Waterford Place Program Guide Winter 2024 English

WINTER 2024 January, February, March

PROGRAM GUIDE Programs for Individuals Affected by a Cancer Diagnosis

Focus On: Advanced and Metastatic Cancer Providing helpful tools, encouragement and support to empower those who have advanced or metastatic cancer

TA BL E O F CONTE NT S 1

Advanced and Metastatic Cancer

2

Educational Presentations

3

Support Programs

4

Mind, Body and Spirit Programs

6

Wellness Programs

8

Salon and Spa Programs

9

The Essentials on Essential Oils

1310 Waterford Drive Aurora, IL 60504 (331) 301-5280 waterfordcrc.com Hours: Monday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Closed January 1 for New Year’s Day and January 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center provides services and support, at no cost to participants, to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.

ADVANCED AND METASTATIC CANCER Dealing with advanced and metastatic cancer can bring fear and uncertainty to your life. Remember that you can still be in control of your choices and actions as you decide how to move forward with your care. Waterford Place offers programs and services to provide helpful tools, encouragement and support to empower you to successfully manage the concerns that accompany your metastatic or advanced cancer diagnosis.

Choices for Care Decisions about care are very personal and look different for everyone. Treatment may cure, slow growth or only relieve symptoms of cancer. Sometimes treatments used to cure cancer are also used to slow its growth or treat symptoms, which can be confusing. It is important to know what your goal is and to clearly communicate it to your care team and loved ones. No matter what your goal is, you have options.

Talk to your medical team about what is important to you to find the best option for your situation. Ask as many questions as needed, and weigh the risks and benefits of each option. Remember that the goal of any cancer care is to give you the best possible quality of life. You want to feel as good as possible for as long as possible.

Coping with Emotions You have probably felt a range of emotions during your cancer experience, but they may be more intense now. There is no right or wrong way to feel or to react to your feelings. You may feel fear and worry about the unknown, guilt because treatment did not work, or grief at the thought of leaving your family and friends. It can help to talk to a professional who is trained to help you manage your concerns, control your fears and find meaning in what you are going through. For some, it also helps to build a sense of hope by setting goals to look

challenges and concerns. As your loved

your care. One of the best gifts you can

one’s cancer progresses, things can get

give your family is letting them know what

even more challenging. It is important to

your wishes are by filling out legal

take time to take care of yourself and ask

documents known as advance directives.

for help if needed. Over time, the long-

Other ways are to clear up any insurance

term stress of pushing your own needs

issues in advance, put your affairs in order

and feelings aside is not good for your

by meeting with a lawyer and financial

health. A few ways to cope include joining

planner, and help your family plan a

a support group, talking about your

funeral or memorial service that has

thoughts and feelings, taking part in some

meaning to you.

of your regular activities, getting enough rest and participating in a physical activity.

Getting help for yourself will also help your loved one.

forward to each day or drawing inner

Planning Ahead

strength from the things in your life that

Careful planning reduces the financial,

are meaningful.

legal and emotional burdens your family

Coping for Caregivers Being a caregiver for someone with advanced stage cancer brings new

may face. It can be a difficult topic to discuss; however, talking now can prevent problems later and give you control over

Waterford Place offers several programs especially for those who have metastatic or advanced cancer. Learn more about them on page 2.

• The Benefits of Exercise for Survivors • What is Vibrational Sound Therapy?

• Become a Mentor with Imerman Angels (virtual only) • Colorectal Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation

Winter 2024

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EDU CAT IO NAL P R E S E N TAT I O NS Personalized Financial

consultation for assistance with setting up

risk of cancer recurrence and positively

Resource Consultation

an email or installing and using the Webex

impact your overall well-being.

By appointment only

application on your device.

Cancer not only affects your physical health,

Become a Mentor with Imerman

Wednesday, February 28 • 6 to 7 p.m.

Angels (Virtual Only)

Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Reiki Master

Thursday, January 18 • 6 to 7 p.m.

Teacher and Vibrational Sound Therapist

Jackie Herigodt, Director of Partnerships

Vibrational sound therapy, also known as

and Engagement

sound healing, is a holistic therapeutic

Imerman Angels

practice that uses sound vibrations to

Are you a cancer survivor, caregiver or

promote relaxation, balance and healing

previvor interested in giving back and

within the body and mind. Learn how it

Welcome to Waterford Place Orientation

offering support to someone through their

works and the benefits of this

By appointment only

diagnosis? Learn about Imerman Angels

complementary healing technique.

it also affects your financial well-being.

