November 29, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

#Giving Tuesday

Your Bridge to Health

Dreamtime Wellness™ is Celebrating #Giving Tuesday – International Day of Giving. November 29th.

http://www.givingtuesday.org

The desire to give to others is often inspired by a sense of gratitude. -Karen Pischke

There are many ways to Give – Give a hand, a donation, your voice, share a smile.

Donations Offered to a Local Charity – In the Spirit of Giving Dreamtime Wellness™ is offering donations from its upcoming December 6th Community Reiki Share. Choose one of these local charities. Winner will receive net proceeds from out Community Reiki Share.

GMG FOB YOU GET to PICK a WINNER – Mention one of these local charities in the post comments. The charity receiving the most comments here on GMG will WIN! All will be winners in their own right, because of their ongoing efforts at giving to others.

Action, Inc.
Addison Gilbert Citizens Fund
Cape Ann Animal Aid
Care Dimensions
Element Care
Friends of Mel
Mother of Grace Club
the Open Door
Reid’s Ride
Seaport Nursing and Rehabilitation
SeniorCare, Inc.
Toots Fore Tufts
Wellspring, Inc.

*These are some of the recipients of Dreamtime Wellness™ donations through the years.

OR Write-in Your Favorite Charity! The charity mentioned most in this post comments will receive our December ‘Community Reiki Share’ donations. Winner will be announced December 7th, Along with a Surprise Raffle for those participating in this contes – TBA December 8th.

Whatever you do on #GivingTuesday, be sure to Share a Smile.

“If you smile at me I will understand, cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language.” – Crosby, Stills and Nash

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July 1, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Relax – Celebrate – Donate: TWO July 5th Fundraisers for ‘Reid’s Ride’

Extend your 4th of July Relaxation and Celebration this Tuesday, July 5th-

RELAX. CELEBRATE. DONATE

40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. (At Harbor Point. Near the Manchester MBTA Stop and Dunkin Donuts.)

Dine at La Casa de Luis for Reid’s Ride. 4 – 9 pm. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefit Reid’s Ride. So much to choose from the menu. Try the healthy, fresh guacamole, delicious sizzling fajitas, and a margarita! If you prefer something lighter, try one of their amazingly fresh and tantalizing soups. The Caldo tlalpeño is one of my personal favorites, with a class of sparkling wine or a cup of tea. For Reservations Phone – 978-704-9599

Community Reiki Share for Reid’s Ride. Manchester Community Center. Enjoy a relaxing session of Reiki (ray-kee) while supporting this great cause. 5:15 – 8:15 pm. $20.00 Suggested Donation ($10.00 for Seniors.) 100% of the Donations go to Reid’s Ride. Register in Advance for a Reiki Session – Phone: 978-283-4258 or Email: info@DreamtimeWellness.com. Come early and enjoy a meditation and other aspects of Japanese Reiki. Or, stop by to for tea and healthy snacks and enjoy the ‘peace and calm.’ Drop-in to Donate.

Still time to Register to Ride for Sunday, July 17th ‘Reid’s Ride‘ Fundraiser – This 28 Mile bicycle ride goes from Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park Gloucester, MA. Donations to Reid’s Ride support the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Alliance, helping to change the course of cancer.

Reid’s Ride – A beautiful bike ride winding along the North Shore coastline to Cape Ann’s Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.

Stop by Stage Fort Park July 17th. Enter raffles; lots of great prizes: Red Sox tickets, dinners, spa packages and More. Stop by the Dream Team Wellness Tent and enjoy a session of massage, reflexology or reiki with views of Gloucester’s beautiful harbor. FREE to cyclists and volunteers; ‘by donation’ to others with 100% of the Wellness Tent donations going to Reid’s Ride. Join Us at Stage Fort Park July 17th!

Stage Fort Park Bandshell. © Cape Ann Images/Reprinted with Permission from Jay Alpert. Capeannimages.blogspot.com.

Join the Sacco Family and Get Caught Up in Reid’s Dream –

‘Be the Force Behind the Winds of Progress to Shift the Course of Cancer.’

February 27, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Community Reiki Share March 1st – Supporting Family Promise North Shore Boston

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Monthly Community Reiki Share ‘First Tuesday’ Every Month.

Next Community Reiki Share – Tuesday. March 1st. 5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. Portion of monthly proceeds donated to charitable fund-raising, local and abroad. In 2015 we contributed to Open Door, Wellspring, SeniorCare Inc, Mother of Grace Club, Reid’s Ride, Cheryl’s Healing Journey, and a group helping to feed, clothe and educate children in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, to name a few.

