LEWISTON — The Dempsey Center, 29 Lowell St., fifth floor, has announced free April programs.
The center will hold a 10th anniversary open house from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7. There will be free workshops, tours and a chance to talk with staff and volunteers to learn more about programs and services. All are welcome.
The center requests preregistration for the following free workshops that day by calling 207-795-8250:
Stress Management and Progressive Muscle Relaxation: 9 to 10 a.m., for age 16 plus.
Optimal Nutrition for Cancer Prevention and Cancer Recovery: 10 to 11 a.m., for age 16 plus.
Gentle Yoga Flow: 11 a.m. to noon, for age 16 plus.
Slime Time: 11 a.m. to noon, for age 5 and over and their families.
ONE-TIME AND SERIES PROGRAMS
All free programs below are intended for cancer patients, their families and caregivers unless otherwise noted. All programs are held at the Dempsey Center unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 207-795-8250 or email info@dempseycenter.org
Tai Chi for Balance: 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17 and 24. 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 or level of ability. Priority will be given to first-timers. Registration required, limited to 12.
Project Echo Information Session: 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, open to medical staff. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is free and gives the ability to earn CMEs. It helps connect primary care teams with expert clinicians.
Cooking Matters Pop-Up Store Tour: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4. The cooking enhanced nutrition education class offers participants cost-saving techniques for the grocery store, tools for choosing nutritious options from every food group and ideas for healthy lost-cost meals. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a facilitated discussion, as well as a hands-on culinary experience to prepare a dish to share in class. First-time participants will receive a $10 gift card for healthy purchases, reference material and other take-home gifts. Led by Rebecca Schoen, BA, Maine SNAP-Ed nutrition educator, Healthy Androscoggin.
Fly-Tying Workshop for Men: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5. Learn step-by-step how to tie dry flies, wet flies and nymphs. All fly-tying materials will be provided. Appropriate for men impacted by cancer either as patient, loved one or caregiver. Presented by Jeff Beaulieu, Maine Guide.
Life Force Yoga: 9 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 7. Learn breathing practices, movement, and sound to help soothe and balance the body and mind.
Healing Henna Crowns and Hands: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Henna, a plant used in the traditional art of painting the hands, head, feet or body, can elicit a sense of reclaiming one’s body while going through illness. Henna’s natural healing herb can help nourish the skin and emotionally restore self-esteem and spirit, while offering a temporary work of art. Appropriate for cancer patients; crowns are only available for those currently bald. Presented by Mary Schmaling-Kearns, Henna & Tattoo Artist of The Eye of Henna and 13 Moons Tattoo Studio. Limited to five.
Sow and Grow — Seed-Starting for Kids: 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 9. Research suggests that gardening can decrease stress, improve mood and increase self-esteem, especially in children. The workshop will offer kids the opportunity to start their own seedlings, which they can nurture and watch grow into their favorite healthy veggies or flowers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to join. Appropriate for ages 5 and older.
Mini Spa: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 27. Free mini spa treatments.
Look Good … Feel Better: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 12. The American Cancer Society program provides participants free makeup and teaches how to use cosmetics to look and feel their best.
Fly-Tying Workshop for Women: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12. Learn step-by-step how to tie dry flies, wet flies and nymphs. All fly-tying materials will be provided. Appropriate for women impacted by cancer either as patient, loved one or caregiver. Presented by Jeff Beaulieu, Maine Guide.
Relieve and Revive Self-Massage: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12. Learn simple self-massage techniques to use anytime to relieve tension and stress. Appropriate for anyone.
Fly-Casting Workshop: 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 19: Practice rods will be provided. Open to beginners and those who want some tips for improving their skills. Presented by Jeff Beaulieu, Maine Guide.
Nutrition for Life: The Anti-Cancer Diet: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, April 19 to May 10. The four-part nutrition series explores the nuts and bolts of the anti-cancer diet and will feature topics like “Color Your Diet,” “Meatless Meals Made Easy” and “Fiberize for Better Health.”Each class will include cooking demonstrations and tasting opportunities.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
The following programs are held on an ongoing basis, some require preregistration and others are open for drop-ins.
Monthly Monday Meditations: 4 to 4:45 p.m. the first Monday of each month. These are drop-in group meditation sessions. 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. No registration required.
Dempsey Center Introductory Meeting and Tour: 3 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays, 6 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 12:45 p.m. Fridays. Preregistration requested. Other times available, including Saturdays, by appointment. Call to register, 207-795-8250
Fit for Life: 11 a.m. to noon Mondays and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Under the guidance of a fitness instructor the class will feature strengthening, balance and flexibility exercise, combined with light to moderate movement. No registration required, drop-ins welcome.
Living with Hope Patient Group: 10:30 a.m. to noon first and third Tuesday of the month. Discussion and guided exercises for adults who have metastatic and/or advanced cancer. Pre-assessment required. Call to register, 207-795-8250.
Living with Hope Companion Group: 10:30 a.m. to noon first and third Tuesday of the month. Discussion for adults who have a loved one with metastatic and/or advanced cancer. Pre-assessment required. Call to register, 207-795-8250.
Pilates Yoga: 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. Merges the benefits of Pilates and Yoga to develop core strength, tone muscles, increase flexibility and help reduce stress. No registration required; drop-ins welcome.
Yoga for Life: 11 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. A gentle yoga class for all fitness levels. The focus is on range of motion movement and gentle stretching. No experience with yoga required. No registration required; drop-ins welcome.
YWCA Breast Cancer Encore Program: 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, Lewiston-Auburn YWCA. The 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 lap, family swims or water fitness programs. Appropriate for breast cancer patients/survivors.
SERVICES
The following services are available by making an appointment at the Dempsey Center at 207-795-8250. 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 and Life Reflections: Professionally recorded interviews, exploring cherished memories, values and lessons learned to share with others. Participants will receive a DVD of the interview. Available to patients living with advanced or metastatic cancer. Call 207-330-7737 to arrange an appointment.
Wigs and Headwear Consultations: Trained staff will assist with headwear options.
Bra-fittings for mastectomy patients: Free bra and breast prosthesis fittings. To schedule an appointment, call Chelsea at Transitions at Bedards, 207-784-3700, ext. 1107, or Joan Caron at the Medicine Shoppe, 207-783-3539.
Acupuncture: Appointments available from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Treatment occurs in one large room, where people relax in recliners. The clinics are open to anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis within the last two years.
Wellness for Life Consultations: The Wellness Specialist will help establish personal fitness and wellness goals and will be available to provide ongoing support.
Nutrition Consultations: Healthy eating habits and good nutrition can help patients deal with the effects of cancer, before, during and after treatment. The dietitian will tailor a nutrition plan specific to needs.
Massage Therapy: It 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 the body. Patients are eligible for eight sessions. Primary caregivers are eligible for six.
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