January 24, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

From Cuba, With Love.

From Cuba With Love …

‘We’re stranded. Please send money!’ :O

That was the email I envisioned having to send when our Saturday flight home from Cuba was cancelled, due to weather. Direct flights on Jet Blue Cuba to Boston only run once a week. Worse was the fact we were nearly out of cash and U.S. ATMs and credit cards cannot be used in Cuba.

Stranded in Cuba. What do you do? Cuba is not a bad place to be stuck, but without a cell phone or computer (off the grid on purpose), it was not easy to book a flight. And no extra cash to stay longer. e scrambled to find an alternate flight to Florida. At least if we could get to Florida, ATMs, credit cards, a hotel computer and phone would be available.

Continue reading →

October 17, 2018 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Special Offer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer can occur in men too. Thanks to early detection services such as screening mammograms, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates. Different types of mammogram screening include digital mammograms and 3D Mammography or tomosynthesis.

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening. Healthy, active lifestyles aid in prevention. Tips on Prevention from Mayo Clinic.

Stress and Cancer. While there is conflicting data in a review of the literature whether or not stress causes breast cancer, people facing a diagnosis of cancer may find the physical, emotional, and social effects of the disease to be stressful. Being able to use effective coping strategies to deal with stress, such as relaxation and stress management techniques, can been lower the incidence of depression and anxiety. According to research, relaxation training during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety and other adverse events in postoperative breast cancer patients.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Society of Integrative Oncology for the Use of Integrative Therapies and Breast Cancer. These include relaxation, mind-body therapies (meditation, hypnosis, yoga), massage, music therapy and acupuncture, with some specific recommendations for symptom management mentioned in the guidelines. While more research is needed, reiki (ray-key) and Qi Gong are offered at a number of cancer centers due to their ease of use, gentle nature and relaxation benefits.

Talk to Your Doctor before using over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, herbal products and integrative therapies. Some may not be indicated or even contraindicated for your situation. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has on-line information about herbal products. The National Institutes of Health also has information on herb-drug interactions.

Special Offer from Dreamtime Wellness ™ During the Month of October: Anyone receiving treatment for breast cancer may enjoy a session for relaxation and stress management at discounted prices. Call or email to schedule your appointment: info@dreamtimewellness.com or 978-283-4258.

Enjoy today in a healthy way,

Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate and provide evidence-based services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and 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.

Sources and More Information:

Breast Cancer in Men

American Cancer Society Facts and Figures

Jama Network

Mammogram Screening

Naval Hospital of Pensacola

NIH Relaxation During Chemotherapy Breast Cancer

NIH National Cancer Institute Stress Fact Sheet

Psychological Stress and Breast Cancer

February 13, 2018 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Practice ‘Self-Love’ This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is About LOVE. Here’s a reminder to be sure to love the most important person in your life – YOU! What is one thing you can do to shower yourself with love today?

Studies show that self-love, self-acceptance’ and self-compassion are good for mind, body and spirit, including –

Improved mood
Decreased anxiety
Decreased levels of stress
Health-promoting behaviors
Greater levels of happiness
More frequent health-promoting behaviors.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

— Dalai Lama

Continue reading →

November 12, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki at Gloucester Healthcare and Senior Center This Week

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

Reiki for Relaxation, Comfort and Calm – Reiki (ray-kee) will offered to residents at Gloucester Healthcare (Formerly Golden Living Gloucester.) Monday, November 13. 2 pm – 3:30 pm.

Gloucester Healthcare Residents can sign up through the Activities Department. Family members and health care agents can sign up loved ones unable to sign themselves up (Alzheimer’s, dementia, post-stroke, or other cognitive issues.) Family members and staff may also participate as time allows. Attention is paid to comfort, safety, hygiene and confidentiality.

Reiki for Seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center – Friday, November 17. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Suzanne Sweeney, 3rd Degree Reiki Practitioner and I will be there offering Chair Reiki Sessions. Pre-Register: 978- 281-9765. $5 Donation.

*Active Duty Military and Veterans – Contact us to ask about our discounted Reiki Sessions during the month of November.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reiki is considered generally safe and has the potential benefits of relief of stress and anxiety, improved comfort and increased calm.

Continue reading →

September 1, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki Lecture at Brigham and Women’s and Reiki Share

FREE Lecture: The Benefits and Science Behind Reiki for Cancer Patients. Monday. September 11. 6:30 pm. Brigham and Women’s Lung Cancer Forum. Brookline MA. Contact us for details.