Contact us if you have a charitable organization or fundraiser and would like to partner with us. Those organizations we partner with are welcome to attend as our guests.

This month’s Reiki Share proceeds to help benefit Family Promise of the North Shore – a local non-profit charity helping homeless families build new lives.

Come early and join us in celebrating the coming of Spring – only 20 days away!

Spring at Enoshima

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.

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

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

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January 31, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Community Reiki Share this Tuesday to Support the Tyack Family

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Monthly ‘Community Reiki Share’ 1st Tuesday Every Month.

Next Community Reiki Share – Tuesday. February 2nd. 5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. Portion of monthly proceeds donated to charitable fund-raising, local and abroad. In 2015 we contributed to Open Door, Wellspring, SeniorCare Inc, Mother of Grace Club, Reid’s Ride, Cheryl’s Healing Journey, and a group helping to feed, clothe and educate children in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, to name a few. Contact us if you have a charitable organization or fundraiser and would like to partner with us. Those organizations we partner with are welcome to attend as our guests.

This month’s Reiki Share proceeds to help benefit the Tyack family in Essex MA. Thank you E.J. for letting us know this family was in need of prayer and financial support! For those unable to attend the Reiki Share, you can still contribute on-line at – https://www.youcaring.com/nate-and-amy-tyack-511394

Come early to enjoy the 5:30 pm meditation and Japanese reiki practices of a mawashi (circle) and open reiju (attunement.) Or pre-register for a scheduled session of Reiki between 6 and 8 pm.

You can come for some or the entire evening and enjoy the sense of peace 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 peaceful” the evening is.

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

Register in Advance – info@DreamtimeWellness.com or call 978-283-4258. Walk-ins accommodated as we are able.

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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

August 28, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Community Reiki Share September 1st

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

September 1st. ‘Community Reiki Share.’ Just back from a Reiki Retreat and Shinpiden (Teacher) Refresher Training, there is much to share with those attending next Tuesday’s Community Reiki Share. Whether a seasoned practitioner or new to Reiki, all are welcomed to attend.

You can come as an observer, join in a meditation, enjoy a Reiki Session, participate in some or all of the evening and enjoy the sense of peace, comfort and calm that Reiki provides. Reiki can best be described by the experience. Physicians participating in an introduction to Reiki at a Boston hospital enjoyed sample sessions and described their experience as “calming,” “interesting” and even “remarkable.”

‘Community Reiki Share.’ 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.)

Each month a local charity is designated to receive a portion of the proceeds. Using ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ to select which charity to team with, the first step being – Basic Physiological Needs (Air, Water, Food, Shelter.) The steps to ‘Realizing One’s Full Potential’ –

Charities we have partnered with include – Open Door Food Pantry, Beverly Boot Straps, (January,) Wellspring House (February,) Action Inc. (March,) Cape Ann Animal Aid (April,) SeniorCare, Inc. (May,) Relay for Life, Cape Ann (June,) Reid’s Ride (July,) and Grace Center, Inc. (Aug.)

Join us and enjoy ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the Sept. 1st Community Reiki Share! To Register Email: info@dreamtimewellness.com or call 978-283-4258.

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July 31, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Community Reiki Share to Benefit Gloucester’s Grace Center, Inc.

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

August 4th. ‘Community Reiki Share’ to Benefit ‘Grace Center, Inc.’

Gloucester’s Grace Center Inc. provides food, shelter, transportation, healthcare and more to those in need. To find out more about Grace Center, Inc. and how you can participate in their programs, volunteer, or donate – http//www.gracecenterinc.org

Grace Center Inc. in Gloucester does more than provide food, shelter, healthcare, and transportation. Grace Center Inc. was the recent recipient of a grant from Awesome Gloucester for their innovative art therapy project. At Awesome Gloucester’s ‘pitch night,’ I saw and heard first-hand how Grace Center, Inc. not only provides basic needs, but also opportunities that help people climb Maslow’s ladder to self-actualization and vowed to commit our August Reiki Share to help their project.

Join us and help raise money for this important cause while enjoying some ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the August 4th Community Reiki Share!

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July 2, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki Share to Benefit ‘Reid’s Ride’ – Raising Funds for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

July 7th. ‘Community Reiki Share’ to Benefit ‘Reid’s Ride.’

