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

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.

October 20, 2015 by Cape Ann Power Yoga

Introducing Cape Ann Power Yoga!

Change your life. Today.

Cape Ann Power Yoga is now open in Brown’s Mall in Downtown Gloucester. We teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in a clean and heated (90-95 degrees) room with a view to the sky and out to the harbor. When you come to class you can expect to breathe, move, sweat, work, stretch, and let go of things that you have been holding on to. You can expect to be challenged – and that means that you’re getting stronger and actually improving yourself, not just thinking or talking about it. You’ll be practicing next to construction workers, secretaries, veterans, yoga teachers, mountain bikers, surfers, runners, weightlifters, teenagers, octogenarians, and a guy named Dirt.

That’s Dirt on the right. He loves power yoga.

Our teachers are all well trained to give inspiration to experienced yoga practitioners and guidance to beginners. Power yoga is safe, fun, and challenging. If you practice a lot it will change your life – which is why every class is only $10. We want you to come and practice, a lot. In just over a month of being open we can see bodies transforming, minds opening, and lives changing. Imagine what this practice can do for you.

For more information:

Visit our website:

http://www.CapeAnnPowerYoga.com/

Email: capeannpoweryoga@gmail.com

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.)

Community Reiki Share

For more information about Reiki (Japanese Healing Art/Method) and Dreamtime Wellness Reiki Programs …
Continue reading →

June 6, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

June has been designated PTSD Awareness Month by the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to a single or multiple traumatic events, such physical or sexual assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Symptoms of PTSD include persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that indicate additional danger or trauma re-occurring.

PTSD Statistics –

According to the National Center for PTSD,

about 7 to 8 percent of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
about 5.2 million adults have PTSD during a given year.
Veterans with PTSD by service era:
- Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom: About 11-20%
- Gulf War (Desert Storm): 12%
- Vietnam War: Estimated that 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.
- Estimated # of Veteran suicides per day – 20 (Source: CDC)

Some Symptoms of PTSD –

Anxiety and/or Depression
Sleep Disturbance and Nightmares
Irritability and outbursts of anger
Difficulty concentrating
Hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”)
Feeling jumpy and easily startled
Substance Abuse
Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings

**Anyone can get PTSD at any age. If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your physician for assistance.

Some Treatments for PTSD –

Counseling – Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Medications for anxiety/depression

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for PTSD –

Acupuncture
Hypnosis
Meditation
Qi Gong
Reiki
Relaxation Techniques
Yoga

Many hospitals in the Boston area now advertise integrative healthcare programs. Fort Hood (TX,) Fort Belvoir (VA) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (MD) offer integrative healthcare services to veterans (Eg. massage, reiki, reflexology and yoga.) A 2008 American Hospital Association survey found that 84 percent of hospitals reported patient demand as the primary rationale in offering complementary and integrative medicine services.

~ Ask your physician about ordering counseling and integrative services for PTSD, stress and/or pain management. When in the hospital, ask if these services are available. ~

Sources and for More Information –

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20022540

http://www.helpguide.org

http://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/PTSD

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

http://www.cause-usa.org/main/home.cfm?PageID=47

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2009/04/01/army-s-new-ptsd-treatments-yoga-reiki-bioenergy/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

(*Flag photo shared with permission of Jay Albert. http://capeannimages.blogspot.com. Thanks Jay!)

My Pledge – Veterans diagnosed with PTSD can sign up for a FREE sample session of Reiki during the month of June. Reiki (ray-kee) Ryoho is a Japanese healing method/art that is offered through light or non-touch to create a relaxed state of mind and body. Reiki is offered for relaxation, stress reduction and pain relief, offered as part of an integrative healthcare program. Note: Reiki is not meant to take the place of conventional medicine or healthcare, but is intended as supportive care.

Relax and Restore with Reiki

To Schedule a Sample Reiki Session During the Month of June – Email – info@dreamtimewellness.com or call – 978-283.4258. Register Early. Space is limited. FREE Sample Sessions will be offered to Veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD – Wednesdays in Danvers MA at Lahey Outpatient Center, Danvers MA. Thursdays at the North Shore Medical Dental Center, Peabody MA.

Ongoing Dreamtime Wellness™ Reiki Shares/Clinics (‘By Donation’) –

‘Community Reiki Share’ first Tuesdays in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
‘Reiki Clinic’ – second Wednesdays in Danvers MA

‘Reiki Shares/Clinics’ are an affordable way to experience the relaxation benefits of Reiki.

