CALGARY - Cancer survivors across Canada will soon have access to an innovative, therapeutic yoga program that originated in Calgary.
Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre said she's thrilled the program she founded is growing.
"We know physical activity is important for people with cancer and said we need to get this to rural Alberta," said Culos-Reed, who is also a researcher at the University of Calgary's faculty of kinesiology, "It just started snowballing."
The Yoga Thrive project kicked off in 2002 and hundreds of cancer patients and survivors have since taken part in the customized classes designed specifically with their mental and physical needs in mind.
Gale McCombie has been battling breast cancer since 2007 and began Yoga Thrive as part of her fight.
She said it has helped her heal both physically and mentally.
"There's no judgment, everyone is in the same boat, and the instruction is tailored to you because everyone is in a different part of their journey -- it's a very safe environment," said McCombie.
In a few weeks the program will open for registration in eight others cities and towns around Alberta including Canmore, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie.
Centres in B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario are also set to open soon.
"What makes this program so unique is that the instructors know both cancer and yoga," said Culos-Reed.
"Our instructors not only learn the seven-week yoga program, they also learn about cancer, common treatments and associated negative physical and psychosocial side effects."
Yoga Thrive participants bring a family member or friend with them to classes, a technique that also helps decrease stress for their support team.
