The Integrative Medicine Program at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas - the first hospital-based program in North Texas - offers different therapies that work together with traditional medicine to help patients.
The program integrates mind, body, and spirit therapies with traditional treatments to provide a new dimension to medical care. It focuses on each patient's concerns from a holistic viewpoint and addresses nutritional, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their lives.
"Every patient is unique, and individual recommendations are tailored for the patient's own set of circumstances and concerns," said Carolyn Matthews, MD, a gynecologic oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program. "In the last year, we have helped patients fine-tune their lifestyles to address such issues as weight loss, hypertension and chronic back pain, in addition to helping those patients being treated for cancer."
Dr. Matthews is board certified in integrative and holistic medicine, medical acupuncture and palliative medicine.
Therapies include nutritional guidance, with a focus on special diets and botanical supplements, as well as mind-body techniques such as acupuncture. Guided imagery, breathing for stress relief and relaxation, and personalized exercise programs are also offered as part of integrative therapies.
Music and art classes also add dimension to customized care plans. The integrative medicine program works in conjunction with the Virginia R. Cvetko Patient Education and Support Center.
Cooking classes focusing on the nutritional needs of patients during treatment are offered in an on-site demonstration kitchen, a program that is unique to Baylor Sammons Cancer Center.
Focusing on lifestyle recommendations such as stress management, nutrition, exercise and sleep enables you to feel better physically and mentally, as well as assist with handling the physical and emotional challenges and side effects of cancer therapies and other medical treatments.
"Integrative medicine contributes to all the incredible advances made in traditional medicine," said Dr. Matthews. "This is a way to supplement or integrate existing treatment options with 'low-tech' approaches, some of which have been around for thousands of years."
June Special Events at the Integrative Medicine Program / Cvetko Patient Education and Support Center are free, but require registration. Please call 214.820.2608 for more information or to register for these:
Relax, Restore, Renew Series
Healing Vibrations: Drum Circle
June 5 & 19; 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Drumming and the use of pure rhythm are fun and therapeutic ways of releasing emotions and relating to other group members. Drumming can accelerate physical healing, boost the immune system, and produce feelings of well-being. Registration required.
Relaxation Made Easy
June 7 & 21; 10:00-11:30 AM
Learn how to include relaxation and meditation in your daily habits. Participate in guided imagery, muscle relaxation, and other techniques to help make your day less stressful. New attendees will receive a free relaxation CD (one per household). Registration required.
The Master Series - Feng Shui
June 19; 1:00-2:00 PM
Optimize positive energy in your home to enhance your healing process. Join us as Kathryn Voreis, MSN, RN, certified in Feng Shui, presents the basic philosophy of this ancient Chinese tradition. Registration required.
Writing for Wellness - Distress
June 26; 10:00-11:30 AM
Journaling may enhance the healing process through expression of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Join us to learn how journaling can help you cope with life's challenges. Registration required.
Healthy Cooking Demonstrations
The Best Burgers!
June 28; 10:00-11:30 PM
Summer is here so bring on the burgers! Join us as we explore some not-so-typical burger creations that will satisfy cravings while keeping a rein on unwanted calories. Try new twists on this American classic. Registration required.
Farmer's Market Fresh - Summer
June 11; 2:00-3:30 PM
Summer fruits and vegetables are bursting with color and flavor. It is easy to eat cool succulent produce all day during this time of year! Learn creative ideas for turning summer produce into masterpiece meals. Registration required.
To learn more about the Integrative Medicine Program at Baylor, visit: baylorhealth.com/integrativemedicine
MEDIA CONTACT
Julie Smith
Baylor Health Care System
972.800.4060
Julie.Smith2@BaylorHealth.edu
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com