Several resources are available to help you manage the financial impact of cancer, including federally-funded programs and private nonprofit organizations. Schedule a meeting with a financial navigator to learn what financial resources are available to you.

What is Vibrational Sound Therapy?

All new participants are invited to attend

and how you can become a mentor.

an introductory orientation to discover the

The Benefits of Exercise for Survivors

and Rehabilitation

Wednesday, February 7 • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27 • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer

Karyn Holtz, PT, MHS, CLT, CDNT

Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness

RUSH Physical Therapy

Instructor

Learn about the effects of colorectal cancer

Discover the benefits of maintaining an

treatment and how cancer rehabilitation

active lifestyle when cancer is in remission.

therapy can help.

valuable resources available at Waterford Place.

Technology Consultation By appointment only Need help connecting to virtual programs through your personal computer, laptop or tablet? Schedule a virtual or phone

2 Winter 2024

Explore how staying active can reduce the

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

S U P PO RT P R O GR AM S Our groups allow participants to connect with others experiencing similar circumstances. Goals are to exchange information and strategies for decision-making, help navigate the cancer journey and allow participants to connect, share and exchange support.

To ensure a meaningful group experience, at least five participants must attend for the group to meet.

Aurora Multiple Myeloma Networking Group (Virtual Only) First Wednesdays: January 3, February 7 and March 6 • 6 to 8 p.m.

Affiliated with the International Myeloma Foundation, this group is open to those diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and their loved ones. To sign up, please contact Valarie Traynham, group leader, at aurora@IMFsupport.org or (630) 423-6510.

Breast FRIENDs (First Resource in Experiencing and Navigating a Diagnosis) Mondays: January 22, February 19 and March 18 • 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Facilitated by a licensed social worker and breast health navigator, Breast FRIENDs is for anyone experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis, regardless of treatment type or stage. This group provides support and a safe place to share experiences, successes and ongoing challenges.

support group related to faith where

COUNSELING

healing and meaning can be found in the

Oncology-Focused, Short-Term

cancer experience. In a supportive and

Counseling

Survivorship Support Group

confidential meeting space, you may share

Third Mondays: February 19 and March 18

and hear how faith and reliance on a higher

6:30 to 8 p.m.

power can help in coping with cancer.

For those looking for support as they

Facilitated by a social worker or chaplain.

transition into life after treatment, this

families. Up to five sessions are

share experiences, successes and

Gyne SISTERs (Sharing Inspiration and Support Through Education and Resources)

ongoing challenges.

Second Thursdays: January 11, February 8

esteem and other similar issues as they

Family and Caregiver Networking Group

and March 14 • 3 to 4:30 p.m.

relate to a cancer diagnosis.

Second Wednesdays: January 10, February

gynecological cancer diagnosis, Gyne

14 and March 13 • 6:30 to 8 p.m.

SISTERs is co-facilitated by a licensed

In this group, family, friends and caregivers

social worker and a registered nurse.

informal group provides a safe place to

of cancer patients will receive support for

Open to those who have had a

By appointment only Short-term counseling to address cancer-related issues is available to those diagnosed with cancer and their provided to address sadness, worries, communication, returning to work, body

Grief Counseling By appointment only Provided through a partnership with AccentCare

Men’s Group

For many, the grief experience that

Fourth Tuesdays: January 23, February 27

results from the death of a loved one can

and March 26 • 6:30 to 8 p.m.

generate a myriad of feelings, confusion

For men who have had a cancer diagnosis,

and questions. Talking with a bereavement

Soul Tending and Support Group

this informal group provides support and a

specialist one-on-one about this can assist

First Thursdays: January 4, February 1 and

safe place to share experiences, successes

in the coping process.

March 7 • 6 to 7:30 p.m.

and ongoing challenges. A light dinner will

Soul Tending and Support is a cancer

be provided.

themselves and network with others in similar circumstances. The group is facilitated by a licensed social worker.

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M IN D, B O DY AND S P I R I T P R O GR AMS Vibrational Sound Therapy By appointment only Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Certified Vibrational Sound Therapist Vibrational sound therapy is a one-on-one service using Himalayan singing bowls gently placed on the body to promote total relaxation and decrease the effects of stress on the body and mind. The tones and vibrations combine to produce an immediate state of tranquility as sound waves act like a massage for the nervous system.

