This monthly calendar is free to cancer survivors and their caretakers or guests. It is designed to revitalize not only the body, but the mind and spirit, too. Sessions are presented by Mercy Medical Center staff and professionals as well as volunteers and experts from our community.
Monthly sessions and events include:
- Group Exercise Classes – Nia™, yoga, aerobics, cycling
- Stress Management Classes – relaxation and breathing techniques, coping skills, etc.
- Healing Arts – music, photography, cooking, etc.
- Nutritional guidance, education, and cooking demonstrations
- Educational Sessions – lymphedema, fatigue management, spirituality, coping with pain, etc.
- Other Special Events
- Music Therapy Groups
View this month’s Journey to Wellness Calendar. Register for Journey to Wellness events by visiting www.mercycare.org/events.
To receive the monthly Journey to Wellness Calendar, please contact Amanda Covington, Thrive Coordinator, at (319) 398-6674 or by email at acovington@mercycare.org.
Thrive Personal Training is designed as a custom-made, individualized fitness and wellness program centered around the patient’s abilities, goals, cancer and treatment experiences, and holistic health.
The program includes:
Nutrition: Participants meet with a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition to discuss how a healthy diet, regular physical activity and managing weight can effect the cancer patient or survivor.
Exercise: The exercise component is implemented by a Mercy Fitness Center Health & Fitness Coordinator. Working with this coordinator, a custom exercise program is designed based on abilities of the participant and with careful consideration of his or her treatment plan. Our exercise component will help restore energy, and our personal trainers will be there every step of the way to offer encouragement and instruction.
Education: Mercy staff will set-up a one-on-one consultation with a clinical dietitian and, if necessary, a physical and/or occupational therapist (regarding any exercise limitations). Additionally, educational sessions will be offered to individuals needing additional support in psychosocial concerns, spirituality, lymphedema, or other ancillary services.
Graduates from Thrive Personal Training receive the discounted Thrive Affiliate Rate for membership at the Mercy Fitness Center.
Thrive FIT (Fitness in Treatment)
Thrive FIT is free and open to all individuals currently receiving cancer treatment. This 10-week individualized personal training program is designed to diminish treatment effects and fatigue and to assist in health maintenance. A physician referral is required for this program. The program includes:
- Pre- and post-fitness assessments
- Up to three one-on-one personal training sessions per week
- 10-week membership to Mercy Fitness Center
- Home exercise plans and prescription
- Nutritional counseling
- Ancillary service referrals, as needed
Thrive PT (Post-Treatment)
Thrive PT is free and open to all individuals at least three weeks post cancer treatment. This 8-week individualized personal training program is designed around individual abilities and goals to maximize recovery. Participants must commit to exercising three times weekly for eight weeks. A physician referral is required for this program. The program includes:
- Pre- and post-fitness assessments
- 30-minute one-on-one personal training sessions, three per week
- Eight-week membership to Mercy Fitness Center
- Nutritional counseling
- Ancillary service referrals, as needed
Mercy's Cancer Fitness & Wellness program started in 2006 as an evidence-based supportive care pilot study. It was funded primarily by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In 2006, the program won Modern Healthcare Magazine's prestigious Spirit in Excellence Award.
More recently, Mercy’s Thrive program was awarded the 2011 LIVESTRONG Community Impact Award. Mercy’s Thrive program received the most votes in its region in support of establishing the Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment program. That means Thrive will receive both financial as well as educational support and services to enhance its established program.
Get more than just treatment.
Come full circle on your road to recovery with another component of the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center’s comprehensive cancer services.
For More Information:
To receive more detailed information on Thrive Cancer Fitness and Wellness programming, contact Amanda Covington, Thrive Coordinator, at (319) 398-6674 or by email at acovington@mercycare.org.
