The second in a series of cancer-education presentations at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center will focus on the subject of “Guided Imagery.” The event is scheduled for 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, in the St. Dominic Room at St. Rose.
It is free and open to anyone who wants to learn about guided imagery, and how it can benefit people with cancer or other chronic illnesses.
“Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state,” said Moira Mulhern, who will lead the presentation. “It is a useful tool for lowering blood pressure, and managing stress, pain and other symptoms.”
Mulhern, Ph.D., is the cofounder and chief executive officer of Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing. Turning Point collaborates with the Midwest Cancer Alliance in making educational presentations throughout Kansas.
Guided imagery is often used as a way to get the emotional and cognitive parts of the brain communicating, Mulhern noted.
“You may have heard of people using guided imagery to relax by imagining a calming place,” she said. “People also use it to reach certain goals, such as salesmen imagining a sale or athletes imagining themselves being successful.
“We encourage anyone interested in guided imagery and its potential benefits to attend this presentation,” Mulhern commented. “It can help with overall relaxation and well-being. You will have the opportunity to learn about and experience the calming benefits of guided imagery.”
St. Rose recently became a member of the Midwest Cancer Alliance, which makes it eligible to participate in this series of Interactive Television presentations. Last month’s topic was “7 Habits of Humorously Healthy People.”
Future topics include Medicaid and Medicare, resilience, and stress and the immune system. Dates and times for these presentations will be announced.
In addition to this series of ITV programs, local Midwest Cancer Alliance benefits include: access to clinical trials, including those developed at the University of Kansas; access to cancer professionals; and access to second opinions and consultations through ITV in Great Bend.