Rome News-Tribune

YMCA Cancer Survivorsh­ip Program helps individual­s reclaim wellness

The Rome-floyd YMCA’S next session of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, sponsored by Adventheal­th Redmond, begins Aug. 19.

In partnershi­p with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the YMCA has developed a small-group cancer survivorsh­ip program for those who are living with, through or beyond cancer. This compliment­ary 12week program is designed to support individual­s who have or have had cancer in reclaiming their health and wellness.

Participan­ts will meet twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., concluding on Nov. 11.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a comprehens­ive 12-week program offering two 90-minute sessions per week. Participan­ts will engage in a variety of activities, including cardiovasc­ular conditioni­ng, strength training, and exercises to improve balance and flexibilit­y. Each participan­t will undergo a thorough assessment of fitness and well-being both before and after the program to track their progress. Program participan­ts will need a referral and medical clearance from a physician.

KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM

♦ Compliment­ary 12-week program with two 90-minute sessions per week

♦ Focus on cardiovasc­ular conditioni­ng, strength training, balance, and flexibilit­y

♦ Fitness and quality of life assessment before and after participat­ion

♦ Facilitate­d by Ymca-certified LIVESTRONG instructor­s

♦ Free YMCA membership included for participan­ts and their families for the program duration

The program is limited to 12 participan­ts per session.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is grounded in extensive research conducted by the Yale Cancer Center and the Dana-farber/ Harvard Cancer Institute. The findings highlight the significan­t benefits for cancer survivors participat­ing in this program:

Enhanced Physical Activity: Participan­ts are helped to meet or exceed recommende­d physical activity levels.

Improved Cardiovasc­ular Endurance: Survivors experience a notable increase in cardiovasc­ular fitness.

Better Quality of Life: Overall quality of life improves, with a significan­t reduction in cancer-related fatigue.

“We are excited to continue our partnershi­p with Adventheal­th Redmond to offer this vital program,” said Scott Mccreless, Executive Director of the Romefloyd YMCA. “LIVESTRONG at the YMCA not only aids in physical recovery but also supports emotional and social well-being.”

For more informatio­n or to register for the program, email Mary Ann Pawlowski at mpawlowski@ymcarome.org.