Healthy-Steps Newsletter for the public
Volume
2, Number 2, February '2010
| |
|
|
|
Happy New Year!
We are pleased to share with you the good news that San Diego Homecare Supplies has been ranked #29 on the list of Women-Owned Businesses in SD, up from #40 last year, and #15 on the list of Minority-Owned Businesses in SD, up from #19. Your continued support and confidence in us has made this possible.
Thank you for being such an important part of our success.
Wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year.
Best,
Sydel Howell,
Healthy-Steps Instructor 
| |
|
|
|
Healthy-Steps, Moving You to Better Health with the Lebed Method, is a therapeutic exercise and movement program with wonderful music designed to help you thrive! Offering wellness programs for everyone, from young adults to seniors, regardless of health, age or ability level, the Healthy-Steps program improves overall wellness, range-of-motion, balance, strength and endurance, as well as emotional well-being and self-image. A specialized program for children, "Creative Rhythms", is even available to serve the needs of children with Cancer or other chronic illnesses or medical conditions.
Healthy-Steps is offered in over 700 locations worldwide.
Join us today, and take a step towards a healthier life.
Find an instructor near you for a Healthy-Steps / Lebed Method class in your area by going to our website and click 'find a class'.
|
|
|
| MESSAGE FROM SHERRY |
|
|
Hello Healthy-Steppers,
I would like to welcome you to our second Healthy-Steps Newsletter for the 'general public'. We hope you will enjoy it and let us know what you would like to see more of.
Here you will find a few articles, messages from our sponsors Amoena and Juzo, as well as some special announcements for you that we hope you will find beneficial. Our Lymphatic opening is now on Youtube.com/lebedmethod Plenty of places for you to go and find out great information, so what are you waiting for?!!! As Valentine's day approaches don't forget to visit our store on our website at www.gohealthysteps.com. They make great gifts for the ones you love and want to keep healthy. Check out our calendar and see if I am doing any presentations in your area by clicking here for our calendar - they are FREE to the public. Everything is color coded so you can see all our training locations and my presentation locations as well. If you find a presentation in your area you would like to attend, email me at sld@lebedmethod.com and I will tell you how to register.
 for our training Calendar If you see a training that you would like to attend and have questions or would like to receive our training packet, email me as well for that. I would love to hear from you, I love questions!!
Enjoy our newsletter and let me hear from you about what you would like to see next issue. |
|
| |
|
|
| Healthy-Stepping,
Sincerely,
Sherry |
|
BECOME A HEALTHY-STEPS / LEBED METHOD INSTRUCTOR |
|
 |
|
Want to improve the lives of others, while improving your own life and financial well-being? Then becoming a Healthy-Steps/Lebed Method Instructor is for YOU! This program is a perfect addition for medical centers and hospitals, exercise and fitness centers, dance and yoga centers, etc.
|
|
| Healthy-Steps certification provides you with access to everything you need to begin and grow a successful a Healthy-Steps program.
| |
|
|
PACE "Healthy Steps" Dance Program Receives Research Award
|
|
|
The PACE Healthy-Steps 2008 pilot study
was recently named one of the top three clinical
projects at the 2009 University
of Missouri-Columbia Health Sciences Research
Day. The Healthy-Steps pilot study
won second place, earning a certificate and
a cash prize. Jean Krampe, RN and
Laura Dowell, PT conducted the pilot to learn if
dance-based therapy could affect the balance and gait of
PACE Participants.
Study results showed that dance
therapy could improve function. In addition, 100% of study
participants said they would recommend this program to
others. As a result, an Alexian Brothers Ministry
Grant was given to Jean and Laura to make Healthy-Steps sessions available to all PACE Participants.
Healthy-Steps sessions are held weekly.
To find out
more, or to be involved contact Laura Dowell, PT, or
Jean Krampe, RN at (314) 771-5800
|
|
A touching story from a Healthy-Steps instructor
|
By Sharon Mulcahy
Instructor for Healthy-Steps
A 70 year old woman joined my class. She was very quiet
and apprehensive upon entering the room. She filled out the medical form and I learned
that she had a Lumpectomy and had recently completed Chemotherapy.
