Background
The Cancer Wellness program is designed to improve the odds for long-term cancer survivorship. Developed in the mid 1990's in Santa Barbara, California, the Cancer Wellness Program grew from a simple health club program into a network of over 225 locations that host community exercise and wellness programs for survivors of all ages (15 to 80 years), cancer types, and stages. The Cancer Wellness is the most unique program of its kind because of the following attributes:
Eric Durak, the founder, developed the first and best of class outcomes-based certification program that is sold to wellness and health facilities as part of their training process in cancer wellness. The program contains cutting-edge information on clinical exercise, oncology, current research, nutrition, program marketing, healthcare information, managed care and reimbursement issues, outcomes forms, and feasibility analysis.
The Cancer Wellness Program is designed for use in any type of health facility hospital wellness, YMCA, health club, Jewish Community Center, or community recreation facility. Therefore, it is scalable for any type of location (large or small square footage) using any type of exercise program (pool therapy, Pilates, strength training, aerobics, etc.).
The Cancer Wellness Program is research-based, and allows for both physical and behavioral data to be collected at any time frame. Outcome sheets are provided with our educational manual. Sample outcomes include the modified Rotterdam symptom limited checklist, SF 36, and McGill Pain Survey.
The Cancer Wellness Program is an offshoot of the original research performed by Dr. Meryl Winningham in the early 1980s. A pioneer in the field of oncology and exercise, she was the first professional to apply fitness to cancer patients. Prior to her death in 2001 from advanced breast cancer, her last wish was to have her research and dream of exercise for cancer recovery fulfilled through this program.
Fast facts:
Program Overview
Live, Live Well!
Program Objectives
The purpose of the Cancer Wellness Program is to provide cancer patients and their support teams with the necessary tools and information to transition from patient to survivor. The goal of the program is to turn cancer patients into healthy survivors, allowing them to actively participate in their own recovery.
Target Audience
Program Descriptions
The Cancer Wellness Program is the nation’s leading turnkey fitness, nutrition, and education program designed exclusively for cancer patients and survivors.
The program is a comprehensive, large participation, research and evidence based pursuit that allows for both physical and behavioral data to be collected online at any time frame during or post cancer treatment.
The program includes both physical and nutritional activity, lifestyle, and a social oriented program that includes support groups designed to educate cancer patients and survivors on how to combat fatigue, exercise during and after treatment, and maintain proper nutrition.
Cancer Wellness Components
Fitness Facility Membership - Designated cancer patients and survivors receive a fitness membership in the Cancer Wellness Program Fitness Network (CWN), a contracted network. Membership privileges include all amenities, programs, and services that are standard with a basic fitness membership at each Fitness Facility and the hours of use are not restricted.
Group Exercise Classes - Participants will be invited to partake in cancer-appropriate exercise classes in a group setting twice a week. This is a group exercise program designed for eligible participants and will address all fitness levels. Participants will be encouraged to exercise at their own pace. The classes are taught by certified Cancer Wellness Instructors who follow the cancer exercise contraindications guidelines to provide the cancer survivor with a routine that he or she can complete while undergoing treatment. The four-class path will include endurance, strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation modalities. The group exercise format has proven to be very successful for cancer survivors as components reflect cancer sensitivity, promote social interaction, and encourage participation in healthy lifestyle activities. The exercise adherence levels are higher when compared to other forms of structured exercise. This may be due to the fellowship that the group atmosphere provides. In addition to following the class format, instructors will incorporate strategies to help foster the fellowship or sense of community within the group. The Program offers supplemental “at-home” exercises that can be found at www.mycancerwellness.com. Survivors are encouraged to chart his or her progress online. In order to participate, all survivors must provide proof of clearance from his or her primary care physician or medical team. Benefits of the program to participants include:
Improved overall quality of life in all cancer patients
Reduced levels of fatigue and improved tolerance to medications
Improvement in all physical measures, such as strength, endurance, and range of motion by over 50% in most studies conducted
Improved productivity and faster return to work – about “40% of the more than 1 million Americans diagnosed with some form of cancer each year are working adults” (Armour)
Decreased pain levels by 30% or more
Improved biological markers, such as hematocrit, enzymes, and certain hormones
Provides similar psychological benefits to cancer support groups
Creates habits maintained for life – recent study shows habits are maintained at least 10 years past initial diagnosis
Group Nutrition Program - The Group Nutrition Program will initially meet once per month for approximately three-quarters of an hour. Participants will learn about proper nutrition, diet, and simple at-home recipes that can help battle fatigue and malnutrition. The classes are conducted under the supervision of a Cancer Wellness certified registered dietician. All participants begin with a nutritional health screening to determine his or her own individual nutritional health status. Supplemental information for “take-home” portions of the class, such as a food diary, can be found on www.mycancerwellness.com.
MyCancerWellness.com Online Tracking Component - In addition to in-house nutrition and fitness classes, cancer survivors in the program are provided with an online tool found at www.mycancerwellness.com that provides supplemental, at-home activities for cancer survivors and various diagnostic and tracking tools. Eventually, the website will also allow survivors to chart individual progress, download handouts, find recipes, maintain a journal, and interact with other cancer survivors participating in the program.
Program Partners
Hospitals or Hospital Systems
Healthcare Insurance Companies
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
Benefits To Healthcare Organization Sponsor
Differentiation and a positive message in the marketplace resulting in a strong association with patient and family acquisition
Patient satisfaction and loyalty
Improves brand recognition
Strong correlation to vision, mission, and values – “assist in restoring and promoting the health and quality of life of those we serve”
Cancer Wellness participants are twice as likely to complete cancer treatment as opposed to physically inactive patients
Lowers risk of long-term lymphedema
Participants physician utilization changes from high end to normal
Addresses additional health issues
Patients co-morbidities and claims decrease over time
Associated physicians with Cancer Wellness Program improves status and patient relationship
Attracts and retains physician population
Case Studies
For more information contact:
JET Enterprises, LLC
Phone: (480) 767-3363
Email: Info@JETEnterprisesllc.com
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