Reiki (ray-kee) is a gentle Japanese healing art that promotes relaxation and potentially improve comfort and calm, offering emotional and physical benefits while undergoing treatment for cancer. Reiki sessions are offered with the client/patient fully clothed, either lying or seated, often with light touch, but no manipulation.

Gentle and generally relaxing, reiki sessions are often viewed as supportive care by patients receiving them.Though the science is still out about the effectiveness of reiki, a number of hospitals and healthcare settings are incorporating reiki as adjunctive support for stress and pain management. (Contact me for current research studies related to reiki in the oncology setting.)

Reiki Sessions are offered in a variety of cancer centers throughout the U.S. including Brigham and Women’s, Dana Farber, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Tufts Medical Center.

Note: Talk to your doctor about reiki and other complementary and integrative therapies you are or thinking about receiving. Reiki sessions are not meant to take the place of conventional treatment.

Monthly Community Reiki Share, ‘First Tuesdays’ –

Next Reiki Share – Tuesday. Sept 5th.

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

5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. (Sliding Scale available at $10.00 for seniors and patients undergoing treatment for cancer.) Water, tea and healthy snacks provided.

Continue reading →

August 15, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

National Relaxation Day -Take a Break and Relax

Today is National Relaxation Day – A good reminder to take time to slow down, unwind and relax!

We all need a break from our fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles. Too much work and stress can make us feel run down, tired and even sick. Taking time to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate tired minds and bodies may help prevent disease and improve health. #nationalrelaxationday

Stress management programs – often include relaxation techniques along with cognitive behavioral and other therapy.

Continue reading →

June 26, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Dreamtime Wellness™ Launches New Logo & On-line Store

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Gifts Certificates and Generic Self-Hypnosis Recordings (CDs and MP3s) – NOW AVAILABLE at our secure, on-line store.

Relaxation, Meditation and Hypnosis – People have been asking for recordings of my guided meditation and hypnosis sessions for many years.

Offering hypnosis/hypnotherapy/guided meditation since 2000. I was often asked for a ‘recording.’ Over the past 7 years we have been producing and testing our generic recordings. Based on hundreds of individual client responses and their feedback, we have found them to be safe, effective, when used as directed. Ready to Launch!

Self-Care Tools – these recordings are intended as self-care tools and adjunctive (supportive) aids in collaboration with your conventional medical care. Feel free to contact us with any questions, prior to or after purchase of any of these products.

Generic recordings offer more accessibility and affordability. Not everyone can afford a one-on-one private session. Not everyone will be able to travel to see me in person.

By offering these recordings on-line I am hoping to bring the benefits of relaxation and positive, healthy lifestyle changes to more people around the globe.

Our On-line Store Launched on Summer Solstice. The First Day of Summer seemed a great time to launch products that help promote change.

“Using your guided personal meditation tape has provided me much peace and relaxation as I have journeyed through my medical complications. It has helped ease anxiety, minimize medication withdrawal symptoms, and promote sleep. I have used what I have learned to be more mindful in the moment.” ~ Nancy S.M. Buffalo, NY

In addition, on the day of the Summer Solstice this review and testimonial was posted on Facebook, prompting me to finally make the on-line store a reality:

Client Testimonial – “Using a guided personal mediation tape made for me by Karen has provided me much peace and relaxation as I have journeyed through my medical complications. It has helped ease anxiety, minimize medication withdrawal symptoms, and promote sleep. I have used what I have learned to be more mindful in the moment.” ~ Nancy S.M. Tonawonda, NY

relaxation-and-sleep-cd

Note: Consult your physician prior to using relaxation, meditation or hypnosis recordings.While relaxation, meditation and hypnosis are generally safe, there are some precautions.

Thank you to multi-talented Diana Whitten of Gloucester MA for the design of the new logo for Dreamtime Wellness™ LLC.

“World Peace cannot occur until individuals are balanced in Mind, Body and Spirit.” ~ Anonymous

The new Dreamtime Wellness logo is meant to convey my background in nursing along with a passion for promoting health and wellbeing for mind, body & spirit. The ultimate goal – a sense of inner peace and happiness, ‘rippling out’ to others.

Enjoy the relaxation and health benefits. ~ Best in Health, Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus, Author, Lecturer, Nurse Researcher, Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. 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.

June 5, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Stress Management Lecture Offering Ceu’s for Case Managers, Nurses and Social Workers

Sponsored by Sen-Net, The Premier Forum for Networking and Education on the North Shore.

