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Helping Kids with Cancer Gain a Sense of Empowerment
On October 2011, a group of teachers from the Sean O’Shea Foundation began offering a special yoga program at Rady Children’s Hospital for pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers. We call them the “Dream Team” - partly because of their selfless service, but also because so often the individual sessions they do with the kids end with the children falling asleep! Unlike in a regular yoga class, this is a wonderful outcome because children with a cancer diagnosis experience symptoms of stress and anxiety that can disrupt sleeping patterns, which in turn affects healing.
Teachers use their creativity and compassion to find stretches, breathing exercises and visualizations that relieve a patient’s tension and improve well-being. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in. Often it’s not until they take a couple of deep “cleansing breaths” that they even realize how much tension they’ve been holding due to the uncertainty of the disease and watching their children suffer.
The SOSF Dream Team visit the children at Rady Children’s Hospital three times per week and have done so since 2011. For more information or if you have questions, please contact the founder and Executive Director of the Sean O’Shea foundation, Gloria O’Shea at Namaste@seanosheafoundation.org
Teachers use their creativity and compassion to find stretches, breathing exercises and visualizations that relieve a patient’s tension and improve well-being. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in. Often it’s not until they take a couple of deep “cleansing breaths” that they even realize how much tension they’ve been holding due to the uncertainty of the disease and watching their children suffer.
The SOSF Dream Team visit the children at Rady Children’s Hospital three times per week and have done so since 2011. For more information or if you have questions, please contact the founder and Executive Director of the Sean O’Shea foundation, Gloria O’Shea at Namaste@seanosheafoundation.org
Yoga Journal Article on How Yoga Helps Kids with Cancer
A letter to the Sean O'Shea Foundation from Jeanie Spies NP, Rady Children's Hospital –June 2015
It is hard to summarize all of the blessings the Sean O’Shea Foundation yoga program has brought to Rady in a paragraph. Every dedicated volunteer is valued for the gifts they bring to our children and families. For many families this is the first introduction they have ever had to yoga and serves to open doors to another deep form of healing and relaxation. The children report feeling very relaxed and more comfortable with less pain, less nausea and improved sleep.
The poses and breathing taught by the Sean O’Shea Foundation instructors provide the children invaluable tools to master their symptoms and the side effects of the intensive treatment therapies that they endure. It is wonderful to see each instructor personalize the yoga sessions to the unique needs and varied abilities of the children; this personalized approach is greatly appreciated and the families feel comfortable knowing they are in such experienced and safe hands.
I was just talking to a 10-year-old boy who stated the yoga sessions helped him be less anxious and calmed his fears when he was recently in the hospital for a month. He gained a sense of mastery with crow pose and felt empowered to fight the cancer. Thank you for all you do to ease the burden of our children; your dedication is greatly appreciated! Thank you all.
Jeanie Spies
NP Pediatric Oncology ,
Rady Children’s Hospital
It is hard to summarize all of the blessings the Sean O’Shea Foundation yoga program has brought to Rady in a paragraph. Every dedicated volunteer is valued for the gifts they bring to our children and families. For many families this is the first introduction they have ever had to yoga and serves to open doors to another deep form of healing and relaxation. The children report feeling very relaxed and more comfortable with less pain, less nausea and improved sleep.
The poses and breathing taught by the Sean O’Shea Foundation instructors provide the children invaluable tools to master their symptoms and the side effects of the intensive treatment therapies that they endure. It is wonderful to see each instructor personalize the yoga sessions to the unique needs and varied abilities of the children; this personalized approach is greatly appreciated and the families feel comfortable knowing they are in such experienced and safe hands.
I was just talking to a 10-year-old boy who stated the yoga sessions helped him be less anxious and calmed his fears when he was recently in the hospital for a month. He gained a sense of mastery with crow pose and felt empowered to fight the cancer. Thank you for all you do to ease the burden of our children; your dedication is greatly appreciated! Thank you all.
