April 15, 2016 by Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC

Reflexology = Stress Relief

April 13, 2016 by Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC

Renew Your Vitality…Reset + Thrive

An Ayurvedic cleanse focuses on resetting the digestive fire, allowing it to rest and strengthen. The detoxifying nature also supports the body’s own natural mechanisms to remove built up toxins from the body.

Ayurveda Wellness Healing’s
Ayurvedic 7 -Day Guided Spring Cleanse

Spring Cleanse Date: April 25 – May 1
(if dates are not convient we can work around your schedule)

Kick-off conference call – Monday, April 18 @ 8pm
Dial-in Number: (605) 562-0020
Meeting ID: 825-603-206
or
Kick-off in person meeting – April 20 @ 7pm
Meeting location: 25 Lexington Ave., 2nd Flr., Magnolia, MA 01930

Included:
Kapha Digest
Kapha Massage Oil
Naysa Oil
Triphala
Kitchari (equals 6 meals)
Detox Tea
Recipes
Shopping List
Daily email support

Cost: $108

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health”

RSVP: info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com or

978.395.1234

Healing blessings in health…
Kim, Lynn and Wyndee

http://www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

April 3, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki Training for Animal Lovers

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Reiki 1st Degree/Shoden Training – Saturday and Sunday. April 9 and 10.*

Learn 1st Degree/Beginner Reiki with a focus on self-Reiki for relaxation and self-care.

Contact us for details – info@dreamtimewellness.com. 978-283-4258. Whether for self-care or professional Reiki practice, start your journey here with thorough, supportive classes. Additional practice opportunity and mentoring offered.

Note: *This 2-day class will help you get started with reiki for self-care, family and pets. Additional self-study, required reading and supervised practicums for certificate of completion.

The attendees of this Reiki Training have each expressed a deep love of animals and there will be additional focus on ‘Animal Reiki’ for this class. Animals respond to Reiki with signs of relaxation, helpful for optimal wellbeing and peak performance.

‘What is Reiki?’ – Reiki (ray-kee) is a hands-on (or non-touch for those that prefer) healing method/art that originated in Japan in 1922. During a session, recipients are fully clothed and can lie down or sit for their sessions. Preliminary search indicates that a session of Reiki can promote relaxation and potentially decrease stress, increase calm, and improve comfort. More information on Reiki and other integrative therapies can be found at the National Center Complementary and Integrative Health (www.nccih.gov.) Not to take the place of conventional medicine, Reiki is offered in hospitals and other healthcare settings as supportive care for patients undergoing cancer treatment, pain management, and before and after surgery.

~ Try it, and feel for yourself what Reiki is about.~

For more information about Reiki or to schedule a session or training – info@DreamtimeWellness.com or call 978-283-4258.

From Critical Care Nurse to Hypnotherapist Reiki Teacher/Provider – After many years in critical care nursing, I began working in the field of interactive medicine, with a focus on wellness and prevention. I have been offering Reiki in healthcare and hospitals since 1999 and have coordinated and started Reiki programs at hospitals and cancer centers including North Shore Medical Center, Mass General Hospital (Danvers and Boston) and Tufts Medical Center, and been involved in Reiki research. Private Reiki sessions – offered in Danvers (Lahey Outpatient Center/Pain Management,) Peabody (North Shore Medical Dental Center,) in homes, hospitals and hospice settings. Group Reiki Sessions – offered in Danvers and Manchester-by-the-Sea as a more affordable option. Dreamtime Wellness™ – Supportive, adjunctive, collaborative care with Reiki and Hypnosis.

*Free Introduction to Reiki Lectures –

April 6th at Common Crow Natural Market. Gloucester MA
May 19th at Hathorne Hill. Danvers MA

*Ask about continuing education opportunities for case managers, nurses and social workers.

Best in health, Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. 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.

