Essentials for Mind

Cheryl Hurst, PsyD, Wellness House

Learn the best sources for information about your diagnosis, treatment, and experimental trials; insurance issues; and strategies to get the best care from your medical team.  We will also discuss ways to use the mind to help you manage stress during the challenges of cancer.

January 5, 7:00-8:30pm

New Year’s Resolutions: Stop Spinning and Start Living

Freda Mooncotch, Organizational Consultant and Mental Clarity Coach, Chicago, IL

Resolutions are meant to bring out the best in the us--but how to stay on track? Learn how the mind, consciousness and thought bring about the human experience, and can serve as a gateway to clarity, peace, calmness and hope.

January 12, 7:00-8:30pm

Medication Use in Carcinoid Cancer

Bridget O’Brien, NP, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University

Ms. O’Brien will join our monthly Carcinoid Cancer Networking Group to share her clinical knowledge about common carcinoid medications and their usage.

January 16 10:30am-12:00pm

The Immune System & Cancer: 2-Part Series

Judith Cannon, PhD, Research Associate/Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago

Cancer enacts a civil war within the immune system that Dr. Cannon will help us better understand by looking at some of the many roles of the immune system: fighting pathogens, communication between cells, recognizing cancer cells, and fighting cancer.

January 19 and January 21, 7:00-8:30pm

Lymphedema Management All Wrapped Up

Susan Santilli, OTR/L, Centers for Hand & Physical Rehabilitation, Oak Brook, IL

Join us for a hands-on workshop on arm wrapping methods for lymphedema, and for the prevention of arm swelling during airline travel, a risk after breast surgery in which lymph nodes were removed. Register with a partner for a fully interactive experience!

January 23, 10:00-11:30am

Humor & Health: It’ the Laughter You’re After

Ed Dunkelblau, PhD, Director, Institute for Emotionally Intelligent Learning, Hoffman Estates, IL

Come enjoy the benefits of laughter in a light-hearted learning session with past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, clinical psychologist, Dr. Dunkelblau, a.k.a. Dr. Laugh.

January 28, 7:00-8:30pm

Reiki For You

Jane Van De Velde, DNP, RN, The Reiki Share Project

Reiki is a complementary healing technique that can help to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Reiki is life force energy and works holistically to bring balance physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  This program introduces you to the practice of Reiki. In this three class series you will learn about working with Reiki energy and how to offer Reiki to yourself every day. 

January 29, February 5, 12 1:00-4:00pm

Surviving a Bone Marrow Transplant: How to Handle Insurance and Medical Bills

Susan Loeb, Attorney and Founder of Your Benefits Advocate

Join others who have been through a bone marrow transplant and their family members to learn how to successfully manage and secure maximum benefits.  There will also be time for networking.  A light lunch will be served.

January 30^th, 10:30am-2:00pm 

February

Essentials for Body

Mary Sinclair, EdD, CPFT, Wellness House

A great deal of research has been conducted about nutrition.  We will discuss the fundamentals that research has taught us as well as strategies you can use if your usual ways of eating are interrupted by treatment.  We will also discuss physical activity and exercise as one of the most potent ways you can support yourself during cancer and beyond.

February 2, 7:00-8:30pm

Whole Foods and Nutritional Supplements: Easy Essentials for Inhibiting Cancer Growth

Lorene Wu, MD, DiplAc, The Whole Life Center, La Grange Park, IL


Dr. Wu will share the basics for creating an Acid/Alkaline environment that balances your internal "soil" to favor healthy cells and tissues. Simple strategies will be covered for active cancer treatment and post-treatment.

February 4, 7:00-8:30pm

Oral Health During Cancer Treatment

Joy Lantz, RDH and Tawnya Edwards, RDH, Elite Dental Care, Downers Grove, IL

Hygienists familiar with cancer can help you optimize your oral care and adjust your eating habits before, during, and after cancer treatment. They will discuss remedies and resources for side effects like dry mouth, tooth decay, and mouth sores.

February 6, 10:00-11:30am

The Road to Financial Peace of Mind

David Blaydes, CFP, RFC, Retirement Planners International, Naperville IL

A major diagnosis like cancer often prompts a re-examination of family finances. Jump start the process with this primer on long-term financial planning and investing, beneficiary designations, and different ways of passing on assets.

February 9, 7:00-8:30pm

Update on Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Seema Singhal, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University

Dr. Singhal will discuss chemotherapy options and stem cell transplant for the containment and suppression of multiple myeloma, as well as the management of its effects.

February 16, 7:00-8:30pm

Fit to Fight: What Exercise Can Do for You During Cancer

Mary Sinclair, EdD, Wellness House

Find out how regular, reasonable exercise can minimize side effects, maximize mind-body-spirit well-being, and improve outcomes during cancer. Learn how survivors have built exercise into an uncertain world of stress, fatigue, changing priorities, and medical appointments.

February 18, 7:00-8:30pm

Mood Foods and Nutrition

Julie Fulton, RD, LDN, NSCA-CPT, Mint Condition Wellness and Training Center, Westmont, IL

Come learn nutritional approaches to help counteract anxiety and depression, boost mental peace and clarity, and lighten the winter blues.

February 25, 7:00-8:30pm

The Healing Power of Native American Music

Ron Kanutski, With Care Consulting, Ontario, CA

Join cultural teacher and licensed social worker Ron Kanutski for a wellness workshop of interactive music-making with the Native American drum and flute. Please bring drums and shakers if you have them!

March

Essentials for Spirit

Michael Williams, PsyD, Wellness House

However you define spirit and faith, we will discuss the importance of making room for the ways you practice and express it during your time with cancer.  We will address barriers to spirit like stress and depression and how to manage them.

March 2, 7:00-8:30pm

Navigating the Medicare Maze

Monica Fawzy, Esq., Attorney, Cancer Legal Resource Center

Learn about all aspects of Medicare coverage, including Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, and eligibility for clinical trials and preventative services under Medicare.

March 4, 7:00-8:30pm

Fantastic Fabric Fashions: How to Make Head Coverings for Warmth and Style

Willi McNealy, Cosmetologist

This interactive workshop will teach women the knowledge and skills needed to turn swaths of cloth into unique head coverings of your own creation. Bring a sample of cotton fabric for a hands-on learning experience. Call for more information.

March 6, 9:45-11:15am

Garden Prep!

Patricia Niederich, Clovers Garden Center, Hinsdale, IL

Master Gardener Pat Neidrich will share her knowledge of garden planning and the preparation necessary to make the most of the spring.

March 9, 7:00-8:30pm

Managing Cancer Fatigue Holistically

Julia Kravitz, LAc, Oak Park, IL

Explore methods from the holistic practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine to maximize energy, including easy approaches to help manage fatigue at home.

March 16, 7:00-8:30pm

Finding Information You Can Trust

Mary Pranica, MS, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University

Boost your resource search savvy! Medical librarian Mary Pranica, MS will share key cancer-related resources for any cancer diagnosis as well as methods for identifying the top websites, books, articles, and organizations for common cancer types.

March 25, 7:00-8:30pm

Anti-Cancer: A Conversation with Author David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD

David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine

Wellness House is pleased to host Dr. Servan-Schreiber, cancer survivor and author of New York Times and international best seller, “Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life”.  Via live video conference, Dr. Servan-Schreiber will discuss strategies for combining traditional and alternative health care to slow and prevent cancer.

March 27, 12:00-1:30pm

Introduction to Homeopathy

Steven Moore, DC, ND, Center for Integral Health, Lombard, IL

Dr. Moore will describe the practice of homeopathy and how it may be used to help people living with cancer manage its effects.