DECEMBER - FEBRUARY WINTER 2017 / 2018 PROGRAM GUIDE

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY WINTER 2017 / 2018 PROGRAM GUIDE

FEELING STRESSED? LET US HELP. Coping with cancer can be one of the most stressful experiences of a person s life and can be even more challenging with added stress from work, family, or financial concerns. You can t completely avoid the causes of stress. However, learning coping skills and stress management strategies can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious. The Dempsey Center has many programs and services that can help, including counseling, yoga, meditation classes, support groups, and an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course. WHAT OUR CLIENTS TELL US: Love the group setting and a different way of meditating. Earlene Fraser, Meditation class With two people with cancer in the same house and work stress, this class has helped me deal with my inner stress and taught me how to relax better. Brian Robbins, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course Thank you for this class. It has helped me emotionally and physically...tish (instructor) is amazing! Mary Bunnell, Yoga class FOR DETAILS, SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Page 4 Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Page 5 Meditation for Beginners Page 6 Yoga Page 10 Support Groups

EDUCATION AND EVENTS 3 The following programs and services are intended for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers unless a different audience is noted. Pre-registration is required. ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 1:00-3:00 PM We invite you to remember a loved one, in the company of others, as we honor those who have died from cancer over the past year. Please join us as we offer a short program with music, readings and support. Light refreshments will be served following the program. RSVP is requested by December 1st, by calling the Center or registering online. DEMPSEY CENTER INTRODUCTORY MEETING & TOUR TUESDAYS, 3:00 3:45 PM, THURSDAYS, 6:00 6:45 PM, FRIDAYS, 12:00-12:45 PM Preregistration requested. Other times available, including Saturdays, by appointment. ACUPRESSURE FOR PAIN, NAUSEA AND FATIGUE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Acupressure uses gentle finger pressure over points on the body s energetic channels to promote healing. Learn acupressure points to support health and improve comfort during cancer treatment. Apply the techniques on yourself or a loved one. Appropriate for patients and caregivers. QUIT & WIN WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 10 - FEBRUARY 7, 5:30-7:00 PM Healthy Androscoggin and the Dempsey Center are once again offering Quit & Win, our annual free, 5-week, incentivebased tobacco cessation program. This course includes instruction on preparing to quit, getting through the first few days, avoiding triggers, and staying tobaccofree forever. Those who participate in the program may be eligible for cash prizes, as well as prizes from local businesses. For more information or to register call (207) 795-5990. Open to anyone. YOUNG ADULT WINTER ESCAPE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2:30-5:30 PM At Seacoast Adventure Park in Windham Let s chase away the winter blues by playing in the snow! We ll meet at Seacoast Adventure Park in Windham for 2 hours of snowtubing, and then have dinner together. Open to young adults impacted by cancer, ages 18 and older. Pre-registration is required. The Dempsey Center will cover costs related to snowtubing. MAKING SENSE OUT OF WILLS AND LIVING WILLS THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 6:00-7:00 PM If you were no longer able to make healthcare decisions, who would make decisions on your behalf? Come learn about Healthcare powers of attorney and wills. Presented by: Darcie Beaudin, Attorney with Skelton, Taintor & Abbott REPRESENTS A RECURRING EVENT

EDUCATION AND EVENTS FIGHTING FATIGUE THROUGH AND BEYOND PROSTATE CANCER WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 6:00-7:30 PM Research suggests that most people getting cancer treatment have fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue is very different from everyday fatigue. It lasts longer and sleep doesn t make it better: it s unpredictable. Many people describe it as overwhelming, affecting every part of their lives. Come and practice exercises for reclaiming your energy and rebuilding your endurance during, and after prostate cancer. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn t restrict your movement. MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 13 APRIL 10, 5:30 7:30 PM ORIENTATION SESSION (REQUIRED): TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 5:30 6:30 PM EXTENDED CLASS: SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 9:30 A.M. 2:30 P.M. This 8-week class uses meditation, gentle yoga movement, group discussion, and personal reflection to learn how to live your life with more ease. Attendance at the orientation meeting or personal consult is required to participate. Limited to 15. ART FOR THE HEART WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 5:30 7:30 PM Come join this fun workshop where we will use watercolor paints and paper to create valentine art projects. Art in any form can lift one s mood, boost self-awareness, improve eye-hand coordination and be a way for us to express feelings, emotions and creative thinking. No experience is needed, and materials will be provided. This class will be led by Debra Trafton, a local artist. Limited to 10. SATURDAY PROGRAMS LIFEFORCE YOGA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 9:00-10:15 AM Learn breathing practices, movement, and sound to help soothe and balance the body and mind. DONE WITH TREATMENT... NOW WHAT? A MINI RETREAT! SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 9:00 AM 12:00 PM Learn ways to improve your quality of life and long-term health so that you can enjoy the years ahead as a cancer survivor. We ll start with gentle yoga and a mindfulness meditation practice, followed by a nutrition education and cooking class. REIKI WORKSHOP SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 9:30 AM 12:30 PM Join us for a 3 hour workshop to begin training as a Reiki I practitioner. With this, you can practice Reiki on yourself, your family and friends, even your pet! Reiki is used to reduce stress and promote deep feelings of relaxation. No prior experience needed and open to anyone. DRAMA! A ONE-DAY THEATER CHALLENGE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Performance begins at 12:15 pm Kids and teens will be challenged to create and perform an original piece in the span of only a few hours! Guided prompts and acting exercises will help inspire youth clients to tell their own unique personal story with cancer. The program will conclude with a performance and pizza party for friends and family to enjoy. Appropriate for ages 8+.

