Wellness Programs

Currently our community resources are offered on a limited basis. Please call 231-392-8492 for more information.

Health and Wellness Suite

The Health and Wellness Suite offers many services that can assist you in feeling more relaxed and at peace and help you regain lost strength and flexibility, both during and after treatment. A free fitness consultation is available for cancer patients, with recommendations for next steps in your fitness journey. Gentle or active yoga classes, Pilates, and exercise are offered at various times throughout the day. Integrative therapies such as acupuncture, healing touch, massage, and zen shiatsu are offered by appointment. Several types of meditation are offered as well.

Meditation Classes

• Guided Meditation
• Guided Imagery
• Art and Meditation
• Music and Meditation

Integrative Therapies

• Acupuncture
• Healing Touch
• Massage
• Zen Shiatsu

Yoga/Exercise

• A variety of classes are offered ranging from relaxing to energetic.
• Classes include: chair yoga, beginning gentle yoga, seated stretching yoga, restorative yoga, vinyasa yoga, unraveling neck and shoulders, yoga nidra, and pilates

Class schedules vary Mon. through Fri., between 6 am and 7 pm. All meditation classes are free of charge. Please call 231-392-8492.

Essentials Boutique

The Essentials Boutique now offers limited services by appointment only. Please call 231-392-8492 with any questions or assistance with wig, mastectomy items, compression fittings, or suggested integrative therapy community resources.

Art and Music Therapy and Performance

Musicians perform live music and provide music therapy in the Cowell Family Cancer Center in various locations at varying times throughout the week. Art therapy, art workshops, and events are offered to patients and the community.

Educational Wellness Speaker Series and Workshop Events

The Cowell Wellness Initiative Speaker Series features community speakers on various topics of health and wellness. We host various workshops, such as grief support, meditation, and others. Schedules vary.

Maintaining Wellness Through Your Cancer Journey

Recognizing Change

Just as cancer affects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of feelings you are not used to experiencing.

Emotional resiliency is a significant part of your care, so it is important to become aware when changes occur with your emotional wellbeing. Changes could occur after a diagnosis, in the middle of treatment, or while in remission. Anxiety and sadness after a cancer diagnosis is natural, but it is important to acknowledge and address if these emotions are overwhelming, persistent, or affecting your everyday routines.

Changes in Mood

You may experience many emotions throughout your cancer journey. At times like this, it is important to listen to friends or family if they comment on changes in your mood or if you become aware these symptoms are making it difficult to accomplish your daily tasks. Certain thoughts, feelings, and actions can be signals that let you know you may need help.

Please reach out to your healthcare team if you are experiencing emotional distress. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, please contact 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

Isolation

One of the most common side effects of treatment is fatigue. Fatigue, along with changes in mood, can make you feel less social and more isolated. Unfortunately, increasing isolation often leads to increased distress. That is why it is important to maintain contact with friends and family, even if you need to modify visits to be less frequent or shorter in length.

Body Image

Cancer treatments can have short or long-lasting impact on your body and mind. Some changes may be permanent, and it can be helpful to talk to others who have gone through similar treatments and explore how they have coped with and adjusted to the changes. It can also be helpful to remember that our bodies are changing all the time; however, following a cancer diagnosis, those changes are often very abrupt and might take longer to adjust to. Be kind to yourself during this time and do your best to stay aware of whether physical changes begin to impact your social interactions or your mental health. Remember to allow yourself time to grieve the losses that you have experienced along the way.

Tips to Care for Yourself During this Difficult Time

• Talk to your healthcare team
• Talk to a friend or family member
• Join a support group
• Seek counseling
• Maintain some degree of physical activity
• Eating a healthy diet
• Spending time in nature
• Spend time with a pet
• Practice mind-body-spirit techniques
• Yoga
• Mindful meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Breathing techniques
• Guided imagery
• Journaling