She was welcomed by all and we began the exercises. As time progressed she
becomes more at ease and I could see a smile beginning to form on her face.
During the second part of the class, she really seemed to come alive as we did our
dance routines. At the end of the class, we joined hands
and made our circle. I always ask the ladies, if they
wish, to share with the group what the class has meant to them this session.
When it was her turn, she started to cry.
She shared with the group that she and her husband were Ballroom dance teachers
for the past 20 years. When she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer she felt
her life was over...that she would never dance again. After her surgery and
treatments, she went into depression and cut herself off from family and friends
(Sherry,
all I could think of was your Mom).
One of the nurses at the Cancer
Center where I hold my classes told her about the Healthy-Steps program and told
her to give it a try. She said her initial reaction was a negative one.
|
The morning of the class she woke up and on impulse thought she would just 'check it out'.
She shared with us that being able to dance once more, laugh and enjoy the 'togetherness' of the group had given her new hope. She said she felt she had her life back. She told all of us that she felt a miracle had happened to her in coming to the class. We all shed tears of joy with her. She comes every week and she truly is like 'a new person'.
Sherry, thank you for giving me the necessary
skills through the Lebed Method, to make this happen in the lives of those who have been
changed because of Cancer.
|
|
|
Hospital dance program encourages recovery from cancer through activity |
Grooving to the disco beat of "We Are Family," the enthusiastic group of about 16 "sisters" boogied away their health concerns during the weekly "Healthy Steps" program at Glens Falls Hospital.
Still, that was nothing compared to their award-winning performance of Steppenwolfs "Born to Be Wild," in which they wielded white craft-foam "guitars" with black plastic necks, or "You Send Me,"which earned them an honorable mention. The class of mostly cancer survivors recently earned national fame for dance and music videos entered into a contest sponsored by the National Healthy Steps program.
Vickie Yattaw, coordinator of the Glens Falls Hospital Healthy Steps program and a nurse in Oncology
Education and Support Services, chose to choreograph moves to "Born to be Wild" because it's a song she uses during her own workouts.
"Having that song sort of says something to me, so I started fooling around with some movements. It's
whatever moves me," Yattaw said.
Although Yattaw hadn't seen other Healthy Steps entries, she thinks it was the fun props and the way the moves were put into a routine that clinched the win for the group.
Yattaw and co-instructor Laurie Hughes regularly put together gentle stretching movements in a free
weekly class, based on the Lebed Method, that increase range of motion and simulate massage and exercise to help reduce the incidence of lymphedema, or swelling, in women after surgery or in treatment for cancer.
The class has proved beneficial for people who have other issues, too.
"It helps more than just cancer patients. Anybody who wants to get back into exercise, strengthening,
balance - that doesn't want to do the whole strenuous gym workouts, it's just a fun stretching exercise
program," Yattaw said.
Jean Baulsir, 78, learned about the program through the Wellness Center at the hospital. She is a 38-year breast cancer survivor and 3-year uterine cancer survivor and gains relief for her arthritis and fibromyalgia through "Healthy Steps."
|
.
"It absolutely eases up on the pain. My pain level when I came in was about an eight (on a scale of one to 10), and now I'm down to about a four," Baulsir said.
She has been taking the class for 18 months and finds that not only does she benefit from the stretching she learns about hospital cancer program updates from Yattaw.
The Healthy-Steps program was started at the hospital five years ago thanks to oncology unit nurse Pat Spencer Cizek, who learned about the national program and introduced it to Glens Falls. Cizek has since moved to a different position in the hospital and Yattaw took over a year and a half ago.
Though the class promotes exercise and wellness, friendships have been forged along the way. The women don't focus on their illness during the hour as ifs a time to laugh and stretch.
"Each week after class, they get their coffee and they sit for like a half an hour. The camaraderie is one of the biggest things we like to promote in this class," Yattaw said.
