PORT TOWNSEND — A joint therapy program between the YMCA and Jefferson Healthcare hospital is intended to improve the health options of people who are recovering from cancer treatment.
“Cancer survivors who participate in health-based services become stronger and feel better about their situation,” said Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the YMCA on this program.”
“We want to provide support to recovering cancer patients in the most appropriate way,” said Erica Delma, executive director of Jefferson County YMCA.
“Once people undergo cancer treatment, their muscles don’t recover in the same way that a healthy person’s do.”
Called Exercise and Thrive, the 12-week program includes two 90-minute weekly sessions that focus specifically on the health needs of people who have dealt with cancer.
It is open to anyone who has finished cancer treatment at any time in the past and are looking to improve his or her physical and emotional fitness.
Classes are limited to nine people but if there is an increased demand, a second parallel class will be added, Delma said.
Exercise and Thrive is the result of a multiyear partnership among the national branch of the YMCA, the Greater Seattle Y, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the LIVESTRONG Foundation of cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong.
The program is based on the notion that physical activity can improve cancer survivors’ quality of life,
“We are really excited that we can bring this program to our community,” Delma said.
“It has been tested in other areas, and we know that it works,”
Delma said that many studies have shown that exercise improves long-term survival and quality of life by reducing fatigue, enhancing self-esteem, improving fitness and reducing stress.
“Getting up and active will help you improve the function of your immune system and control your weight, which can significantly improve your chances of survival and lower the chance of cancer recurrence,” she said.
The program is open to men and women who have not had cancer treatment for 90 days, although there is no outer limit for participants.
“Even if you had cancer 30 years ago, you can participate,” she said.
“This can help anyone who’s had cancer in the past no matter how long ago.”
The program will cost $150 per person but financial aid will be available. “We will never turn away anyone because of money,” Delma said.
“We will find the resources so they can participate.”
Delma said Exercise and Thrive is the first in a series of health oriented programs offered by the YMCA in a partnership with Jefferson Healthcare.
Future topics include nutrition and obesity prevention, she said.
“This fits right into the YMCA’s mission which promotes healthy living, social development and youth programs,” she said.
“It will start people living healthier and put them on the road to getting their life back.”
For more information go to www.jeffersoncountyymca.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.