by Rachel Mark, MA(kin), R.Ac, RYT, Clinical Director and Lead Exercise Therapist, InspireHealth –
Cancer touches nearly everyone. Whether it is a spouse, family member, coworker, friend, or even you, most people will be closely affected at some point in their lives. The Canadian Cancer Society now estimates that nearly one in two individuals will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. While rates of new diagnoses are increasing, so is the five-year cancer survival rate. Since more people are living with their cancers for longer, many cancer diagnoses are now considered chronic illnesses.
There is a vast body of research emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors in the management of chronic illness, and in this regard, cancer is no different from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite the known benefit of lifestyle support for people living with cancer, there are few programs available that offer practical support in areas such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
InspireHealth is a B.C.-based not-for-profit organization offering supportive care to individuals living with cancer as well as their loved ones. With locations in Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna, over 16,000 individuals seek support annually. The mission is to inspire people affected by cancer to enhance their quality of life and well-being by integrating wisdom and evidence-informed practices that support mind, body and spirit. This is facilitated by a team of medical doctors, exercise therapists, clinical counsellors, dietitians and nutritionists who provide individuals with both one-on-one consultations, as well as group programming.
Thanks to funding from the BC Ministry of Health, The Victoria Foundation, The Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation, as well as many local corporate and individual donors, InspireHealth’s services are all offered free of charge. There is no referral needed for individuals to access services. Simply visit www.inspirehealth.ca to register, or call a local centre.
The first in-person step is to attend a Fireside Information Session. Here, individuals will meet in a group setting with a member of InspireHealth’s clinical team. Information will be provided about programs and services, and next steps to connect. From there, patients can move into scheduling individualized consultations with a medical doctor, dietitian, exercise therapist and/or clinical counsellor. These sessions provide an opportunity to explore particular questions, key areas of focus and formulate a plan to move forward. The aim is for each patient to feel empowered in their healthcare choices. They may choose to register for weekly classes and programs such as exercise, yoga, meditation, support groups, cooking classes and art therapy.
The signature LIFE Program is an introduction to supportive cancer care, a two-day program which explores InspireHealth’s foundations of health and healing. Participants are encouraged to bring family members or support people with them.
There is no minimal level of participation at InspireHealth. It is based on the individual’s preference and areas of focus. InspireHealth aims to provide more than medical appointments. It is a community, and a safe space. “InspireHealth was somewhere to go, somewhere to call – it gave me what was missing when I was going through treatment. I was won over by their quality of care – I was blown away.”
For more information visit www.inspirehealth.ca or call 250-595-7125.
