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Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer and the Prevention and Research Center at Mercy Medical Center Receive Komen Grant for "Be Well, Stay Healthy"

BALTIMORE, MD (March 6, 2007) — Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer and The Prevention and Research Center at Mercy have received a two-year grant from the Maryland Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to initiate a clinical program, “Be Well, Stay Healthy,” to aid women in relieving persistent fatigue which often follows breast cancer treatment and can be debilitating.

The proposed new clinical initiative is a support program involving mind-body medicine, positive psychology and a holistic health care approach administered at the transition point from “patient” to “survivor.” A previous research study funded by the national research program of Susan G. Komen for the Cure demonstrated that this approach  reduces symptoms of fatigue among breast cancer survivors and help them make sustained healthy lifestyle changes.

Following on the heels of study groups which helped shape the new clinical program, “Be Well, Stay Healthy” will be offered to women after completion of their surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy and will be made accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

“This grant from the Maryland Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure allows us to take what we’ve learned from the research program to the next step, and integrate it into clinical practice,” Dr. Helzlsouer said.

The program uses proven cognitive behavioral techniques to help women adopt self-care strategies that promote health through stress reduction via the relaxation response, improved nutrition and incorporation of regular exercise into daily life.

Dr. Helzlsouer noted that interventions in the past have focused on the acute fatigue that occurs during breast cancer treatment or one merely one component of fatigue, such as sleep disturbance or lack of exercise.

“Fatigue is a complex, multi-dimensional symptom with several potential contributing factors. Pain, sleep disturbance, depression, menopausal symptoms and decreased physical activity are associated with fatigue. This complex relationship of symptoms call for a broad-based treatment regimen and the ‘Be Well, Stay Healthy’ clinical program provides just that,” Dr. Helzlsouer said.

Women in the Komen grant-funded “Be Well, Stay Healthy” clinical program will receive an assessment of their current symptoms, determine if conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms (e.g. hypothyroidism, anemia, etc) are addressed; determine baseline nutritional and physical activity levels and assist the patient in creating program goals.

Participants will take part in 10 sessions that include exercise, yoga, nutrition counseling, relaxation techniques and new ways to begin to make healthy life style changes.

“Women will have an individualized consultation with an experienced nurse practitioner and behavioral therapist. The members of our team received clinical training in the Mind Body Medicine Program developed and taught at Harvard University’s Mind Body Institute and were the core members of the research study team to evaluate the program,” Dr. Helzlsouer said.