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Many individuals diagnosed with cancer choose
to take charge of their own destinies by working with health
care providers to make decisions in their treatment plans.
By taking such an active role, they feel a great sense
of control and work hard to improve their overall
well-being. |
The Integrative Oncology Program at the Carol and Morton Siegler
Center for Integrative Medicine provides safe and effective complementary
health care for people with cancer. Services and therapies are
offered as an adjunct to conventional medical treatments and enhance
the continuum of care offered through Barnabas Health’s oncology and cancer care programs.
Integrative Oncology honors each patient’s physical, mental,
emotional, social and spiritual needs as integral to the healing
process.
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Complementary and alternative therapies can improve a cancer patient’s
quality of life by reducing symptoms of disease, alleviating the
side effects of treatments and facilitating emotional and spiritual
peace.
An integrative approach to cancer provides patients and their families
with expanded health care options and the ability to become more
proactive in their overall treatment plan.
The following represent the complementary and alternative medicine
choices available at the Siegler Center.
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Our board-certified medical director with expertise in integrative
and preventive medicine provides an individualized care plan utilizing
appropriate complementary modalities and healing options during
a one-hour consultation.
Making complementary and alternative care decisions in an era when
there is such a broad range of options can be confusing and challenging.
The Integrative Medicine Consultation creates a clinically responsible
balance between the science of cancer medicine and the comfort
of complementary care.
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Mind/Body Medicine focuses on the powerful ways in which physical,
emotional, mental and spiritual factors directly affect health.
It involves the application of a variety of psychological techniques
and knowledge proven to be effective in changing mood, behavior
and consciousness.
Health care providers recognize the powerful link between a patient’s
spiritual beliefs, social beliefs, general emotional outlook and
their ability to heal. Learning how to use the power of the mind
enables patients to minimize the negative effects of stress and
feel alert, self-assured and more in control.
Modalities Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Guided Imagery
Hypnosis
Biofeedback
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Acupuncture is a system of health care used to diagnose and treat
illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Acupuncture involves
the insertion of fine disposal needles into the skin to redirect
the flow of healing energy throughout the body. Acupuncture treats
both mind and body, and addresses many aspects of the body’s
functions simultaneously.
In a 1997 Consensus Statement, the National Institutes of Health
indicate the practice of acupuncture may be “useful as an
adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative [treatment]” for
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture is a reasonable
option for a number of other clinical conditions including post-operative
pain, musculoskeletal and back pain, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue.
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Massage is the therapeutic manipulation of the soft tissues of
the body. Massage provides health-related benefits that affect
the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems
of the body. Bodywork modalities help to improve muscle tone, enhance
flexibility and circulation, and relieve the pain and tension associated
with daily stress.
Massage has direct physiological and psychological benefits for
the patient with cancer. Massage relieves fatigue, reduces tensions
and anxiety, calms the nervous system, promotes a sense of relaxation
and renews energy and emotional comfort.
Modalities Include:
Swedish Massage
Reflexology
Trager Approach
Cranio-Sacral
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Nutritional Counseling provides an individualized and carefully
constructed diet. A professional dietician will take into account
your special needs, likes and dislikes and physical abilities.
A balanced diet helps patients maintain a healthy weight, support
tolerance of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and improve
quality of life.
Nutrition is an important component in understanding the relationship
of diet to health promotion and disease prevention. Proper nutrition
varies for everyone based on physical environment, body composition
and activity level.
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A professional consultation will provide guidance about incorporating
natural medicines into your individual health plan, therefore minimizing
risks of interactions and maximizing therapeutic outcomes. Herbs
and dietary supplements that are safe and reasonably effective
for one person are not necessarily the appropriate choice for another.
People have been using natural plant substances to enhance health
and treat illness since the beginning of recorded time. Today,
herbal remedies remain the main form of healing throughout much
of the world.
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A program of sensible exercise strengthens lungs, tones muscles,
keeps joints in good condition and increases ability to cope with
stress. People with cancer can participate in a number of regular
movement and exercise programs that are less strenuous and provide
physical, mental and spiritual benefits.
A mind/body oriented approach to exercise and fitness provides
empowerment strategies for improved mental attitude, restful sleep
patterns, and increased appetite. Awareness of breathing and sensations
while performing low-impact activities brings attention and self-importance
back into daily life.
Programs Include
Qi Gong
Tai Chi
Yoga
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Many insurance companies offer coverage for complementary and alternative
treatments. Each insurance policy must be reviewed to determine
actual benefits on an individual basis.
The Siegler Center staff are available to assist you in understanding
what your plan covers.
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For more information about the Integrative Oncology Program or
to schedule an appointment, please call
(973) 322-7007.
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