Speakers Bureau

Presentation: “How to Do a Self-Breast Exam”

Objective: To show the correct technique to perform a breast exam correctly and to be able to recognize changes in the breast in order to have it looked at early by a professional.

Speaker: Michelle Bregenzer, APN has been a registered nurse for the past 12 years and has specialized in oncology for 10 years. She is an employee of Midwestern Regional Medical Center in the Aftercare Program. Michelle just graduated with her Masters degree in nursing. Her goal is to educate the community on prevention of cancer and other health risks. Her special interest is in Women's Health, and hopes to inform women about the importance of self-exams.

Presentation: “What Is Cancer and How Do We Treat It?”

Objectives:

• Have a basic understanding of cancer
• Understand the 3 goals of cancer treatments
• Understand the different types of cancer treatment options
• Understand the process of monitoring cancer treatments

Speaker: Christine Varsek, RN, BSN, OCN has 6 years of oncology nursing experience including hospital care, chemotherapy and biotherapy administration, patient and staff education and is currently a case manager at Cancer Treatment Center of America. She is a trainer for the Oncology Nursing Society's Chemotherapy and Biotherapy course and an instructor for the American Red Cross CPR classes. She has taught classes for oncology patients and families on the basics of cancer and side effect management.

Presentation: “Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage”

Summary: This presentation is designed to provide information for those seeking a resource for information about massage therapy. This information will be presented as a user-friendly reference for any participant with an interest in alternative treatments. Subjects covered will include history, indications and contraindications, special populations, and wellness education.

Objectives: The participant should leave the presentation with a general sense of having some of the following questions answered.

• What is massage therapy?
• Is massage safe for me?
• How can I incorporate massage into my lifestyle?

Speaker: Dorion Simmons, LMT offers a unique blend of massage modalities in a safe and peaceful setting at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. In addition to his hospital based practice, Dorion is an instructor of Tai’ Chi Fundamentals and a guest teacher for continuing education at the Wisconsin Institute of Natural Wellness from where he graduated in 2000. Passionate about massage and bodywork, he is also soon to complete his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, in Racine Wisconsin. He is also a participant in many community health fairs and wellness programs. He is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Presentation 1: “Naturopathic Medicine and Cancer Prevention”

Objectives:

• Identify known general risk factors for cancer (smoking, etc)
• Identify general approaches to decreasing risk (smoking cessation, etc)
• Identify easy to implement interventions to decrease risk (drinking green tea, calcium and magnesium to help prevent colon cancer, etc)

What the audience will learn:

• Be able to identify general risk factors for cancer
• Know what general approaches may decrease risk
• Learn about some basic interventions to help decrease risk

Presentation 2: “Naturopathic Medicine and Diabetes”

Objectives:

• Identify risk factors for development of diabetes
• Identify general approaches to decreasing risk/managing existing diabetes
• Identify easy to implement approaches that may help manage diabetes or decrease risk

What the audience will learn:

• Be able to identify risk factors for development of diabetes
• Know what general approaches may decrease risk or improve management of diabetes
• Learn about some basic interventions that may help decrease risk or help manage existing diabetes

Available Speakers:

Lise Alschuler, ND is currently the director of the naturopathic medicine department at Midwestern Regional Medical Center - Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL. She was formerly the clinic medical director of the Bastyr University Center for Natural Health in Seattle, WA. Dr. Alschuler was also an associate professor at Bastyr University. She has been a practicing naturopathic physician for 10 years. She has lectured about herbal and naturopathic medicine nationally and internationally. She has also authored many articles in professional and popular press publications. Dr. Alschuler serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is the President of the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Julie Martin, ND is a staff Naturopath for Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. Before being employed at CTCA she maintained a private practice in Lake Forest Illinois and has worked with the integrative medicine group, American Whole Health in Evanston, Illinois. She has had private practices in Cincinnati, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri, working in the field of Naturopathic Medicine since 1985. Julie received her naturopathic training from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, the oldest accredited naturopathic program in the nation. At that time she also studied acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, and as well spent time training in natural childbirth with midwifes in the Portland Oregon area. She has a massage certification from the National Massage Institute in Oakland, California.

Shauna Birdsall, ND is a naturopathic medicine consultant in the Department of Naturopathic Medicine for Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. She is a graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed a residency in Naturopathic Medicine and Oncology at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. She has given presentations on topics of natural medicine and cancer prevention.

