Baptist Cancer Services Offers Variety of Free Services for Patients, Survivors and Family

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. - July 7, 2004 --Various programs are offered by Baptist Cancer Services to help people cope with cancer. There is no charge for these events below, but registration is required by calling the Baptist Health Line at 1-800-948-6262 or (601) 948-6262. Most of these events take place at the Hederman Cancer Center located at 1227 North State Street, Jackson, Miss. unless otherwise stated.

Baptist Cancer Services offers "Focus on Healing," a therapeutic movement and exercise program developed specifically for women following breast cancer surgery, node dissection, radiation, chemotherapy, lymphedema, or those who suffer from chronic fatigue. The eight-week course begins Thursday July 8 and is offered Mondays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Activities Room of the Hederman Cancer Center.

Allison Heindl, RN, CLM teaches the class and stated that this "dance-based exercise enhances physical flexibility and range of motion while promoting a general sense of emotional well-being.

The American Cancer Society will host "Look Good, Feel Better" on September 13 at 2 p.m. in the Hederman Room on fifth floor at Baptist Medical Center. The program gives female cancer patients cosmetic tips. Call ACS to register at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Baptist and physicians from Mississippi Urology Clinic will offer free prostate screenings on September 14 at the Hederman Cancer Center and September 16 at Mississippi Urology Clinic. This screening is offered to men 45 to 75, 35 and older if in a high-risk group or family history of prostate cancer. Registration is required.

The Cancer Rehab Program offered on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:00 p.m. The helps cancer patients regain independence and improve the quality of their lives while building a support system. While attending the rehab program, patients are evaluated to assess cardiopulmonary capacity, overall endurance, balance, posture and areas of residual pain.

Baptist staff assesses exercise goals, areas of concentration and identify contraindications to specific exercise stations, routines and progressions. They work with cancer patients to enhance cardiovascular strength and endurance, immune system and bone density, increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue, weight loss and improve digestion. Registration is required.

The "All About Living Lecture Series" will be held every Tuesday at noon August 3,10,17,24 and 31. These lunchtime seminars offer participants the convenience of using the lunch hour to gain practical information for managing cancer. The lectures will include a free box lunch. Space is limited. Topics will range from pain management, parenting issues, communications with physicians, genetic testing and dealing with grief.

Baptist Cancer Services hosts monthly support group meetings for breast cancer, gynecologic cancer, prostate cancer and family/caregiver support group. Call for times and dates.

:: Back to 2004 press releases