MIND AND SPIRIT 5 LIVING WELL WEDNESDAYS, 6:00-7:30 PM This program is open to adults with any type of cancer, at any point along the journey from diagnosis through survivorship, along with their adult family members and friends. Offered continuously, with a new theme introduced each month. Sessions include information, discussion, and guided exercises. MINI SPA WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 13, JANUARY 10, FEBRUARY 14, 6:00-7:00 PM FRIDAYS, DECEMBER 29, JANUARY 26, FEBRUARY 23, 10:00-11:00 AM Join us for a relaxing evening of free mini spa treatments. Enjoy a warm foot soak and hand treatment in a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Seating limited to 4 per evening, registration required. MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS MONDAYS, JANUARY 15, 22 & 29, 4:00-4:45 P.M. A series for those who are just starting to explore meditation or looking to focus their existing practice, incorporating tips, techniques, and the opportunity to experience a variety of guided meditation exercises. Appropriate for anyone. TOUCH, CARING & CANCER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1:00-2:30 PM Simple touch and light massage can be very soothing, and increase relaxation for anyone. Come learn some simple massage techniques that you can offer to someone you care about with confidence. Bring a partner (family or friend) to practice with. LOOK GOOD...FEEL BETTER THURSDAY, DECMEBER 21, FEBRUARY 15, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM This American Cancer Society program provides participants free makeup and teaches how to use cosmetics to look and feel your best. For cancer patients only. MONTHLY MONDAY MEDITATIONS FEBRUARY 5 & MARCH 5, 4:00-4:45 PM Join us for a drop-in group meditation session the first Monday of each month beginning in February. Brief instruction, followed by guided exercises designed to give participants a sampling of different types of meditation practices, including mindfulness, loving kindness, and seasonal practices No experience is necessary to attend and no preregistration required.

MOVEMENT AND WELLNESS Movement and Wellness programs are ongoing and do not require pre-registration, unless noted. All classes are appropriate for patients, survivors, and caregivers. FIT FOR LIFE MONDAYS, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-6:30 PM Do you want to be more flexible, have better balance, build cardio and muscular endurance? This class can help! Under the guidance of a fitness instructor the class will feature strengthening, balance, and flexibility exercise, combined with light to moderate movement. TAI CHI FOR BALANCE TUESDAYS, JANUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 13, 9:00-10:00 AM Tai Chi is a mind-body practice that combines gentle exercise, breathing practices, and meditation to activate self-healing. It can be practiced by anyone of any age and level of ability. Registration required, limited to 12. Priority will be given to first-timers. PILATES YOGA TUESDAYS, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Merges the benefits of Pilates and Yoga to develop core strength, tone muscles, increase flexibility, and help reduce stress. YOGA FOR LIFE THURSDAYS, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM AND 6:00-7:00 PM This is a gentle yoga class for all fitness levels. The focus is on range of motion movement, and gentle stretching. No experience with yoga required. RESTORATIVE YOGA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 6:00-7:00 PM Restorative yoga uses props to encourage a deep state of relaxation. By supporting various parts of your body with bolsters, blocks, blankets and/or straps, you can fully release into the pose and relax every part of your body. Restorative yoga helps relieve the effects of chronic stress and move the spine in directions to promote greater well-being. This class is part of the ongoing Yoga for Life classes. Pre-registration required. YWCA BREAST CANCER ENCORE PROGRAM THURSDAYS, 5:00-5:30 PM AT THE YWCA This program, designed for those who have experienced breast cancer, consists of 30-minutes of warm water, gentle exercises designed to increase range of motion, muscle strength and enhance general fitness. Participants will also have free access to the YWCA pool and any lap, family swims or water fitness programs. Registration with the Dempsey Center required. Appropriate for breast cancer patients/survivors.

