PORT ANGELES — An orientation for a free program for cancer survivors is planned at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3.
The orientation kicks off a 12-week session on strength and wellness designed specifically for area cancer survivors in a partnership between the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and Olympic Medical Center.
The program, Exercise and Thrive, will be at the YMCA, 302 S. Francis St., on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 15 through Dec. 3.
On Sept. 3, Karen Rushby, a physical therapist at OMC who specializes in cancer rehabilitation, will talk about the benefits of exercise as it relates to cancer rehabilitation.
The program is available to all adult cancer survivors, regardless of when their cancer occurred.
Participants in the program must be 21 or older and have medical clearance to participate.
The curriculum was developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle after the center identified gaps in support for cancer survivors after treatment and worked with YMCAs to deliver the program in communities across the country.
Studies show that exercise can improve quality of life, lessen treatment side effects and help recovery, the YMCA said.
Participants in the program can strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve endurance while receiving health-and-wellness coaching from YMCA personal trainers during biweekly sessions.
They also can be introduced to such mind/body activities as yoga and have the opportunity to learn about healthy eating.
For more information about the program, phone 360-452-9244 or visit www.olympicpeninsulaymca.org.
