Massage therapist to discuss aids in the healing process
Research on massage therapy has been going on for more than 100 years. Results of some of those studies show that massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment).
 'Massage Therapy: Enhancing Health and Healing' will be the topic of a series of presentations by Danielle Beller, CMT, the first and third Mondays of each month at 10 a.m. in The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System.
The hour-long presentations, which are free to the public, will explain the positive effect of massage on all of the body systems, how it enhances the body's ability to resist infections, and the sense of wellbeing that is felt during and after a massage, especially in a person going through cancer treatment.
"Research shows that massage stimulates the body's natural tendency to heal itself," says Beller, a certified massage therapist. "The overall effect of massage is to move the body's response away from 'fight or flight' and move it to 'rest and recover.' In this relaxed mode, the heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases to a healthier level, and all body processes are able to function at a higher level."
The Cancer Care Center is adding a holistic, complementary and alternative medicine department to its offerings and has begun by offering massage therapy to its patients. Each patient has the option of receiving five free 10-minute massage therapy sessions, as well as making appointments for the longer sessions.
"It is a truly gratifying experience to be able to make a small difference in a person's day," says Beller. "I've had a couple patients come in just after their diagnosis and they were much calmer and in a better frame of mind after our session. My hope is that those who participate in this massage option will consider it a 'treat' to go with their treatment."
For more information about this program or massage therapy at The Cancer Care Center, call Beller, at (269) 964-5956.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award™. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
About The Cancer Care Center
The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art services based upon the latest cancer research, sophisticated diagnostic equipment, a multi-specialty team including board certified surgeons who discuss and coordinate treatment plans, and life-long patient follow-up through cancer registry.
The Cancer Care Center recently unveiled its newly renovated facilities adding 6,000 square feet of new area and 3,000 square feet of renovation giving critically needed treatment space for cancer patients, lifesaving new technology, a more healing environment, and room to grow complementary therapies.
The expansion project also offers a cancer resource library for patients and community members who wish to learn more about this disease. The Cancer Center also offers a program called 'Road to Recovery' that provides transportation for patients to their lifesaving and life-sustaining treatments at the Cancer Center.
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons recognizes Battle Creek Health System as the only Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. This approval is the highest awarded and held by fewer than 10% of hospitals nationwide. BCHS is the only hospital in Southwest Michigan to hold this designation.
Approval by the Commission on Cancer is awarded only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performances. In order to maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must also undergo an on-site review every three years.
Receiving treatment in a Commission on Cancer-approved program ensures that a patient has access to quality care close to home.
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