Breast Cancer Survivors Learn Healthy Stress Response

The Hillcrest Valenova, an overnight spa in Ontario, launches wellness retreats 3 nights in length that help breast cancer survivors and their supporters choose healthy responses to the stress of critical illness. During the retreat, guests participate in a customized workshop and individual Stress Management session delivered by Robin Dines, Stress and Wellness Consultant.

“By helping women understand their unique ‘stresstype’, or way of responding to stressful situations, they can take action to build a healthier response to everyday stresses. The physical benefits are immediate—deeper breathing, increased mental focus and a more confident, optimistic outlook on life, even during the most critical of illnesses,” comments Dines.

The Strength by retreat is built upon twenty years of clinical research on the Body Age which is conducted across the globe. The Body Age studies, founded on the principles of Dr. Hans Seyle and carried out by Dr. Richard Earle of The Canadian Institute of Stress, showed that of 3000 participants, body age was reduced by 11 years on average. In addition, participants increased their “Vitality Quotient”, which indicates the extent to which one enjoys optimal health and participates in a full life.

Stress on rise among Irag veterans

About one-third of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seeking medical treatment, report symptoms of Stress or other mental disorders -- a tenfold increase in the last 18 months, according to a study.

The dramatic jump in cases -- coming as more troops face multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan -- has triggered concern among some veterans' groups the agency may not be able to meet the demand. According to them veterans have had to deal with long waits for doctor appointments, staffing shortages and lack of equipment at medical centres run by the Veterans Affairs Department.