December 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Prevention and Treatment for the Common Cold

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Tis the Season of the Common Cold … Truth is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) you can get a cold any time of the year. With over 200 viruses linked to the common cold, the Rhinovirus is the most common. Adults average 2-4 colds a year; children more. Most colds last 7-10 days. People with weakened immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions may develop serious illness, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of a Cold Include –

sore throat,
runny nose,
coughing,
sneezing,
watery eyes,
headaches
body aches.

The Good News – there are steps you can take for prevention.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (more effective on viruses than soap and water.) Teach children to wash their hands.
Scrub hands for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to hum or sing Happy Birthday twice.)

Wash your hands before you eat or drink. Including after reading restaurant menus.
The Rhinovirus that often causes colds enters through the mouth, nose and eyes. The average person touches their face 16 times an hour! Avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.
Maintain a Healthy Immune system
- Socialize More. Study showed that people who are extraverted produced fewer pro-inflammatory chemicals in response to cold viruses.
- Regular Exercise. Research shows that regular exercise is not only good for our bones, but also helps build a healthier immune system.
- Get Plenty of Sleep. Sleep deprivation suppressions the immune system.
- Listen to Sounds of Nature and Music That Brings You Joy. According to research, listening to sounds of nature and music that you enjoy helps you to relax, may lower cortisol (hormone released when stress that contributes to fatigue and inflammation) and boost the level of antibody immunoglobulin A, helpfully supporting the body’s immune system.
  - Walk, bike or take a drive along Route 127 and Gloucester’s BackShore and enjoy the relaxing sound of ocean waves.
  - Add More UpBeat and Joyful Music to Your Life! Cape Ann and North Shore have great local musicians with performances almost every night. Check out schedules at Gimme Sound, North Shore Tonight, and Joanne Silva’s live music scene. Play upbeat music in your car as you commute. Stream music throughout your home with wireless sound controlled by one simple app. Check out the Oprah’s ‘favorite things’ for 2015 – the Sonos Play 5.

How to Prevent Spreading the Cold Virus –

Continue reading →

December 12, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

De-Stress During the Holiday Season … and Beyond

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Got Stress??

Stress 465cd4826004c9b136a5623d1de54d11

You are not alone. And the Holiday Season can be an especially stressful time for many with added financial strain, grief and sadness over those we have loved and lost, and overwhelming, over-commitments.

According to the 2014 annual Stress in America™ survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) the Top 4 sources of stress are –

Money, Work, Family Responsibilities, and Health Concerns.

The APA study also found –

72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time during the past month.
22% said that they experienced extreme stress about money during the past month
Parents, younger generations and lower-income households (less than $50,000.00 annual income) have higher stress than others overall
Some people are putting their health care needs on hold because of financial concerns.
Stress about money impacts relationships
22% say they are not doing enough to manage their stress.
American stress levels have been trending down since the annual survey first began in 2007, but still “higher than healthy levels.”

Here’s Some Good News –

Americans who have some emotional support report lower stress levels
Help is Available!

If you are experiencing negative stress in your life, or feel overwhelmed by stress seek help! Talk to your doctor. Ask about professional counseling. Look into resources in the community. Talk to family and friends for emotional support.

Remember – You are not alone! Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of life. Some stress is even considered positive, such as the stress that motivates us to accomplish a task. But too much negative stress can negatively affect your emotional and physical health and wellbeing. Especially when it occurs on a daily basis.

Stress Response – The response to stress can be physical and emotional tension, pain, lowered immune response, and inflammation. Chronic stress can lead to chronic disease including high blood pressure, endocrine, metabolic, autoimmune, and mental health disorders.

RELAX and DE-STRESS – The opposite of the stress response is the relaxation response. Methods to relax and de-stress include: acupuncture, art therapy, deep breathing, exercise, hypnosis, laughter/humor, massage, mindfulness, meditation, music and dance, reading, reiki, tai chi, and yoga. Consider incorporating complementary and integrative therapies into your ‘wellness care plan.’ Learn techniques that you can incorporate daily for ‘best results.’