All Levels of Reiki Training Available at Dreamtime Wellness™ – Thorough, supportive training for those that wish to learn Reiki as a tool for ‘relaxation, stress reduction, and pain relief,’ for self-care, with loved ones or at advanced levels, you may wish to work in a professional setting.

When people ask about Reiki, I often think of the Mikey cereal commercial – “Try It, You’ll Like It.” Reiki is best explained through the experience of a session. ~ Karen

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition to a private wellness business, Karen has been employed as the RN/Reiki Provider and Hypnotherapist at NSMC, RN/Reiki Provider at Mass General Cancer Center (Danvers and Boston,) and currently is the RN/Reiki Provider at Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center/for the Pain Management Integrative Healthcare. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Since 2000. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. More information can be found at –www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

May 3, 2015 by eandrews2015

Offer Extended until June 1st!!!!

$0 until June 1st!

www.manchesterathleticclub.com

April 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Healthy Hummus

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

‘Healthy Hummus’ –

Hummus has its roots in the Middle East as ‘Hummus bi tahini.’ Hummus typically is made by combining cooked, pureed chickpeas (a legume) with tahini (sesame) paste, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Other legumes* can be used in place of chickpeas, such as soybeans, black-eyed peas and black beans. Low-fat yogurt can be used instead of sesame paste.

* Legumes – “a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils — are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. Legumes are typically low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. Legumes also contain beneficial fats and soluble and insoluble fiber. A good source of protein, legumes can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.” (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/legumes/art-20044278?reDate=18042015.)

Hummus is a source of healthy protein, carbohydrate, oil and fiber. **

** Keep in mind, even healthy foods require portion control for healthy weight! **

(1/4 cup/4 Tablespoons hummus = approx. 100 calories **)

Hummus: A Healthy Snack, Condiment, or Meal. Enjoy hummus as a dip with healthy vegetables such as carrots, peppers, celery, cucumbers, or squash. Make a healthy sandwich using hummus in place of mayonnaise. Add hummus to a salad for as a healthy protein.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/hummus-recipe-and-benefits

Homemade Hummus and Other Healthy Recipes can be found in Cooking Light –

http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/healthy-snacks/healthy-snack-hummus-carrots

For nutritional recommendations, consult a physician, chiropractor, nutritionist or dietitian. Diane Dube, RD, LDN. http://www.DubeNutrition.com. Terri Smith, RD, LDN, CDE who has worked at the North Shore Medical Center’s (NSMC) Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heart & Wellness. Sue Miller, RD, LDN at http://www.Metrowest Nutrition.com. Melinda Vaturro, RN, LDN private practice in Stoneham and Tewksbury. To Contact Addison Gilbert Hospital’s dietitians and diabetes educators – http://www.beverlyhospital.org/locations–services/health-services/weight-management/weight-management-overview.

Join me for a lecture this Tuesday. April 21st at Dube Nutrition. 2 First Avenue, Centennial Park, Peabody MA. 6:30 pm – 8 pm. For Details/To Register: Email Diane – info@DubeNutrition.com.

Stay tuned for upcoming nutritional information from Licensed Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Terri Smith, MA, RD, CDE, from North Shore Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Join me for a lecture this Tuesday. April 21st at Dube Nutrition. 2 First Avenue, Centennial Park, Peabody MA. 6:30 pm – 8 pm. For Details/To Register: Email Diane – info@DubeNutrition.com.

Happy, Healthy Meal Planning! ~ Karen

PS. Be sure not to confuse ‘Hummus,’ with ‘Humus’ – the dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. This material is called leaf litter.

~ ‘Humus, good for the soil. Hummus, good for the soul.’ ~ 😉

Humus

~ Enjoy a Happy & Healthy Weekend, 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

April 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Sabra Hummus Recall Alert!

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Hi Joey. I first saw this on the SeniorCare, Inc Facebook page and thought it would be good to share with Good Morning Gloucester’s Cape Ann Wellness to help ‘spread the word.’

‘Sabra Hummus Recall’ due to possible bacterial (Listeria) contamination. Sabra has recalled 30,000 cases of hummus. More information can be found below –

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm441863.htm

Thanks to Gloucester’s SeniorCare, Inc. for getting the word out. Good to know!

Eat Safe, Be Safe! ~ Happy, Healthy Weekend, ~ 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