Lidia Dounaevskaia ND is a naturopathic medicine consultant in the department of naturopathic medicine at Midwestern Regional Medical Center – Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine located in Portland, Oregon. She completed a two-year residency specializing in Naturopathic Medicine and Oncology. She is a member of American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Society of Integrative Oncology, and Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Aminah Asby, ND received her naturopathic doctorate from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in Bridgeport, CT in June 2004. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia in June 1996. Dr. Ashby is currently completing a 2-year residency at Midwestern Regional Medical Center-Cancer Treatment Centers of America where she acts as a naturopathic consultant. Dr. Ashby has given presentations on natural medicine at Midwestern Regional Medical Center and within communities in Pretoria, South Africa.

Chad Aschtgen, ND is a naturopathic medicine consultant in the Department of Naturopathic Medicine for Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. He recently graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington and is currently completing a residency in naturopathic oncology. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Presentation: “Nutritional Therapies for Cancer Survivors”

Objectives:

• Participants will learn about the key nutritional factors that may boost immunity, support overall recovery and increase chances for optimal recovery.
• Participants will learn about dietary habits that may hinder health recovery.

Speaker: Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD is a registered dietitian with advanced degrees in clinical and holistic nutrition. She is the author of Challenge Cancer and Win! and currently serves as Director of Holistic Nutrition Services at Cancer Resource Center.

Presentation 1: “Developing Daily Innovation”

Summary: The opportunity for innovation is all around us every day if you look for it. Most people settle for complacency. Learn how to make innovation and excellence the rule rather than the exception.

Presentation 2: “Cancer Survivorship – the Journey of a Lifetime”

Summary: There are more than 10 million cancer survivors in the U.S. and over half of them will experience side effects or effects that may not appear until years later. Learn how to monitor these issues and discover what you can do to take control.

Speaker: Tom Lay has over twenty years’ of experience developing and implementing advanced market and business strategies for health care and consumer business. He is currently the Assistant Vice President of the Aftercare Program at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. His work has been nationally recognized for quality, creativity, and innovation as well as for outstanding contribution to the bottom line. Tom’s enthusiasm is contagious when it comes to talking about innovation and health care.

Presentation 1: “Keys to an Effective Presentation”

Objective: Simple, practical tips and demonstrations that will immediately help you become a better presenter.

Presentation 2: “Developing an Effective Corporate Newsletter PART I”

Objective: Whether you have the talent in-house, or especially if you plan on outsourcing your corporate newsletter, this session will help give you focus for a newsletter that will benefit your business and your customers.

Presentation 3: “Creating an Effective Corporate Newsletter PART II”

Objective: Don't have the funds to outsource a corporate newsletter? This session will give you the helpful advice you need to develop an effective newsletter with the talent you already have on staff.

Speaker: Neal Tucker is an accomplished speaker with degrees in English, communication arts and drama/speech. He has conducted numerous seminars throughout the Midwest on various cancer-related subjects. He has also taught classes and given seminars on tips for delivering an effective presentation. Drawing on his well-rounded background in publishing, he writes, photographs, designs and edits Cancer Fighter, a quarterly magazine for patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He is currently Communications Director for Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois.

Presentation: “Our Journey of Hope”

Objective: The goals for his outreach ministry take into account the social realm, aiming to develop a sense of responsibility purpose, and pride especially among young people.

Speaker: Rev. Percy W. McCray has been the Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, Zion, IL since 1997. As a fully ordained minister, he is a member of the United States Chaplain Association (USCA) and is an Executive Board Member for Eternal Light Ministries in Chicago. In addition, he is the founder and now retired pastor of VALOR Faith Ministries in Zion, Illinois and is active in many outreach programs throughout the region. Rev. McCray, has ministered to celebrities, dignitaries, and political leaders throughout the country as a motivational and inspirational speaker. He is an author who has been featured on and in national and local TV, newspapers, and magazines. Rev. McCray most recently opened the National Republican Party prayer breakfast in N.Y. City in 2004. He has been twice honored as one of the “ Most influential African Americans in Lake County" by the People's Voice newspaper, of North Chicago. Rev. McCray’s constant mandate rests within his commitment that in order for God's people to experience health, healing and wholeness, “We must create an atmosphere that is conducive for that to happen by empowering and encouraging people to believe that they have a Right, Reason, and a Resource through God for such!”

Learn about and experience first hand the healthy benefits of laughter as a form of physical exercise (rather than laughter based on jokes or comedy). It’s fun, contagious, and a good way to reduce stress and improve quality of life!

All of these speakers are employees of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. As Certified Laughter Leaders through the World Laughter Tour, they have all been trained to lead Laughter Clubs and to understand and teach others about the physical and psychological health benefits of laughter.

Speakers: 9 Laughter Coaches are available