wellness

Acupressure: Three Points to Relax, Heal & Flow

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Join us virtually on Friday, April 30th at 10:00 am to learn three acupressure points to calm your mind, promote wellness, and counteract effects of overwork and aging.
Call 406-582-1600 or click HERE to register.

Acupressure has been used for thousands of years in China, and is an Asian bodywork therapy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. By applying pressure to specific points, acupressure promotes relaxation and wellness, reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, and releases endorphins (our body’s natural pain relievers). Traditional Chinese medical theory describes acupressure points that lie along channels, or meridians in your body. These energy meridians are the same ones targeted with acupuncture. It is believed that these 12 major channels have flows of vital energy, connecting specific organs or networks of organs, which organize a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a specific meridian.

The goal of acupressure and other types of Asian body work is to restore health and balance within your body’s channels of energy. These opposing forces are commonly known as Yin (negative energy) and Yang (positive energy). In general, acupressure is very safe. Talk with your doctor before trying a therapy that involves using joints and muscles. You may need several sessions to yield the best results.

 

Sources: Wheeler, T. 2019, October 16. Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

Take Charge: Nutrition on April 1st!

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Join us, Thursday, April 1st, from 12-1pm. Please call 582-1600 or click HERE to register.

The Take Charge series is featuring a virtual learning class on nutrition and how to use food to improve your health. Dr. Noelle Butler will be leading the class to help assist you with reclaiming your wellness.

Adequate dietary intake can improve the nutritional status and overall wellbeing of almost all cancer survivors. Treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery can change nutritional needs. It’s also common that intake, digestion, absorption, and utilization of food will be impacted. Treatment may pose challenges on these body functions because of side-effects, but, there are things you can try that might make fulfilling nutritional needs a little bit easier. These include small, frequent meals and snacks, foods that are easy to chew, swallow, digest and absorb, and foods that are appealing to you.

As important as nutrition is during treatment, it is just as important after treatment. Survivors are encouraged to consume enough calories to maintain body weight and optimal nutrient stores. It’s important to note that weight fluctuations are normal. Treatment and recovery can put extra demand on your body. Overall, this may greatly increase nutritional and caloric needs. Ask your nutritionally qualified health care provider about making a plan that is individualized to meet your specific needs.

 

Strength Training

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(click HERE to check out Cancer Exercise App free in the Apple App store)

Join us on, Mondays and Wednesdays, at 10:45am for strength building with ACSM certified Exercise Cancer Specialist, Amy Strom. This class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays and will use hand weights, resistance bands, and your body weight. Be ready to get your fitness on! No previous experience needed, all skills levels are welcome to join. Click HERE to view the calendar and sign up.

Regular exercise can improve your mental and physical health during every treatment phase. Some treatments may cause muscle weakness. Muscle loss often happens when a person is less active while being treated. Strength training is here to help you maintain and build stronger muscles. A program that meets your needs can be a safe and successful way to improve well-being.

Following a well-designed exercise plan during and after treatment may be able to:

  • Lower the chance of having physical side effects, such as fatigue, neuropathy, lymphedema, osteoporosis, and nausea
  • Reduce the risk of depression and anxiety
  • Keep you as mobile and independent as possible
  • Improve your balance to reduce fall injuries
  • Prevent muscle loss and build strength
  • Improve sleep
  • Make your treatment more effective at destroying tumor cells
  • Improve survival rates for certain cancers, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer
  • Improve quality of life

Source link here

During treatment, it is important to progress slowly and to listen to your body’s needs. This builds up your level of activity and keeps you from getting discouraged. Exercise in a safe environment that supports your immune system, while drinking plenty of water and eating a nutrient dense, balanced diet.

Anxiety in the Cancer Experience

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By: Grace Van Cleef

My mom has always had a stereotypical “Type A” personality: hardworking, meticulous, and high achieving. Of course, this has been a benefit throughout her life. She holds two and a half jobs, but she loves her work and she tackles each day with spirit. As the choir director/organist of a local church and conductor of a local community choir, she has never had a dull moment.

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