The project 'Steps to a Healthy Life' initiated by the ICA in 2007:
Aims to expose cancer patients to the healthy advantages of physical activity.
Aims to encourage cancer patients to build time in their schedule for planned, structured physical activity and make it part of their daily routine.
Offers consultation and guidance to patients who wish to join.
Provides workshops that are held at the various medical centers and ICA branches in the community.
Prof. Naama Constantini, a Sports Medicine Specialist at Hadassah Optimal's Sports Medicine Center, serves on a volunteer basis as a professional authority and source of knowledge and updates, and regularly responds to questions, and provides professional guidance and supervision.
Includes an individual or group training session led by physical education and physiotherapy professionals. Each participant receives an explanation booklet, a follow up booklet, a pedometer and tension elastic for exercises.
27 departments at medical centers across the country were taking part in this project, and activity is also being expanded to pediatric oncology departments and to community health centers.
The healthful, physical and emotional advantages of physical activity among cancer patients have been researched in recent years. Professional literature has demonstrated improved sleeping patterns and quality of life (both physical and emotional) of patients as a result of participation in physical activity.
The various research studies have focused on diverse patient populations, namely:
Breast cancer patients
Colorectal cancer patients
Bone marrow transplant recipients
Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy and more
Survivors towards a Healthy Life© "Workshops"
The aim of this workshop is to help cancer survivors cope with the aftermath of the disease, to enhance their quality of life, to provide them with tips on how to lead a healthy life, and to encourage them to return to their normal personal routine and active community life.
The participants take part in a series of professionally moderated meetings which address various topics: returning to one's normal life and family routine; sexuality; health challenges after treatment and coping with long-term side effects; engaging in physical activity tailored specifically to the needs of cancer survivors; developing a customized nutrition plan during and after the disease; complementary medicine for cancer patients and survivors.
Workshops are held throughout the year across the country, at ICA Support and Activity Centers and Branches, and are organized by the Directors of the ICA Support and Activity Centers and ICA Regional Social Workers.
Kindly contact us, should you wish to contribute to this project. Please note that all donations received are transferred in full (no overhead is taken).
Lili Lev Biller
Committees and Projects Coordinator
Telephone: +972-3-571.95.74
E-Mail: lilib@cancer.org.il