Conley Publishing - Special Sections
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FALL 2018 / HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 6 By Catherine Jozwik Special to The Freeman WAUKESHA — Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often a stressful, frightening experi- ence. However, experts feel that having a strong emotion- al support network consisting of family, friends and peers can help boost psychological well-being in those with the disease. Sheila Gissibl, a psycholo- gist for Hope for a Better Tomorrow in Waukesha, rec- ommends those diagnosed with cancer attend a support group. "Being able to have some- one sitting next to you who has been in your shoes is immensely beneficial," she said. Some support groups are open to all ages; others are limited to children, teenagers, or those of a certain religious affiliation. Many focus on a specific type of cancer, such as leukemia. One-on-one counselling can also be beneficial to patients, as it can help them develop coping skills and implement relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and medita- tion, into their daily lives. Although many cancer patients have time con- straints with doctor's appointments and suffer physical difficulties, Gissibl feels that psychological well- being should be a priority as well. "Even though it (a cancer diagnosis) can feel over- whelming, it's equally impor- tant to make time for your emotional health," she said. According to www.medic orx.com, stress and anxiety, which often result from a can- cer diagnosis, release hor- mones in the body that can increase blood sugar levels and raise blood pressure. Gissibl added that new research from the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center illuminates that psy- chological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and support from family and friends can help cancer patients heal faster. Family and friends of those diagnosed with cancer can help by simply listening to what they have to say, said the Hope for a Better Tomorrow psychologist. She noted that people have a tendency to want to take the patient's pain away, which is not possible. But simply acknowledging how they feel — and being present with them — can help. Also, it's good to "check in" periodically to see how the patient is feeling, both physi- cally and emotionally, both during and after cancer treat- ments and even remission, since the process can be trau- matic and lead to "residual changes," said Gissibl. Several organizations, among them Aurora Health Care, Columbia St. Mary's Hospital, ProHealth Care and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, provide counselling services (also known as psycho-oncology), sometimes free, to cancer patients and their families. Those interested should con- tact the oncology department of the health care facility of their choice. Photo courtesy of ProHealth Care From left: John Kaufman, Hartland; Adriana Kanwischer, Dousman; Patti Cummings, Waukesha; Janis Leech, Waukesha; and Yvonne Gardner, South Milwaukee; were among the individ- uals who attended a recent support meeting with ProHealth Care oncology services counselors Geralyn Schwalenberg and Aaron Jonasen (both standing) at the UW Cancer Center at ProHealth Care in the City of Pewaukee. Benefits of emotional support networks for cancer patients Important to take care of mental health, too 1600 Summit Ave. Suite B Waukesha, WI 53188 RETINA & VITREOUS CONSULTANTS OF WISCONSIN LTD Practice limited to Medical & Surgical Treatment of the Retina & Vitreous For an Appointment Please Call 414-778-3455 • 1-800-837-3937 www.rvcow.com Jonathan M. Hershey, M.D. Sharath C. Raja, M.D. Nicholas H. Tosi, M.D. Daniel D. Kim, M.D. Mayfair - North Tower 2600 N. Mayfair Rd., Ste. 901 Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 774-3484 St. Luke's Physician Office Bldg. 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Pkwy., Ste. 350 Milwaukee, WI (414) 649-4660 Aurora Health Center - Kenosha 6815 118th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53142 (262) 857-5650 Seton Professional Building - Ozaukee 13133 N. Port Washington Rd., Ste. 120 Mequon, WI 53097 (262) 240-0457 Moreland Medical Center 1111 Delafield St., Suite 227 Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 524-9323 • Macular Degeneration • Diabetic Eye Disease • Macular Hole • Retinal Detachment • Ocular Trauma • Vitreous Bleeding 261634001