wellness
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The Courage
To Endure
reast cancer is the sec-
ond-leading cause of
cancer deaths in women
today.
According to the American Cancer
Society, about 1.3 million
women will be diagnosed
annually. Although breast
cancer rates are rising,
death from the disease is
gratefully decreasing as a
result of improved screen-
ing and treatment.
Recently, I had the
incredible opportunity to
travel out East and train
with three amazing women
who have developed a
12-week breast cancer
survivors fitness program.
It is the only program available today
approved by the American Council of
Exercise to rehabilitate women recov-
ering from breast cancer.
This program came to fruition
after Josie Gardiner, one of the co-
creators and former master Reebok
trainer, was treated for her own ovar-
ian cancer. When she inquired with
her physician about how to get back
to her previous level of fitness, he
looked at her and said: "... you are
the trainer Josie. Figure it out."
This was the major inspiration
for designing this program. Josie
then connected with her old pal and
former Reebok master trainer Joy
Prouter; they began a search for a
physician to help them.
This is where Dr. Carolyn Kaelin,
breast cancer surgeon of Brigham
Women's Hospital in Boston, came
in. She became a breast cancer
survivor after diagnosing her own
disease. These three women have
created an amazing program that
helps strengthen the body and regain
range of motion, whether you have
just been treated or had treatment 25
years ago.
There is a growing body of
research that strongly suggests
engaging in exercise reduces the
risk of reoccurrence and increases
the likelihood of living a longer and
healthier life. One thing that women
may feel is a loss of control over
their bodies after they are diagnosed.
Exercise is one way to help women
regain a feeling of that control.
Fatigue is a major symptom that
women experience during treat-
ment and after. By slowly rebuilding
endurance through a cardiovascular
exercise routine, women tend to feel
better and experience a
boost in energy sooner.
Other symptoms that
women may experience
post-op are loss of mobil-
ity and range of motion.
Women may have trouble
lifting their arms comfort-
ably and in more than one
direction. The problem is
that it can lead to poor
posture and other issues,
such as back problems.
Throughout this 12-
week program, there is a
very slow progression of exercises
that expand range of motion and
relieve muscle tightness. Sarcopenia,
or a loss of muscle mass, and gain
in fatty tissue are also symptoms
women may experience after chemo-
therapy. They are most often due to
hormone changes during treatment.
With a gradual increase in strength
training during the program, women
will slowly rebuild muscle mass and
decrease fatty tissue. A decrease in
bone, better known as osteopero-
sis, may occur in pre-menopausal
women undergoing chemotherapy.
The 12-week survivor program helps
to rebuild and strengthen a woman's
skeletal system.
Exercise helps improve appear-
ance, build self-esteem and decrease
depression. Exercise performed
regularly helps strengthen the heart
and lungs, lowers blood pressure and
helps to ward off other diseases like
diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
Whether you have recently under-
gone treatment or are a breast can-
cer survivor for many years, this pro-
gram is for you. Like the pink band
I wear on my wrist states, "It takes
courage, hope, bravery and most
importantly the ability to endure!" ❑
Jill Sherman-Marx ((248) 819-4622 or
Ainjill@ aol.com] of Farmington Hills trains
at the West Bloomfield JCC, Sports Club of
Sunrise of Bloomfield Hills
is Now Open!
At Sunrise of Bloomfield Hills we take the time to understand what
your loved one needs to truly feel comfortable. We focus on "the
big things," such as dedicated caregivers and renowned memory
care programs. And we never forget about "the little details" like
delicious meals, engaging social activities, transportation and
personal relationships that make our residents feel at home.
Visit us today for a complimentary lunch and tour!
4
!
SUNRIS E
0-6.
ASSISTED LIVING®
Sunrise of Bloomfield Hills
248-858-7200
6790 Telegraph Road
Assisted Living • Memory Care
For more information and a FREE online newsletter, visit
www.sunriseseniorliving.com
BOOKSTOCK 909
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Thank you to everyone
who participated in
West Bloomfield and other locations. Learn
about the breast cancer survivors fitness
program at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,
May 12, at the West Bloomfield JCC.
BOOKSTOCKW
April 30 2009
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