Online support for Regional WA.
Hi all, just wanted to share this link for a free online wellbeing and exercise course which starts tomorrow afternoon . It’s run by the Cancer Council for Regional WA. I’ve signed up. Might see you there xxx https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/living-well-with-exercise-and-mindfulness-registration-110067827836
Counterpart
I attended a Cancer and Wellbeing day run by Counterpart this week. We did Feldenkrais, some light aerobics and theraband work, Qi Gong and a fantastic deep meditation. There was a very good lunch and lots of time to chat and connect with the other participants. For Melbourne and Victorian folks (they're running a wellness day in Gippsland later this month), if you haven't heard of Counterpart check them out. They do all sorts of workshops and seminars. The events I've attended have always been very well run and they are free. Their new calender is coming out soon but there are also several events on in the rest of April. https://www.counterpart.org.au
Jigsaw puzzles
I don't know why my physio didn't suggest it to me earlier but I have stumbled upon jigsaw puzzles for therapy. The repetitive movements of sorting pieces has done my lymphedema arm the world of good. Sitting around with not a lot of energy is boring and I put on movies to watch but I still like to be doing something to keep my mind and body active. Some knit or crochet, I do puzzles. :)
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor
I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosed back in November 2012. Now after all the treatment and appointments, specialists and monitoring, I am still here and so far so good. I don't regularly came onto the BCNA Website now, however I was a prominent visitor for the year of 2013, for those who recognize my photo. After all the successful ops, chemo and rads, we moved to Sydney and been here for 2 years. I had taken a year off during my Cancer and it was necessary. The return to work was difficult and I went back part time. My brain was like mush originally and my work place tolerated me with kindness. I returned as a Pharmacy Assistant, and stepped into a very busy work place here in Sydney, but still working only 4 days a week. They have given me zero responsibility and menial tasks. I was upfront the week before my 6 months probation finished, about having had Cancer. I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real. Survivor Belinda McKenna
Weekend Workouts Blog Post Six: Pilates
Image Source: www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It involves exercises performed on the floor on mats, or on specially designed equipment in studios. Pilates uses a range of techniques to facilitate improved body awareness, strength, flexibility, coordination and stamina. Pilates is ideal for all levels of fitness and is an all-inclusive exercise routine that is goal-specific and time effective. It is a low impact workout to help you achieve leaner, longer and stronger muscles comfortably and safely through their full range of movement, without repeating the learned mistakes of inappropriate training. Some benefits of regular Pilates are: improve strength, flexibility and balance engage the mind and enhance body awareness tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk condition efficient patterns of movement to make the body less susceptible to injury challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core restore postural alignment create a stronger, more flexible spine promote recovery from strain or injury increase joint range of motion improve circulation offer relief from back pain and joint stress enhance mobility, agility and stamina develop functional fitness for daily life activity improve the way your body looks and feels, and reduce stress, relieve tension and boost energy through deep stretching. We recommend that you discuss Pilates as an option with your doctor as there two streams of Pilates. Physiotherapist run classes for fewer participants, known as clinical Pilates and fitness based Pilates run but fitness professionals, usually larger classes. Many private health insurance funds provide rebates for clinical Pilates to find your nearest Pilates class contact your local council, fitness center, physiotherapist or community center. It is recommended that you attend the class of an accredited Pilates instructor who is a member of a reputable association, such as Pilates Alliance of Australasia (PAA) or the Australian Pilates Method of Australia (APMA). For women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, BCNA offers the Strengthen Your Recovery Pilates program which was specifically designed to support recovery in the 10 weeks after surgery. The exercise program is carefully structured around three phases of recovery after surgery. It is available on DVD and is accompanied by an 8-page booklet containing important information and guidelines. It offers easy-to-follow, gentle Pilates exercises and instructions on regaining strength and easing discomfort. The Strengthen Your Recovery program assists by: Helping relieving neck, shoulder and back pain which can be common after breast cancer surgery Promoting drainage of lymph fluids to reduce the risk of lymphoedema Restoring normal posture and movement after surgery Improving flexibility, strength, confidence and wellbeing. The program was developed by BCNA with a breast cancer survivor and qualified Pilates instructor. We also drew on the expertise of a specialist physiotherapist to guide the development of the program. Strengthen Your Recovery was funded through a generous donation by The Estee Lauder Companies. The Strengthen Your Recovery DVD is included in the My Care Kit. If you did not receive a My Care Kit, but would like a copy of the DVD, please phone BCNA on 1800 500 258. May you be Mindful message. “The present moment is all that is available to us, and it is the door to all moments.” – Thich Nhat Hanh Don’t forget to post your mindfulness stories to be in with a chance to win the May you be Mindful prize pack. References: Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria 2016, Pilates and yoga - health benefits, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pilates-and-yoga-health-benefits, viewed May 2016. Pilates Fitness Institute 2016, What is Pilates?, http://www.pfiwa.com.au/start/what-is-pilates/, viewed May 2016.
