Livestrong/YMCA exercise program

Hi, Kira,

As the Project Manager for YMCA of the USA's LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, I wanted to share with you a bit about our training and preparation for Ys that offer LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.  All participating Ys engage in a 6-month training period, during which their staff are trained to understand cancer and its impacts on survivors.  Those who become Instructors for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA engage in a 16-hour training that covers cancer treatments and side effects, late and long-term effects and teaches instructors how to individualize an exercise program, based on each survivor's wants, needs, and interests.  In addition, Instructors also participate in a webinar on lymphedema, led by Dr. Katie Schmitz, one of the leading researchers in exercise for those with or at risk for lymphedma.  During the 6 month training period, Ys also forge connections in the medical and cancer support community to help handle any concerns that are out of our scope of practice.  We teach Instructors to check in with all participants with or at risk for lymphedema prior to each LIVESTRONG at the YMCA class, and if any participant has concerns about signs or symptoms of lymphedema, we encourage her/him to contact a medical professional before continuing any exercise program.  All this being said, the Y is committed to offering an evidence-based, high quality and rewarding program.  If a participant comes away from our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program and feels like we ‘don't get it', or has experiences to share that we need to hear about (positive or negative) we'd like to hear from them.  Your input could help us do an even better job in meeting our mission and serving cancer survivors.

Thanks!

Ann-Hilary Heston

Heard about this program in another thread. Thought I've give it a bump.