Healthy Lifestyle Classes

Let’s get moving!

Research shows that stress reduction and leading a healthy lifestyle are vital to recovering from the effects of cancer for both patients and their caregiving family. (source: RTI) In fact, The June 2020 Cancer Support Community Cancer Experience Registry Report notes that cancer patients and caregivers of cancer patients are concerned about daily living, specifically eating, nutrition, exercise, and physical pain and discomfort. Our Healthy Lifestyle Classes can help.

At Cancer Support Community VVSB we offer several weekly classes to address the stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis or when stress creeps into one’s psyche well after cancer treatment has ended. All classes are led by volunteer instructors who model their classes on the physical capabilities of class attendees, including those actively being treated for cancer. Caregivers are also invited to join the classes to care for their own well-being.

Integrating Mind and Body Classes

Stress-reduction plays a vital role in recovering from the effects of cancer and its treatment. Our offering of integrated mind and body classes offer relaxation, increased self-awareness, and strength and flexibility building. Classes include:

  • Gentle Yoga – With its gentle stretching and deep breathing, Yoga can increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, aid in relaxation and promote a feeling of serenity.  
  • Reiki – A relaxation method also called, Energy Healing, Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to another in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. 
  • Relaxation & Guided Imagery – Visualization has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, decreasing anxiety, and boosting the immune system. The instructor will guide you through a relaxation and guided imagery process that is tailor-made to meet the needs and requests of the members that are present at that particular session.
  • Chakra Healing Sound Bath – Immerse Yourself in Frequency with Sound Bath Meditation to melt away stress. Resonant vibrations, rhythms and tones alter brain states and relieve stress levels, alleviating tension in body tissues and cells that have fallen into “disharmony”.
  • Knotty Knitters (Social Club) – Studies shows that, beyond medical adherence, social support has been associated with improved physical and emotional health and well-being among cancer survivors. Please come and join our Knotty Knitters and learn how to knit and make new friends.

“I enjoy this class because it increases my sense of control and helps me live in the present moment.” 

– Guided Imagery Participant 

Looking for healthy recipes?

Being part of a national network, means we get to share recipes with other people living with cancer across the country. We’re sure you’ll find some wonderfully tasty recipes to plan your meals. Enjoy!