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News from CaSfA's Director
News from CaSfA's Director
Blog
Cancer Survivorship: Sexual Health and the Pelvic Floor
Posted on June 8, 2017 at 3:20 PM |
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CaSfA members learned a lot of useful information at "Cancer Survivorship:
Sexual Health and the Pelvic Floor", a presentation by Stacey Berger, PT. Stacey specializes in
women’s health, men’s health, pelvic pain, pelvic floor rehabilitation,
continence control, and musculoskeletal conditions. She is STAR (Survivorship
Training and Rehabilitation) Certified
in Oncology Rehab. Here are some take home pelvic health tips:
To read all the notes from the presentation, join CaSfA to receive our newsletters. |
Skin Care After Cancer
Posted on April 6, 2017 at 4:33 PM |
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CaSfA members were fortunate to have Holly Brown of Looking and
Feeling FAB, Inc.(http://lookfeelfab.org) for a presentation, “Skin Care After the Diagnosis of Cancer”. This non-profit organization offers those
with cancer and other serious illnesses FREE
skin care products, treatments and education at multiple locations in
Massachusetts (including Westborough!!). We learned how our skin changes with cancer
and what we can do to preserve and protect our skin. We even received gift bags with sample
products! My notes from the presentation, as well as how to access Looking and Feeling FAB’s services, were distributed in the April 4, 2017 newsletter. Join CaSfA to receive this and all future CaSfA newsletters! |
Music Therapy
Posted on September 9, 2016 at 11:58 AM |
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We
were so fortunate to have cancer survivor and CaSfA member, Kathleen M. Howland,
Ph.D., present CaSfA’s
first evening presentation, “Music Therapy: A Powerful Support for Cancer
Treatment and Beyond". Dr. Howland is a true expert in the field of
music therapy. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music therapy,
neuroscience and positive psychology at Berklee College of Music and the Boston Conservatory. She is a certified music therapist and a licensed speech pathologist. For over 30 years, she has worked with a
variety of clinical populations using music to enhance speech, language,
cognition and movement. She has developed therapy protocols to reduce stress and anxiety
in order to improve general wellness, surgical preparation and oncology treatments. Kathleen shared her experience fighting cancer. She spoke of that awful moment of being told she had breast cancer, the fifteen months of
chemotherapy and her mastectomy. Her
experience was similar to that of many of us—trying to maintain a “normal” life
while undergoing treatment, balancing work, home, and hospital. She spoke of those chemo days when she could
barely get herself to walk out the door and go for treatment. Then she turned to music. She would sing herself a calming song and it
gave her the strength and resilience to get through her treatments. She also used music for deep relaxation and
calm. It elicited biological effects
similar to meditation. Music can be
used for: Motivation Comfort Relaxation The type of
music each person assigns to these categories is different. One piece of music may provide relaxation to
one person, but be motivational for another. Kathleen next
told us about the “Relaxation Response”, a term coined by Dr. Herbert Benson. It is defined as the conditioning of the body to release chemicals and brain signals that make your muscles and organs slow down. This response can be used to treat many stress-related disorders. There are
many methods to elicit the Relaxation Response including visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, massage, breathing
techniques, prayer, meditation, tai chi, and yoga. Music can also be used
to elicit the relaxation response.
Kathleen herself used it before her surgery and the anesthesiologist was
able to reduce the amount of anesthesia she received, reducing her
post-operative side effects. She was
able to use music to reduce anxiety, pain, and stress, greatly decreasing, and
even eliminating the need for many medications. Along with
recommending Dr. Benson’s book, The Relaxation Response, Kathleen also suggested: ·
Her web
site http://www.musictherapytales.com/oncology
. It features clinicians, including
Kathleen, who share their experiences with music therapy. ·
Go
through your music collection and create multiple playlists including a
playlist for Comfort, one for Motivation and one for Relaxation. You might also consider one for Dance—whatever
gives you joy! ·
Try to
find a bit of laughter each day.
Kathleen shared a few videos from “Just For Laughs” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=662KGcqjT5Q
--we all enjoyed them! ·
Devote
12-20 minutes a day to training yourself to elicit the relaxation response—use
music, meditation, t’ai chi, etc.—whatever works best for you. (A member highly recommends Mark W. Muesse’s
“Practicing Mindfulness” course available on http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/practicing-mindfulness-an-introduction-to-meditation.html
) Music Therapy
is available at: Children’s
Hospital http://www.childrenshospital.org/patient-resources/family-resources/creative-arts-program/music-therapy St. Vincent Hospital offers Music Therapy classes on
Thursdays at 9:30am. For more
information email Lan Curtin at [email protected]
or call the Cancer and Wellness Center at (508) 363-5000. Many thanks
to Kathleen for such an informative presentation! Find out more
about Kathleen and Music Therapy, including the services she offers and a
contact form, at http://www.kathleenhowland.com
and view her TEDx talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlY4yCsGKXU |
Looking and Feeling Fab, Inc.
Posted on April 8, 2015 at 6:59 PM |
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CaSfA recently hosted a great presentation, Skin Care After the Diagnosis of Cancer.
Oncology Aestheticians, Holly Brown and Laura Lincoln introduced us to the
non-profit Looking and Feeling Fab, Inc.
