Program seeks to help Cancer patients with recovery

Beginning January 2012, Georgia College will be providing hope and support to cancer patients of Middle Georgia. The Wellness Center at GC will be offering a free community cancer wellness program.

The Cancer Wellness Project offers relief to cancer patients of all ages and diagnoses. Applicants need only provide a physician’s referral to take advantage of this 12-week program.

Kendyl Wade

The class of 2015 walks through the pergola, as part of the tradition at Georgia College. Convocation took place on Friday, Aug. 12 in Russell Auditorium. Freshmen received their class pin as they walked underneath the pergola, officially becoming GC students. Students also heard Camille Kingsolver, co -author of “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,” speak during Convocation.

The oncology recovery program has a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines education, exercise, support and mind/body encompassing activities. Each session will run two hours, the first of which will be professionally-prescribed exercises, and the second of which will be educational topics such as nutrition, coping skills, stress management and treatment side effects.

The exercises will focus on building muscle strength depleted by cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Other activities included in the program will be mind and body oriented, including yoga, Tai Chi and music therapy.

“This program is a holistic approach at improving the quality of life for newly-diagnosed cancer patients.  It aims to combat the side effects of cancer treatment symptoms by exercise, counseling and education,”said Dave Terrell, university wellness director.

Kristen Sivertsen, a junior marketing major, has shown her support for the program, and as a cancer survivor she can identify with the needs of patients.

“It’s great that GC is helping survivors because the treatment is only half of the battle. I still struggle with the symptoms of treatment, such as fatigue and pain,” Silversten said.

The project will work closely with local oncologists and hospitals to draw in patients and many students at GC could benefit from the program.

Many studies have illustrated the benefits an exercise regiment can have for cancer survivors.

“Working out is such a great way to keep spirits high and stress levels low,” said Michelle Waters, a senior psychology major and a cancer survivor. “So many patients need ways to cope with depression and this would just be fantastic.”

The benefits of a support group are also a major factor in increasing the well being of patients. Having a community of dedicated professionals and individuals undergoing similar circumstances will encourage a sense of unity among participants and potentially produce improvements in patient well being.

Posted by Sarah Kelehear on Aug 25 2011. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.