IDA MAE CENTER Cancer Wellness

                                                       825 Gum Branch Road Suite 127

                                                             Jacksonville  NC 28540

 

We can help you meet the challenges of living with cancer by providing you and your loved ones with education, information and support, free of charge. Explore the many ways that Life with Cancer can make your day-to-day life easier and help you connect with a community of people who face many of the same challenges you do.

For more information about our program and services or to speak with a member, Please call 910-353-6350

 



 

Life with Cancer Volunteer Opportunities


       welcomes and appreciates volunteers who wish to help us support the needs of individuals and families living with cancer. For more information about any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact us at 910-353-6350

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Patient and Family Support

we offer seminars, support groups,and wellness therapy programs. Our goal is to help people get the information and support they need to cope with cancer and its treatments in the best way possible.

 Many patients or their families seek support for adjusting to life with cancer, stress reduction, relationship issues, decision making, end-of-life, survivorship and/or grief work.  classes are held at the IDA MAE CENTER.

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gifts of time

We are always in need of volunteers, "Welcome to Wellness" leaders, and other activities! We are also looking for help in our office during the week (i.e. answering phone calls, assisting with clerical duties, etc.). If you are interested in helping The Ida mae center as a volunteer, please call Verna at (910) 353-6350.

Your support through one or more of the giving opportunities listed above  help  provide a place where cancer patients can receive the tools and support necessary to become powerful partners in their fight for recovery.

Contributions to The Ida Mae Center are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Seminars and Groups of General Interest:

  • Celebration of Life: annually
  • Good Grief: eight-week adult grief group
  • Handling the Holidays: annually
  • Life with Cancer Program Orientation: weekly
  • Look Good...Feel Better: monthly
  • Nutrition Counseling and Classes, monthly
  • Partners in Care: twice monthly
  • Seminars for Survivors: third Thursday, monthly
  • Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant  Group
  • Tools for Couples
  • Walking for Fitness
  • What to Expect During Chemo: Weekly

 

  •  Mind-Body / Wellness Programs: 
  • Art for Wellness and Growth
  • Chair-Based Exercise: twice weekly
  • Fitness Fusion: weekly
  • Finding your Way
  • Gentle Flow Flex
  • Keeping Fit: weekly
  • Laughter Therpy
  • Launching into Fitness
  • Meditation & Guided Imagery
  • Restorative flow flex
  • Spirituality Quest
  • Writing your Memoirs and Life Stories
  • Writing to Wellness: monthly

 

       Customer service, 10am-2pm Fridays  

  • Greet and direct program participants to class rooms
  • Answer telephone and complete administrative work, as necessary

Wood Workers:

  • Wood worker needed to craft Barbie Doll-sized IV pole and radiation machine (we have a sketch what these would look like).
     

Calling all seamstresses!:

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Class assistant:

  • Work with Life with Cancer staff to prepare for, and clean up after various Life with Cancer classes. Duties include making confirmation phone calls/emails, maintaining class roster, creating name tags, greeting participants, setting up and tearing down meeting room, making copies, and other activities as requested. This position may be a weekly or monthly; time varies depending on the class.

Musicians:

  • Volunteer to play relaxing, uplifting or inspiring music on the oncology unit for a couple of hours each week. Guitarists are especially encouraged to volunteer.

 

Hair stylists

  • Work one-on-one with hospitalized patients to trim or style hair or to provide simple manicures (no nail clipping or cuticle trimming). Ability to be available on short notice is necessary.

 

 

 

Mind-Body / Wellness Programs

we offers a variety of classes to supplement medical treatments and help you ease symptoms, release tension, reduce stress, anxiety, and discomfort, improve energy, gain insight, promote relaxation and enhance your feeling of well-being.  to see which classes are being offered this month.

Programs Include:

  • Expressive Arts: art, movement, music/sound, writing
  • Mind-Body Therapies
  • Meditation and Imagery
  • Nutrition Classes
  • Fitness Classes
  • Educational Seminars on many complementary modalities
  • Download the Exercise Registration Form and Waiver for all Fitness Classes. Please print, fill out and bring to class.

Note: The following information was reprinted from the American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary Methods. Copyright(c)2000, American Cancer Society. This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs.

         ​  Meditation   

 

             

Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant substances distilled from plants, called essential oils, to alter mood or improve health. These highly concentrated aromatic substances are either inhaled or applied as oils during massage. There are approximately 40 essential oils commonly used in aromatherapy; among the most popular are lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, chamomile, marjoram, jasmine, peppermint, and geranium. There is no scientific evidence that aromatherapy is effective in preventing or treating cancer, but it can be used to enhance quality of life. Early clinical trials suggest aromatherapy may have some benefit as a complementary treatment in reducing stress, pain and depression.             
         

