www.WellnessCenterMagazine.com | 5 Learn more: Cindi Day - [email protected] Women often feel that they don’t want to make their problems someone else’s problems. The isolation that results from this mindset can be especially difficult for women who are facing a cancer diagnosis or treatment. The MUSC Wellness Center’s Breast Cancer Survivors’ Fit Club brings women out of isolation and into a community of people who are navigating the same complicated path. The program launched in partnership with the Hollings Cancer Center in 2016, when health care experts first identified the need for a support system. “When I heard about the club, I knew I was interested in the physical activity part, but I didn’t know what to expect about the rest,” said James Island resident Sara Senn. “What was amazing to me was the connection I made with other women. I think a lot of us were surprised.” The program is a 10-week exercise, nutrition and behavior-change program that touches on areas such as fitness, nutrition, self-esteem and quality of life factors specific to cancer survivors. About 12 women per session meet for about one-anda-half to two hours twice weekly. Each session has an educational component and a fitness component that incorporates professionals who have backgrounds in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and fitness, according to Cindi Day, the clinical exercise program coordinator at the Wellness Center. Day’s pride-filled explanation of the program includes frequent credit to Dr. Jennifer Harper, a radiation oncologist and a member of the MUSC Head and Neck Oncology Team who helped create each component of the Survivors’ Fit Club. “Participants have a chance to try aquatic classes, pickleball, yoga and even boxing. We also incorporate group fitness classes that focus on strength training, posture, functional movement and shoulder range of motion,” Day added. “One of our most popular sessions is when our skin care consultant from Beautycounter comes to inform participants on the importance of using clean beauty products. Everyone gets pampered with a facial and makeover.” As part of the program, participants get a one-on-one personal training session and a three-month membership to the Wellness Center. “All of our treatments may have been different, but there is a lot of common ground,” said Senn. “We became a very close group. We encourage each other.” Many women come into the Center on days when the Club doesn’t meet to exercise and take group fitness classes. In addition to the activities, participants also share resources and tips, like how to deal with fatigue or what side effects the others may be experiencing on a certain medication. Day sees an incredible difference in some of the women who have found the Survivors’ Fit Club. “They think they are coming in for exercise,” she notes. “But they realize that they have found a community.” ◆ Note: Participation in the Survivors’ Fit Club requires a referral from a physician.
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