Lung Cancer Awareness

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Smoking Cessation – Special Programs for Veterans

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind Body and Spirit

Smoking Cessation – November was Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smoke-Out, 2 major incentives to increase awareness for smoking cessation. More support is available than ever before. No time like the present to stop. Just think of the savings you receive once you stop smoking, in health benefits and ‘cash-in-hand.’  A great way to begin the New Year is with a focus on you and your good health. Start to put a plan in place now.

Help is Here!

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a new program for smoking cessation to help make make it easier to stop, offering support via text messaging. 1-855-Quit-Vet.

Blow

Talk to your doctor about group and individualized treatment programs for smoking cessation. Stopping smoking can be a challenge. Medications for tobacco treatment along with tobacco treatment counseling may make it easier. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT,) Zyban (Wellbutrin) or Chantix. 

Addiction is a ‘disease of the brain.’ Nicotine addiction is no exception, and the cigarette companies know as much about the addiction pathway as healthcare providers, finding ways to  make cigarettes more addictive so they can sell more cigarettes.

Collaborative, comprehensive, supportive programs make it easier to stop.

Benefits of Stopping Smoking –  Click here to see the immediate and long-term benefits for your health and BREATHE EASIER. 

Make Smoking History – 1-800-quitnow and www.smokefree.gov offer FREE Help.

Dreamtime Wellness™ offers smoking cessation and tobacco treatment counseling combined with integrative therapies that can help make it easier to stop. As the clinical hypnotherapist for the North Shore Medical Center I participated in a study looking at the     use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, alone and in combination with hypnosis. Ask about special discounts for veterans.  978-283-4258. Info@dreamtimewellness.com.

Stop Smoking, and Enjoy the Breath of Life,   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 LLC.  Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and 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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Breathe Easier – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  Here are some statistics –

  • Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer death in men and women
  • The lung cancer death rate in women has more than doubled over the past 38 years.
  • More people die of lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined
  • Average 5-year survival rate for lung cancer overall is 17%
  • Average 5-year survival rate with early detection (at STAGE 1) is more than 90%
  • Exposure to radon and other chemicals in the environment can also cause lung cancer.

The American Lung Association has been infused with new energy thanks to the LUNGFORCE campaign. Their goals – Raise Awareness. Educate. Empower. Raise Funds. Reverse the Course of Lung Cancer.

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LungForce Boston Expo – I recently attended the LUNGFORCE Boston Expo to hear medical providers give information about statistics, prevention, screening and treatment. Patients shared their stories about what it is lung to have lung cancer and go through treatment. There, I met people living beyond their prognosis; living and thriving.

Ways You Can Get Involved and Help Support Lung Health – 

Lahey Healthcare offers FREE screeningg for those at risk of lung cancer. Contact them to see if you qualify for free screening. Other hospitals also have lung cancer CT screening programs. Ask your doctor about screening if you think you may be at risk for lung cancer.

Risks for lung cancer (from Mayo Clinic) – 

  • Smoking. (Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked.)
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Exposure to radon gas.
  • Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
  • Family history of lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lung cancer screening, who should be screened and pros/cons.

Continue reading →

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Community Reiki Share for a Cause – LungForce for Lung Health

Dreamtime Wellness ™

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Next Community Reiki Share – Tuesday. May 3rd. 5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. Portion of monthly proceeds donated to charitable fund-raising, local and abroad. This month’s Reiki Share proceeds to help benefit LungForce.org.

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 Social Ambassador for Lung Force. Last year, upon hearing about the growing rate of lung cancer diagnosis in young women who have never smoked, I became a Social Ambassador for Lung Force to help educate and increase awareness.

Here are the Facts –

  • Lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women in the United States.
  • Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer.
  • The lung cancer death rate in women has more than doubled over the past 35 years.
  • Anyone can get lung cancer.

Cheryl’s Healing Journey –  Through LungForce Day 2015, I connected with a young woman in Pennsylvania.

Married with two young children Cheryl had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer October 2015. When I met Cheryl in November, she expressed wanting “to give up,” discouraged by the diagnosis and harsh chemotherapy treatments. The hospital where she receives treatment offers Integrative Therapies (acupuncture, massage, reiki, etc.) Her medical condition prevented her from having acupuncture or massage, and no one had mentioned reiki. I was able to connect Cheryl with Reiki, which is offered free at the cancer center where she receives treatment. The financial strain of cancer treatment can be devastating. Many hospitals now offer Integrative Therapies in Cancer Centers, free to patients. Our November Community Reiki Share provided needed money to Cheryl and her family. We continue to offer emotional support. Cheryl found her strength and has continued her treatments. Months later, she continues to achieve lifetime milestones. Most recently, Cheryl celebrated her son Daniel’s 1st Birthday.