Reiki By appointment only Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Reiki Master, and Karen Jendruczek, Reiki Practitioner This one-on-one service is an energetic relaxation therapy that offers stress reduction, mental clarity, relief of pain, improved sleep and other benefits.

Guided Meditation Wednesdays: January 10, February 7 and March 6 • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Audrey Stoppel, BSN, RN, Radiation Oncology RUSH Copley Medical Center This guided imagery experience incorporates cleansing breathwork and an array of relaxation techniques designed to balance emotions, decrease physical and psychological distress, and promote the practice of living in the moment.

Reiki Share Wednesday January 17 • 2 to 3 p.m.

Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Reiki Master Share and experience the healing nature of reiki energy. Participants will offer reiki to one another, giving and receiving a treatment in a group setting. For those who have a Reiki Level 1 certification or higher.

Reiki For You Wednesdays: January 31 and February 7 • Noon to 4 p.m.

Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Reiki Master

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Reiki is a complementary holistic healing

meditation when you attend this sound

practice that brings balance to the body,

healing session. Immerse yourself in

mind and spirit. Learn how to offer reiki to

healing sounds designed to promote

yourself and loved ones. Upon completion

relaxation and balance for both body

of both sessions, you will receive your

and mind.

Level I Reiki certificate. Six participants must register for this class to meet.

Valentines' Day Stackable Bracelets Tuesday, February 13 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Giving Back Society

Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Reiki Master

Fridays: January 19, February 16 and

Celebrate Valentine's Day a day early with

March 15 • 10 to 11:30 a.m.

a heart-focused grouping of bracelets.

Lisa Lapinski

Stackable bracelets are the rage these

Are you looking for opportunities to pay

days so join us to create your own. Feel

it forward by helping other cancer

free to wear your favorite red or pink attire.

patients on the journey? Join the Waterford Place Giving Back Society to brainstorm ideas and participate in activities that make a difference in the cancer community.

HeartMath Meditation Audrey Stoppel, BSN, RN, Radiation Oncology RUSH Copley Medical Center Thursday, January 18 • 1 to 2 p.m.

Craft and Chat

Thursday, February 15 • 1 to 2 p.m.

Wednesdays: January 10, February 14

Thursday, March 21 • 1 to 2 p.m.

and March 13 • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Discover HeartMath Meditation, a simple,

Join us to chat, drink tea or coffee and

yet powerful, meditative technique that

work on your crafting project. Bring your

uses heart-focused breathing to improve

knitting, crochet, needlepoint, coloring or

clarity, harmony of the mind and body,

whatever project you are working on. This

and balance. It can help you shift your

informal participant gathering is not led by

emotional state and calm your mind.

a facilitator.

The same class is offered each

Sound Healing Meditation Wednesday, March 20 • 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Reiki Master Experience a deep relaxation and

month; choose the date that fits your schedule.

M IN D, B O DY AND S P I R I T P R O GR AMS Mixed Media Art Class: Snow and Ice Tuesday, January 23 • 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Barbara Weigand Caring Arts Foundation Capture the elements of snow and ice in art. It’s all about subtlety, light and texture.

Choose acrylics on canvas, soft pastels and paper or watercolor for your own wintery exploration. Examples, guidance and encouragement provided.

Mixed Media Art Class: Love in the Abstract Tuesday, February 27 • 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Barbara Weigand Caring Arts Foundation From Pablo Picasso to Gustav Klimt to Marc Chagall, abstract artists have changed the human form in many interesting ways. Abstracts don’t have

Mixed Media Art Class:

layering, shading and other simple

to be intimidating, let loose! Experiment

Back to Basics: Crayon Magic

techniques so get back to basics and

with the many ways to explore and

Tuesday, March 26 • 1:30 to 3 p.m.

reconnect with your inner child. We’ll

express the concept of “love” through

Barbara Weigand

provide lots of examples and share a few

art. Ideas, examples and materials

Caring Arts Foundation

interesting techniques. Materials provided.

provided.