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REMEMBER to BREATHE. When stressed, people often breathe more shallow or even hold their breath. Breathing relaxation techniques are simple to learn, fast and effective to use, and available 24/7.

WALK or DRIVE by the OCEAN. Views of the water can change your psychology and physiology. Just ask Joey who is lucky to enjoy the View from the Dock every day! Take a drive along BackShore Gloucester or walk Good Harbor or Singing Beach and you will a relief of tension and experience your blood pressure lowering.

Lucky to Live on Cape Ann!

Continue reading →

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.

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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 25, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Supportive Cancer Care

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Hospitals around the country are offering integrative therapies as part of comprehensive, collaborative cancer treatment. According to the National Center Complementary and Integrative Health Integrative Medicine is a total approach to healthcare combining standard (conventional) medicine with complementary therapies that have been studied and shown to be safe and effective.

Integrative Therapies for Cancer Care

Complementary and Integrative Therapies – (include but are not limited to) – Acupuncture, Expressive Art, Hypnosis, Massage, Mediation, Mindfulness, Music Therapy, Reiki, Tai Chi, Yoga and Qi Gong.

Complementary and Integrative Approaches for Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects –

“NCCIH-funded research has suggested that:

Cancer patients who receive integrative therapies while in the hospital have less pain and anxiety.
Massage therapy may lead to short-term improvements in pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer.
Yoga may relieve the persistent fatigue that some women experience after breast cancer treatment.”

(Source: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health)

A study by Birocco et al. found that Reiki (ray-kee) sessions (one to four half-hour sessions in this study) provided to 118 patients receiving chemotherapy in an outpatient infusion clinic were helpful in improving well-being, relaxation, pain relief, sleep quality and reducing anxiety. Those that received the full 4 sessions had a significant (P <.000001) reduction in anxiety. (Source: The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attended a day oncology and infusion services unit. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2012 Jun;29(4):290-4.)

Reiki Sessions Promote a Relaxed State of Mind and Body

Reiki Promotes a Relaxed State of Mind and Body

Self-Hypnotic induction decreased pain and anxiety in women undergoing large core breast biopsy (Source: Adjunctive Self-hypnotic Relaxation for Outpatient Medical Procedures: A Prospective Randomized Trial with Women Undergoing Large Core Breast Biopsy. Lang, E., et al. Pain. 2006 December 15; 126(1-3): 155–164.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective and safe adjunct therapy for cancer care for: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Studies also suggest acupuncture may be helpful in managing cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-related neutropenia, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, cancer fatigue, and radiation-induced dry mouth (xerostomia.) (Source: The Value of Acupuncture in Cancer Care. weeding, L. et al. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Aug; 22(4) 631-viii. NIHMSID: NIHMS65572

Auricular Acupuncture

Hospitals offering Integrative Therapies – in Boston include – Beth Israel-Deaconness, Boston Medical Center, Dana Farber, Mass General, and Tufts Medical Center. North of Boston – Lahey Healthcare (Beverly, Burlington, Danvers, Peabody, Winchester,) North Shore Medical Center (Lynn, Salem) and Mass General North (Danvers.)

Communicate with your oncology doctors and nurses about your use of integrative therapies for supportive care during treatment. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use to ensure coordinated, effective and safe care.

Important to Note: Some integrative therapies, over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements may not be warranted or even be contraindicated because they may negatively impact your care during treatment for cancer. Check with you doctor, oncologist, and oncology nurse prior to using to assure safe, effective care.

What You Need to Know About Complementary and Integrative Therapies and Cancer Care – the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Therapies conducts and supports research, and provides information about complementary health products and practices. Rigorous studies are conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of therapies, herbs and supplements. For More Information – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/cancer

6 Things You Need to Know About Complementary Therapies – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/cancer

How to Find a Complementary and Integrative Practitioner –https://nccih.nih.gov/health/howtofind.htm

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Catch the Wave and Join in Reid’s Ride this Sunday!

