Western Medicine* – System in which medical doctors and other healthcare professional (nurses, pharmacists, therapist) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation or surgery. (*also referred to as allopathic, conventional, and mainstream)

The U.S. National Centers for Integrative Health Care (NCCIH) generally uses the term “complementary health approaches” when discussing practices and products of non-mainstream origin, and “integrative health” when talking about incorporating complementary approaches into mainstream health care.

Understanding Integrative Healthcare is vital for health practitioners in knowing more about what patients are seeking regarding their healthcare, self-care, and in knowing the evidence on safety and efficacy as the basis for guiding patients. This is the essence of the integrative healthcare practice and research model.

Natural Does Not Mean Safe. Talk to Your Physician. Patients are encouraged to report use of natural products and complementary therapies to their physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure safe, effective, collaborative care.

10 Most Common Complementary Health Approaches According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) –

Finding a CAM provider:

Sources and More Information:

Feel free to contact me with questions regarding integrative healthcare and how to find a provider.

~ Wishing you the best in health, Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, CCRN Alumnus. Registered Nurse working in Integrative Healthcare as a Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment and Reiki Specialist since 1999. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook

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 7, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breast Cancer: Be Aware and Lower Your Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Statistics – According to most recent statistics (2013) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Breast cancer occurs in both men and women.
230,815 women and 2,109 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
40,860 women and 464 men in the United States died from breast cancer.

Early Detection Saves Lives – Research shows that early detection and treatment saves lives. Ask your doctor about prevention and routine screening for breast and other cancers.

“When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.” (National Breast Cancer Foundation.)

Lowering Your Risks of Breast Cancer. There are preventative measure for breast (and other) cancers. Tips from the Mayo Clinic for prevention –

Limit alcohol. Less than 1 drink per day is recommended.
Avoid smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Engage in Physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Check with your doctor before exercising for guidelines and recommendations.
Breast-feeding might play a role in prevention.
Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Ask your doctor about recommendations and other non-pharmaceutical options.
Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. Limit exposure.

Ask Your Doctor. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for prevention and screening to see is best for you. Check with your insurance company to see what type of screening they cover. If you think you might be pregnant, let your doctor know before having a mammogram.

Information for Those Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer –

Integrative Medicine (IM) Therapies – Studies show that some IM therapies may help with symptom management, including anxiety, pain, fatigue, sleep and mood.
In one study, Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management was shown to demonstrate increased survival in one study.
Hypnosis may reduce hot flashes in breast cancer survivors.

Ask your Oncologist about Integrative Therapies for adjunctive (supportive) treatment. Talk to your healthcare providers about any integrative, complementary or alternative therapies you are using. Let your healthcare providers know about any over-the-counter, herbal or vitamin supplements you are taking. Note: some may be contraindicated for your care. Discuss with your doctor/oncologist before pursuing.

Wishing you the Best in Health, 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

Sources and More Information –

November 17, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Help Stop Lung Cancer – ‘Lung Force Giving Day’

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.

The 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

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.

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