New Haven, CT - The Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care at the Hospital of Saint Raphael is launching several new wellness efforts, including Medical Pilates for cancer patients, in-bed yoga, holistic nutrition and live music for patients and their loved ones in the center’s lobby.
“Our new programs allow us to treat the whole person both during and after cancer care with the latest in wellness therapies,” said Joseph Cardinale, M.D., medical director of the McGivney Center. “These programs augment our medical expertise and state-of-the-art technology like CyberKnife radiosurgery to allow for a complete range of treatment and support options.”
Medical Pilates, at the center’s New Haven campus, combines elements of physical therapy and traditional Pilates exercises to reduce stress and improve muscle strength, posture and flexibility. Certified physical therapist and Pilates instructor Wendy Price will lead the class, designed for cancer survivors and patients in all stages of treatment. The class is free; participants must pre-register by calling 203.789.3488.
Other new wellness programs in New Haven include holistic nutrition demonstrations by a dietician featuring cancer-fighting foods held monthly in the McGivney Center lobby. Also new in the lobby in New Haven is live music every Thursday afternoon performed by guitarist Michael Coppola. In addition, January saw the launch of in-bed and in-chair yoga and meditation as part of the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, founded by fashion designer Donna Karan. In coming months, the McGivney Center’s Integrative Wellness program will be expanding to include acupuncture for cancer patients.
Integrative wellness programs at the McGivney Center are offered through Saint Raphael’s Looking Forward program, which was named a 2010 Healthcare Hero by Business New Haven newspaper. Yoga, massage, pet therapy and other wellness programs are offered at both the McGivney Center’s New Haven and Hamden campuses. For more information, call 203-789-3488 or visit www.srhs.org/lookingforward.
The Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care at the Hospital of Saint Raphael brings together state-of-the-art technology and treatments with social, emotional and spiritual support services for cancer patients and their families. With campuses in both New Haven and Hamden, the McGivney Center offers advanced cancer treatments including the new da Vinci Si HD robot and the CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery system. For more information about the McGivney Center and Saint Raphael’s cancer services, call 203-789-3131 or visit www.srhs.org/mcgivneycancercenter.
