Patients with cancer are finding a host of wellness opportunities at Cleveland Clinic.
Wellness is a term not commonly associated with cancer. But Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute specialists make wellness a priority for their patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Encouraging inner peace and tranquility
Patients who take part in the Reflections program have the opportunity to be pampered, to regain a sense of control over cancer, and to enjoy some special moments for themselves. A licensed medical aesthetician, certified in Reiki and reflexology, oversees the program. Treatments are given in a softly lighted room filled with soothing sounds and tranquil scents.
Private sessions are designed to reduce anxiety and promote healing. Patients can enjoy a professional reflexology treatment and a gentle foot soak, or refresh and rejuvenate with a luxurious facial. Guided imagery enables participants to focus their minds on healing and reducing pain.
Enhancing beauty
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy can get skin care and makeup advice, help with the selection of wigs and tips for wearing scarves creatively when the national Look Good… Feel Better program visits the Taussig Cancer Institute every other month. All participants leave with a complimentary gift bag of skin care and cosmetic products.
Expressing emotion
Art Therapy Programs gives patients and their caregivers the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of media including drawing, painting, collage and sculpture.
“Many of our patients schedule their treatments to coincide with the once-a-week art therapy sessions,” says instructor Rosalia Rozsahegvi of the Art Therapy Studio, the oldest expressive art therapy program in the country. “Art therapy encourages spontaneity and open exploration, giving patients an alternative mode of communication, personal exploration and self expression.”
Reducing anxiety
It’s no surprise that people with cancer have increased rates of depression and anxiety, which can lead to increased pain. With appropriate treatment, these patients can have an improved quality of life and better manage their treatment. In fact, some studies suggest that cancer care outcomes are better if depression and anxiety are treated. Patients being treated at the Taussig Cancer Institute can take advantage of counseling, and psychiatric evaluation and treatment through its Psycho-Oncology Program.
Relating to others
Support groups provide patients, families and friends an opportunity to have their concerns, fears and hopes reaffirmed by others who are experiencing similar life challenges. Support groups are led by Taussig Cancer Institute social workers, nurses and psychologists who are specialists in providing reliable and helpful information.
Printed from the 'Cleveland Clinic' Newsletter... Published January 2010
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