Cheryl and her family express their “thanks for donations, prayer and healing energy.”

LungForce.org works to advance lung health—a life free of lung disease—for everyone who suffers from asthma, COPD and other lung diseases, or has someone in their life who does.

How You Can Help Support Lung Force – 

  • Attend our Community Reiki Share May 3rd. 
  • Make a Donation to Lung Force. 
  • Join me to Walk – LungForce Walk Boston. Thursday. May 12. 5 – 8 pm. Boston Commons.

Monthly ‘Community Reiki Shares’ are offered ‘First Tuesdays.’ Held at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. An affordable way to enjoy a Reiki Session while supporting charitable organizations. Contact us if you have a charitable organization or fundraiser and would like to partner with us. 

Reiki Photo DTW Stock Photo with © 2015

Reiki Ryoho-  a Japanese Healing Method/Art – Schedule: 5:30 pm – Meditation, Japanese mawashi (circle) and Komyo open reiju (attunement.) Pre-register for a session of Reiki between 6 and 8 pm.

Attend part or the entire evening. Enjoy the sense of peace, comfort and calm Reiki provides. 

Healthy snacks and tea are available. You don’t have to be a Reiki practitioner to join in. Those attending often comment on “how welcomed” and “relaxed” they feel, and how much they “enjoy the peace” of the evening. Some express “relief of pain” and “improved comfort.”

Where – Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. (Harbor Place) in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Every 1st Tuesday of the Month. 

Manchester Community Center

Register in Advance – info@DreamtimeWellness.com or call 978-283-4258. Walk-ins accommodated as we are able. Wheelchair accessible. Convenient, free parking.

As one woman says, “I always leave (the Reiki Share) feeling relaxed, and happy.

~ Join us and experience a relaxing, peaceful evening. ~  Karen

Offering Reiki therapy in hospitals responds to patients’ physical and emotional needs. (1) More study is needed, but in preliminary studies ‘there is evidence to suggest that Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety.” (2)

Reiki sessions are intended as adjunctive, supportive care and are not meant to be used ‘in place of” conventional medical care. If you are having medical issues, do not delay treatment. An accurate diagnosis is important for ‘best care’ and ‘best outcomes.’ for For safe, collaborative care, report the use of all complementary therapies, herbs and supplements to physician. Some complementary therapies, supplements, herbal and over-the-counter products may negatively interfere with your care; discuss use of these with your doctor.

For more information and a list of resources – 

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NON-Smokers Get Lung Cancer Too – Know the Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Lung Cancer Affects Non-Smokers as Well as Smokers

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80% of the cases of lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking cigarettes; that leaves 20% not linked to smoking.

Cigarette Smoking Remains the # 1 Cause of Lung Cancer. 

Smoking is the #1 Cause of PREVENTABLE Death. 

STOP SMOKING

STOP SMOKING

  • Risks by Gender – While the risk of lung cancer deaths are higher in men that smoke (85%) than woman that smoke (70%), the risks for Lung Cancers in NON-Smokers is higher for women (20%) than men (8%.)

According to a report by the American Cancer Society (written by Stacey Simon,October 30th 2015,) “as many as 20% of the people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year do not smoke or use any other form of tobacco.”

Some Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in NON-Smokers – 

  • Radon gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is radon gas. Like carbon monoxide, radon gas is odorless and colorless, and can’t be seen or smelled. You can easily test your home for radon.
  • Secondhand smoke.
  • Cancer-causing agents at work. (Eg. asbestos, chromium, diesel exhaust, and more.)
  • Air pollution.

Air pollution

  • Gene mutation –

Gene 400px-DNA_Double_Helix

According to the American Cancer Society –

Talk to your doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Sources and For More Information – 

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about your risks, prevention, diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. If you are ‘at risk’ for lung cancer, ask your doctor about available screening tests.

If you smoke, Stop Now. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation. Feel free to contact me for information. Stay tuned for more information on lung cancer and smoking cessation to be posted in the coming days.

Awareness is power. For better health, take an active role in your healthcare.   ~ Karen 

 

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. 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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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/

On Hope by Emily Dickinson

Sources of Information and to Find Out More –

Do You Smoke Cigarettes …? NOW is the Time to STOP!!

Talk to you doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Continue reading →