Bodywork (Movement Therapy, rolfing, Alexander technique, Feldenkrais method, Trager approach, shiatsu massage). Bodywork refers to a variety of physically oriented techniques. Some forms of bodywork involve hands-on manipulation of joints or soft tissue, realigning the body and correcting posture imbalances. Others focus on increasing a person's awareness of his or her own body through gentle, deliberate movement and breathing exercises. There is no scientific evidence that bodywork is effective in treating cancer, but it can be used to enhance quality of life. Many forms of bodywork have the potential to bring pain relief and stress reduction, although the effectiveness of these techniques has not yet been proven scientifically. Various forms of bodywork are generally promoted to relieve pain, reduce stress, soothe injured muscles, stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation and promote relaxation. Practitioners also claim that through bodywork, their patients become more comfortable with their bodies by learning how to move more freely, gracefully and efficiently.

Breathwork is the general term used to describe a variety of breathing techniques that are implemented in many relaxation exercises and spiritual healing methods. Focused, deep breathing exercises, such as exaggerating the way you naturally inhale and exhale, is said to promote relaxation, awareness and emotional release. Shallow breathing is an indicator of stress, so the goal in breathwork is to take long, deep breaths. These breaths are said to be "cleansing," freeing both the body and mind from toxins that prohibit a healthy state. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, breathwork may help in relaxation and stress reduction.  

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Dance therapy is the therapeutic use of movement to improve the mental and physical well-being of a person. It focuses on the connection between the mind and body to promote health and healing. There have been few scientific studies conducted to evaluate the effects of dance therapy on health, prevention and recovery from illness. Clinical reports suggest dance therapy is effective in improving self-esteem and reducing stress. As a form of exercise, dance therapy can be useful.

Humor therapy is the use of humor for the relief of physical and emotional difficulties. It is used as a complementary tool to promote health and cope with illness. Although there is no scientific evidence that laughter can cure cancer or any other disease, it can reduce stress, promote health and enhance the quality of life. Humor has physiological effects that can stimulate the circulatory system, immune system and other systems in the body.           

Imagery (guided imagery, visualization) involves mental exercises designed to enable the mind to influence the health and well-being of the body. Imagery involves the use of visualization techniques used as complementary therapies in people with cancer and other diseases. The techniques can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, manage pain, lower blood pressure, ease some of the side effects of chemotherapy and create feelings of being in control. There is no scientific evidence that imagery can influence the development or progression of cancer.

Massage involves manipulation, rubbing and kneading of the body's muscle and soft tissue. Some recent studies show massage can decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and increase alertness. Many healthcare professionals recognize massage as a useful addition to conventional medical treatment that is non-invasive and may offer some relief for these symptoms.

Massage is recommended by some healthcare professionals as a complementary therapy. They believe massage can help people with serious illnesses, such as cancer, reduce stress, anxiety and pain. It is also known to relax muscles. Many people find that massage brings a temporary feeling of well-being and relaxation. Massage is also used to relieve joint pain and stiffness, increase mobility, rehabilitate injured muscles and reduce pain associated with headaches and backaches. Some researchers have found regular massage can help reduce blood pressure, insomnia, migraine headaches and depression. There is also some evidence that massage can stimulate nerves, improve concentration, increase blood flow and the supply of oxygen to cells, and help circulation of the lymph system

Meditation is a mind-body process that uses concentration or reflection to relax the body and calm the mind in order to create a sense of well-being. Meditation is one of several relaxation methods approved by an independent panel, convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as a useful complementary therapy for treating chronic pain and insomnia. There is no scientific evidence that meditation is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. However, it can help to improve the quality of life for people with cancer.

Music therapy (sound therapy) is a method that consists of the active or passive use of music in order to promote healing and enhance quality of life. There is some evidence that when used along with conventional treatment, music therapy can help to reduce pain and relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It may also relieve stress and provide an overall sense of well-being. Some studies have found that music therapy can lower heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.

               here is no scientific evidence that naturopathic medicine can cure cancer or any other disease. Specific methods within naturopathic medicine vary in terms of effectiveness. Some methods have shown some evidence of effectiveness in prevention and symptom management. Examples include the importance of diet in lowering the risk of severe illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, and the usefulness of acupuncture to reduce pain.   Psychotherapy (therapy, counseling) covers a wide range of approaches designed to help people change their ways of thinking, feeling or behaving. Research has shown that psychotherapy may improve a patient's quality of life. It can help reduce anxiety and depression that sometimes occurs in people with cancer. Psychotherapy has not, however, been demonstrated to increase survival in people with cancer.

