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Beginning Yoga offers a sense of peace, well-being and revitalization through gentle restorative yoga postures and breath-work. No registration required, just stop by!

There are two types of Networking Groups, Cancer Specific and Topic Specific. Cancer specific groups are an opportunity for people experiencing the same type of cancer to gather for support, share concerns and exchangeinformation. Adult family members are encouraged to attend. Topic specific groups benefit participants in the same ways, but focus on particular issues…

This class is a cancer recovery class limited to 12 participants, for those seeking to improve cardiovascular fitness, restore strength and range of motion, and build a lifetime exercise habit. This class begins with self-paced aerobic exercise followed by instructor-led exercises. Exercise for Staying Well is for anyone affected by cancer interested in improving health…

Last month’s blog entry about talking to children outlined some ideas about sharing information with kids. There are some specific questions that commonly arise for children when they learn that a parent or other significant adult has cancer.  If you introduce this information as part of the dialogue with your kids, it may go a…

Contact Valerie Piazza RN, LCPC at 630-654-5118 or vpiazza@wellnesshouse.org for more information. Tuesdays 11:45am-12:45pm Drop-Ins Welcome Practice meditation and learn ways to live life more effectively in the present moment. The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems by Ronald Siegel, PsyD, will be the focus of discussion this quarter. No previous meditation experience required,…

 Limiting physical activity during cancer treatment or rehabilitation appears to decrease function and worsen symptoms related to cancer and treatments.  Aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises can help manage side effects associated with cancer treatment and rehabilitation, and provides a range of benefits during treatment, recovery and remission.  What is Flexibility? Flexibility is the ability to…

What do we tell the children about a parent’s or other close family member’s illness when the illness is cancer? This question comes up frequently in our interactions with families at Wellness House. As a parent, the time immediately following a diagnosis of cancer in the family can be challenging.  It is especially hard managing…

55 people learned in the nutrition program about the importance of maximizing the amount of nutrient dense food in their diet and how to do it. 65 people managed their stress in the mindfulness, meditation, energy work, hypnosis and Flute circle programs 160 people got stronger in the exercise program 100 people swapped information and…

There are challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis no matter what age of the person diagnosed.  For young adults, the challenges are unique.  Adolescents and young adults are in the process of establishing their independence, and forming relationships and careers.  During this critical time, it is important to get support to help maintain a…

Coping with grief and loss can feel like an overwhelming experience. At times we can feel quite alone and in need of support. Our friends try and comfort us with supportive words and at times lack the appropriate words and compassion to assist you with your journey down the road of grief. The grieving journey…

According to the National Cancer Institute: The diagnosis of cancer can feel overwhelming for patient, caregiver and friends. In addition seeking out people who understand your unique situation within your circle of friends can be frustrating. Choosing to join a support group will be one of the best decisions you can make during your cancer…

Limiting physical activity during cancer treatment or rehabilitation appears to decrease function and worsen symptoms related to cancer and treatments.  Aerobic exercise can help manage side effects associated with cancer treatment and rehabilitation, and provides a range of benefits during treatment, recovery and remission.  Overall Benefits of Aerobic Exercise Strengthen Heart Improve Circulation Reduce Risk…

  As the summer comes to a close, photos and memories of a family’s summer adventures often get lost in piles and boxes. In order to better preserve those memories, Wellness House is offering a Family Arts & Crafts Night, Wednesday, August, 31st, 2011 from 6:00PM-7:30PM. Bring your summer photos and create a scrapbook of…

According to the National Cancer Institute: Depression is a disabling illness that affects about 15% to 25% of cancer patients. It affects men and women with cancer equally. People who face a diagnosis of cancer will experience different levels of stress and emotional upset. Important issues in the life of any person with cancer may…

 Water is one of the most neglected parts of our diets, and it is estimated that 75% of Americans are dehydrated.  Dehydration can be a problem during perfect weather, but hot, humid weather increases sweat production, which increases the risk of dehydration.  There are many health benefits associated with gradually increasing water intake, but is…

As the 15th century poet Kabir put it: Just throw away all thoughts of imaginary things And stand firm in that which you are. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, there is nothing magical or mystical about meditation. Basically it is about paying…

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the peripheral nerves effecting the hands and feet.  Certain chemotherapies can cause peripheral neuropathy.  The effects of neuropathy can range from tingling to numbness which can effect walking and balance. Here are a few suggestions for simple stretches and exercises for the feet to manage the effects…

Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 Wednesdays 3:30-5:00 Thursdays 6:00-8:00 During Open Gym, participants may use the exercise room for self-directed workouts.  Staff will be available to answer exercise related questions and provide instruction for the proper use of the exercise equipment.  Current medical information and physician release forms are required.  These forms should be renewed each year or…

“Human interconnectedness is one of the most powerful healing forces we have at our disposal:  – Andrew Weil Numerous studies have established that support group participation during a cancer experience can benefit people diagnosed with cancer as well as family and friends who are also affected.  The National Cancer Institute states: “Support groups can have…

Kids Kamp is July 25-29   Join us for a week-long camp for kids ages 5-12 years old. The camp is a chance to engage in activities such as animal entertainers, flute playing, cooking with Chef Cheryl Brookhouzen, Executive Pastry Chef of the Marriott Hotel in Chicago, creative art work, team-building sports, and water games, to…

Spring is upon us and it is time to recommit to exercise. According to Dr. Christine Friedenreich, a medical researcher at the Alberta Cancer Board, there have been at least 210 scientific studies in recent years trying to understand the connection between cancer and different forms of physical activity. As a whole the evidence is…

If you are experiencing pain, tell your doctor about it during your next appointment. Don’t try to handle pain on your own. Pain can be a symptom of another problem, which can interfere with your cancer treatment-. It is extremely important for you and your doctor to understand your pain. Describing Pain: Accurately describing the…

  … according to a large national study published in Medical NewsToday.  What are these guidelines? The American Cancer Society  recommended lifestyle behaviors are related to 1) healthy body mass index, 2) physical activity, 3) diet and 4) alcohol consumption. In a 14 year study of more than 100,000 men and women (nonsmokers), those with high compliance…

  Pilates for Breast Cancer Patients Pilates does not replace physical therapy for breast cancer patients but it does complement therapeutic movements to create strength and stability in the upper body. Here are three tips that you should keep in mind before starting a Pilates program: 1. Always obtain clearance from your doctor before starting…

A recent study posted by the National Institute of Health, “Preservation of immune function in cervical cancer patients during chemoradiation using a novel integrative approach”    ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20600809 )  demonstrated that patients given Healing Touch experienced a minimal decrease in natural killer cell cytotoxicity as compared to the controls, who showed a sharp decline.  In…

 Nine steps that make a difference from eating the right vegetables (not all are equal) to taking the correct supplements. But being physically active, it turns out, could be the single best thing you can do to protect your health. http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/nine-ways-to-outsmart-breast-cancer?page=2 …regular aerobic activity -30 minutes a day, five days a week -helps control your…

Exercise can reduce in the risk of premature cancer death by 50% according to a Study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2009. Furthermore, Sudhir Kurl MD, the lead author, predicts that physical inactivity over a person’s lifespan might be a “key factor in the initiation of cancer development”.  Even once a person…

If you are someone with cancer looking for ways to eat well during the holidays, join Julie Fulton, Registered Dietician and specialist in cancer nutrition, on Tuesday 11/23 for A Meal Can Heal a cooking demonstration (complete with tastings!) on this and more healthy recipes for the holidays. Just call Wellness House at 630 323-5150…

Dean Richards hosts the 14th annual edition of his multi award-winning breast cancer special on Sunday, October 31 from 12-3 p.m. The live, three-hour town hall meeting examines where we are in the fight against breast cancer featuring some of the nation’s leading medical experts, moving survivor stories, resources for cancer patients, live phone calls…

Did you know that there is a government organization that researches and publishes information on Complementary & Alternative Medicine? Thinking about CAM for cancer? You aren’t the only one!  Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers effective adjunctive approaches for cancer-related health issues. You can find out more about specific research-based strategies through the National Institute of…

We all know that Yoga has many physical benefits, but how about emotional benefits. Here at Wellness House we often talk about the  “Mind Body Connection”, the body believes what the mind believes. Affirmations about peace, calm, and tranquility, along with positive imagery are conveyed to the nervous system. Yoga enables people to be more…

Healing Touch is an energy-based, heart-centered approach to healing that anyone can learn. In this 3-part experiential series you will learn basic hands-on healing techniques that can be used to complement ongoing medical treatment and boost the body’s innate drive to become well. These techniques can help loved ones relieve pain, reduce fatigue, release stress,…

Go Greek?! A Mediterranean diet is now known to help protect against cancer. To learn more, visit the online article posted this week by WebMD that summarized a list of 20 nutrition facts that work together to reduce the risk of cancer and recurrence.  See WebMD for more information on how to sign up for…