Jeanie Spies
NP Pediatric Oncology ,
Rady Children’s Hospital
Click Here to see the Sean O'Shea Foundation "Dream Team"
for the "Yoga 4 Kids With Cancer" Program at Rady Children's Hospital
for the "Yoga 4 Kids With Cancer" Program at Rady Children's Hospital
World-First Evidence Suggests That
Meditation Alters Cancer Survivors’ Cells
Click Here for article
Research for Cancer and Mindfulness
Children With Cancer - Yoga Gives Stress Relief
October 10th, 2010 10:05 am ET
Debbie Nicholson
Detroit Alternative Medicine Examiner
Findings just published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, September/October edition reveals that yoga has the ability to ease stress in children with cancer as well as their parents. Researchers discovered that parents and adolescents showed a decline in anxiety and increased sense of well being after yoga sessions. The study was conducted at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
According to the researchers yoga is on the raise as an effective complementary therapy in adult oncology. Yoga is showing encouraging benefits for lessening symptoms of discomfort including fatigue, insomnia and mood. The researchers investigated a new area which concentrated on childhood cancer patients and their families. Acknowledging that parents also experience stress and anxiety to due to the changeableness of the disease and the agony of their children.
In this study children were between the ages of seven and twelve and did not present any alternations in their anxiety or sense of well being. However, those between the ages of thirteen and eight-teen including the parents of hospitalized children showed compelling improvement.
Teenagers did state that they felt relaxed and calmer along with the fact yoga was fun. Parents revealed even greater benefits. Parents had found the yoga sessions to be relaxing, which allowed them to stretch their muscles, strengthen bodies and relieve stress. In general they felt better about themselves and those parents who had sessions with their children had felt it aiding in bonding with their children.
Yoga provides benefits of lowering heart rate and blood pressure, improvement in circulation and oxygenation. It also provides improvement in muscle tone, pulmonary function, coordination and flexibility.
The researchers have stated that larger studies are required in order to examine the effect of yoga on other distressing patient symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea and pain.
Many parents seek out alternative treatments for their children suffering from symptoms of childhood cancer due to the fact they are natural, most effective and have minimal side effects if any. Here are some of the more popular ones used today.
Acupuncture and Acupressure - Acupuncture and acupressure are both parts of Chinese medicine. Acupressure is done by an amount of applied pressure through touch whereas acupuncture uses tiny thin needles which stimulate certain points on the body.
Acupuncture and acupressure aides in fatigue, insomnia, pain, nausea and vomiting along with other numerous side effects from cancer treatments.
The practitioner usually demonstrates on the parent first so the child can observe and not only hear from the parent it does not hurt but actually see what is going to happen. The practitioners prefer the child tells them what symptoms they are feeling this way the child feels they have more control and encourages the session further.
Chiropractic - Literature has strongly supported the use of chiropractic care for cancer patients. Musculoskeletal complaints show very favorable response along with symptoms from radiation, chemotherapy or post surgical trauma related to connective tissues and joints. Chiropractic treatments also improve physical and emotional well being of the patient along with quality of life.
If a patient has been referred from a oncologist it is almost certain that diagnostic testing such as radio graphs, imaging, bones scans have been done. If they are recent it could be enough for the chiropractor to determine if the treatments are advisable for the patient. Please note most patients with cancer seek out chiropractors on their own.
Treatment plans are determined on an individual basis. Some treatments include spinal manipulations, however in some cases non-force techniques may be used instead. Most of the time manipulations are performed manually, however in some instances adjusting instruments can be used to deliver less forceful manipulations. Soft tissue manipulation, massage, stretching and myofascial release are some other techniques that may be used.
Exercises such as walking and stretching may be given by the practitioner, these will be tailored to the individual. Physio-therapeutic modalities for pain are used by many chiropractors. These include the use of cold, heat, electric stimulation. Nutritional and supplemental counseling may also be given.