Crayons aren’t just for kids! They’re about

Bilingual Art Class

iconic mouse. With a little splash of paint, you can create a fun

Dive into a cultural journey as we invite English-speaking

and memorable masterpiece in no time!

participants to join our Spanish art classes. This will be an opportunity to embrace multicultural experiences and forge connections through the universal language of art. Whether you're a novice or an art enthusiast, come together with fellow learners to create a vibrant, inclusive community that transcends linguistic boundaries. Join us and let the colors, shapes, and stories of art speak to you, no matter what language you speak.

Mixed Media Art Class: Butterfly Windchime Tuesday, March 12 • 6 to 7 p.m.

Erica Arteaga Program and Administrative Support Coordinator Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center Homemade wind chimes

Mixed Media Art Class: Magic of Disney

have their own special sound

Tuesday, February 13 • 6 to 7 p.m.

when blowing in the breeze.

Erica Arteaga

Design your own butterfly

Program and Administrative Support Coordinator

wind chime — you’ll love

Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center

how simple and quick it is

Bring the magic of Disney into your home by painting the

to make.

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W E L L N E S S P R O GR AMS No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Caregivers are encouraged to attend with the person living with cancer.

Tai Chi/Moving Meditation

body. Each restorative pose will be held for

Mondays • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

five to six minutes to release tension and

Kristi Niedzwiecki, ACE Certified

deepen relaxation.

Fitness Instructor

Gentle Pilates

Center yourself as you become aware of

Wednesdays • 10 to 10:45 a.m.

your own energy, while relaxing and

Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer

strengthening your body without injury

Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness

or strain. Tai chi is an ancient form of

Instructor

meditative exercise that helps to

Low impact Pilates is a series of exercises

harmonize mind and body. A simplified

that develop the body’s strength, flexibility

routine is taught with traditional postures and slow soft movements.

and control.

Group Movement: Level 2

WEEKLY MOVEMENT PROGRAMS

Mondays • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Mondays

Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer

9:30 to 10:15 a.m. — Tai Chi/

Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness

Moving Meditation

Instructor Designed for those who have completed treatment, this class offers a mix of

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Group Movement: Level 2 12:30 to 1 p.m. — Group

Lymphedema-Focused Movement Wednesdays • 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor This class will address cancer-related

exercise, yoga and Pilates to help you

Movement: Level 1

lymphedema through gentle movement

gain or regain strength, mobility and

Tuesdays

body. Modifications are offered so that

endurance. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, this class is a step above in intensity in comparison to the other classes offered at Waterford Place.

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Gentle Yoga Wednesdays 10 to 10:45 a.m. — Gentle Pilates

and stretches for both the upper and lower everyone can participate safely. A yoga mat is recommended.

Chair Yoga and Mobility

Group Movement: Level 1

11 to 11:45 a.m. — LymphedemaFocused Movement

Thursdays • 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.

Mondays • 12:30 to 1 p.m.

5 to 6 p.m. — Restorative Yoga

Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer

Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Designed for those who are newly

Thursdays 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. — Chair Yoga and Mobility

diagnosed or in active treatment, this class

Instructor This all-level class includes breathwork, meditation and gentle movement to enhance mobility and strengthen muscles

will help you feel better physically, mentally

building strength and balance. This gentle

and emotionally. Physical activity can

yoga class will help you manage cancer by

reduce fatigue, increase endurance, boost

tapping into your mind-body connection

energy levels and improve mood. With the

to improve overall wellness. Modifications

use of bands, light weights and other

are offered so that everyone can

props, you will build or rebuild strength

participate safely.

and stamina.

Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness

and bones.

Nutrition Consultations By appointment only Michelle Cordes, MS, RD, LDN RUSH Copley Medical Center Nutrition consultations are available for

Restorative Yoga

Gentle Yoga

anyone diagnosed with cancer at any

Wednesdays • 5 to 6 p.m.

stage of diagnosis. Our registered dietitian

Tuesdays • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Chitra Singh, Certified Yoga Instructor

will discuss meal preparation and current

Kate Fleming, Yoga Instructor and Yoga

Restorative yoga is a gentle, calming,

diet trends, help you manage

Therapist, ERYT-500, C-IAYT

therapeutic yoga that cultivates relaxation

treatment-related side effects and

Achieve a higher state of mindfulness while

and balance and uses props to support the

choose healthier foods.

6 Winter 2024

W EL L NE S S P R O GR AMS

Healing Kitchen: Warm Winter Soups Michelle Cordes, MS, RD, LDN Warm winter soups are perfect for keeping cozy and satisfied during the cold months.