Cheryl Patnode, who has later-stage breast cancer, strutted, shimmied and giggled during a recent class. Having undergone repeated surgeries to remove the lymph nodes under her arm, she now wears a compression sleeve on her left arm for her lymphedema.
She said the movements of the class, combined with the compression sleeve help the lymphatic fluid to drain. For her, the Healthy-Steps class is a lifeline, especially now that she is having recurring health problems.
"It's a lifelong commitment, fighting for your health, and this class does it not only physically but
mentally, " Patnode said.
|
|
Patient
Perceptions of Arm Care and Exercise Advice After
Breast Cancer Surgery
|
By Teresa S.
Lee, PhD,
Sharon L. Kilbreath, PhD,
Gerard Sullivan, PhD,
Kathryn
M. Refshauge, PhD,
and Jane M. Beith, PhD
|
Purpose/Objectives:
To describe in greater detail women's
experiences
receiving advice about arm care and exercise
after
breast cancer treatment.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey.
Setting:
Three hospitals in Sydney, Australia.
Sample:
175 patients with breast cancer recruited 6-15 months
after their surgery.
Methods:
Patients completed a survey about their perceptions of arm
activity after breast cancer and were asked to
respond
to an open-ended question
about their experience receiving
advice about arm care and exercise. Comments from 48
women (27%)
who volunteered responses were
collated
and categorized.
Main
Research Variables:
Patients' experience with arm care
and
exercise advice after breast cancer surgery.
Findings:
Topics raised by respondents included perceptions of
inadequate and
conflicting advice, lack of acknowledgment of
women's
concerns about upper limb
impairments, an
unsupported
search for information about upper
limb impairments,
fear of lymphedema, women's demand for follow-up
physiotherapy, and some
positive experiences with supportive
care.
Conclusions:
Upper limb impairments are
problematic for some
breast cancer
survivors, and these concerns are not
always
taken seriously by health professionals. To date, standardized
advice is
provided that does not meet
the needs and
expectations of a cohort
of women after breast cancer surgery.
Implications
for Nursing:
Health professionals could better
address
patients' concerns about upper limb impairments by providing
accurate advice relevant to the
surgery. |
Discussion
Overall,
the current study outlined the views of presumed
outliers
who mostly expressed dissatisfaction
about
their experience receiving advice about arm care
and
exercise after breast cancer. The small sample of
respondents
to the open-ended question consisted primarily of women
who underwent mastectomy, AND,
and
chemotherapy; were college educated; and were
symptomatic
in their arm or chest. Mastectomy, AND,
and
chemotherapy are recommended commonly for
women
with invasive breast disease (Australian Safety
and
Efficacy Register for New Interventional Procedures-
Surgery,
2005). These women are at high risk for upper
limb
impairment (Peintinger, Reitsamer, Stranzl, & Ralph,
2003;
Sugden, Rezvani, Harrison, & Hughes, 1998) and
also are
likely to be symptomatic in their affected arm or
chest. Their
increased exposure and experience receiving
advice
about arm care and exercise may have increased
their
response rate. In addition, college-educated women
may be
more accustomed to communicating their ideas
and
opinions in writing (Garcia et al., 2004; Garcia, Reshaw, Fitzsimons,
& Keene, 1998; Jackson & Furnham,
2000)
and, therefore, more likely to offer comments in the
survey
than women who were not college educated.
Although
the survey achieved a high response rate,
the
response rate for the open-ended question was low
and the
frequency of negative comments was high.
The
result is consistent with other studies that have
used
open-ended questions in surveys (Bankauskaite
&
Saarelma, 2003; Garcia et al., 1998, 2004; Jackson &
Furnham,
2000; Marcinowicz et al., 2007; Parkhouse,
1991).
Respondents likely had no need to make additional comments
because the survey questions covered their
experiences comprehensively. Twenty-five percent
of
respondents felt that their concerns had not been
addressed adequately
in the course of their treatment and
offered
suggestions for better care, illustrating the current
study's
value in providing additional information
about an
important population of women who have
experienced
breast cancer.
