Buddy Check February 2008

A yoga class at Freeman Health System is making a huge difference for cancer patients. Those who attend say it changes their body, mind, and spirit. In our Freeman Buddy Check 16, we visit with one breast cancer patient who says the class has been a great part of her treatment. Tina Nolin is enjoying a weekly yoga class at Freemans cancer institute. Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer and after undergoing a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery has suffered from lymphadema in her arm. She says the entire situation has been life altering. "I mean this has been very stressful for me, i have been a nurse for 15 years and havent been able to work or go back to work because of the lymphadema, so its been pretty stressful" Tina says this class has helped ease her stress and clear her mind. Thats what organizers originally hoped for five years ago when they started this course originally for cancer patients...Now open to all. Kyla Jones is a Lymphedema clinician for Freeman and also teaches the yoga course she says shes seen firsthand the difference. "I had one woman come who was going through chemo and in about 15 minutes into the class she said, I cant believe this-this is the first time since I’ve started this whole process that I havent had pain." Research has shown, yoga can have a multitude of positive effects for cancer patients, easing stress, helping the body become stronger and aiding lymphatic drainage. "It calms the mind and helps people feel less stressful, less fearful, and less anxious" Tina would agree saying its been a great tool for her. "My body just feels different, more relaxed as far as movement goes, i seem to be able to move better as my arm moves better." Kyla says shes thrilled that so many people can benefit. and with all of the anxious and sometimes scary feelings that come with cancer. yoga is a welcome change of pace. "Yoga really helps settle those feelings and gives a feeling of well being and that things are going to be ok, its not going to cure cancer, but it can make the feeling that things can become ok." Tina says its been a change for her, mind and body. "I would recommend it to anybody even if you dont have cancer. it’s a good thing." The course is offered each week at Freeman Cancer Institute on Tuesday’s from 2-3..it is open to the community.