Northwell’s Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow has launched an enhanced Health and Wellness Center for oncology patients, a state-of-the-art, 850-square-foot facility designed to elevate holistic supportive care.
The donor-funded center – on the second floor of the Phelps Cancer Center, part of Northwell’s network of cancer care and bid to become Westchester County’s premier destination for cancer treatment — integrates a comprehensive suite of services, including its newest offering, exercise oncology, all aimed at buoying patients throughout their journey by fostering physical, emotional and mental well-being.
The expanded Health and Wellness Center is strategically located adjacent to Phelps’ infusion center to provide a compassionate, welcoming environment for individuals recently diagnosed with cancer, currently in treatment or thriving as survivors.
“The launch of our new Health and Wellness Center marks a pivotal moment for Northwell’s Phelps Hospital and our oncology patients,” said Beata Mastalerz, president of Phelps Hospital. “It embodies our deep commitment to treating the whole person, not just the disease. By integrating comprehensive supportive therapies alongside cutting-edge medical treatments, we empower our patients to navigate their cancer journey with resilience and an enhanced quality of life, right here in their community.”
The innovative exercise oncology program is designed to help cancer patients and survivors safely improve strength, endurance, flexibility and overall well-being during and after treatment. Led by trained rehabilitation and wellness professionals, the program provides exercise sessions tailored to each participant’s abilities and recovery goals, helping to reduce fatigue, improve mobility and build confidence.
A treatment room in Phelps Hospital’s new Health and Wellness Center.
The program and its services are available to individuals diagnosed with cancer whose physician is affiliated with Northwell Health. Patients receive eight wellness sessions with a Northwell Health-affiliated physician, gaining access to tailored supportive services for all phases of their experience.
The center also provides a broad range of other holistic support services, including:
- Acupuncture;
- Art and music therapy;
- Energy healing (Reiki);
- Gentle touch massage;
- Meditation;
- Mindful wellness, including visits with a psychiatrist or psychologist and support groups;
- Nutritional support with a registered dietitian;
- Yoga.
To ensure continued support beyond their initial complimentary sessions, patients are connected with community resources and Northwell’s specialized programs like the evidence-based lifestyle medicine program led by Keyur Thakar, M.D., director of medical oncology at Phelps. This physician-led program provides patients with scientifically backed strategies for sustainable health, focusing on key pillars like exercise, diet, sleep, stress management and fostering healthy social networks.
Phelps also champions its integrative wellness therapies by offering Reiki trainings to staff, with many incorporating the practice into their personal and professional lives.
“This Reiki class gave me the opportunity to work on myself and others through this healing and holistic practice,” said Eileen Peterson, an oncology infusion nurse at Phelps Hospital. “I truly enjoyed the training and found it equipped me with an additional tool to further support our patients. I continue my self-practice and offer it to patients in our oncology infusion area, which I believe is wonderful and a very positive offering for patients.”
As a safe, gentle and noninvasive complementary therapy, clinical studies suggest, Reiki promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety and can help alleviate pain by activating the body’s natural healing capacities. This focus on integrating proven holistic modalities reflects a growing body of research demonstrating the significant benefits of complementary health therapies in improving patient outcomes, particularly in oncology settings, by enhancing comfort, reducing treatment side effects and supporting overall quality of life.
Northwell’s Phelps Hospital is a full-service, 218-bed acute care community hospital with more than 1,700 employees and 1,400-plus medical staff members representing 60 medical specialties,
For more on the Health and Wellness Center, click here.