The
current study's results generally are consistent
with
Protection Motivation Theory (Rogers, 1983). Fear
of
lymphedema was mentioned by some respondents
and is a
manifestation of the components of perceived
vulnerability
and perceived severity. Inadequate advice
and
conflicting advice were mentioned by many respondents; these
categories align with the coping mechanism of
perceived response efficacy. Women's demand for
physiotherapy
was mentioned by 25% of the respondents
and
aligns with the coping mechanism of perceived
self-efficacy.
Of interest, few comments align with the perceived
threat
component of the theory. The emphasis was on
coping mechanisms, but three other categories that did
not fit the
concepts of the Protection Motivation Theory
emerged;
lack of acknowledgment, unsupported search for
information, and supportive care are external to self-efficacy and
may even undermine it.
To get more
information on this article go to:
Vol. 37, No. 1,
January 2010 · Oncology Nursing Forum
|
National Consortium of
Breast Centers, Inc.
Position Statement regarding the Mammography Screening Recommendations
|
The National Consortium of Breast Center's Board of Trustees has given their consent to the following position statement reflecting their stand on the issue of mammographic screening, in response to the recommendations made by the US Preventive Services Task Force.
National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. Position Statement regarding the Mammography Screening Recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
The
National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC), the largest national organization
devoted to the inter-disciplinary care of breast disease, requests the USPSTF
rescind their new position on mammography screening.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) published a paper detailing model estimates of potential benefits and
harms to women screened for breast cancer with mammography.1 They
provided an updated USPSTF recommendation statement on screening for breast
cancer for the general population that alters currently accepted guidelines for
women over 40 years old.2
The NCBC opposes the new guidelines as
written. We cite specific evidence that screening mammography leads to
early detection which leads to improved survival.3 In every country
starting population screening, mortality declines coincide with onset of
screening, not systemic therapy. These USPSTF models are not based on
sound data, namely different denominators in the "harms" vs. "benefits" groups
leading to invalid comparisons. Recent data from randomized controlled
trials reveal significant mortality reductions evident approximately five years
after screening programs were initiated. The reductions in age-adjusted,
disease specific mortality (30-40%) since 1990 define screening program
benefits not seen in the prior six decades. In the United States, these
mortality declines continue at a rate of approximately 2% per year.
4 This mortality improvement counts as a remarkable public health
achievement.
In addition, the USPSTF panel (comprised
almost exclusively of primary care physicians) did not include breast imaging
specialists nor was it represented by any of the multiple other specialists who
collaborate to optimize patient outcomes. These specialists include
pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive
surgeons, technologists, geneticists, nurse navigators, educators and others.
The NCBC does not understand the assumptions
used by the USPSTF to value human life. We note the cited literature was
selective and failed to acknowledge equally powerful and credible peer-reviewed
literature, which supports currently accepted breast cancer screening
guidelines.
We would also like to note that quality of
life has a significant value, not just survival. It is well established
that if we discontinue mammography for women in their 40's, the cancers
eventually detected will be larger, more likely need more aggressive surgery,
more likely need chemotherapy and more likely lead to other significant
socio-economic concerns. |
The NCBC requests input into future guideline
development and vows to work with government, scientists and industry to keep
the process transparent and keep the focus on the patient. We recommend
further efforts target screening, risk assessment, education and awareness
regarding the implications of positive and negative screening findings.
Funding for further research is imperative and supported by the controversy
these articles have generated.
Finally, we note the USPSTF article states,
"whether it will be practical or acceptable to change the existing U.S.
practice of annual screening cannot be addressed by our models."1 The NCBC
agrees with this comment and finds their screening guideline suggestions
unacceptable. The NCBC believes many women's lives will be placed at risk
if current screening guidelines are altered. We respectfully request the
Task Force rescind their position on this specific women's healthcare screening
policy.
