The MUHC goes to the gym
MUHC and CURVES partnership aims to improve breast cancer survival
Research demonstrates a clear link between physical activity and
increased cancer survival rates, but just getting to the gym
presents a challenge for many people. For women battling breast
cancer, the side effects of their treatments are just one of many
barriers to being physically active. The Cedars Breast Clinic of
the Â鶹AV Health Centre (MUHC) is partnering up with
Curves, the world’s leader in women’s fitness, to tackle this
problem head on. From September, every inactive woman diagnosed and
treated for breast cancer at the MUHC will be offered a free
membership to Curves.
“Many women being treated for breast cancer are not ready to get
back into physical activity or they haven’t done it before,”
explains Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, Director of the Cedars Breast
Centre of the MUHC. “They are often dealing with changes in body
image, depression and are struggling to come to terms with their
diagnosis. On top of that, they have the physical effects of
chemotherapy.
Breast cancer survivors who receive a free membership to Curves
won’t simply be left to their own devices. Dr. Catherine Sabiston,
Assistant Professor in Exercise Psychology at Â鶹AV,
will follow their progress over the course of four years. Her team
will measure changes in the women’s physical health, including
aerobic fitness, strength, weight, and body composition, as well as
their psychosocial health, including their stress levels, their
social support systems and their quality of life.
Curves’ staff and members will do what they do best - encouraging,
nurturing and supporting these women as they attempt to regain
their health and wellbeing. “There’s something special that goes on
inside a Curves,” said Curves founder Diane Heavin. “The owners,
staff and members have created a unique support system that we call
the Curves Community, and it has the ability to uplift and
strengthen women.”
Dr. Sabiston anticipates that the physical activity enjoyed by
these women will offset many of the side effects experienced as a
result of cancer treatments, giving them more energy, stronger
muscles, and allowing them to sleep better. She also expects
psychosocial gains – including improved emotional health and the
development of new social relationships. “The ultimate goal of our
research is to identify feasible and safe exercise mechanisms that
are already available to these women in their communities.”
Over the years, Curves has made great efforts in the fight against
cancer. “Curves is proud to be an integral component of the
treatment program for the patients and survivors of the Cedars
Breast Clinic,” says Heavin. “We commend Dr. Meterissian and his
staff for taking such a crucial step in ensuring the health and
wellbeing of his patients, and for furthering important research on
the link between exercise and disease prevention.”
This partnership was made possible by funds raised at this year’s
fourth annual Jump for Hope Country Gala fundraiser,
organized in partnership with the Royal Victoria Hospital
Foundation, to benefit the MUHC Cedars Breast Clinic.
The Â鶹AV Health Centre (MUHC) is a
comprehensive academic health institution with an international
reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and
teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's
Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria
Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest
Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to
provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the
health care field and to contribute to the development of new
knowledge.
Curves works to help women lose weight, gain
muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its
groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for
perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a
complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and
sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective
hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered
the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made
exercise available to over 4 million women. With nearly 10,000
locations in more than 70 countries, Curves is the world's largest
fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: .
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For more information please contact:
Rana Alrabi
Information Officer
MUHC Public Relations and Communications
(514) 843-1560
rana.alrabi [at] muhc.mcgill.ca