A new program at the University of Calgary is helping cancer patients and survivors to reduce their chances of recurrence through exercise.
Many people who are being treated for cancer say that the procedures and the disease make them feel drained and nauseous.
The Thrive Centre in the kinesiology faculty at the U of C is changing that.
The facility looks like any other gym in the city and was made possible in part through funds provided by Dr. Christine Friedenreich and The Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The Imperial Oil Foundation donated $250,000 to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the funds were used to outfit the centre.
"Exercise is one of the most important things that a cancer patient or survivor can do—emotionally and physically—to regain their health and to keep their health in the future," says Nicole Culos-Reed, a kinesiology researcher and director of the Thrive Centre.
Doug McIllrick was diagnosed with cancer in his saliva glands in May.
He has had major surgery and is now receiving radiation therapy.
It has been a rough ride, but McIllrick says the exercise program has helped him feel better in all sorts of ways.
"The sit up exercises are helping me get up and down," said McIllrick.
The gym is monitored by exercise specialists and volunteers.
The Thrive Centre is free and available for use by cancer patients, survivors and their support people.
For more information call 403-210-8482 or visit the Thrive Centre's website.
