What is GHC-SCW’s Cancer Wellness Program?

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is pioneering a wellness program that focuses on those living with cancer from the time of diagnosis, through medical treatment and beyond to survivorship, aiming to provide support that focuses on the whole person and not only the disease.

The program promotes the creation of a personal healing plan that incorporates lifestyle changes, mind-body interventions and quality medical care. Such a plan empowers patients to become active participants in their care, changing their experience with the disease and improving health outcomes.

GHC-SCW’s Cancer Wellness Program offers:

Oncology Massage Therapy: Massage is beneficial in boosting the body’s natural ability to heal and reducing side effects of cancer and its treatments. It can re-establish and enhance a sense of well-being. Our staff is knowledgeable about the special requirements of people with cancer. They are trained to provide bodywork that is attentive, nurturing, effective and safe.

One-on-one Meetings with a Cancer Guide: A Cancer Guide is a personal companion and resource whose role is to help patients navigate choices related to their care from a whole-person perspective. The Guide assists patients and their families in developing greater awareness of their emotional, spiritual, and functional needs and in addressing them effectively.

Mind/Body/Spirit Skills Groups for Health and Well-Being: These groups are designed to help participants not only survive, but thrive. T he groups offer an opportunity for exploring attitudes and beliefs and how they affect us. Participants develop skills such as meditation, movement, and visualization, while learning about healthy lifestyle choices including nutrition and exercise. The group setting allows participants to benefit from collective wisdom and mutual support.

Cancer Wellness Program Coordinator

Efrat Livny is the Cancer Wellness Program coordinator and practitioner. She is a Certified Massage Therapist and has special training in oncology massage, as a Cancer Guide and as a group facilitator. Efrat, herself a cancer survivor, provides people living with cancer personal support based on their needs and challenges. In her own journey and her work with patients, Efrat has found that cancer can become a portal for self discovery, better self-care and a deeper connection with life. She promotes healing “from the inside out”.

What are people saying?

“Efrat helped me explore my thoughts and feelings about cancer. I was able to face my anxiety and transform my perspective and feelings.” - Suzanne K., family member of cancer survivor

“She has become a friend andmentor, offering me clear sighted, wise guidance on my new path of life after being diagnosed with cancer. Efrat is able to decipher some of my dilemmas and offer me concise well thought-out advice with warmth and considerable wisdom and vision.” - Sandra S., living with lymphoma

“Efrat has become my guide to better health and more joyous living. She has helped me negotiate my way through a process that has turned a life-threatening illness into a life-changing opportunity.” - Susan H., living with rheumatoid arthritis

Class Available:

Mind/Body/Spirit Skills Group for People with Cancer or Other Health Challenges

This group, lead by Efrat Livny, provides a forum for experiential learning of skills that can transform life and health by reducing stress, increasing vitality and changing life habits. The support of a group can enhance a sense of connection and well-being. Mind/Body/Spirit Groups meet once a week for 8 weeks. For a schedule and location of upcoming groups, or for an appointment with a Cancer Guide or a massage session, call (608) 662-5090 or visit www.GHC-hmo.com.

To register, call (608) 662-5090

*GHC-SCW Members: Cancer Wellness Services and Classes are subject to the GHC-SCW Benefit. Please visit www.GHC-hmo.com or call (608) 662-5090 for more information.

Cancer Wellness Services, along with all other Complementary and Wellness Services, are available to GHC-SCW members and the general public. Services are available at Capitol and Sauk Trails Clinics.