NUTRITION AND COOKING 7 NUTRITION FOR LIFE: FOOD IS MEDICINE SERIES COOKING CONSULTS! Are you trying to improve your diet, but finding that your food preparation and /or cooking skills need a tune-up? Now you can set up a Cooking Consult with our Registered Dietitian and get some hands-on experience preparing nourishing food for yourself or your loved-one. Call the Center for more information or to schedule a consult. SOUPS ON! THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 15 & 22, 2:30-4:30 PM There s nothing like a nice warm soup to show you care! It s warm, goes down fairly easy and can be very health supporting. In week one, we ll make some nourishing broths and everyone will take some home. During week two, we ll use our broth from week one to make some delicious soups. Limited to 8. TUESDAYS, JANUARY 9, 16, 23, FEBRUARY 6, 6:00-7:30 PM Are you interested in learning more about so called super foods, food trends, the benefits of spices and how to incorporate them into your everyday diet? During this 4-part nutrition and cooking series, we ll discuss and prepare a variety of these trendy foods with a focus on overall health and cancer risk reduction. We ll pull it all together during our last week with a discussion about the anti-inflammatory diet. Limited to 25. SOFT AND SMOOOOTH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1:00-2:30 PM A sore mouth and throat can have a significant impact on your ability to eat well during cancer treatment. Yet, staying well-nourished is important to your health, treatment outcome and overall well-being. We ll prepare very soft and nourishing foods as well as smoothies and other blender concoctions to help you maintain your nutrition throughout treatment. Limited to 8.

YOUTH AND FAMILY Our Healing Tree program is family centered and youth oriented. Due to the unique needs of young clients, a licensed youth and family counselor supervises and/or facilitates all programs. SUPPORT FOR SEEDLINGS MONDAYS, 4:00-5:00 PM This children s support group takes the best of Yoga class and a Support Group and wraps them together for a fun, active and expressive experience for children impacted by cancer. Pre-screening is required. Appropriate for ages 6-12. DRAMA! A ONE-DAY THEATER CHALLENGE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Performance begins at 12:15 pm Kids and teens will be challenged to create and perform an original piece in the span of only a few hours! Guided prompts and acting exercises will help inspire youth clients to tell their own unique personal story with cancer. The program will conclude with a performance and pizza party for friends and family to enjoy. Appropriate for ages 8+. TEEN ADVENTURE NIGHT: SNOWTUBING AT LOST VALLEY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM Join us for a fun evening on the mountain! Teens will enjoy 2 hours of snowtubing under the lights, followed by dinner together at the lodge. Program facilitated by Dempsey Center Youth and Family Services Coordinator. Registration limited to 10. TEEN GROUP THURSDAYS, 6:00-7:30 PM This group for adolescents ages 12+ offers a comfortable environment to talk, learn more about cancer, and engage in activities with other teens impacted by cancer. NEW! STARTING DECEMBER 12! HEALING TREE FAMILY NIGHTS 2 ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH, 6:00-7:30 PM Join us for a fun and interactive night for the whole family to enjoy. Each month a different activity will be offered, giving kids and parents/guardians the opportunity to spend some quality time together and connect with other families who have also been impacted by cancer. DECEMBER 12: Kids in the Kitchen Families will work together to prepare a healthy, cancer-fighting meal. JANUARY 9: Creating a Family Shield Design and create a oneof-a-kind coat of arms that represents your family s unique qualities. FEBRUARY 13: Family Game Night Play classic board games and discover some new ones, designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, and of course, FUN! REPRESENTS A RECURRING EVENT

SERVICES The following services are available by making an appointment at the Dempsey Center. Some may require physician approval or medical clearance to participate. COUNSELING SERVICES Oncology counselors are available for patients and caregivers/loved ones to help promote coping. Short-term grief counseling is available to those who have lost a loved one to cancer. LEGACY & LIFE REFLECTIONS Professionally recorded interviews, exploring your most cherished memories, your deepest values, and lessons learned to share with others. You ll receive a DVD of the interview, and include your favorite photographs and songs if you wish. Available to patients living with advanced or metastatic cancer. Call 330-7737 to arrange an appointment. WIGS AND HEAD WEAR CONSULTATION Our trained staff will assist you with headwear options based on your goals and resource availability. Options include hats (for men and women), scarves, chemo caps and wigs. BRA FITTINGS FOR MASTECTOMY PATIENTS Free bra and breast prosthesis fittings. To schedule an appointment: call Chelsea at Transitions at Bedards, 207-784-3700, x 1107, or Joan Caron at The Medicine Shoppe, 207-783-3539. MASSAGE AND REIKI APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH BY CALLING THE CENTER AT 795-8250. COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY SERVICES ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 1:00-4:00 PM Register for one of our acupuncture clinics by calling the Center. Treatment occurs in one large room, where people relax in comfy recliners. The clinics are open to anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis within the last two years. WELLNESS FOR LIFE CONSULTATION Our Wellness Specialist will help you establish personal fitness and wellness goals, and will be available to provide ongoing support. NUTRITION CONSULTATION Healthy eating habits and good nutrition can help patients deal with the effects of cancer, before, during and after treatment. Our dietitian will tailor a nutrition plan specific to your needs. MASSAGE THERAPY Massage therapy can help relieve anxiety, fatigue, musculoskeletal tension, difficulty sleeping and pain. Patients are eligible for eight massage sessions with physician approval. Primary caregivers are eligible for six sessions. REIKI A gentle technique intended to reduce stress and discomfort. Practitioners place their hands on, or just above your body. Patients are eligible for 8 sessions. Primary caregivers are eligible for 6. 9

