Vim & Vigor - Summer 2018 - Community Healthcare - 31

YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

If you've ever gotten sick during a stressful time-think finals
week in college or while planning a big event like your wedding-
you've probably experienced the connection between stress and
your immune system firsthand. If stress is allowed to continue unchecked,
it can hinder your body's ability to fight off illness (or manage one you
already have).
significant
Adequate rest and exercise can give your immune system a signifi
cant
boost, Greenberg says. She also recommends foods rich in omega-3s,
such as salmon, as well as garlic, black tea, turmeric and chicken soup,
the old standby. You can also feed your immune system in other ways.
"Don't discount the importance of social support and connecting
with others," Greenberg says. "But ensure you're talking to the right
person-someone you trust-because some people can make your
stress worse."

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

A stressful episode can leave you feeling anxious,
depressed or mentally exhausted. Chronic stress can
result in depression, anxiety and panic attacks, and even
memory loss and impaired concentration over time. How do you know
when it's time for professional help?
"If you're experiencing stress or unhappiness that's interfering with
your life or with accomplishing daily tasks, it may be time to seek help,"
Greenberg says. Chronic stress and anxiety can be treated with therapy and
medications, if necessary.
And remember that, try as you might, you can't prevent or avoid all
the stress that life throws at you. But that's all the more reason to treat yourself
to healthy pick-me-ups whenever and wherever possible.
"The more stressful your life, the more important it is to have things planned in your
immediate future (like this weekend) that bring you pleasure-things that you can
look forward to all week as well as enjoy when they happen," Storoni says. ■

PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

HEALING MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Meditation has been shown to help relieve stress and anxiety and is being used as a healing tool for cancer patients at the Cancer Resource Centre. Sound healing is one of the
classes that aims to help caregivers and survivors relax and refocus.
"Studies show that sound can produce changes in the immune, endocrine and other
systems of the body," says class facilitator Pam Kozy, EEMCP. "We look at sound as a powerful tool in the healing process. Sounds and vibrations emanating from the crystal singing bowls can 'retune' the listener's body."
Other classes offered at the center also incorporate meditation, including tai chi, reiki
and stress management. These free cancer programs are designed to complement treatment at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System-Community Hospital, Munster,
St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart-to better meet
the needs of cancer patients and their families.

CLASS

Complementary
Care for Cancer
Community Cancer Research
Foundation's Cancer Resource
Centre is located at 926 Ridge
Road in Munster. For more information about classes and support
groups call 219-836-3349.

S UMME R 2018

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