The Y is more than a place to get physically active; it's a driving force behind living a healthy and full life. The Hamilton Area YMCA is committed to providing programs and initiatives that promote well-being reduce risk and reclaim health.
For more information about our Chronic Illness Programs, please contact Mary Gagliardi at 609.581.9622 ext. 121 or mgagliardi@hamiltonymca.org.
THRIVE (To Help Restore and Increase Vitality through Exercise) is the Hamilton Area YMCA’s 8-week group personal training program designed for people who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from battling cancer. With the guidance of specially trained personal trainers, participants build back muscle mass and muscular strength, increase flexibility and cardiovascular endurance, and improve functional ability. Participants are also offered the opportunity to try a sampling of group exercise classes within the supportive environment of the group. First time THRIVE participants and their families receive a Facility membership for the duration of the program.Schedule of Offerings:Monday and Thursday 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.Sessions:THRIVE will run during Spring and Fall sessions.For more information, contact Mary Gagliardi at mgagliardi@hamiltonymca.org.
Should I exercise during cancer treatment and recovery?Research strongly suggests that exercise is not only safe during cancer treatment, but it can also improve physical functioning and many aspects of quality of life. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve fatigue (extreme tiredness), anxiety, and self-esteem. It also helps heart and blood vessel fitness, muscle strength, and body composition (how much of your body is made up of fat, bone or muscle).Can regular exercise reduce the risk of cancer coming back?This has not been looked at for all types of cancer, but there have been studies of survivors of breast, colorectal, prostate, and ovarian cancers. In these studies, people with higher levels of physical activity after diagnosis lived longer and had less chance of the cancer coming back. Still, more studies are needed to see if exercise has a direct effect on cancer growth.This is part of an article developed by the American Cancer Society 2010 Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship Advisory Committee. The full article, written for health care professionals, Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Survivors is published in the April/May 2012 issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