Enjoy these classic and delicious winter soup recipes.

Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip Looking for a healthier alternative from the traditional Buffalo Chicken Dip for your next gathering? Try this great recipe.

Chicken and White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

Thursday, January 11 • 6 to 7 p.m.

1 cup butternut squash puree

This hearty soup combines tender chicken, creamy white beans and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you’re sure to enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish.

Turkey Bean Chili

¼ cup hot pepper sauce of choice ¼ cup crumbled bleu cheese 1 cup shredded cooked chicken 2 TBSP sour cream

Thursday, February 8 • 6 to 7 p.m.

Directions

This dish is perfect for warming up on a cold day or for a cozy family dinner. Learn how

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a

to combine ground turkey, beans and a blend of spices to create a delicious chili that's

small casserole dish with nonstick spray.

both satisfying and nutritious.

2. Mix all ingredients to combine.

Grandma's Minestrone Soup Thursday, March 14 • 6 to 7 p.m.

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish packed with vegetables, beans and pasta, making it both hearty and delicious. Join us as we recreate this timeless recipe passed

3. Bake until heated through and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

4. Serve with carrot and celery sticks or whole wheat pita chips.

down through generations.

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S A L O N A N D S PA P R O GR AMS Simply Beautiful Skin Friday, January 12 • 10 a.m. to Noon Friday, February 9 • 10 a.m. to Noon Friday, March 8 • 10 a.m. to Noon Geralyn O’Brien, Licensed and Oncology-Focused Esthetician Developed to help you manage skin changes during cancer treatment, this class will demonstrate how to implement a skin care regimen with safe products to enhance your natural beauty. The same class is offered each month to accommodate different schedules.

Simply Beautiful Hair Monday, February 19 • 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Monday, March 18 • 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Jenny Burns, Licensed Cosmetologist and Medical Hair Loss Expert If you need help managing hair changes related to cancer treatment, this class is for you. Topics to be covered include initial hair loss, wigs and head coverings, hair regrowth and safe products that can help with achieving your hair care goals. The same class is offered each month to

for those experiencing hair loss due to

Oncology Facials

cancer treatments. Services include

By appointment only

addressing treatment-related hair changes,

Geralyn O'Brien and Kate Romano,

customizable complimentary wigs, wig

Licensed and Oncology-Focused

care, options for head coverings, and

Estheticians

assistance with styling hair as it grows back.

Cancer treatments may leave the skin dry,

Oncology Massage By appointment only Michelle Haugen, LMT, CLT Rachel Cordova, LMT Experience the healing benefits of

accommodate different schedules.

oncology massage. Designed to address

Winter Skin Tips and

stress and pain, and enhance your overall

Sound Healing Workshop Wednesday, January 17 • 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Geralyn O’Brien, Licensed and Oncology-Focused Esthetician Sandy LaBianco-Brown, Certified Vibrational Sound Therapist As winter arrives, lower humidity and higher indoor heat often result in drier skin. Join us for our top 10 winter skin tips and a soothing, gentle hand treatment followed by the calming sounds and vibrations of a sound healing session.

treatment-related side effects, reduce quality of life, oncology massage

When skin is compromised, it needs products that are safe and gentle to bring it back to health. Geralyn or Kate will assess your skin care needs and provide appropriate treatment to help restore and maintain healthy skin.

massage treatments. Our skilled therapists

By appointment only

provide gentle and nurturing touch,

Rachel Cordova, Certified Reflexologist

ensuring your comfort throughout

The practice of reflexology involves

the session.

massaging or applying pressure to various

Oncology Skin Care Consultations By appointment only Geralyn O'Brien and Kate Romano, Licensed and Oncology-Focused Estheticians Individual consultations are available to

Boutique and Salon

cancer treatment. Services include a

By appointment only

comprehensive review of products and

Jenny Burns, Licensed Cosmetologist

cosmetics, recommendations for

and Medical Hair Loss Expert

oncology-safe products, and addressing

To help you feel comfortable and

skin-related issues.

Winter 2024

can sometimes do more harm than good.

Reflexology

help you manage skin changes due to

8

traditional skin care methods and products

combines compassion with special

Waterford Place Wig

confident, salon services are available

sensitive and lacking proper nutrients, and

acupressure points on the foot to reduce stress and support overall health.

