4.3 C
Dorset
Saturday, February 8, 2025
HomeDorset SouthNordic walking for breast cancer survivors

Nordic walking for breast cancer survivors

Women recovering from breast cancer are being offered the chance to join a unique Nordic walking course as part of a pilot project to promote the benefits of exercise.

Dorset County Hospital’s breast care nurse specialists Lorraine Sers and Anne Saunders have teamed up with cancer exercise specialist Laura Spencer to provide a free programme which will enhance recovery in a fun and social way.

The course is being funded by the Dorset Cancer Network as part of the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative. The aim is to eventually make the programme more widely available to all cancer survivors in West Dorset.

Lorraine said: “The programme aims to promote health and wellbeing and Nordic walking can be accessed by the majority of patients making it realistic and achievable. It is a new development for us and this will be the first programme of its kind in West Dorset.

“Evidence shows that a healthy lifestyle after a cancer diagnosis is made can impact on the outcomes. Specialist advice for cancer survivors on physical activity or diet for example can influence the quality of life and improved overall survival. Both Anne and I fully support the programme and encourage as many of our patients as possible to actively take part.”

Nordic walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking using specially designed poles. It was developed in Scandinavia as summer training for elite cross-country skiers but it has since become one of the fastest growing fitness activities across Europe.

Laura said: “It is an activity that can be enjoyed anywhere all year round. Specific fitness training techniques and the propulsion gained from the specially designed poles make it feel easier to work harder without fatigue – ideal for people going through the cancer journey.

“Outdoor exercise has a pronounced effect on your mood and mental health. Being outdoors generally leads to increasing activity levels and the connection with nature and the natural elements is proven to have a positive effect on reducing anxiety and stress levels. Nordic walking also increases the opportunity for social interaction which enhances wellbeing.”

The first course starts at the end of October and is open to all breast cancer survivors in West Dorset. Sessions will be held in Dorchester.

To find out more and reserve your place please contact Lorraine or Anne on 01305 255160 or email [email protected] as soon as possible.

To report this post you need to login first.
Dorset Eye
Dorset Eye
Dorset Eye is an independent not for profit news website built to empower all people to have a voice. To be sustainable Dorset Eye needs your support. Please help us to deliver independent citizen news... by clicking the link below and contributing. Your support means everything for the future of Dorset Eye. Thank you.

DONATE

Dorset Eye Logo

DONATE

- Advertisment -

Most Popular