Riding for Reid

Catch the Wave – Over 500 riders and 42 teams this year! Still time to Register. 2 days until Reid’s Ride – Sunday. July 19th!!

Where – Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, Massachusetts.

How You Can Support Reid’s Ride –

Donate on-line – http://www.firstgiving.com/Reidsride/2015-11th-annual-reids-ride

Buy a Raffle Ticket on Sunday– lots of prizes, including Red Sox Tickets and a ‘Basket of Wellness.’

Stop by the ‘Wellness Tent’ on Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and Donate for a Wellness Session – Reiki, Reflexology or Massage. (FREE to Riders, ‘by Donation’ for others. 100% of the proceeds for Reid’s Ride.) http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/DreamtimeWellness/2015-11th-annual-reids-ride.

Come out to Stage Fort Park, overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor, and share your support on Sunday!

In memory – This year we dedicate the ‘Wellness Tent’ in honor and memory of Tina Ketchopulos, FOB and beloved friend, loved by many and missed by all who knew her. Tina first invited me to take part in this fundraiser in 2011, for which I am most grateful. Tina was a ‘daily breath of fresh air and sunshine,’ always smiling and ready to lend an ear or a hand, supporting many community events and charities.

‘Motivated by Love. Guided by Spirit.’ Why They Ride – to continue Reid’s Dream to end cancer.

AYA Facts:

Every 7 minutes an AYA is diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.
Cancer is the #1 disease related cause of death among AYA
Clinical trials are one of the most important tools for bringing improved and new therapies to cancer patients, but there haven’t been enough clinical trials for AYA cancer patients to make any meaningful progress in survival rate.

You Can Make a Difference! Join the Wave!

Catch the Wave – Reid’s Ride

Cancer Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults – Through this funding, the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program opened the first of its kind in New England – Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) cancer program and clinic at Tufts Medical Center and at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, providing directed care and treatment to AYA cancer patients.

For more info – http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezBp92AHnEM

~ Remembering those we’ve lost. Honoring and supporting those in treatment.

Commemorating survivors. With Gratitude. ~

May your generous ‘gifts of abundance’ return 10-fold, and may these gifts of abundance be used to help many.

~ 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

July 12, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Get Exercise and Bicycle for a Great Cause – ‘Reid’s Ride!’ Sunday. July 19th!

Reid Sacco – “Life is Life Sailing”

‘Reid’s Ride’ Fundraiser and the Reid R. Sacco Foundation. Reid died from cancer at the young age of 20. Reid inspired many during his treatment with his courage and motivation to help others. Reid’s dream was to start a movement that would help find better treatment and find a cure for cancer. While I never met Reid, his courage, strength and inspiration live on through his family, friends and Reid’s foundation. http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/about-the-alliance/

In its 11th year, Reid’s Ride take’s place Sunday. July 19th. A 28 miles Bicycle ride through beautiful sea-side communities from Lynnfield to Gloucester, MA. To Register to Ride or Learn How You Can Donate – http://www.firstgiving.com/Reidsride

Reid’s Ride

The energy behind Reid’s Ride. Reid’s Family organize and are the energy behind Reid’s Ride. ‘Motivated by love’ and ‘guided by spirit!’ Raising money to support the Reid R. Sacco Foundation so that Reid’s legacy endures, they have raised enough money to support research and treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer at medical centers in 3 states – CT, MA and ME.

The Reid R. Sacco Foundation Objectives –

To raise funds to support clinical research directed at finding better treatments and cures for cancers predominantly striking young adults
To grant scholarships to high school seniors demonstrating academic excellence, the pursuit of good health and physical fitness, excellent peer leadership, and outstanding character.

For more information on Resources for AYA – http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/resources/

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