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Northwest Cancer Specialists e-News December 2009 Sent Monday, December 14, 2009
 

Contact Us | Services | Programs

Dr. Kevin Olson Featured in Local Media

Northwest Cancer Specialists physician Kevin Olson, M.D. was recently featured on KGW-8 TV discussing the new mammogram guidelines and the benefits and risks of self breast exams. KOIN-Local 6 news also printed Dr. Olson's written response and recommendations to the changes in guidelines issued by the federal task force.
 
A government task force announced that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50 -- a stunning reversal and a break with the American Cancer Society's long-standing position. The panel also stated the value of breast exams by doctors is unknown and breast self exams are of no value. 
 
Dr. Olson, practice president of Northwest Cancer Specialists, responded: 
 
  

Free Reiki for NCS Patients at our St. Vincent Office 

Northwest Reiki Association (NWRA) is providing free Reiki services at Northwest Cancer Specialists St. Vincent office for patients while they are receiving treatment in the infusion suite.  
 
What is Reiki?  Reiki is a holistic method of stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of "universal life energy", and increases the vibration frequency of the body. Reiki can be translated and broken down into two words. "Rei" means "universal energy" and "Ki" is an individual's "life force".  

For more information about Northwest Reiki Association and their services please visit: http://www.nwreikiassociation.org/   

  
 

Depression and the Holidays

Here are some suggestions to help manage feelings of depression during and after the holidays:

  • Talk to a professional. If the blues you are feeling linger for several weeks and are interfering with your ability to enjoy life and function effectively, seek help. 
  • Find support in others. Try confiding in trusted family members and friends about how you have been feeling.
  • Manage your stress. Learn effective ways to reduce your stress and anxiety, which may minimize your feelings of depression.
  • Exercise regularly. Regular fitness activities can improve your mood and boost your self-esteem. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you. 
  • Eat right. Discipline yourself not to overeat. Stick to a nutritionally balanced diet. Avoid alcohol, which is a depressant.
  • Get the proper amount of sleep. Experts recommend at least seven to eight hours a night. Resist the urge to oversleep, and try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule.
  • Make more time for recreational, fun activities. Try to spend more time outdoors, especially on sunny days. Consider taking a vacation soon, perhaps to a bright, warm climate.
  • Be more social. Stay in touch with friends and family. Get out more often, and participate in enjoyable activities such as attending social gatherings, seeing movies and having lunch or dinner with friends.
  • Consider using a light box. These devices have been used successfully to treat SAD. Talk with your doctor or therapist about whether the increased amount of light could be helpful to you.
  • Educate yourself. Learn all you can about depression, support groups in your area and ways to manage your feelings.

Do not let feelings of depression and sadness control your life. Get help to manage your symptoms. Learn to feel comfortable talking about your difficult emotions. Take care of your mind and body by giving it the food, rest and activity it needs. Do not be afraid to treat yourself to the things you enjoy more often. Aim to get out of the funk you may be feeling and to experience life to the fullest.

This information is brought to you by ComPsych® GuidanceResources®.

 
  

NCS EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

 
The New Norm
Cancer Survivorship Series
January 6, 13, 20
Vancouver Cancer Center
 
Overcoming Insomnia
January 11
Vancouver Cancer Center 
 
 
 


The physicians and staff
of Northwest Cancer Specialists 
wish you peace and joy this holiday season and throughout the New Year.  

 

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