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PATIENT SERVICES
Orthodox
medicine in the United States – while unparalleled in its ability
to offer state-of-the-art diagnostics, acute and emergency care,
and technological excellence – has been largely inadequate
in cases of chronic, degenerative, and non-specific disease conditions.
Recently, there has been a great
interest among healthcare consumers and practitioners alike in holistic,
complementary and integrative medicine, in which patient participation
is key. At the same time, much research has been published
worldwide on the role of clinical nutrition, behavioral medicine and
lifestyle modification in addressing illness.
Unfortunately,
today's cancer patients suffer from more than cancer; they suffer
from a syndrome called "information overload." Most patients
are simply overwhelmed by the often confusing and contradictory
cancer information provided by the broadcast and print media, the
internet, conflicting medical opinions, and well-meaning friends,
neighbors and relatives. As a result, they either abdicate their
participatory role to the first oncologic opinion they encounter,
or they end up researching themselves into completely ineffective
"analysis paralysis."
The
Center for Advancement in Cancer Education specializes in helping
patients to negotiate the maze of available therapeutic options.
It assists clients with resources and referrals specializing in
clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, psychoneuroimmunology, and
other innovative approaches. It provides guidance for accessing
immune-enhancing programs to help prevent recurrence, non-toxic
biological therapies to repair compromised body function, and creative
ways to manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatments.
Thousands
of cancer patients have benefited from the integrative lifestyle
counseling (ILC) provided by the Center's counselors. Integrative
lifestyle counseling is a service that helps clients design a holistic
"game plan" to address multiple facets of their lives
through various lifestyle approaches. Its purpose is to complement
and enhance any medical choices a client may make. ILC can aid in
the prevention and control of illness through coaching and guidance
in diet, stress management, exercise, detoxification and other factors.
It may include referrals to healthcare practitioners to serve an
individual's special needs.
ILC
is highly personalized. It pays attention to logistical, financial,
and geographic limitations as well as to the belief systems of the
client. The focus is on practical and manageable ways patients can
make rapid, positive changes in their lives. In many cases, a single
one hour session is all that is necessary. There is no fee for service.
The Center works on a donation and membership basis, and all contributions
are tax-deductible. Consultations may be held in person or over
the phone. To schedule a consultation with any of the Center's counselors,
call 610-642-4810.
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