Chiropractic offers an holistic approach to care for the cancer patientby adding new types of treatments. Chiropractic care offers a wide range of treatment options which include high velocity, low force manipulation, soft tissue techniques, physical modalities, exercise and recommendations on ergonomics and ADL.
Massage Therapy - Massage will provide relief of muscle tension and stress. Studies have shown it can relieve pain in cancer patients and possibly can help with fatigue and anxiety. If you have low blood counts do not get a massage. Also, if having a massage as therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars or radiation treatment areas. If cancer is present in the bones ask therapist to use light massage.
Tia Chi- Tia Chi employs gentle movements and deep breathing. The slow movements do not require any physical strength and the exercises can be altered to your abilities.
Aromatherapy - Fragrant oils can provide a calming effect. Aromatherapy massage can be provided by a massage therapist. The oils can also be heated and released into the air. They can be applied to skin but need to be mixed with carrier oil or allergic reactions can occur. Aromatherapy may be helpful in relieving nausea, pain and stress.
Stress relieving fragrances include:
Atlas Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mandarin, Rose, Ylang Ylang
Sleeplessness and Insomnia:
Lavender, Marjoram, Geranium, Mandarin, Cardamom
Some ways to use essential oils:
One to four drops added to cold or hot water. Saturate a small cloth and dab areas of body in pain or feeling stressed.
Bath Salt
Use one drop of the following, Roman Camomile, Geranium, Lavender and Mandarin. One half cup Epsom salts or bath salts. Stir essentials oils into salt and pour under running water.
Direct Inhaling
Put a few drops on tissue or cotton ball or few drops on palm of hand then cup over the nose and mouth and inhale.
Carrier oils of olive oil, sweet almond or grape-seed are good choices. Use ten drops of essential oil to one ounce.
October 10th, 2010 10:05 am ET
Debbie Nicholson
Detroit Alternative Medicine Examiner
Findings just published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, September/October edition reveals that yoga has the ability to ease stress in children with cancer as well as their parents. Researchers discovered that parents and adolescents showed a decline in anxiety and increased sense of well being after yoga sessions. The study was conducted at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
According to the researchers yoga is on the raise as an effective complementary therapy in adult oncology. Yoga is showing encouraging benefits for lessening symptoms of discomfort including fatigue, insomnia and mood. The researchers investigated a new area which concentrated on childhood cancer patients and their families. Acknowledging that parents also experience stress and anxiety to due to the changeableness of the disease and the agony of their children.
In this study children were between the ages of seven and twelve and did not present any alternations in their anxiety or sense of well being. However, those between the ages of thirteen and eight-teen including the parents of hospitalized children showed compelling improvement.
Teenagers did state that they felt relaxed and calmer along with the fact yoga was fun. Parents revealed even greater benefits. Parents had found the yoga sessions to be relaxing, which allowed them to stretch their muscles, strengthen bodies and relieve stress. In general they felt better about themselves and those parents who had sessions with their children had felt it aiding in bonding with their children.
Yoga provides benefits of lowering heart rate and blood pressure, improvement in circulation and oxygenation. It also provides improvement in muscle tone, pulmonary function, coordination and flexibility.
The researchers have stated that larger studies are required in order to examine the effect of yoga on other distressing patient symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea and pain.
Many parents seek out alternative treatments for their children suffering from symptoms of childhood cancer due to the fact they are natural, most effective and have minimal side effects if any. Here are some of the more popular ones used today.
Acupuncture and Acupressure - Acupuncture and acupressure are both parts of Chinese medicine. Acupressure is done by an amount of applied pressure through touch whereas acupuncture uses tiny thin needles which stimulate certain points on the body.
Acupuncture and acupressure aides in fatigue, insomnia, pain, nausea and vomiting along with other numerous side effects from cancer treatments.
