Wellness Awareness Month

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August is Wellness Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of both physical and emotional well-being. This month serves as a powerful reminder that wellness extends beyond mere absence of illness; it encompasses a holistic approach to health that supports both the body and mind.

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Physical wellness is often the most visible aspect of health, involving regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.However, emotional wellness is equally critical, involving mental resilience,emotional balance, and a supportive social network.

For cancer patients, maintaining wellness can be particularly challenging. The physical toll of treatment, coupled with emotional stress, can make it difficult to adhere to healthy habits. Emotional well-being is also at risk as they navigate anxiety, depression, and the uncertainty of their health journey.

Caregivers, too, face their own set of challenges. They dedicate themselves to the well-being of their loved ones, often putting their own needs on the back burner. The demands of caregiving—emotional strain,physical exhaustion, and financial burdens—can lead to burnout if caregivers neglect their own wellness.

Prioritizing wellness is a necessity for sustaining the energy and emotional strength required for effective caregiving. Simple practices like regular breaks, maintaining social connections, and seeking professional support can help caregivers manage stress and prevent burnout.

One volunteer that values both physical and emotional wellness is our volunteer, Pat Schagrin. Pat has been a CanCare volunteer for 2years. She serves as a hospital volunteer at Memorial Hermann and has the opportunity to help bring hope to both patients who are going through treatment and caregivers who are supporting their loved ones.

Pat has had over 500 interactions with patients and caregivers this year. She brings laughter and joy to those that she meets and shares the importance of a positive attitude and listening ear to other volunteers. Pat cared for both of her sisters who were diagnosed with leukemia and breast cancer.

Pat understands the need that caregivers feel to sacrifice and dedicate everything to ensure that their loved one is cared for and prioritize their loved one’s wellness without prioritizing their own. “Her diagnosis of ALL was the most difficult challenge and experience of my life. I know I got through it through prayer, wishing, and hoping.”

Pat practices wellness through her weekly exercise routines to build her physical strength and taking time to change her scenery for relaxation self-reflection.

Pat also finds value in protecting her emotional wellness so that she has the ability to bring joy to others. “I love meeting all the patients and I care deeply for them and the emotional experiences they face. I have learned that I can’t take it home with me.”

Pat practices emotional wellness through shifting her thoughts to focus on the rejuvenating herself so that she can return with the strength to help others.

Wellness Awareness Month underscores the need for a balanced approach to health. For both cancer patients and caregivers, integrating physical and emotional wellness practices into daily life can foster resilience and improve quality of life.

By recognizing and addressing these needs, we can better support those navigating the challenges of cancer, encouraging wellness as a priority for everyone involved.