The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center will present FreshStart!, a free eight-week lifestyle program geared to help cancer survivors adopt healthier behaviors, Thursday, Jan. 21-March 10.
With the help of supporters like Cooking Light magazine and the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the program is designed to help cancer survivors make healthy diet and exercise choices and better manage stress.
Cancer survivors now make up 4 percent of the population in the United States and are more likely to have health issues like obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, lung disease and cardiovascular disease after a cancer diagnosis.
“FreshStart! is designed to support positive behavior change that is so important for healthy outcomes and survival,” said Teri Hoenemeyer, director of Education and Support Services at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Research indicates that survivors are more willing to consider behavior changes following a cancer diagnosis. However, in many communities, they lack the support and resources needed to do this. We are very fortunate to have UAB in our own community and, with that, the research, resources and expertise it offers to survivors. And, programs like FreshStart! help connect survivors to support and services needed for a permanent shift toward a healthier lifestyle.”
Meetings will be held by trained professionals every Thursday Jan. 21-March 10 at 6 p.m. Topics and locations include:
- Jan. 21: Basic nutrition and meal planning for cancer survivors, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1824 Sixth Ave. South, Room 237
- Jan. 28: The skinny on super foods, supplements, herbs and vitamins, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1824 Sixth Ave. South, Room 237
- Feb. 4: Cooking classes at Cooking Light test kitchens, 4100 Old Montgomery Highway
- Feb. 11: Transitional physical activity and exercises, UAB Recreational Center, 1501 University Blvd., Room 150
- Feb. 18: Energizing ways to incorporate slow movement into an exercise program, Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Road
- Feb. 25: Gentle, restorative and completely supportive floor work, Embody Wellness Center, 3918 Montclair Road, Suite 100
- March 3: Guided imagery for relaxation and stress relief, Embody Wellness Center, 3918 Montclair Road, Suite 100
- March 10: Therapeutic art to help relieve and reduce stress, TBD
Please check with your doctor before making diet and exercise changes. Registration is required online. For more information, please contact 205-934-5772.