October 3, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives

October is Breast and Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Reminder to Schedule a Mammogram!

How many people face a diagnosis of cancer?

Statistics from 2017– Here you will also find information about ways to prevent and treat cancer, and good news about prevention and survival rates.

The Good News, According to the American Cancer Society –

A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented
All cancers caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented.
Many of the more than 3 million skin cancer cases that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.
Screening can prevent colorectal and cervical cancers through early detection and removal of precancerous lesions.
Screening is known to reduce (death rates) for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and lung (with long-term and/or heavy smokers)
Healthy Lifestyles (healthy weight, healthy nutrition, exercise, no smoking, minimal alcohol) can help prevent cancer
Improvement in survival rates over the past 30 years reflects both the earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives – Ask your doctor about ways to prevent, screen for, and treat cancer.

Mammogram Fact Sheet –

What to Expect From a Mammogram –

Emotional Impacts of Cancer – A diagnosis of cancer and having to undergo treatment may cause anxiety and depression and effects families as well as patients.

Sources:

Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to cope and deal with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Private and Group Relaxation Therapies are Available Through Dreamtime Wellness™

While more research is indicated, reiki may be helpful for decreasing stress and anxiety in patients receiving treatment for cancer. This study indicates a significant decrease in anxiety after a reiki session, and potential for improved comfort.

Read further for SPECIAL OFFERINGS at Dreamtime Wellness™ During the Month of October –

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July 14, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Healthcare ….

Different Approaches to Healthcare: Complementary, Alternative, Integrative. What’s in a Name?

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.

December 20, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Yoga for Health

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

Studies show that yoga offers benefits for mind, body and spirit.

For general information on Yoga – from the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm

But with so many styles of Yoga, which do you choose?

Hatha
Kripalu
Vinyasa.
Iyengar.
Ashtanga.
Bikram.
Hot Yoga.
Kundalini.
Yin Yoga. ….

My Personal Introduction to Yoga – Nineteen years ago yoga was part of my ‘tool kit’ for smoking cessation. Gentle hatha yoga that focused on slow, stretching movements in synch with following the breath. The ending shivasana (pronounced Shuh-vah-sana) allowed for a deep head-to-toe (or toe-to-head, depending on the instructor) relaxation. Sometimes accompanied by a guided meditation and a warm blanket. My first session allowed for an emotional release I had not expected. Perhaps a release and letting go of my former 22 -year pack-per-day habit that, I was somewhat reluctantly giving up. For the first 3 sessions, the deep breathing and rocking movements caused a bone racking cough that I felt was cleaning out my polluted, tar-ridden lungs.

Since then, I continue to intermittently enjoy a variety of yoga classes. Gentle hatha and kripalu style are still my favorites; helpful for general relaxation, improved balance and flexibility, and improved mood. Shavasana remains my favorite pose (asana.) Lying flat on my back, arms at my side, focusing on the breath flowing easy in, and easy out. This position of deep rest and relaxation can be practiced most anywhere. That along with self-Reiki, remains part of my daily practice for relaxation and stress relief.

The Good News – there is a style of yoga and teacher to suit everyone, including ‘chair yoga.’ Yoga is often available at local senior centers, including at the Rockport Senior Center and Gloucester’s Rose Baker Senior Center.

Recommendations From the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthcare –

If You Are Considering Practicing Yoga:

Do not use yoga to replace conventional medical care or to postpone seeing a health care provider about pain or any other medical condition.
If you have a medical condition, talk to your health care provider before starting yoga.
Ask a trusted source (such as your health care provider or a nearby hospital) to recommend a yoga practitioner. Find out about the training and experience of any practitioner you are considering. To learn more, see Selecting a Complementary Medicine Practitioner.
Everyone’s body is different, and yoga postures should be modified based on individual abilities. Carefully selecting an instructor who is experienced with and attentive to your needs is an important step toward helping you practice yoga safely. Ask about the physical demands of the type of yoga in which you are interested and inform your yoga instructor about any medical issues you have.
Carefully think about the type of yoga you are interested in. For example, hot yoga (such as Bikram yoga) may involve standing and moving in humid environments with temperatures as high as 105°F. Because such settings may be physically stressful, people who practice hot yoga should take certain precautions. These include drinking water before, during, and after a hot yoga practice and wearing suitable clothing. People with conditions that may be affected by excessive heat, such as heart disease, lung disease, and a prior history of heat stroke may want to avoid this form of yoga. Women who are pregnant may want to check with their health care providers before starting hot yoga.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

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April 29, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Community Reiki Share for a Cause – LungForce for Lung Health

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.

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 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.

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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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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