Hospital hosts free exercise classes

Woy Woy Hospital is hosting free exercise classes as part of the CoastCanCare Wellness Program.

The Central Coast Local Health District program aims to make a difference to the lives of adults diagnosed with cancer, as well as their carers and families.

Complementary therapies such as music, exercise and tai chi classes are offered as part of the program and focus on stress and pain management during a difficult time in people's lives.

Ms Claire Job, 34, was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer almost two years ago and has found the CoastCanCare Wellness Program and free exercise classes at Woy Woy Hospital helpful and rewarding.

Ms Job has enjoyed exercise and tai chi classes for the past 18 months and is looking forward to starting music and art therapy sessions in the coming weeks.

"Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often an overwhelming, isolating, challenging and life-changing time," Ms Job said.

"The CoastCanCare Wellness Program has provided my family, friends and I a place of peace, comfort, support, encouragement, respite and a sense of normality during an otherwise unfamiliar time.

"I was looking for anything to help overcome my feelings of fear, confusion and isolation.

"I was suddenly facing my own mortality, realising how fragile life can be and how quickly it can all change.

"I have learnt so much about myself and my diagnosis while gaining new and positive strategies around sleep, relaxation, nutrition, exercise and pain management.

"Words cannot describe the amazing and rewarding benefits of the program, not only for the patient, but also for family, friends and carers," she said.

CoastCanCare Wellness Program coordinator Ms Tia Covi said: "Ultimately our aim is to assist people to optimise their quality of life; to set and achieve their goals and priorities; to live their best life regardless of a cancer diagnosis.

"We do this by engaging therapists to work with people in group settings.

"This enables participants to connect with, support and learn from each other, as well as the therapist.

"Participants who have attended our programs have reported feeling less stressed and anxious and more connected, supported and skilled to promote their own health and wellbeing," Ms Covi said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 20 Jun 2017

Clare Graham, Central Coast Local Health District