Anybody undergoing a regular program of chemotherapy and/or radiation should consider a regular fitness routine that's customized to overcome the fatigue, nausea and other quality of life side effects of the long-term treatments.

REACH: Breast Cancer Survivor Recovery Program

Have you or anyone you know faced breast cancer? While breast cancer treatments can be life saving, they often leave exhaustion and other side effects in their wake, including limited mobility, neuropathy, joint pain, scar tissue build-up, lymphedema, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

The Breast Cancer Survivor's 12-Week Fitness Plan is an exciting, effective program that will helps individuals exercise safely. It is also designed to improve your overall feeling of wellness whether you are in the midst of treatment or years beyond it. Designed by Harvard surgeon and breast cancer survivor Dr. Carolyn M. Kaelin, it is the only breast cancer recovery program approved by the American Council of Exercise (ACE).

This program is evidence that the right blend of exercises can help:

• Lower the odds of cancer recurrence by changing your lifestyle
• Boost energy and muscle strength
• Improve balance and reduce falls and injuries
• Reduce swelling from lymphedema
• Increase range of motion
• Breakdown the blockages caused from scar tissue formation

Ovarian Cancer Wellness Spa at Highland Hospital

The Cancer Wellness Spa of Greater Rochester was founded in May, 2006 by Dr. Cynthia Angel, Dr. Brent DuBeshter, and Eileen Grossman who realized the necessity for all cancer patients to have diversionary activities while receiving treatments. Cancer treatments can often be emotionally, mentally and physically draining. These treatments are commonly associated with many unpleasant side effects that could last for years. The Cancer Wellness Spa is not a place it is a program where services are brought into the Highland Hospital Infusion Center.

As the personal trainer for the Cancer Wellness Spa, Helene and her staff have seen how even simple movements can:

• maintain muscle strength
• improve overall flexibility
• enhance self-esteem
• minimize mood swings
• reduce anxiety and depression

Many of the exercises are designed to be performed within a wide range of physical limitations and are customized for each person involved in the program. Often, Helene will recommend simple exercises that can be done at home with the addition of some basic fitness equipment, such as a Pilates ball, hand weights and stretch bands.