Monday, 21 July 2014

Cancer Rehab Canada Celebrates First Birthday


Cancer Rehab Canada celebrates its first birthday in July 2014!

Helping Cancer Survivors to Feel Better, Stronger and Happier


On July 15, 2013 Cancer Rehab started blogging about ways that cancer survivors can feel better, stronger and happier. Over 45 blog posts and a year later, we have found participation in the online conversation about how to minimize survivors' disabilities to be an extremely rewarding experience.

Cancer Rehabilitation Benefits Optimal Recovery


We are still asking why cancer patients aren't routinely offered cancer rehabilitation services to help them return to normal life.

 These services are regularly provided for recovering cardiac patients and patients who had joint replacement surgery. Yet those people who have had cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgeries such as mastectomy, are often not receiving cancer rehabilitation service despite the growing scientific evidence that it is very beneficial in obtaining optimal recovery. Our 62 rehab clinics can offer assistance in minimizing the side effects of cancer and its treatment.

Cancer Survivors Often Suffer From Disabilities Associated With Cancer Treatments


Cancer survivors often suffer from the side effects of their diagnosis and related treatment. Their functional impairments may include persistent fatigue, radiation fibrosis, chemotherapy fog, lymphedema, frozen shoulder and pain. Many of these conditions can be improved with interventions from a rehabilitation professional with specialized training, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist.

According to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, there is estimated to be 1 million cancer survivors in Canada today, with that number expected to increase to over 2 million by 2020. Physical disability is a leading cause of distress in this population. It is critical that this population be appropriately screened and treated for their impairments, so that we minimize their disabilities and maximize their quality of life.

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How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation


Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Thursday, 19 June 2014

LifeMark-Centric Health Rallies Behind Clinic Co-Founder Diagnosed with Lung Cancer



"HatterStrong" is Fundraising for Respected Community Leader, Teacher and Coach

Mark Hatt,  is one of the co-founders of LifeMark Physiotherapy/Centric Health (formerly Physiotherapy Associates of Cambridge) located at two Cambridge locations: the YMCA and on Hespeler Road beside Grandview Medical Centre.  Mark has been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer (he never smoked in his life).  He has been fighting harder than anything else that he has done to date. Mark is an extremely well loved and well respected Physical Education teacher and football coach at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School in Cambridge.




To support Mark, his wife and two young children, Steve Domms, also a teacher at Jacob Hespeler, created the "HatterStrong" t-shirt.  The community is rallying behind him to raise funding for his cancer treatment. These shirts are visible all over Cambridge and are stretching into other communities!




Centric Health Matching Donated Funds Dollar For Dollar


Because Mark is near and dear to our clinic professionally and in our personal lives, we are pleased to announce that Centric Health will match dollar for dollar any funds that we raise through our clinic. We will be selling t-shirts and taking donations in all three of our Cambridge clinics. If you would like to participate, make a donation, or need more information, please come and see us upstairs. We are located on the second floor at the back of the YMCA.


Thank you on behalf of all of us at LifeMark Physiotherapy/Centric Health.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

5 Tips to Keep Cancer Patients Active


Motivation to exercise is important when you can't exercise or feel too tired to exercise

Can't Exercise? Too Tired to Exercise?

The evidence supporting exercise for cancer patients is undeniable. However, sometimes we feel we can't exercise or are too tired to exercise. Although we know we need to be physically active, it is often very difficult to stick to it.

How to Stay Motivated to Exercise

As a physiotherapist and cancer survivor myself, I can certainly appreciate both sides. On those days when my "get up and go" has "got up and left", I put on my physiotherapy hat and recall some of the tips I have learned over the years that help me stay motivated and physically active. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Exercise with a friend. If I have someone waiting to meet me at the gym I am far more likely to go, and my friend usually appreciates me encouraging them to be there too.
  • Vary your exercise routine to avoid boredom. I like to try something different each day of the week, but also change it up with the seasons.
  • Exercise outdoors whenever you can. It just feels healthier to me to be breathing fresh air and enjoying the scenery, regardless of whether it is 20 below or 20 above.
  • Record your exercise achievements, so that you can track your progress. There are some cool apps for tracking walking and running progress now, that make this easy and fun.
  • Identify barriers to exercise and work to overcome them. One example of this is using urban walking poles to give you confidence to walk further or on uneven terrain when your balance might be slightly impaired.

How Physiotherapists Can Help

Physiotherapists are trained to help individuals with a variety of disabilities overcome their barriers to being physically active. Physiotherapists have heard every excuse in the book as to why someone cannot exercise. In most cases, modifications can be made to create a safe and effective exercise program for just about anyone. It may definitely be worthwhile to consult a physiotherapist during or after your cancer treatment to develop a physical activity plan with achievable goals.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Monday, 9 June 2014

Team LifeMark Centric Rides 217 Km Over Two Days for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre


Team LifeMark Centric cyclists Corinne Roos and Judy Boivin at the 2014 Ride to Conquer Cancer event

Team LifeMark Centric Raises over $10K for Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer

On June 7-8 a small but mighty Team LifeMark Centric rode 217 kilometres in two days at the 2014 Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer® in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. 