# # # #
About NCBC: The National Consortium of Breast
Centers (NCBC) is the largest national organization devoted to the
inter-disciplinary care of breast disease. In keeping with our mission,
to promote excellence in breast care through a network of diverse professionals
dedicated to the active exchange of ideas and resources including:
1) To serve
as an informational resource and to provide support services to those rendering
care to people with breast disease through educational programs, newsletters, a
national directory, and patient forums;
2) To encourage professionals to
concentrate and specialize in activities related to breast disease;
3) To
encourage the development of programs and centers that address breast disease
and promote breast health;
4) To facilitate collaborative research
opportunities on issues of breast health; and
5) To develop a set of core
measures to define, improve and sustain quality standards in comprehensive
breast programs and centers.
References:
1. November
17th edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 151, Number 10,
738-747.
2. November
17th edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 151, Number 10,
716-726.
3. Tabar L,
Vitak B, Chen HT et al. Beyond randomized controlled trials: organized
mammographic screening substantially reduces breast cancer mortality.
Cancer 2001; 91: 1724-1731.
4. American
Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 2009-2010.
All
content and design © 2009 by the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. |
|
| Routine screening mammography |
Article by Claudia Cheyne Cook, CLM
News releases regarding a recent study done by the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) which was first convened by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1984 certainly has women confused.
The USPSTF is said to conduct impartial assessments of the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of a broad range of clinical preventive services, including screening, counseling, and preventive medications, and then makes "recommended suggestions". The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 - 49 years. The USPSTF also concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harm of clinical breast examination beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or over. The USPSTF also recommends against teaching breast self-exam.
Otis W. Brawley, MD, Chief Medical Officer The American Cancer Society responded to the study with the following:
"The American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. Our experts make this recommendation having reviewed virtually all the same data reviewed by the USPSTF, but also additional data that the USPSTF did not consider. When recommendations are based on judgments about the balance of risks and benefits, reasonable experts can look at the same data and reach different conclusions.....We specifically noted that the overall effectiveness of mammography increases with increasing age. But the limitations do not change the fact that breast cancer screening using mammography starting at age 40 saves lives. "As someone who has long been a critic of those overstating the benefits of screening, I use these words advisedly: this is one screening test I recommend unequivocally, and would recommend to any woman 40 and over, be she a patient, a stranger, or a family member."
|
.
In my work with breast cancer survivors since 2001 as a teacher and trainer for the Healthy Steps Program with the Lebed Method, and my more recent experience as a breast cancer educator with the Check Your Boobies organization I have seen many, many women under forty who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Both breast self exam and mammography have saved their lives. Unfortunately breast cancer in young women is on the rise. The disease also seems to be more aggressive in younger women as well as in African American women. Both breast self exam and mammography can assuredly save many of their lives as well.
Certainly it is imperative that more accurate and cost effective screening methods for both younger and older women be developed. Until that occurs mammography screening for women beginning at the age of 40, and all-important education for women about risk factors, the importance of checking our breasts, knowing the proper method to do so, awareness of our family health histories, our bodies, and finding a confident voice with which to be proactive when taking action finding a health care provider is paramount.
|
|
|
|
| MESSAGE FROM JUZO |
Dedicated to Lymphedema Education, Prevention and Management
"One day I awoke and my arm and hand were swollen. I thought I would just elevate it for a while and the swelling would subside. Days later and much to my frustration, nothing happened. Little did I know this was not going to be temporary. What was I going to do? Unfortunately the story of unawareness and uncertainty for Lymphedema patients is common. Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid. If you or someone you know has these symptoms with early diagnosis this disorder can be managed with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
Juzo and Healthy Steps are partners dedicated to educating and helping patients on the prevention and management of Lymphedema. For over 100 years our family company has manufactured compression therapy garments-for patients with stories like above. Our products help restore the freedom to maintain active lifestyles, and make day-to-day living more enjoyable. We offer patients with Lymphedema a full range of arm sleeves and gauntlets in a variety of styles and colors.
For more information about Lymphedema or Juzo products, go to www.juzousa.com or www.mylymphedema.com.
|
| MESSAGE FROM AMOENA |
Hello to All Healthy Steps Family!
