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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 536-1120 | |
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November 21 , 2006 | |
Celebrating Yourself Is the Goal of Look Good . . . Feel Better Program Offered by Speare Memorial Hospital | |
| PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- The holiday season is rapidly approaching and every woman aims to look her best for festive gatherings with family and friends—especially women dealing with the side effects of cancer treatments. To help women have confidence with their appearance, Speare Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, will offer the Look Good…Feel Better program for women diagnosed with cancer on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rooke Family Conference Room at SMH. There is no charge for this event, but advance registration is required and can be made by calling 603-238-6442. Refreshments and gifts will be provided for all attendees. | |
| Cancer survivors who participate in the Look Good…Feel Better program, a partnership of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Foundation and the American Cancer Society, learn to use makeup and skin care techniques to overcome the side effects associated with cancer, including hair loss and changes to the skin and nails. On top of the physical and emotional concerns of the disease itself, these side effects of treatment can be devastating to a woman’s self-esteem. “Look Good…Feel Better is as much about maintaining self image and confidence as it is about appearance,” says SMH Social Worker Kathy Wieliczko. “It is a nice way for women to pamper themselves, spend time with other survivors and enjoy a relaxing evening of rejuvenation. And with all the holiday gift giving, why not give yourself a gift.” | |
| Local response to Look Good . . . Feel Better events has been extremely positive. Kim MacKay, director of Social Services at Speare Memorial Hospital says, “Women who have attended the Look Good…Feel Better dates at Speare have a wonderful time, receive beautiful gifts, and always leave looking and feeling great. The Look Good . . . Feel Better program is open to all women with a cancer diagnosis—the point in their cancer journey when they feel ready for a makeover varies with each individual. Some women are newly diagnosed, some are in the middle of their chemo regimen, and still others have completed their treatment.” | |
| In 1998 Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., conducted a survey of oncologists and female cancer patients in hopes of examining the non-medical effects of cancer: the emotional, social and appearance side-effects that can result from surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. They found that 82 percent of the female cancer patients reported changes to their physical appearance as well as experienced emotional changes. The diagnosis and treatment of cancer in women can leave patients feeling redefined and insecure in their appearance, leading to poor self-esteem and lack of confidence. This same study found 75 percent of the oncologists surveyed reported that the non-medical supports to women with cancer were very effective in improving their confidence and life satisfaction. | |
| One of the goals of the Look Good . . . Feel Better program at SMH is to treat every woman in attendance with undivided attention and pampering. “From the moment you walk into Speare you can expect to be cared for and doted on,” says MacKay. “You will be greeted at the door, there will be someone to bring you refreshments, you’ll find help with opening and exploring all of your cosmetic packages, and of course a caring and talented cosmetologist to enhance your beauty with a complete make over. We’ll even help you carry your gift bags to the car.” | |
| For questions or to register for the next Look Good…Feel Better program, please call Kim MacKay or Kathy Wieliczko with Speare Memorial Hospital’s Department of Social Services at 238-2216 or 238-6442. | |
| Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth, and the communities of central New Hampshire, for more than a century. | |
| Michele Barney Hutchins Director of Community Relations Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 238-6468 mhutchins@spearehospital.com |