New Fitness Class a Benefit to Cancer Survivors

The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is the first in the region to offer the class “Obtain Optimal Health & Wellness” a unique exercise program designed to help cancer patients feel better and live longer.Cindy Gates, Registered Oncology Dietitian and Herbalist, has recently become a Cancer Exercise Specialist and now coordinates the program in partnership with the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA. Exercise has been proven to have profound impact on the recovery process in patients with cancer both physically and emotionally.“The goal of the program is to help patients with cancer cope with the efforts of treatment and manage symptoms. We want to help them focus on their positive energy, have enjoyment in their life and reduce any illness related anxieties,” said Gates.The foundation of the health and wellness class teaches clients to be in charge and improve their health and well-being in ways that are a stretch and yet within reach. They outgrow their old ways and unhealthy habits. Clients build psychological skills including: motivation, focus, optimism, flexibility, resilience and confidence that help them achieve lasting success.What is the Obtain Optimal Health & Wellness Class?A. Optimal Health and Wellness is a program offered to cancer survivors for free. The eight week program is at the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA. Everyone receives individual counseling by a Wellness Coach. A fitness test is conducted before and after the program starts by personal trainers and then you participate in six weeks of supervised exercise. The group meets twice a week for one hour. Also, educational sessions on nutrition and exercise are provided. The program is offered four - six times a year.Q. What sorts of exercise are involved in this effort?A. A variety of exercises from water aerobics, proper weight lifting, yoga, cardiovascular exercises and others can all be experienced. There is always staff on hand to demonstrate how to use the equipment and perform the exercises.Q. Why is a program like this important for cancer patients?A. This exercise program helps patients deal with wellness instead of illness. New studies are coming out that exercise can help prevent the recurrence of cancer. The findings are showing that breast cancer patients who take 150 minutes of exercise per week had a forty percent lower risk of death or experiencing recurrence compared to those who were active for less than an hour a week. Men with prostate cancer who engaged in three hours of exercise per week managed to decrease their death rate by thirty percent.Q. Talk about the health benefits of regular exercise - both physical and psychological.A. Regular exercise is a wonder drug for all cancer patients and survivors. Exercise may help manage fatigue, depression, improve quality of life, and help control body weight.Q. What should I know before I start an exercise routine?A. A medical clearance form is needed from your medical doctor. Modifications will be given for all exercises.Q. How can I take part in this program?A. Contact Cindy Gates at (712) 252-9425 or gatesc@jencc.com to sign up or for questions. Cindy is a Certified Wellness Coach and a Cancer Exercise Specialist. Cancer Exercise Specialists can help assess, design and implement programs for individuals diagnosed with cancer. The Cancer Center wants to make it known to cancer survivors that there is help to deal with fatigue, poor range of motion, lymphedema and poor posture.In her role as the Oncology Dietitian, Gates helps patients cope with side effects from radiation and chemotherapy treatment, reviews vitamin and herbal supplements, assists patients in making healthier food choices to prevent cancer recurrence, and educates patients and families on cancer prevention. She currently writes articles for her column “Healthy You” which is featured on the June E. Nylen Cancer Center website www.nylencancercenter.com.