The idea of the existence of a mind-body connection has been around for a very long time and has received more support and attention in recent years. Psychotherapists believe that what a person experiences mentally and emotionally affects his or her body. They also believe psychotherapy can help people, including those with cancer, find the inner strength they need to improve their coping skills, thus allowing them to more fully enjoy their lives. Psychotherapy can be used to help people deal with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It can also be useful in overcoming depression and anxiety, which many people with cancer experience. Psychotherapy is available in many forms.      :: Back to top ::

 

Proponents of qigong believe disease, injury, and stress can disrupt the vital energy or life force of the body (qi). By correcting these disruptions, individuals can lead healthier, less stressful lives (see Electromagnetic Therapy). Qigong is promoted to strengthen the body or to enhance other conventional health care treatments, not to cure existing disease. Practitioners claim it may be helpful in managing pain and reducing anxiety. There is some limited evidence for these claims. Some promoters also claim that qigong can help to prevent cancer by improving the oxygen supply to the body and regulating the autonomic nervous system.

        

Spirituality and Prayer (religion) is generally described as an awareness of something greater than the individual self and is usually expressed through religion and/or prayer. Studies have found spirituality and religion are very important to the quality of life for some people with cancer. Although research has not shown that spirituality can cure cancer or any other disease, some studies have found intercessory prayer (praying for others) may be an effective addition to conventional medical care.

The psychological benefits of prayer may include reduction of stress and anxiety, promotion of a more positive outlook, and the strengthening of the will to live. Proponents of spirituality claim that prayer can decrease the negative effects of disease, speed recovery and increase the effectiveness of medical treatments. Many people believe the spiritual dimension in healing is important, especially for coping with serious illness. Religious attendance has been associated with improvement of various health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, colitis, uterine and other cancers, and overall health status. However, the scientific evidence is mixed.

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Support Groups present information, provide comfort, teach coping skills, help reduce anxiety and provide a place to share common concerns and emotional support. Preliminary research has shown that many groups can enhance quality of life. There is no scientific evidence, however, that support groups can actually extend the survival time of people with cancer. Support groups are composed of education, behavioral training and group interaction. Behavioral training can involve muscle relaxation or meditation to reduce stress or the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. People with cancer are often encouraged by healthcare professionals to seek support from groups of individuals that have direct or indirect experiences with the same type of cancer.

IDance

. It is a mind-body, self-healing system that uses movement, meditation and breathing to improve health and well-being. Research has shown exercise that may improve posture, balance, muscle mass and tone, flexibility, stamina and strength in older adults.  People who practice the deep breathing and physical movements of IDance report it makes them feel more relaxed, younger, more agile and helps their circulation. Its slow, graceful movements, accompanied by rhythmic breathing, relax the body as well as the mind. Research has found that IDance early suited for older adults, or for others who are not physically strong or healthy.

Healing/Therapeutic Touch (TT, energy field therapy, biofield therapy) is a technique in which the hands are used to direct human energy for healing purposes. There is usually no actual physical contact. The practice of TT is based on the belief that the patient's energy field can be identified and re-balanced by a healer. Harmful energy is believed to cause blockages in the patient's normal energy flow. Proponents claim TT removes blockages and other problems in the patient's energy field that cause illness and pain. There is no evidence to support many of the claims made for TT, or that energy is balanced or transferred by the use of TT. However, it may be useful in reducing anxiety and increasing a sense of well-being in some people.

Flow Flex(useful method to help relieve some symptoms associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis and heart disease, and can lead to increased relaxation and physical fitness. There is no scientific evidence that Flow Flex is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. However, it may enhance quality of life.Flow Flex is promoted as a system of personal development. It is a way of life standards, dietary guidelines, physical exercise, and meditation to create a union of mind, body and spirit. 

:: Grief and Bereavement

When someone we love has died our world can change dramatically, and it may be difficult to navigate the grieving process. Grief is a normal, healthy and healing emotion. Through education and support, the healing process begins.

  • Good Grief Group: An eight-week educational and supportive program for people who have lost a loved one to cancer. Good Grief provides an opportunity for people to meet and talk with others who are grieving and learn ways to handle the changes that come after the loss of a loved one. The group is facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Workers and counselors and is offered on a regular basis in various locations. Click here for our Good Grief registration form.


     
  • Handling the Holidays: A class that offers positive strategies to help people cope with grief during the winter holiday season. This program is facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Workers and counselors, and is offered in various locations.
     
  • Short-Term Grief Counseling: Provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers or counselors, short-term grief counseling is available for adults, teens, children or families who may be in need of individualized counseling or have specific issues or concerns.
Survivorship: During and After Treatment

 

 

In this section you'll find information and tips on staying active and healthy during and after cancer treatment. You can also get information on dealing with the possibility of cancer recurrence, and find inspiration and hope in stories about other people whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Survivor at Relay hugging a Volunteer

Survivorship Resources from the American Cancer Society

The National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center - A collaborative effort to shape the future of cancer survivorship care and improve the quality of life of cancer survivors as they transition from treatment to recovery.

Survivorship care plans - Many groups have developed care plans to help improve the quality of care of survivors as they move beyond their treatment. You can find examples of these plans here.

 
 

 

 

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