…According to authors of a meta-analysis review published in the May edition of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine and reported in PubMed . Of 33 studies, 21 reported significant improvements in psychological well-being with 1 hour to 1 year of regular Tai Chi. Results suggested Tai Chi is associated with improvements in psychological well-being including…

Researchers at Northwestern University are finding that physical activity promotes the growth of new brain cells as well as smarter functioning in problem-solving. We have known since the late 1990’s that new brain cells can be formed in adults, but what factors make new neuron growth happen remains largely unknown. In laboratory studies with mice,…

Children encounter stress from a variety of sources in their lives. For example, children may feel academic or social stress, or they may feel stress from the pressures they put on themselves to achieve.  When a family member experiences an illness such as cancer, this can be an additional source of stress that children deal…

Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle conducted a large-scale study of dietary supplements and lifestyle factors in cancer risk. Indeed, we have known for some time about the importance of getting the right balance of essential fatty acids in our diet. Essential fatty acids are necessary for many biological functions. For example, omega-3…

What can we do to keep the romance alive? 1.    Communicate your needs to your partner 2.    Be clear about what is important to you 3.    Have fun together, find activities that are pleasurable to the both of you 4.    Laugh – you can never laugh enough! To learn more about your partner and their…

Even for those undergoing difficult treatments.  The recommendation is to gradually work up to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread throughout the week. Always seek your physician’s approval before starting any exercise program. “Cancer survivors – including those currently undergoing treatment – can experience a multitude of benefits from exercise”,  announced by…

New Recipe from A Meal Can Heal According to Julie Fulton, from Mint Condition Wellness and Training Center, arugula, also known as rocket, is a dark, beautiful leafy green, a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and a relative of watercress. Before 1990, arugula was barely cultivated; you’d mostly find it growing in the wild….

Another professional agency, namely, the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM), urges cancer patients to be physically active both during and after treatment.  These guidelines were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Annual Meeting, which was held in Chicago. Dr Lee Jones, from Duke University’s Center for Cancer Survivorship, points out exercising might…

New evidence that practicing yoga may improve sleep and overall quality of life in cancer survivors. Yoga may also improve fatigue, one of the most common problems faced by cancer survivors. In this randomized controlled study at the University of Rochester in New York, cancer survivors reported reducing their need for sleep medication once they…

The Environmental Working Group provides an evidence-based Shopper’s Guide to pesticides. It is a handy listing of the MOST and LEAST pesticide-polluted fruits and vegetables. It can be printed out to keep near your grocery list at home or to slip into your wallet for use as a reference in the store. Finally, some sound…

Good Resources From Around the Corner: Whole Foods Market – it is often fondly referred to as our canteen. You may see our therapists and participants run to Whole Foods for a variety of food stuffs and delectable lunches and dinners. If you have never been to Whole Foods I would invite you to step…

No…it’s a myth that exercise should be put on hold until you feel better when you are in treatment. It’s just that how and how much you exercise that might change.  The American Cancer Society recommends gentle, moderate physical activity as tolerated to help to reduce fatigue, relieve stress, and boost overall sense of well-being. As with any…

The Environmental Working Group is a resource for data on toxins in the environment. The EWG website also provides useful strategies and information on how to limit exposure to environmental toxins. EWG recently interviewed Dr. Andrew Weil on his take on pesticides in food. Watch the 3-minute video: http://www.foodnews.org/sneak/?utm_source=shopperrelease&utm_medium=email&utm_content=image&utm_campaign=foodnews

Women can be known to be big talkers but when it comes to cancer and sharing our journey it can be tough. We do not want to be perceived as week or needy of others. Have you considered a Cancer Diary? If you are not ready to talk about your experience or share your feelings…

Try out this healthy pizza recipe that was presented at our Cooking Up Wellness class in April! Garden Fresh Pizza 1 (12-inch wide) whole grain pizza crust** 1/3 cup Muir Glen Organic Pizza Sauce ½ cup spinach leaves ½ cup sliced zucchini ½ cup sliced mushrooms ½ cup slices or chopped red pepper ½ cup…

In October 2007, the Illinois chapter of the American Cancer Society awarded a research grant to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to partner with Wellness House. The goal was to learn more about how our programs affect quality of life. In the study, UIC sought to examine the impact of all Wellness House…

There are an estimated 12 million cancer survivors in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute. For many, the effects of cancer don’t end when the disease goes into remission. Physical limitations from past radiation treatments, emotional concerns about a new identity, and anxieties about getting cancer again are just a few concerns that…