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Stepping Stones to Freedom
North Valley Hospital and Flathead Valley Community College introduces Stepping Stones to Freedom, a new group for women who are cancer survivors to encourage physical and psychological well-being in a supportive and fun environment and to regain their optimal health and live their life to the fullest.
The idea was born as the FREE Board was evaluating ways to enhance participation in the annual FREE Outdoor Adventure for People Living with Cancer, co-sponsored by NVH and FVCC. Recognizing that little attention is focused on post treatment cancer survivor’s physical and psychological well-being, a series of workshops (like stepping stones) have been created to lend support and guidance to those women. Recent research has documented many benefits of physical activity for people undergoing various cancer treatments. Perhaps the most important benefit of physical activity is improved mood. Exercise helps to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression, and to improve body image and self-esteem. The series is tailored so the individual can evolve at her own pace; but with the hope that many participants will want to venture out in the Bob Marshall wilderness for a seven-day guided llama pack trip in August 2004. The pack trip is a culmination of the workshop series where the goals in independence and self-reliance are met.
The workshops will use movement, expression, imagery and creativity to facilitate healing. There will be classes on Yoga, dance movement, stretching, flexibility and strength training to begin the reawakening of the body in a slow, controlled manner. Outdoor activities are centered on confidence and strength building to reduce feelings of fatigue and depression. The outdoor experiences such as sea kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and fly-fishing are tailored to improve mental well-being, to enhance ability to perform daily tasks, and to embrace the team concept. Journaling, stress management, therapeutic touch, goal setting, and identification of quality of life will be threaded through each workshop to help reshape the psychological impact of living with cancer. Experts in their field teach each class.
Membership in Stepping Stones to Freedom is offered through FVCC on a first come basis. There is a $30 fee for registration; however, scholarships are available for those demonstrating financial need. A medical evaluation and release will be required prior to attending the workshops. The group will meet twice monthly at North Valley Hospital community rooms on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm beginning September 9, 2003. For more information call K.C. Zwisler at Flathead Valley Community College (756-3836) or Kathryn Elespuru at North Valley Hospital (863-3543).
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