Published: February 08, 2008 02:02 pm            

Gordon Hospital hosts fitness class for cancer patients

CALHOUN —Gordon Hospital’s mission is to provide the highest quality physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healthcare. A free fitness class is being offered for cancer patients and survivors for that exact purpose.

The fitness class, which focuses on core building, strengthening and stretching to music, is taught by a volunteer fitness instructor Esmi Hyde. “I encourage participants to go at their own pace and do what is comfortable,” says Hyde. “If you’re not feeling good, or have limited flexibility or stamina, you can go at a slower pace.”

Lark Ly said that attending class gives her more energy during chemo and radiation treatments. “It is a comfortable, fun, environment with a non-judgmental group of people,” she said. “If you are in the process of chemo and have lost your hair, or are tired and need a special group for support, this is it.”

Carol Rowland has found another benefit to attending the class, weight loss. During her treatment for breast cancer, she was prescribed steroids which caused her to gain weight. “I have lost 22 pounds so far since beginning the class in October,” said Rowland, who also credits eating healthy and walking for her weight loss. “It really makes you feel and look better.”

The class schedule for February is every Tuesday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Cancer Resource Center located at Gordon Hospital. Cancer support givers are welcome to attend with patients and survivors but the class is for adults only. For more information about this class, call (706) 879-4767.

        

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