AquaJogger® - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month and we have enlisted the help of Mary Essert, B.A., ATRIC & co-creater of Breast Cancer Recovery - On Land and In Water, to help us understand how water exercise can help to prevent and treat breast cancer.

Why Water?

"Water work has proved to be a comfortable technique for individuals to begin exercise for cancer prevention or pre- / post- surgery," says Essert. "Warm water provides a soothing environment in which to improve range of motion with reduced danger of injury." Cancer patients can also experience bone and joint pain caused by treatment and medications, and water's natural buoyancy is a welcome relief from that pain making it easier to exercise. Water therapy can also improve an individual's mental attitude by providing emotional support from peers or a therapist.

Prevention:

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), “1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.” The best way to lower this statistic is by removing the risks we can control. Although there are uncontrollable risks like genetic disposition, weight loss and moderate exercise can significantly lower controllable risks.

Obesity: A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that overweight women are 1.3 to 2.1 times more likely to die from breast cancer compared to those with a normal weight. Essert recommends weight loss as a preventative measure first and foremost. "Seek to lose weight, follow a sound nutrition program, avoid drinking alcohol, choose healthy fats and eat more soy, fresh fruits and vegetables."

Physical Activity: "Regular exercise at a moderate intensity will provide an aerobic workout and increase endorphins," says Essert. Moderate exercise 5x per week had the greatest impact on women in a study involving 74,000 persons at the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle. The researchers found that women who exercised regularly reduced their risk of developing cancer by 20%.

Treatment: A review by the ACS found that exercise provides a range of benefits to women diagnosed with breast cancer. The benefits include improved physical fitness, higher self-esteem, and lower levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

The ACS recommends that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer exercise regularly (about four hours per week) to improve their quality of life, physical fitness, as well as to possibly reduce the risk of developing new cancers.

Before starting a water exercise program to enhance cancer treatment, be sure that your therapist or aquatic instructor/trainer is aware of your goals. In general, Essert says, treatment goals for most cancer patients usually include the following:

1. Restore range of motion / flexibility to the shoulder, chest & auxiliary regions
2. Reduce pain caused by treatment, medication and the cancer
3. Reduce risks or symptoms associated with lymphedema
4. Reduce osteoporosis risk through weightbearing and other exercise, strength training and balance activities
5. Improve endurance and aerobic capacity
6. Restore posture through retraining of scapular muscles, rotator cuff (external rotators) and middle back ( rhomboids, trapezius, lats)
7. Increase muscular strength & endurance to perform functional activities
8. Become educated on weight management, nutrition & general wellness
9. Increase relaxation & stress management
10. Gain support & social outreach

Recovery:

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer survivors make up the largest group of cancer survivors (22 percent). This percentile makes up over 20 million survivors in the US alone.

This statistic is very encouraging, however, most survivors are not entirely in the clear. There are risks of developing other cancers and conditions like lymphedema. Many breast cancer survivors will also need rehabilitation from surgery and chemotherapy.

Essert says that knowing when to start water therapy for recovery is key. "This is an individual judgment call, but should be discussed with the physician and oncologist. However, the sooner one begins to move, the better the result will be."

"Cancer patients are no different from you except we have a bond with the future. We want to stay here, be independent and lead a healthy lifestyle while enjoying each day to the fullest. Those of us who work and play and dance in the water have a special gift to share for those to enjoy."

Naomi Aaronson, MA,OTR/L, CHT and Mary Essert B.A., ATRIC are the co-authors of a new interactive CD. Breast Cancer Recovery: On Land and In Water empowers breast cancer survivors to move forward towards wellness. Practitioners will learn how to work with clients on land and in water safely and effectively when at lymphedema risk. This CD is a 4 CEC course for many organizations. Copies are available through Mary Essert at messert@mindspring.com, www.maryessert.com, or Naomi Aaronson at recovercises@aol.com or through Fitness Learning Systems at www.fitnesslearningsystems.com. Special Breast Cancer Month Price of only $48.00 including shipping.