The practitioner usually demonstrates on the parent first so the child can observe and not only hear from the parent it does not hurt but actually see what is going to happen. The practitioners prefer the child tells them what symptoms they are feeling this way the child feels they have more control and encourages the session further.
Chiropractic - Literature has strongly supported the use of chiropractic care for cancer patients. Musculoskeletal complaints show very favorable response along with symptoms from radiation, chemotherapy or post surgical trauma related to connective tissues and joints. Chiropractic treatments also improve physical and emotional well being of the patient along with quality of life.
If a patient has been referred from a oncologist it is almost certain that diagnostic testing such as radio graphs, imaging, bones scans have been done. If they are recent it could be enough for the chiropractor to determine if the treatments are advisable for the patient. Please note most patients with cancer seek out chiropractors on their own.
Treatment plans are determined on an individual basis. Some treatments include spinal manipulations, however in some cases non-force techniques may be used instead. Most of the time manipulations are performed manually, however in some instances adjusting instruments can be used to deliver less forceful manipulations. Soft tissue manipulation, massage, stretching and myofascial release are some other techniques that may be used.
Exercises such as walking and stretching may be given by the practitioner, these will be tailored to the individual. Physio-therapeutic modalities for pain are used by many chiropractors. These include the use of cold, heat, electric stimulation. Nutritional and supplemental counseling may also be given.
Chiropractic offers an holistic approach to care for the cancer patientby adding new types of treatments. Chiropractic care offers a wide range of treatment options which include high velocity, low force manipulation, soft tissue techniques, physical modalities, exercise and recommendations on ergonomics and ADL.
Massage Therapy - Massage will provide relief of muscle tension and stress. Studies have shown it can relieve pain in cancer patients and possibly can help with fatigue and anxiety. If you have low blood counts do not get a massage. Also, if having a massage as therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars or radiation treatment areas. If cancer is present in the bones ask therapist to use light massage.
Tia Chi- Tia Chi employs gentle movements and deep breathing. The slow movements do not require any physical strength and the exercises can be altered to your abilities.
Aromatherapy - Fragrant oils can provide a calming effect. Aromatherapy massage can be provided by a massage therapist. The oils can also be heated and released into the air. They can be applied to skin but need to be mixed with carrier oil or allergic reactions can occur. Aromatherapy may be helpful in relieving nausea, pain and stress.
Stress relieving fragrances include:
Atlas Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mandarin, Rose, Ylang Ylang
Sleeplessness and Insomnia:
Lavender, Marjoram, Geranium, Mandarin, Cardamom
Some ways to use essential oils:
One to four drops added to cold or hot water. Saturate a small cloth and dab areas of body in pain or feeling stressed.
Bath Salt
Use one drop of the following, Roman Camomile, Geranium, Lavender and Mandarin. One half cup Epsom salts or bath salts. Stir essentials oils into salt and pour under running water.
Direct Inhaling
Put a few drops on tissue or cotton ball or few drops on palm of hand then cup over the nose and mouth and inhale.
Carrier oils of olive oil, sweet almond or grape-seed are good choices. Use ten drops of essential oil to one ounce.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Combines Yoga and
Nutrition in Program Designed to Complement Cancer Therapy
Ancient therapy finds new utility for young cancer patients
Released: 19-Dec-2013 3:00 PM EST
Source Newsroom: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
more news from this source
Newswise — (MEMPHIS, Tenn. – December 19, 2013) At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the centuries-old practice of yoga is combined with nutrition education to help young cancer patients manage their disease today and lay the foundation for a healthy future. The program was created by the departments of Clinical Nutrition and Rehabilitation Services.
“We’re focusing on all of the benefits of yoga, which include balance, coordination, a decrease in pain and improving quality of life,” said Jessica Sparrow of St. Jude Rehabilitation Services. An occupational therapist trained in providing yoga for children, Sparrow adds that having this special combination of yoga and nutrition as a service provided for patients is a true complement to treatment.
