wellness rfir 171arr V -.f. Esr, ppy 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 1504090 u s 5 REI AD USED BOOK & MED1ZSALE * books on tape, records, videos, CDs and DiMs April 26-111am 3 Owned and Managed by CBL & Associates, Inc. In Livonia at Six Mile and Newburgh Roads one-quarter mile east of 1 275 - IT' S UOT TOO LATE! Thursday-Saturday 10am-9pm Sunday noon-Gpm Last Day, Sunday, May 3 $ale: Books & Media half price (248) 64S-7840, ext. 365 www.bookstock.info 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 A45