Team LifeMark Centric raised $10,667 for the Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer.The LifeMark Centric team applauds the efforts of Cancer Centres such as Princess Margaret that continue to make a difference every day in the lives of cancer patients. Thanks to their dedication, more people are surviving cancer than ever before!  

2014 Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer® Raises $20 Million

The epic cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls involved 217 km of riding over two days and raised $20 million in total. The fundraiser took place in support of breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.

Paul Boivin, Judy Boivin and Corinne Roos take part in the ride in support of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Special thanks go out to Corinne Roos for being such an awesome cyclist and making the team look good by finishing near the top each day in about 3.5 hours. Special thanks also to Paul Boivin for being our top fundraiser, and to Ashley Waerea who organized the LifeMark volunteers and spent the entire weekend helping out at rest stops.

Cancer Rehab Canada Program Sets a Goal of Improving Rehab Services for Cancer Survivors


Judy Boivin, founding member of Cancer Rehab Canada, at the end of the two-day cycling journey
Over the past year LifeMark Centric has taken up its own fight in the care of cancer patients, with a goal of improving the rehabilitation services provided to cancer survivors. Through our Cancer Rehab Canada program we are assisting individuals in their recovery from the side effects of cancer treatment at 45 locations across the country.

The LifeMark Centric cycling team rode to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients who continue to struggle to regain their lives and live up to their full potential. One day we hope to see a cure for cancer and ensure that the 1 million+ cancer survivors in Canada are active and empowered to be all that they can be.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Monday, 2 June 2014

Halifax Hike for Hospice Participants Learn About Cancer Rehab Services


Annual Hospice and Palliative Care Hikes Take Place Across Canada, Rain or Shine

On Sunday May 4, the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax held their annual Hike for Hospice event
On Sunday, May 4, the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax held their annual Hike for Hospice, which is an annual event held by Hospice and Palliative Care groups across Canada. Members of Centric Health’s clinical team participated in the major Halifax fundraiser which raised over $12,000 this year.

Dionna Read Eng, a Registered Massage Therapist at Centric Health who specializes in myofascial release and sport massage, led a warm up and stretch routine in preparation for the hike.  She offered short massages and gave brochures to those interested in learning more about the Cancer Rehab program in Halifax.

Most participants were walking for a loved one who had passed or were in end of life stages of wellness. Although the weather was windy and cool, the event was a positive experience.

The Hospice Society of Greater Halifax in a non-profit organization, with the goal of building the first residential hospice in the Halifax region, anticipated to be built in 2016.

The hike route wove around Bedford Bay in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Click here for a larger map.


To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Nova Scotia
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario

Monday, 26 May 2014

LifeMark Atlantic Participates in Bust a Move for Breast Health™


LifeMark Halifax Clinic Helps at Community Celebration Fundraiser for Breast Health Centre

LifeMark's finest massage therapists were on hand at Bust a Move for Breast Health™ in Halifax
The fifth and final Bust a Move for Breast Health™ was held on March 22 at the Canada Games Centre in Halifax. Hundreds of participants, sponsors and volunteers gathered to celebrate the Breast Health Centre in aid of better breast health. Dancers, yoga practitioners, and aerobics exercisers were taught by some of Nova Scotia’s finest instructors. And on hand to revive their aching muscles were none other than LifeMark’s finest massage therapists, who donated their time in support of the event.

Bust a Move for Breast Health™ Ends on a High Note


According to the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation, the Halifax community came together and raised $331,490 net for the Breast Health Centre in Halifax. In addition, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region, wowed the crowd by announcing a significant contribution of $250,000. That wonderful announcement, combined with the QEII Foundation and the IWK Health Centre Foundation each raising an additional $250,000 through generous community support, brought the 2014 breast health campaign to an amazing $1,081,490 net!
The Halifax community came together and raised $331,490 net for the Breast Health Centre in Halifax
To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Nova Scotia
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Management


Incorporating Exercise into Your Cancer Management Plan

Exercise is one of the most beneficial things that cancer patients can incorporate into their cancer management plan

Physical activity is important in all stages of cancer. Many cancer patients are reluctant to exercise for fear of ‘making things worse” when in fact it is one of the most beneficial things that they can do. The scientific evidence to support this is growing and every effort should be made to incorporate exercise as part of the accepted cancer management plan.

How Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients

During cancer treatment 


  • Reduces pain and fatigue
  • Prevents decline of physical function
  • Manages stress and improves mental outlook

After cancer treatment


  • Increase energy levels
  • Assists in the recovery of physical function
  • Improves quality of life

During and after cancer treatment


  • Reduces the risk of cancer reoccurrence
  • Reduces the risk of developing other long term complications

Advanced cancer


  • Helps maintain independence and well being

How a Physiotherapist Trained in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help


People living with cancer should be advised to gradually build up their physical activity to meet the recommended guidelines. A physiotherapist trained in cancer rehabilitation can assist them in preparing an exercise program that meets the energy expenditure amounts recommended in the research, in addition to making sure that they are safely adapting to meet any medical restrictions or physical impairments.

It is important that we continue to encourage, support and assist cancer survivors to initiate and maintain a lifestyle that regularly includes physical activity at all stages of their journey with cancer.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia