PORT ANGELES — Cancer survivors can sign up now for a free strength-and-wellness program designed specifically for them.
The 12-week program, Exercise and Thrive, is available to all cancer survivors 21 or older who are at least 30 days out of treatment and who have medical clearance to participate.
The classes, which are offered through a partnership between the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and Olympic Medical Center, will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning April 6.
Contact Karen Rushby, a physical therapist at OMC, at 360-417-7116 by March 17 for a consultation and to receive a medical screening/permission form.
The curriculum was developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and offered to YMCAs in communities throughout the nation.
Aid recovery
Studies show that exercise can improve quality of life, lessen treatment side effects and help recovery.
Participants in the program strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve endurance while receiving health-and-wellness coaching from YMCA personal trainers during the biweekly sessions.
They are also introduced to mind/body activities such as yoga and have the opportunity to learn about healthy eating.
The ultimate goal of the program is to help survivors develop their own physical fitness regimen they can continue on their own after the program ends.
Exercise and Thrive is open to the community. It is funded in part by the YMCA’s annual Power of Community Campaign.
For more information about Exercise and Thrive, phone Mikki Reidel at 360-452-9244.