‘Community Reiki Share.’ 5:15 pm – 8:15 pm at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. On the MBTA Train line; wheelchair accessible. Reiki Sessions ‘By Donation.’ $20.00 suggested donation. ($10.00 for Seniors.) Make Checks Payable to ‘Reid’s Ride.’

To find out more about Reid’s Ride and how you can participate and donate – http://www.firstgiving.com/Reidsride/2015-11th-annual-reids-ride. Join Lorraine and Deb Sacco and their wonderful group of organizers and participants! Just being there is energizing!

July 19. Teams participate and bicycle from Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park Gloucester MA to raise money to support the Reid R. Sacco Foundation for Adolescents and Young Adults – http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/about-the-alliance/

Too many lives…, my family, friends, neighbors, and patients have been touched by this disease. Join us and help raise money for this important cause while enjoying some ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the July 7th Community Reiki Share!

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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

~ 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

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.

May 26, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

‘Get Fit’ – Cape Ann Health Clubs and Personal Fitness Trainers

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Don’t know about you, but I LOVE exercising outdoors amid the natural beauty of Cape Ann. Generally Cape Ann seems to have ‘blue skies and sunshine,’ (at least in my mind, 🙂 but cooler, rainy days lead me to exercise indoors with a walk on the treadmill.

You’ve Heard the Excuses – “To0 cold.” “Too snowy.” “Too rainy.” “Too Windy.” “Too Tired.” “Too Little Time….” Too Many Excuses… But with Exercise Being the #1 Prescription for Good Health, there’s NO Good Excuse, Except for ‘TOO Sick.’ When weather conditions are not the best for outdoor activities and if you don’t have home equipment, there are many health clubs right here on Cape Ann to choose from. Some may offer ‘drop in rates’ and ‘special discounts.’ Regular exercise can help reduce stress, boost immunity, improve mood, and keep you healthier! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm

Here is a Sample of Health Clubs on Cape Ann –

Cape Ann YMCA – http://www.northshoreymca.org/locations/cape-ann/
CrossFit Cape Ann – http://crossfitcapeann.com
ClubXcel and northeast pilates http://www.northeastpilates.com
Fitness Zone – http://www.fitnesszonegloucester.com
O’Niel Fitness – www.onielfitness.com
StreamlineStrength Fitness and Pilates – http://www.streamlinestrength.com
Mac Fitness Gloucester – www.macfitnessgloucester.com

and the Mac in Manchester-by-the-Sea – www.manchesterathleticclub.com

Healthier at Any Age

Need Help Designing a Safe Fitness Routine? Want to take your fitness to the next level?

Ask an Expert! Physical therapists, exercise physiologist, and professional fitness trainer can assist and guide you for a ‘safe and healthy’ exercise routine. (*Note: If you have not been exercising or have health issues, check with your physician prior to beginning an exercise routine.)

*Please Note: Some ‘confusion’ recently came to my attention about what these initials, acronyms, credentials mean – Personal Trainer (PT) or Certified Personal Trainer (‘CPT’) and Physical Therapist (P.T.) have very different backgrounds and training. Personal Trainers typically hold a certification from one of the below-mentioned fitness certification programs. A Physical Therapist on the other hand has advanced college and post-graduate studies, with a doctorate, ‘DPT’ now as the entry-level into this profession. An exercise physiologist (EP) also generally requires college study. An Exercise Physiologist is a person who generally has an academic degree in exercise physiology, or who is certified by practice exercise physiology (via the Exercise Physiologist Certified exam (EPC)), or who has a doctorate degree with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited college or university. Be sure to check it out beforehand and know what those ‘letters’ mean!

Personal Training

Personal Fitness Trainer – Here are the Top 5 National Fitness Certification Programs –

1. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
2. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
3. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
4. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
5. National Strength and Conditional Associations (NSCA)

Top 10 Fitness Training Certifications Listed on the Live Strong Website – http://www.livestrong.com/article/436098-top-10-best-personal-trainer-certifications/

Indoors or Outdoors, the Key to Optimal Health is to Get Moving and ‘Get Fit!’

Exercise Makes Me Smile

Enjoy these Personal Mantras/Positive Affirmations from Our ‘Motivation to Exercise’ Hypnosis Program –

” Exercise Energize.” “Exercise Makes Me Smile!” “Exercise Makes Me Feel Good!”

* Note: If you have not been exercising or have health issues, check with your doctor first for safe exercise guidelines (an ‘exercise prescription’) before beginning a new exercise program.

Exercise safely, get fit, and enjoy greater levels of health and wellbeing. ~ 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