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

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 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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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: