Jan. 27--PLATTSBURGH -- A new exercise program designed to help women who have been diagnosed with cancer maintain a positive quality of life will be offered locally in early February.
The Wellness Center at PARC and the FitzPatrick Cancer Center are working together to introduce the medically based Lebed Method, a Focus on Healing Through Movement and Dance, to the North Country. The eight-week program will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Wellness Center.
"It's an exercise program that is fun and easy," said Wellness Center Director Kymberlie Sweenor. "We exercise to neat music and use lots of fun props like beach balls, ribbons, scarves and hula hoops."
Participants can move at their own pace and can perform the activities sitting or standing.
"The purpose of the program is to stimulate the lymphatic system," said Sweenor, a licensed Lebed Method instructor. "It's not big on exertion. It's fun and gentle and focuses on balance and strength."
LYMPHATIC STIMULUS
Cancer patients often have compromised lymphatic systems -- the tool the body uses to fight infections -- which leads to a variety of ailments, including loss of energy, depression and decreased balance.
The lymphatic system transports a clear liquid called lymph throughout the body. During prognosis and treatment to combat many forms of cancer, the system can be damaged and lead to a condition called lymphedema, or a buildup of fluids in certain areas.
The Lebed Method, developed by professional dancer Sherry Lebed Davis and her brothers, Drs. Mark and Joel Lebed, utilizes a self-massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to alleviate some of the side effects.
"I've had three bouts of cancer and was fairly compromised from lymphedema," said cancer survivor Libby Goller.
The discomfort she felt from the condition was alleviated after attending just a couple of classes, she said.
"There were some great healing methods," she added. "Some of them I still do at home."
Joy Thibodeau, a one-year cancer survivor who had severe pain from lymphedema, thoroughly enjoyed the session she participated in recently when Sweenor introduced the Lebed Method to the Treasure Chests Breast Cancer Support Group.
"It was a wonderful experience," she said. "We laughed; we had friendly conversation and shared our experiences. My arm felt better in just one session."
scholarships available
Although the method is especially beneficial to women with breast cancer, the initial program is open to all women with a cancer diagnosis.
"The technique is applicable to anyone whose condition may have compromised their lymphatic system," said Elli Collins of the FitzPatrick Cancer Center.
Each hour-long session will be broken into five segments with breaks for water, rest and socialization in between, Sweenor said.
The fee for the program is $45 for the entire eight weeks. Insurance does not cover the technique, but scholarships are available for FitzPatrick Cancer Center patients who need financial assistance, Collins added.
Pre-registration is required. The class is limited to 20 participants, but Sweenor noted that a second class will be formed for, perhaps, Thursdays if more women are interested.
The program may also be expanded in the future to include all cancer patients, she added.
E-mail Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com
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