According to the American Cancer Society,
exercise is not only safe and possible during and
after cancer treatment, but it can improve how
well patients physically function. Exercise after
cancer diagnosis helps reduce the risk of
recurrence and improves not only quality of life,
but the survival rate in many cancer groups.
MOVING ON
PROGRAM SHOWCASE
Palmer Enfield’s
Road to Wellness
P
almer Enfield just may be in better physical
shape than she was before she was diagnosed
with Hodgkin’s disease as a teenager and breast
cancer at age 46.
“I am thinner, I have great endurance and can keep
up (at work) with men and women 20 years
younger,” said Palmer.
Enfield credits Virtua’s Moving On program, and her
trainer Marjie Zimmerman, with giving her back the
control over her own body that cancer took away.
As a teen with Hodgkin’s, she was encouraged to
rest and not move too much, resulting in weakened
muscles and lifelong physical limitations. But today,
research shows that exercise during and following
treatment can be very beneficial.
“Physical exercise is critical, and it’s really helpful to
have someone who understands a whole host of
things my body is going through,” says Palmer.
Certified Cancer Exercise trainers at the William G.
Rohrer Center for HealthFitness in Voorhees and
the Health and Wellness Center in Washington
Township customize exercise and fitness programs
for patients and survivors at all stages and
strength levels.
The programs are specially designed to fight fatigue,
build strength and manage weight. Group sessions
with other patients and survivors provide support
and comfort.
THE
POWER
OF A GIFT
Unfortunately, the Moving On
program is not always covered by
health insurance plans.
Gifts in support of Moving On at Virtua can
help cancer patients and survivors take
control of their bodies back from cancer.
It has the power to help patients and
survivors move on. A gift of $150 means
one cancer survivor can work out for 12
weeks in a survivors’ group with a certified
cancer specialist. From this, that patient will
experience: increased strength and
flexibility, decreased fatigue levels and
depression, and an overall improved quality
of life.
Please consider a gift in support of
cancer patients and survivors at
foundation.virtua.org.
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Palmer Enfield