(http://lookfeelfab.org). This non-profit organization offers those
with cancer and other serious illnesses FREE skin care products, treatments and
education. We learned how surgery, chemo and radiation have changed our skin,
why regular spa treatments may cause harm, and what products are free of harsh
chemicals.
Looking and Feeling Fab, Inc. already offers its services in Quincy, MA, but now cancer survivors in Central Mass and Metrowest can find the oncology aestheticians on Wednesdays at The Wellness
Center, 45 Lyman St, Suite 22, Westborough, MA. To access their FREE skin care, fill out the application (http://www.lookfeelfab.org/files/90542654.jpeg)
and get your medical release form filled (http://www.lookfeelfab.org/files/90542915.jpeg
). Mail, fax, or email to Holly (Mail
to: 13 Candlewick Lane, Whitman, MA 02382; Fax: 617-446-2716; Email:
[email protected]) . |
Lymphedema
Posted on December 8, 2013 at 9:03 AM |
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Cancer survivors are especially susceptible to lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling of a part or parts of the body caused
by the accumulation of lymph fluid. It occurs if the lymphatic system is
damaged or not functioning properly. While the limbs are typically involved,
the face, neck, groin and abdomen may also be affected. Many develop the disorder
following cancer therapy (particularly breast cancer where the lymph nodes are removed), but
radiation, recurrent infections, injuries or surgery can also damage lymphatics. CaSfA recently hosted three lymphedema specialists to present the highly informative presentation “All You
Need to Know about Lymphedema”. These experts discussed and taught us about the lymphatic system and
lymphedema. They presented ways to
prevent lymphedema and treatment techniques including manual lymph drainage and
compression. We also learned how
exercise can help prevent lymphedema and tried some warm-up exercises that
improve lymph flow. For more information about lymphedema, National Lymphedema Network: http://www.lymphnet.org,
1-800-541-3259. |
Polarity Therapy Presentation
Posted on September 4, 2013 at 8:24 PM |
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Notes from September Third’s Polarity Therapy
Presentation:
Christiana
Kueting was a Registered Nurse in Germany where she was born. She began to realize there was much more to
healing and maintaining health than traditional medicine. When she moved to the US she began learning
about polarity and knew it was right for her.
Dr.
Randolph Stone (1890-1981) is the father of polarity. He was an osteopath, naturopath, and
chiropractic doctor. He wanted to know
how to heal better, so he traveled the world, studying ancient medicine
practices and developed a natural health practice based on energy.
Energy
is all around us and within us. We have energy currents running throughout our
bodies. Stress, trauma and poor
nutrition can disrupt energy flow causing disease. Polarity uses touch at specific points,
stretches and movements to correct energy flow.
A typical session lasts 60-75 minutes.
It begins with a thorough interview to determine health issues and other
challenges. Patients do not need to
disrobe.
After
giving us this brief introduction to Polarity, Christiana gave each of us a
mini therapy session. I left feeling
much more relaxed, and at the same time more vibrant and energetic.
Christiana
is a Board Certified Polarity Practitioner through the American Polarity
Therapy Association. She also is a
Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Consulting Hypnotist. She uses Quantum Touch in her practice
(similar to Reiki) and Enzyme Nutrition. [Note
from me: before taking any enzyme
supplements please consult your physicians.
Many supplements and even foods can cause adverse interactions with your
medicines—read the summaries at the end of this newsletter for a few examples.]
|
Zumba class
Posted on June 6, 2013 at 11:42 AM |
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Many thanks go to Fred Fiorello, GM; Loren Land, Fitness Service Manager; and Kathy Hendrix, Zumba instructor--all of Boston Sports Club, Westborough. Last night we had an extraordinary Zumba class!! Great exercise and loads of fun!! We burned so many calories that we topped off the night with a walk to DQ and a treat. For all those who missed it we will hopefully do it again! So thank you Fred, Loren and Kathy for a fantastic evening!! |
Myofascial Release Therapy
Posted on April 4, 2013 at 4:10 PM |
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Last night Jennifer
Goyette gave CaSfA members a presentation on “Myofascial Release Therapy”. It was
outstanding! For
those of you who do not know Jennifer, she is the Director of Oncology Rehab at
South County Physical Therapy. She
holds a Master of Physical Therapy, is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and is
STAR (Survivor Training and Rehab) Certified.
She is an amazing young woman who is totally committed to improving the lives of cancer patients. She will work with you, cry with you, and fight for you! I've included an outline of the presentation in my newsletter. (You can fill out the form on the Join CaSfA page to receive newsletters.) Briefly, Jennifer described the fascial system as a "web" of connective tissue that is arranged in sheaths, connecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood and lymph vessels, as well as bone and organs. Many things may cause problems in the fascia. In cancer patients both radiation and surgery are common causes of damage. This damage can lead to tightness and pain. Damage or restrictions to the fascia can also create a blockage of normal blood and lymph flow, causing swelling. Myofascial release therapy involves gentle pressure and stretching over areas of restriction. We had a small
turnout so there was plenty of time for Jenn to
illustrate the techniques she discussed. We all received mini-treatments and left
feeling a hundred percent better than when we walked in!! You can contact Jennifer Goyette at South County Physical Therapy, 30 Oak Street, Westborough, MA 01581; 508-389-9912; www.southcountypt.com |
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