Positive Reinforcement: Women’s Wellness Series for All New York Area Breast Cancer Patients

Support groups are here to support, helping groups of people in similar situations. Too many support groups conjure up images of people sharing information about their issues; sometimes offering a shoulder to cry on and in return—creating good karma. Yet, what about a “wellness group” that offers positive and affirming support, where your healing and that of your loved ones, is a purpose reinforced by the program? That’s exactly what Kris Smith, Practice Administrator of the Clinical Breast Program and Eileen Z. Fuentes Administrative Manager for the Department of Medicine accomplished. Salsa dancing was taught to members of the Women’s Wellness group by sisters, Kristal and Katherine Jimenez of Combinacion Perfecta, during the most recent group meeting.

Creating positive experiences that focus on more than one issue of breast health, including nutrition; general wellness; and exercise, Kris Smith and Eileen Fuentes launched the Women’s Wellness Series in celebration of this year’s October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This important event took the form of salsa dancing. Not be topped by the dancing, future meetings include art therapy, yoga, and even Zumba. The outside guests teaching these life-affirming skills are not just simply bystanders; many are breast cancer survivors themselves, having had first-hand experience on the effects of a breast cancer diagnosis. Like life, not everything at the Woman’s Wellness Series is a dance lesson. Similar to quality of life aims, the Women’s Wellness Series exists to provide a strengthening and positive experience in the fight against breast cancer. One attendee confided that she has learned more from this group than from doctors, especially since the program’s “wellness” focus supports her ambition of living her life as normal as possible, despite her recent diagnosis of breast cancer.

The current Wellness Series is in session until the end of February and meets every Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Attendees from outside of the NYP/Columbia audience are more than welcome to join. So, get your notebooks and workout clothes ready and contact Kris Smith at 212-342-3911 or ks2666@columbia.edu for more information. There is no charge for this series.

Related Link:
Uptown Collective: The Elixer – Wellness Warriors

Tagged as: breast, cancer, support