Stress reduction classes offered for cancer patients

An eight-week comprehensive MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction course will be offered free of charge to cancer patients and their family members from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 25 through Nov. 13 at the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village.

The classes will be led by veteran yoga and stress reduction teachers Catherine Baum and Anne Gessert. For registration, call (805) 379-4777.

The course is based on Jon KabatZinn's program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center as described in his book "Full Catastrophe Living" and featured on Bill Moyers' "Healing and the Mind."

The full program, which normally costs $600, is offered free of charge three times a year to Wellness Community participants and their support people. An optional "Day of Meditation" all-day retreat is also included.

"Over the years of teaching this course, I have seen the positive effect that stress reduction and relaxation can offer participants who continue to practice the techniques they have learned in the classes," Baum said. "Self-awareness, another benefit of mindfulness practice, helps one to live in the moment, which is so important to people living with cancer."

Baum studied with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Stress Reduction and Relaxation Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. She has taught and groups at the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura for more than nine studied hatha yoga for a number of years and teaches the stress reduction program at a variety of locations in Ventura County.

Gessert has facilitated support years and has taught the stress reduction class for seven years.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is dedicated to providing free support and education to people affected by cancer.