Hey everyone! My name is Joanna Zeigler and I am one of the Sodexo Baltimore/DC interns. I am at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Towson, MD and I just recently completed my clinical rotation! My concentration is medical nutrition therapy, so I absolutely loved my clinical experience. However, one of my favorite experiences happened back in October, just a few weeks after starting the internship.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, St. Joseph’s definitely wanted to participate. An Integrative Therapy Fair at St. Joe’s was planned, and I was given the opportunity to help! Integrative therapy, which is making a breakthrough in many healthcare facilities, combines various therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of each individual client. While medical cancer treatments are extremely important, it is also important to keep each patient’s nutritional and mental health into consideration during this crucial time. This health fair was focused on showcasing these therapies, such as meditation, massage therapy, art therapy, Healing Touch, religious/spiritual care, and, of course, nutrition. A representative from each therapy group set up a table every Friday in October and anyone from hospital employees to patients and visitors were able to observe, ask questions, and even try out some of the therapies! There was also merchandise on sale, such as t-shirts, bracelets, and pink hair extensions to help fund the hospital’s vision for an Integrative Therapy department at St. Joe’s.
I was able to make pink earrings at the art therapy table, get a massage at massage therapy, experience Healing Touch, and practice meditation. I also had many visitors at the nutrition table and was able to explain why proper nutrition is very important while undergoing cancer treatments. This event was so much fun! I was able to learn about therapy techniques I was not familiar with and met so many inspiring cancer warriors and survivors. I looked forward to participating every Friday!
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, St. Joseph’s definitely wanted to participate. An Integrative Therapy Fair at St. Joe’s was planned, and I was given the opportunity to help! Integrative therapy, which is making a breakthrough in many healthcare facilities, combines various therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of each individual client. While medical cancer treatments are extremely important, it is also important to keep each patient’s nutritional and mental health into consideration during this crucial time. This health fair was focused on showcasing these therapies, such as meditation, massage therapy, art therapy, Healing Touch, religious/spiritual care, and, of course, nutrition. A representative from each therapy group set up a table every Friday in October and anyone from hospital employees to patients and visitors were able to observe, ask questions, and even try out some of the therapies! There was also merchandise on sale, such as t-shirts, bracelets, and pink hair extensions to help fund the hospital’s vision for an Integrative Therapy department at St. Joe’s.
I was able to make pink earrings at the art therapy table, get a massage at massage therapy, experience Healing Touch, and practice meditation. I also had many visitors at the nutrition table and was able to explain why proper nutrition is very important while undergoing cancer treatments. This event was so much fun! I was able to learn about therapy techniques I was not familiar with and met so many inspiring cancer warriors and survivors. I looked forward to participating every Friday!
