There's a new expanded program to motivate local cancer patients to exercise.
As part of the Renew wellness program at Windsor Regional Hospital and the Erie-St. Clair Regional Cancer Program, eight fitness centres in Windsor, Essex County and Chatham-Kent are offering a 10-week program year round to help cancer patients who are going through treatment or after treatment.
Organizers say exercise helps to improve quality of life, it strengthens the body and spirit and helps to heal from the emotional side effects of cancer.
Denise Brode was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2017 and was cleared by doctors today.
"I'm really excited to get back into fitness," she says. "Limber up my body, get my strength back and my flexibility, I'm excited to get started."
In the past, the exercise classes were only offered at certain times of the year and at one location.
Director of the Operations Centre for Human Performance and Health at the University of Windsor Chad Sutherland says the exercises are geared specifically to the patient.
"What type of cancer do they have, where are they in their journey, are they pre-treatment, going through treatment, post treatment or survivorship and we need to understand what type of treatment they are getting, surgery versus radiation."
The new exercise programs begin in February.
Chief of Oncology at Windsor Regional Hospital Dr. Sindu Kanjeekal says after a cancer diagnoses, exercise becomes a low priority.
"Very common question I'm asked is what can I do to get myself through this. What can I do? What can I eat? What can I think and so this is something very tangible that I can say there is evidence if you do a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis, you can be better," says Dr. Kanjeekal.
Thanks to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, classes are only $40 for their first 10-week session.
This is what the program looks like. @AM800News pic.twitter.com/qz4vlfAM6A
— Teresinha Medeiros (@tmedeiros800) January 16, 2019