“Our ultimate goal is that they take this practice into their everyday lives—like breathing exercises to help with anxiety and pain,” Sparrow said. “We intend to monitor the outcomes and track the progress as evidence-based research to not only improve upon existing knowledge at St. Jude, but also to share with others.”
Sparrow worked with Danielle Doria, also of Rehabilitation Services, and Karen Smith of Clinical Nutrition to create the program’s outline. After each yoga session, patients get a lesson on healthy eating, which often includes a hands-on demonstration from a St. Jude chef.
“We focus on foods that bring patients out of their comfort zone but are also tasty and healthy,” Smith said. “The younger kids are more open-minded about trying new foods. The parents, who are present at the sessions, can see that their children are eating hummus or something they might not have thought they would try. It encourages the families to make good food choices.”
Also a licensed occupational therapist, Doria is enrolled in a special certification for yoga therapy, which will eventually allow her to expand the program to treat more medically complex patients. “We use yoga to meet the child at his or her level of strength, which is what makes this practice so perfect for the children at St. Jude,” she said. “We can alter it to fit their needs, giving them a sense of empowerment, which is important when they’re going through treatment.”
The combination program has been successful, with many of the patients using basic poses at home or even in the hospital’s hallways. “We want to offer healthy options like yoga and good nutrition so they can be healthy survivors,” Smith said.
In 2013, the hospital added a class geared to teenaged patients.
“To me, the most rewarding aspect is seeing these kids—who are going through life experiences most people don’t until later in life—gaining physical and emotional strength and changing their eating habits,” Doria observes. “It’s really empowering.”
Released: 19-Dec-2013 3:00 PM EST
Source Newsroom: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
more news from this source
Newswise — (MEMPHIS, Tenn. – December 19, 2013) At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the centuries-old practice of yoga is combined with nutrition education to help young cancer patients manage their disease today and lay the foundation for a healthy future. The program was created by the departments of Clinical Nutrition and Rehabilitation Services.
“We’re focusing on all of the benefits of yoga, which include balance, coordination, a decrease in pain and improving quality of life,” said Jessica Sparrow of St. Jude Rehabilitation Services. An occupational therapist trained in providing yoga for children, Sparrow adds that having this special combination of yoga and nutrition as a service provided for patients is a true complement to treatment.
“Our ultimate goal is that they take this practice into their everyday lives—like breathing exercises to help with anxiety and pain,” Sparrow said. “We intend to monitor the outcomes and track the progress as evidence-based research to not only improve upon existing knowledge at St. Jude, but also to share with others.”
Sparrow worked with Danielle Doria, also of Rehabilitation Services, and Karen Smith of Clinical Nutrition to create the program’s outline. After each yoga session, patients get a lesson on healthy eating, which often includes a hands-on demonstration from a St. Jude chef.
“We focus on foods that bring patients out of their comfort zone but are also tasty and healthy,” Smith said. “The younger kids are more open-minded about trying new foods. The parents, who are present at the sessions, can see that their children are eating hummus or something they might not have thought they would try. It encourages the families to make good food choices.”
Also a licensed occupational therapist, Doria is enrolled in a special certification for yoga therapy, which will eventually allow her to expand the program to treat more medically complex patients. “We use yoga to meet the child at his or her level of strength, which is what makes this practice so perfect for the children at St. Jude,” she said. “We can alter it to fit their needs, giving them a sense of empowerment, which is important when they’re going through treatment.”
The combination program has been successful, with many of the patients using basic poses at home or even in the hospital’s hallways. “We want to offer healthy options like yoga and good nutrition so they can be healthy survivors,” Smith said.
In 2013, the hospital added a class geared to teenaged patients.
“To me, the most rewarding aspect is seeing these kids—who are going through life experiences most people don’t until later in life—gaining physical and emotional strength and changing their eating habits,” Doria observes. “It’s really empowering.”