Cancer survivorship exercise program coming to the Alpine Shire | Alpine Health
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Cancer survivorship exercise program coming to the Alpine Shire.

Alpine residents affected by cancer will have access to a comprehensive survivorship education, exercise and wellness program over six weeks, commencing 29th April 2019.

The free Cancer Wellness & Exercise program’, provides people who have finished their cancer treatment with one-hour group exercise sessions delivered by experienced exercise physiologists. The group exercise session is followed by a short education session each week.  

Erin Primmer from Alpine Health will deliver this Cancer Council Victoria program in partnership with Leeah Cooper from Equilibre Health.  The program will be held at the Bright Sports Centre, Gavan ST, Bright, and will assist participants to:

  • Increase their fitness and strength
  • Improve their ability to perform daily tasks
  • Learn to cope with life now
  • Connect with others

Katherine Lane, Head of Cancer Information and Support Services at Cancer Council Victoria, said the program provides invaluable support and information for locals recovering from cancer, including the 90 people who are diagnosed with cancer on average in the Alpine Shire each year.

“We hear regularly that cancer patients can have trouble adjusting to their ‘new normal’ after treatment ceases. This program will provide locals with the tools they need to get back into exercise and to deal with changes in their lives at home and at work.” Ms Lane said.

“Research shows us that exercise rehabilitation programs help cancer survivors manage pain, reduce fatigue and improve quality of life. Previous programs had participants reporting increases in their physical activity, fatigue management and serves of fruit and vegetables.”

A previous participant said the program helped support them through survivorship. “When I finished treatment, I knew I needed help. I was so alone in the world. This program helped me make new friends, learn to breathe better and achieve my goal of cooking for myself again. My next goal is to mow the lawn. You get so much happiness out of achieving your goals.”

To register, contact: Erin Primmer, Alpine Health 0400 685 701. For more information go to Cancer Wellness & Exercise program’.

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Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit organisation that has been leading the fight against all cancers for 82 years in the areas of research, patient support, cancer prevention and advocacy. For details visit www.cancervic.org.au, or to speak to our experienced cancer nurses call Cancer Council 13 11 20. This is a confidential service for anyone after cancer information or support.

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