Help for Cancer Patients and their Families

A diagnosis of cancer can turn a person's life upside-down. Whether it's a personal battle, or the diagnosis of a loved one, cancer touches us in our deepest places and brings us face-to-face with issues of illness, insecurity, pain, survival, mortality and other unspoken fears.

In response, Dean Health System offers professional mental health support for individuals and their family members who are dealing with cancer. Services are based at the Dean Hematology & Oncology Clinic in Madison.

Our cancer support (Psycho-oncology) services include:
• Stress-management support groups for women in various stages of breast cancer and treatment.
• Support groups for people with all types of cancer, and their family members.
• Individual and family therapy for cancer-related issues including depression, pain management, anger management, and more.
• The assistance of a Social Worker who can connect cancer patients and their families with community resources for additional support.
Learn more about Dean Psycho-Oncology Services

“Many patients and their family members find it valuable to have a professional available to talk with and help them develop strategies to improve their ability to cope during this difficult time,” says Dean Psychologist and Psycho-oncology Specialist Janice Cain, PhD. “Seeing a mental health provider is not a sign of weakness. It means that you are rallying the support you need to cope with a difficult situation for which no other experience in your life has prepared you.”

For more information, please call the Dean Hematology & Oncology Clinic at (608) 410-2700.

Other Resources:
Dean Mental Health Services
Dean Oncology & Hematology Services

Premature Births

Premature births have been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. In 2005, more than 525,000 infants were born prematurely, the highest number ever reported for the United States. Prematurity is also the leading cause of death of America's newborns.

It is very difficult to predict which women will deliver prematurely. Doctors know that certain women are at higher risk of premature delivery, including women who have had a previous premature birth, those with twins or other multiples, and women with certain uterine or cervical abnormalities. But there are still no tests that can accurately predict premature birth.
Learn more about prematurity.

While there is no magic formula for creating a healthy baby or preventing prematurity, if you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, there are a few things you can do to to give your baby a healthy head start:
• Get early and regular prenatal care. Early care will help identify any risk factors and help achieve the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
• Take prenatal vitamins with extra folic acid before conception and during pregnancy to help prevent certain birth defects.
• Pay attention to your overall health. Eat a healthy diet, get appropriate exercise, and get plenty of rest. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs.

MARCH FOR BABIES - JANESVILLE, DEAN RIVERVIEW CLINIC, MAY 3

Dean Health System is a proud sponsor of the 2008 Janesville March for Babies (formerly March of Dimes). The walk will begin at 8:30am on Saturday, May 3, at Dean Riverview Clinic, 580 N. Washington St, Janesville. This event is part of a national fundraising and awareness effort dedicated to reducing prematurity and giving every baby a healthy start.
Participate in a March for Babies event in your area.

Folate and Folic Acid

Everyone needs folate! Folate is an important B vitamin (B9) found in food sources. Folic acid is the form of folate in vitamin supplements. Folate and folic acid are important for brain health, the production of healthy red blood cells and oxygen circulation. Folate and folic acid are also important for the healthy growth of an unborn baby's spine and brain.

Foods rich in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas and nuts. Enriched breads, cereals and other grain products also contain folic acid. The recipes below feature simple and elegant recipes that are high in folate.

Get Recipes:
Cauliflower with Turmeric & Cilantro
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Sunshine Shake