Acupuncture By appointment only A Touch of Ginger Acupuncture is a holistic approach that focuses on the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, aiming to restore harmony and well-being. This technique helps to promote and maintain overall health, improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms related to cancer, and enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms.

The Essentials on Essential Oils As a complement to oncology care, aromatherapy can help with anxiety, nausea and pain

By Kate Romano Lauded as natural solutions for ills, essential oils can be pretty amazing. But for those undergoing cancer treatment, special care may be needed.

About essential oils Essential oils come from plants. They are highly concentrated compounds that are released by distillation or pressing. It takes a lot of plant matter to make even one drop of essential oil — one pound of rose essential oil requires two tons of Bulgarian roses!

Because essential oils are incredibly concentrated, your liver will process them just as it would any other medication that is applied topically or ingested. For this reason and because of risk to the soft tissues of the mouth, esophagus and stomach, you should never ingest essential oils.

When purchasing, it is important to ensure that the oil is pure and unadulterated. In the United States, there are currently no regulations in place for what can or cannot be allowed on essential oil labels. This means that any company can claim “100% pure” on their bottles regardless of facts. You can verify claims by checking for third-party testing — look for GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) reports on the company’s website. You don’t have to understand the report — the mere fact that one exists will ensure purity and quality of the batch.

scents can affect how we feel emotionally and

lotion — and they should never be applied

even help recall past memories. They can be

over skin that is being radiated. Some

wonderful mood enhancers. These benefits

essential oils are phototoxic and will lead to

occur by simply smelling the essential oil —

unpleasant skin reactions after a short

sniffing the cap on the essential oil bottle

amount of time in the sun. To avoid

(smelling from the bottle may be too potent

unnecessary skin irritation or damage, do not

for some), adding one drop to a tissue or

apply citrus essential oils topically, especially

using a diffuser or personal inhaler device.

lemon or bergamot.

When using a diffuser, halve the amount of

Shelf life and storage

essential oil called for in the directions. If the

Every essential oil has its own shelf life and

diffuser calls for eight drops, use only four.

should be used within that time frame as

For a personal inhaler, only use seven to eight

they can become irritating to the skin and

drops. Too much can lead to headaches,

membranes once they are past their prime.

dizziness and irritation of the membranes of

They need to be stored out of sunlight and

the nose and lungs.

away from heat. Storage in the refrigerator

Hydrosols After essential oils have been extracted from

will ensure their longevity and safety of use.

Hydrosols must always be stored in the fridge for safety.

Essential oils and anti-cancer effects

various flowers, herbs and fruits, the distilled

Promising studies exist on possible anti-

water that remains is called a hydrosol. It is

A complementary therapy

cancer effects of certain essential oils. These

not as concentrated as an oil but has similar

Aromatherapy can be a useful and beneficial

studies were done in laboratories, not on

properties. While undergoing active cancer

complementary therapy to your oncology

humans, and the amount of essential oils

treatment, using hydrosols topically on the

care. Inhalation of essential oils can help with

used was significantly higher than what is

skin instead of essential oils is recommended,

anxiety, nausea and pain along with uplifting

safely suggested here. Human studies have

as the likelihood of irritation will be greatly

your mood. Be sure to follow the safety

focused on helping improve quality of life,

reduced.

advice herein and then — just breathe.

anxiety and side effects of cancer treatment.

If you choose to use essential oils topically,

Kate Romano is an oncology-trained,

Aromatherapy

they must be diluted first in a carrier oil like

licensed esthetician and a certified

Aromatherapy is the practice of using

jojoba or unscented lotion — you only need

aromatherapist.

essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Certain

one drop per one ounce of carrier oil or

Winter 2024

9

Get Started with Us Call (331) 301-5280 to schedule a virtual individualized consultation and orientation, available in English or Spanish.

Next, please complete a Participant Information form available online at waterfordcrc.com. Registration is required for all programs. How to register: • Online at waterfordcrc.com • Call (331) 301-5280

Contact Us

Monday and Friday • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Closed January 1 for New Year’s Day and January 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Phone: (331) 301-5280 Email: info@waterfordcrc.com waterfordcrc.com Like us on Facebook

Waterford Place is located at 1310 Waterford Drive • Aurora, IL 60504 Online at waterfordcrc.com Call (331) 301-5280 For more virtual programming, view and subscribe to Waterford Place’s YouTube channel.