A New Years Resolution to Exercise? Have you been able to keep it, or has it gone by the wayside, like the ‘disappearing sidewalks’ that made getting around this winter more difficult? Even if you LOVE winter and winter sports like I do, the brutal winter temperatures made it difficult to get outside to exercise. Hopefully, you found your way to one of the many local gyms and fitness centers on Cape Ann and stayed on-tack with your exercise and/or weight reduction goals! If not….

The GOOD NEWS – You Can ‘Jump-Start Your Good Health’ ANY Time of the Year!

Many people in New England feel as if they’ve been living in a cave during this, the second snowiest winter. Time to Take Off Your Winter Mask and Start SPRING CLEANING for Your Health!

Spring is a good time to take a closer look at the goals you set at the beginning of the year and reevaluate where you stand with them. With warmer temperatures and more hours of daylight comes a renewed sense of energy and hope springs forth!

The World Health Organization (WHO) Definition of Health –“a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html

Spring Cleaning generally is thought of as deep house cleaning, clearing out the cobwebs, sorting through your closets. Consider also a cleanse of mind, body and spirit to feel younger and rejuvenated!

SPRING CLEANING for Mind, Body, & Spirit

Sunlight Can Help Boost Serotonin, the brain chemicals that help you Feel Happy, Healthy and Well! Have you noticed an extra spring in your step since the clocks moved ahead? I know I have! Increased serotonin levels promote improved mood. (“Everything in moderation.” Unfortunately, while boosting serotonin and a source of Vitamin D too much sunlight can have risks. For sun safety advice – http://www.cancer.org/healthy/besafeinthesun/)

Get Moving. Enjoy Fresh Air, Exercise, the Company of Family and Friends as you enjoy the beautiful beaches and conservation land of Cape Ann. Along with physical benefits, exercise helps you think more clearly and improves mood. For a list of Cape Ann Beaches – http://www.seecapeann.com/beach_article.html and other places to walk – http://www.thetrustees.org

Healthy Eating. Enjoying a ‘Rainbow of Colors’ of Fruits and Vegetables allows you to enjoy a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and anti-oxidants. Fresh is Best! Check out local CSA’s (Community Sustainable Agriculture) and other local stores with fresh, locally grown and organic options.

Get Plenty of Sleep. Your body recharges while you sleep. You think more clearly after a good night’s sleep.

Think Positive! You have power over your own thoughts! Or, at least can train yourself to think more positively through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Self-Hypnosis. Choose Happy! Enjoy a Daily Attitude of Gratitude. Using a Gratitude Journal, list 3 things each day to be grateful This helps you to focus more on the positives, and let go of the negatives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-qhRZbMe_s

Resources for SPRING CLEANING for Mind, Body and Spirit –

Boosting Serotonin Naturally – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077351/
Spring Cleaning for Mind, Body & Spirit – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marie-pasinski-md/three-ways-to-spring-clea_b_841756.html
Exercise tips – http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/tips-for-getting-exercise-into-your-life/
Healthy Fruits and Vegetables – http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vegetables-full-story/ and http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vegetables-full-story/
Importance of Sleep – https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/sleep-health
Positive Psychology and happiness – https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/happiness

A Sure Sign of Spring – The Cape Ann Farmer’s Market is Back! Indoor Cape Ann Farmer’s Market Saturday. March 21st! 21st!http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Time—Dates-of-the-March-Madness-Market-.html?soid=1102513894265&aid=29Fkb0PWAYU.

At the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market you will meet friends and neighbors coming out of hibernation after the long, cold winter. Shop for local fresh produce and seafood, fresh-cut flowers and crafts. Along with natural soaps and salves to soothe your tired muscles you may find a chair massage offered. The Cape Ann Farmer’s Market is sure to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart! Enjoy!

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful Spring! ~ Karen Pischke, B.S.N., R.N.

Creating an Abundance of peace and well-being to your life!

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.

March 3, 2015 by HarborCoveDental

Dental Assistants Recognition Week is March 1st -7th!

Dentists in the United States and Canada will celebrate by honoring their dental assistants for the variety of duties they perform and helping them provide patients with quality dental care. This year’s theme, “Dental Assisting: Embracing the Changes of the Profession,” acknowledges the growing importance of dentistry’s role in health care and the responsibilities of dental assistants.

We want to thank Stephanie Bakland of Harbor Cove Dental for being one of the best dental assistants ever! Our office couldn’t run without you.

Check us out here at www.HarborCoveDental.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HarborCoveDental01930