SHANI FOX

Naturopathic physician offers free cancer consults

By DEBORAH MOON

article created on: 2009-04-01T00:00:00

Naturopathic physician Shani Fox is offering free consultations with cancer patients on April 5, May 3 and June 7 to explain how naturopathic medicine can work in tandem with conventional medicine to enhance patients overall well-being during a stressful period.
 
Any donations received for the consultations will be given to cancer-related charities. Twenty-minute appointments are available on those days between noon and 3 p.m. by reservation.
 
Fox, a member of Kesser Israel, said she weaves Jewish spirituality into her private practice in Multnomah Village, which she opened after graduating last year from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland.
 
“Some of our most revered texts are about self-care,” said Fox. “Naturopathic medicine is about taking care of ourselves. I empower patients to do that.”
 
She noted that the 12th century Jewish physician and scholar Maimonides in Hilchot Deot wrote “instructions for the reader of how to care for themselves in every aspect of daily life. He talked about how and when to exercise. He even said eat whole flour, not refined flour.”
 
Fox said self care becomes even more important when a person is battling a serious illness.
 
“I want them to know they have choices,” said Fox of her reason for offering the free consultations. “They are not their tumor. They don’t neglect the tumor therapy, but they need to feel like partners in the healing process.”
 
Fox said she starts by listening to patients about their illness and overall lifestyle and then helps them make choices to make all aspects of their life work for them. Eating, exercise, social interactions and stress management are all areas she addresses.
 
“When I deal with a cancer patient, I work with their oncologist,” said Fox. “I communicate with the oncologist so they know what I’m doing and why.”
 
Fox said some oncologists are receptive to working with naturopaths and others are less receptive, “but all it takes is for them to see a patient flourish like they can under naturopathic care.”
 
Fox said patients learn to feel “whole, valued and safe.”
 
“There’s no guarantees with cancer of any outcome, but they will get a chance to live as full as they can in the time they have and that’s all any of us can ask for,” said Fox.
 
To schedule a consultation, call 503-501-5001. Insights to Health is at 2929 SW Multnomah Blvd., Suite 302, Portland.