lung cancer

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Community Reiki Share™ Fund Raiser for LungForce March 6th

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Join Us Tuesday, March 6th for a Community Reiki Share™ At the Manchester Community Center in Manchester-by-the-Sea. 40 Beach St. On the MBTA Boston North Station/Rockport Line. Convenient Parking. Handicapped accessible. Open to All. Contact Us to Register in Advance – info@dreamtimewellness.com

Community Reiki Share™ Fundraiser in Support of LungForce and the American Lung Association. A portion of this month’s proceeds will be donated to LungForce, a division of the American Lung Association. Members of LungForce will be there to discuss their mission and answer any questions. Enjoy a relaxing session of reiki while you are there!

You can also join in the LungForce Walk/Boston May 10 at Boston Commons and join in their mission to help cure cancer. Or you can help by donating here.

 

Looking for Integrative Therapy Practitioners (Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Tai Chi, Yoga,) to Join Us at the ‘DreamTeam’ Wellness Tent at the LungForce Walk Boston on Thursday, May 10 on the Commons. Contact Us for Details on how you can participate.

Innovative Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer have improved the outcome of lung cancer. Cure Cancer shutterstock_30955345 DTWKey Findings about Lung Cancer and Lung Disease –  Continue reading →

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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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A Reason to Go Over the Bridge – LungForce Expo November 1st in Newton

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Attend the LungForce Expo and learn more about lung cancer, COPD, asthma and other respiratory issues, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Tuesday. November 1st.                        Boston Marriott Newton.  2345 Commonwealth Avenue. Newton, MA.                       For patients, care givers and health professionals. 

lungforce-images

Lung Cancer Statistics  –

  • Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
  • 1 out of 4 Cancer Deaths are from lung cancer.
  • More people die each year from lung cancer than colon, prostate and breast cancer combined
  • The rate of lung cancer in men has dropped 32% for men, but risen 94% for women

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Can Save Lives.

  • 5 year survival rate for lung cancer is 55% when detected early (localized to the lung.)

Lung Cancer DTW FB

Decrease Risk Factors –

  • Stop Smoking (Best thing you can do is ‘never start.’ )
  • Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
  • Avoid exposure to radon* and other chemicals
  • Eat healthy, balanced meals with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly. (Ask your doctor for recommendations.)

*Have your home tested for radon – Contact your local public health department or the American Lung Society for information on radon testing. More information on Radon Here.

‘Stop Smoking’ Today!  Help is Available – Tobacco use and nicotine addiction is complex. Stopping smoking may require a comprehensive, collaborative approach.

Stopping Smoking is the Single Most Important Step you can take to improve their longevity and quality of life.

The GOOD News – The minute you stop smoking, your health begins to improve.                    Help and support are available for those that want to stop smoking.

Ask Your Physician – about your lung health, prevention of disease, screening, diagnosis, treatment and recommendations to stop smoking. If you have lung disease or have undergone lung surgery, ask about Pulmonary Rehabilitation.**

Dreamtime Wellness™ – Offers Smoking Cessation Programs. Ask about our programs and Free Consultation. 

See you at the LungForce Expo!

Enjoy the Breath of Life, and a Healthier You,    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.

Sources and More Information – 

 

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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.

lungforcewalk-facebook-profile01

 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 – 

Continue reading →

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Help Stop Lung Cancer – ‘Lung Force Giving Day’

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November 17th. Today is ‘Lung Force Giving Day’ at the American Lung Association.  Join me in this effort to stop lung cancer! Donate or become a social ambassador and spread the word!

The Goal – Raise $$$ for innovations in research and personalized treatments against the #1 cancer killer – Lung Cancer.

Innovative Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer have improved the outcome of lung cancer. Innovative research and personalized treatmentt are the goals for this fund-raiser.

Cure Cancer shutterstock_30955345 DTWThe Facts – 

  • Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of men and women.
  • Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer.
  • The lung cancer death rate in women increase in the last 37 years, while falling 24% among men.
  • More American women die from lung cancer than breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer combined.
  • More American men die from lung cancer than colon cancer and prostate cancer combined.
  • People that smoke are at increased risk for lung cancer (And other cancers, heart disease, stroke, COPD.)
  • Anyone can get lung cancer; Non-smokers too.
  • Exposure to radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Like carbon monoxide, you cannot see or smell radon; it is colorless, odorless gas. To find out more about radon and how to order a test kit – http://www2.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional

Indoor Levels of Radon in Essex Are Higher Than the National Average Due to the Granite. – http://county-radon.info/MA/Essex.html

Lung Cancer

You don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer. Check out this video – http://www.lungforce.org/vision-video

Talk to your doctor about risks, prevention and early detection. Regardless of the cause of lung cancer – smoking, radon, asbestos, pollution – prevention and early detection can save lives.

Continue reading →

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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 →

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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.