‘Holistic Stress Management for Optimal Health and Wellbeing.’

Guest Speaker – Karen Pischke BSN, RN, CCRN Alumnus, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan.

Wednesday, June 21st. 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Hathorne Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation. 15 Kirkbride Drive. Danvers MA.

Registration/Light Breakfasts: 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

~ Free Educational and Networking Opportunity ~

Learn and experience evidence-based, holistic therapies and techniques for relaxation and self-care. Simple methods to help you relieve stress, create balance for mind, body and spirit, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace and happiness.

To Advance Register Contact: Pamela Wall, Marketing Manager Genesis Healthcare – Phone: 978-551-3656. Email: Pamela.Wall@GenesisHCC.com. When Registering, please let Pamela know your profession for your certificate.

Offering Continuing Education Contact Hours for Case Managers, Nurses, and Social Workers. (NOTE: To receive a Certificate of Completion, you must attend the full program.)

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Balance in Mind, Body & Spirit

For questions regarding this program contact: Karen Pischke BSN, RN CCRN Alumnus: Phone: 978-283-4258 or Email: info@dreamtimewellness.com

June 3, 2017 by Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC

Addiction of Loving an Addict ~

Have you or someone you know experienced the Addiction of Loving an Addict?

Please join Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC and Jenny Ravikumar of Barefoot Yoga Shala for an evening of discussion around healing your heart, body and soul from the addiction of loving an addict. Sunday, June 4 from 4-6pm

During our evening of conversation and refreshments, we will be learning about the addiction of loving an addict. What it means to be co-dependent, how shame and forgiveness play into family disease and what you can do to begin your own recovery. We will connect on how we can explore the use of yoga, al-anon principles, essential oils and breath work to heal.

You deserve self-care. Addiction may not be your choice, but it is your journey. How you move forward is your choice. Let’s release shame, invite forgiveness and explore loving kindness.

We will end our evening with a guided meditation, breath work and an essential oil assist.

Jenny Ravikumar, e-RYT 500 hour teacher, reiki master, healer and writer. She will share her powerful story of how she began (and is still to this day) healing her own heart while staying strong in loving her son and creating a new family lifestyle for them both.

This is a free event – please spread the word.

Sunday, June 4 at Ayurveda Wellness Healing, 25C Lexington Ave, 2nd Floor, Magnolia, MA 4pm – 6pm

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 🙂

info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

978-395-1234

www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

May 9, 2017 by Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC

Full Moon Meditation

COME ONE, COME ALL! (No experience necessary)

Full Moon Meditation in Magnolia at Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC: part of a whole health system of Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC

We are thrilled to announce our monthly Full Moon Meditation starting, Wednesday, May 10 with highly experienced meditation practioner, Lynne Kathryn!

Experience the blissful benefits of meditation. A serene setting; Magnolia offers the perfect place to relax, slow down, cultivate mindfulness, unite with your inner self, get into the flow, and rejuvenate.

Whether it be for stress reduction or spiritual growth – you will feel better after meditating — try it — or share your experience/ all are welcome!

Let’s cultivate wisdom, enhance enlightenment, and raise the vibration!

Group work can lead to or complement individual practice; eventually, we can strive to practice in all apects of our lives!

Expect some discussion and guidelines initially, and then we will meditate for 20-30+ minutes. There will be time for sharing and balancing ourselves at the end of the session. If Spirit has led you here please listen to your soul’s path. Refine your practice, make a breakthrough, or have a gentle laugh! Join Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC and Lynne Kathryn on our journey! 🕉

Benefits of meditation:
Lowers blood pressure/slows down the cardiovascular system
Restores balanced function to the digestive system
Relaxes the nervous system
Relieves muscle tension
Diminishes intesnity of headaches/migraines
Relieves insomnia
Frees the mind from self-doubt and internal chatter
Releases fears
Reduces anxiety
Improves depression
Generates optimsim, self-esteem, confidence and motivation

Lynne Kathryn, M.Ed., C.MI. Certified Vipassana (insight) Meditation Instructor with 20 years experience teaching and nearly a decade counseling as well. Lynne is a meditation practitioner and facilitator who is based on the North Shore, and is available for individual or group sessions.

Investment: $10

When: Wednesday, May 10 7:00 – 8:00pm

Where: Ayurveda Wellness Healing, 25C Lexington Ave, 2nd Floor, Magnolia

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 🙂