OncoHelp Timisoara restarts “Self-care Hour” for oncology patients TIMPOLIS

OncoHelp Association – OncoHelp Oncology Center Timisoara announces the resumption of a unique project in Romania: Self-care time. Self-care, OncoHelp specialists explain, can be defined as the ability of cancer patients to manage their own health and well-being during treatment and recovery, making informed decisions and taking an active role in the medical care process.

“More than simply administering prescribed treatments, self-care means being aware of one’s own needs, meeting them responsibly, and taking the necessary steps to maintain or improve quality of life. Self-care also means working closely with the medical team, openly communicating concerns and questions, and actively participating in the decision-making process regarding treatment and medical care.” the OncoHelp specialists explain.

All of these are part of the program Self-care timestarted two years ago, within the OncoHelp Association – OncoHelp Oncology Center Timișoara.

For eight weeks, 13 specialists from the OncoHelp Association will address topics related to managing symptoms and side effects of treatments, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in activities that provide emotional and social support. These include the presentation of a practical guide to coping with oncological disease and lifestyle recommendations in the context of cancer. At the same time, it will be discussed about movement and physical therapy in the self-care routine, but also about the importance of music in oncological disease. Another topic will be related to alternative therapies in the treatment of cancer and the importance of correct information, but a separate topic, “Travel and Cancer”, will also be discussed. Soul self-care is another particularly important topic in the context of an oncological disease. Last but not least, medical topics will be addressed, including the management of lymphedema.

Through these weekly meetings, patients are invited to rediscover themselves, to learn about health, courage, self-determination, to understand the transformations brought by the disease and how to manage them, says Dr. Dana Nagy, head of the Palliative Care Department at the OncoHelp Timișoara Oncology Center.

Alexandra Rebeca Mihocpsychologist at OncoHelp Timișoara, says that Self-care time it is a time when patients can learn how to manage their illness, both physically and psychologically, and how to feel more in control of a very difficult time in their lives. “It seems to me that the closeness to each other and the informal space that is formed during self-care hours are like a breath of fresh air in moments of balance and great worries. We welcome both patients and relatives to join us during these meetings“, says Alexandra Rebeca Mihoc.

Through this project, explains Prof. dr. Black Sherbanpresident of the OncoHelp Association – OncoHelp Oncology Center, an environment conducive to the exchange of experiences and strengthening of ties between patients and specialists, as well as between those in the same situation, is created: “It is an important step towards personalized healthcare, where the patient is at the center of attention and is encouraged to take an active role in their own care and recovery. “Self-Care Hour” is not just a program, but a community where each participant feels accepted, supported and encouraged to follow their own path to health and happiness. It is an example of solidarity and empathy, bringing light and hope to the lives of those facing difficult medical challenges.”

The first meeting in the framework Self-care hours will take place on May 7. Scheduling for enrollment in this project and obtaining more information can be done at the phone number 0723 443 883 or at the e-mail address: [email protected].