Dr. Assikis Prescribes Cancer Wellness to Patients in Newnan

9/06/2012

Dr. Vasily J. Assikis of Peachtree Hematology Oncology Consultants (PHOC) spent last Friday afternoon addressing the concerns of local community members at the opening of the Piedmont Newnan Cancer Wellness Center. He spoke about how the number of Breast Cancer cases has decreased over the past year and how 2/3 of all people diagnosed with cancer survive. Dr. Assikis also explained that eating well, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco are the best ways to prevent cancer, or any disease for that matter. He continued by saying, “Having a genetic predisposition for cancer does not necessarily mean you will be diagnosed. By living a healthy lifestyle and surrounding yourself with a positive environment, you will improve your chances of living cancer free”. Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Hospital began in Atlanta in 2009. In July of 2010, Piedmont Fayette Hospital opened it’s doors to Cancer Wellness, extending services to the southern crescent. With a focus of offering complimentary services to everyone in the community, Cancer Wellness has certainly made a name for itself. Because patients encounter a lot of stress with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the Cancer Wellness center has strived to create an oasis for patients, family members, care givers and friends to go and escape from it all. The gamut of complimentary services offered at each location includes yoga, drumming, cooking demonstrations, support groups and counseling. Also available to patients is a professional team including nurse navigators, financial advisors, licensed message therapists and registered dieticians. Cancer Wellness in Newnan would not be possible without the dedication of Piedmont employees and support from the physicians and community at large. Pictured above, Nathan Nipper, Piedmont Newnan Hospital Chief Operating Officer, Vicki Kaiser, Piedmont Newnan Hospital Senior Director of Outpatient Services, and Tavari Taylor Brown, Cancer Wellness Coordinator, have played a huge role in preparing for the implementation of Cancer Wellness. “Although we offer wonderful classes at Cancer Wellness, the most important part of the program is helping people to make connections and receive support close to home. Through the support of the Thomas F. Chapman Foundation and numerous other donors, we are able to offer free educational classes throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area,” said Tavari. As a former patient and advocate for Cancer Wellness, Karen Chapman led her family to graciously donate to Piedmont’s Cancer Wellness Program. With their tremendous contribution, the Thomas F. Chapman Foundation has been able to fund the opening of Cancer Wellness in Newnan, Georgia. Thanks to this incredibly generous family, cancer patients will have the opportunity to attend free comprehensive wellness services for years to come. For more information about Cancer Wellness, please visit www.piedmont.org/PCC/CancerCenter.aspx. To make an appointment with Dr. Assikis, please call 770-251-2590. For more information about the practice, please visit PHOC’s website at www.phoc.com. PHOC is now on Facebook!