OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center are now offering complimentary services from Kalpana Reddy, a certified yoga therapist and empowerment life coach, and Shelby Connelly, a licensed acupuncturist.

Complementary therapies, like acupuncture, meditation and yoga are sometimes used in combination with other cancer treatments to help control physical and stress-related side effects. Services are tailored to match each individual’s needs and circumstances. Complementary support offers a caring approach that embodies the “whole” of a patient, encompassing the mind, body and spirit.

Reddy is a native of India and lived in Malone for 37 years. She has been involved in community service since 1989, supporting patients through grief, loss and transition. She worked for Hospice of the North Country as their bereavement coordinator from 1999 to 2001.

She is the founder and director of the Alice Hyde Medical Center's Wholistic Care Center. She provides services including meditation and relaxation techniques achieved by practicing breath focus. Guided imagery and hands-on healing therapies that help patients tap into the body’s natural healing ability will also be offered.

Connelly, state-licensed acupuncturist, has worked for Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center for over 12 years and recently began treating patients at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center. She resides in Colton with her husband and three sons where she has a private practice and will soon have a wellness retreat center, “Five Elements Living.” She brings 15 years' experience in the Asian healing art of acupuncture. She specializes in pain management, addiction detoxification and facial rejuvenation. She holds a bachelor’s Degree in psychology from SUNY Potsdam and a master's in acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Connelly provides acupuncture treatments to patients on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Cancer Center.

Info: 393-2314 or www.claxtonhepburn.org/cancer