Our March Meeting was held at Wellspring Chinguacousy where Jodi Steele and
Daniel Santa Mina gave us an informative presentation on the benefits of exercise before, during and after cancer treatment.
Both Jodi and Daniel were deeply affected by several of their friends and family developing Cancer years ago and those experiences affected them to the point that their career choices were then pointed in the direction of trying to help those that are afflicted with the disease.

Jodi and Daniel organize Cancer Exercise Classes at Wellspring Chinguacousy and at Princess Margaret Hospital respectively.
Both are active in researching and promoting Exercise as a way to improve general quality of life during Cancer Treatment. This research has shown that there are benefits to exercise before, during and after treatment. Exercise can reduce the incidence of and reoccurrence of many cancers.

Studies have shown that increase physical activity reduces the overall incidence of Prostate Cancer and vigorous physical activity reduces the incidence of aggressive forms of Prostate Cancer. Similar results can be found in studies of other cancers. It is thought that the mechanism behind this is an improved immune system for those that exercise regularly.

 Exercise during Radiotherapy has also been shown to help reduce side effects and improve tolerance and coping mechanisms. Most of the exercise programs they administer are tailored to the individual needs of the patient taking into account overall fitness, age and other medical factors. The recommended frequency of exercise is typically 3-5 times a week at a moderate intensity to raise the heart rate to an optimal level for an extended period of time.

They usually combine Aerobic, Resistance and Impact Training to give the patient a good overall workout improving fitness, core stability and bone health as well. Additional postural exercises may be recommended to help deal with incontinence.