We are very proud and so excited to announce to you our new sponsor: Amoena the leader in Breast form Prosthetics and a wonderful addition to the Lebed Method. You will be receiving their fabulous magazine which we would like for you to look at, read, and see if you would like to order more to give out to your class members. If so, please email us and we will have packets sent you for distribution. They contain great information for you, your classes and patients. Another wonderful thing about Amoena is their informational Breast Cancer website: TheBreastCareSite.com, please visit this site and see what I mean, it is awesome! Who is Amoena?
Amoena is a Latin word meaning "The Beautiful the Lovely" Amoena is the world wide leader in post-breast surgery products. They have been leaders in breast form innovation for over 30 years, designing products to fulfill the ever-changing needs of women after breast surgery. Amoena's mission is to provide a better quality of life for women following breast surgery by fulfilling their need for femininity, to restore a positive body image and renew confidence and self-esteem. Their innovative products help restore balance, symmetry and confidence after any type of breast surgery.
Amoena's product line includes breast forms for mastectomy, partial shapers for lumpectomy or reconstruction, intimate apparel and swimwear; all specially designed to hold a breast form or symmetry shaper in place.
The product line also includes an innovative post surgical camisole with drain management properties. It is designed to help the patient feel more comfortable, confident and secure when leaving the hospital and for the first weeks after breast surgery.
For great articles for you to read:
|
|
"Coping with Chemo Brain" |
'Chemo Brain' is the very real side effect of chemotherapy that afflicts almost every patient who undergoes therapy. About 15% of the patients have longer-termed effects or 'chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment'. Recently, Jane Brody in the New York Times wrote an in depth report on symptoms, causes and coping strategies to counter chemo brain. The recommendations include: prioritizing: developing routines: rehearsing: using word associations or rhymes: relying on more than one sense; using checklists and day planners; leaving messages for yourself; using timers (while cooking, pick up grandchildren, etc); and getting adequate rest. (Source: New York Times August 4 and 11, 2009. |
|
|
Healthy-Steps program helps with 'Chemo Brain' as we work with coordination, timing and remember combination and steps to use our brain function with our clients.
|
|
STATISTICS - RISK FACTORS - RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO CAR CRASHES *
|
·
More
than 3 million Americans are injured in car crashes each year.
·
Minor
neck injuries account for up to 60% of all permanent impairment claims
·
About
1,5000,00 will have chronic pain
·
Nearly
half of all chronic neck pain in America is due to car crashes |
Top
recommendation:
Treatment
by Chiropractor, Orthopedic Physician and GENTLE
EXERCISE PROGRAM
Healthy-Steps
is the program for you if you are one of the 3 Million Americans who have
Chronic Pain from Auto Accidents. Look
up a class for you on Find a Class now!
Or order our DVD, The Lebed Method and get relief today.
* Put
out by Spine Research Inst of San Diego 1998 |
|
|
Tips From Sherry
|
| Take a lesson from Sherry Lebed Davis, creator of Healthy-Steps, a
gentle exercise program for everyone. When
you find yourself unable to stop flitting from text message to
Twitter, start by taking a deep, cleansing breath. Her go-to technique
is something you might not expect: "Keep a can of Play-Doh on your
desk. When you take it into your hands, the texture feels good - it's
soft, calming." Think about "molding" yourself back to what needs to
get done. Lebed also recommends bubbles as a perfect stress-buster Blowing bubbles "helps contract and release the lymphatic system, opens the lungs, and makes you smile," she says. "It always works." Five minutes of relief can re-energize you for your work. |
|
| JOIN A HEALTHY-STEPS CLASS IN YOUR AREA TODAY, DO NOT WAIT!!! |
|
| |
Sherry Lebed Davis
Healthy-Steps
Moving you to better health with THE LEBED METHOD
14418 47th Place West | Lynnwood, WA 98087 425.745.0842 | Toll Free 877.365.6014 | Fax 425.742.6873 info@lebedmethod.com | WWW.LEBEDMETHOD.COM/ WWW.GOHEALTHYSTEPS.COM"You can choose to sit it out, or you can choose to dance with us"
|
|
|
|
|