SUPPORT GROUPS All groups are professionally facilitated. See website for more details. No pre-registration required, unless noted. GRIEF AFTER CANCER LOSS Coping with the death of a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. This group offers adults an opportunity to learn about grief and how to adjust to the loss of a loved one in a 6 week program, offered 2-3 times annually. Next session begins in March 2018 SUPPORT FOR SEEDLINGS MONDAYS, 4:00-5:00 PM For children ages 6-12, Pre-assessment required. See program listing under Youth and Family. LIVING WITH HOPE PATIENT GROUP 1 ST & 3 RD TUESDAY, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Discussion and guided exercises for adults who have metastatic and/or advanced cancer. Pre-assessment required. LIVING WITH HOPE COMPANION GROUP 1 ST & 3 RD TUESDAY, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Discussion for adults who have a loved one with metastatic and/or advanced cancer. Pre-assessment required. NOMO (NOT ON MY OWN) 1 ST & 3 RD TUESDAY, 6:00-7:30 PM A social support group for young adults, ages 19-39, impacted by cancer. LIVING WELL WEDNESDAYS, 6:00-7:30 PM Offering education and support, open to adults with any type of cancer, at any point from diagnosis through survivorship, and adult family members/friends. WOMEN S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1 ST & 3 RD TUESDAY, 6:00-7:30 PM For women with any type of cancer, who are at any point along their journey, from diagnosis through survivorship. PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP LAST WEDNESDAY, 6:00-7:30 PM* Education and support for men living with prostate cancer, also open to their loved ones/caregivers. TEEN GROUP THURSDAYS, 6:00-7:30 PM This group for adolescents ages 12+ offers a comfortable environment to talk, learn more about cancer, and engage in activities with other teens impacted by cancer. TOBACCO SUPPORT GROUP THURSDAYS, 6:00-7:00 PM St. Mary s Hospital, 93 Campus Ave, Lewiston Peer-facilitated, tobacco support group is open to anyone interested in quitting tobacco. This group is offered in collaboration with Healthy Androscoggin. REPRESENTS A RECURRING EVENT

RESOURCES SOCIAL & VOLUNTEER LEISA S PLACE LENDING LIBRARY Stop by anytime to browse and check out our new books, pamphlets, DVDs, and CDs! CANCER RESOURCE ASSISTANCE LINE: 1-866-466-4865 Through this toll-free number, cancer patients and caregivers can get information about local, state and national resources. COMFORT ITEM GROUPS These volunteer groups meet on a regular basis to make items for cancer patients and families. Sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and caring cards. For more information, see our website or contact us at: dempseym@cmhc.org or 207-795-8259. CANCER HEALTH OUTREACH EDUCATION Providing school, business, and community presentations on cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection. MAINE BUDDY PROGRAM OF THE CANCER COMMUNITY CENTER Maine Buddies are cancer survivors or co-survivors (partners, parents, etc.) who are ready to offer their experience to assist others who are newly diagnosed, or who have recently suffered a loss. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Evening and Day opportunities. Computer skills and experience in customer service a plus. Call 207-795-8250, or fill out our website application at dempseycenter.org, Donate & Give Back page. SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2018 LEARN MORE OR REGISTER AT DEMPSEYCHALLENGE.ORG

Providing a personalized, holistic, and integrated approach to cancer support, prevention and education for individuals and families impacted by cancer. @thedempseycenter @DempseyCenter Stay up-to-date on our programs and events on social media! ADDRESS Dempsey Center 29 Lowell Street 5th Floor Lewiston, ME 04240 CONTACT 207-795-8250 877-336-7287 207-795-8255 dempseycenter.org info@dempseycenter.org HOURS Mon: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Tu Th: 8:00 AM 7:30 PM Fri: 8:00 AM 4:00 PM First Saturday of each month: 8:30 AM - 1:00 pm