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The Active Survivors Network has developed a series of tools to assist Survivors with recovery. Fitness for Survivors will focus on the many challenges Survivors face as a result of disease and accidents. These programs provide a healthy prescription for Survivors and promote continued recovery.
Fitness for Survivors programs are not intended to replace formal rehabilitation or therapy; however, the programs will establish fitness protocols for ongoing recovery. Each program will have a specific activity designed to improve a Survivor’s quality of life. The programs will not be designed for specific diseases or illnesses, but instead will address challenges that Survivors must face.
At the completion of a Fitness for Survivors TM program, Survivors will have gained knowledge, skills and confidence to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. They will demonstrate an improvement in their health and quality of Life.
Each program will have a specific activity designed to improve a Survivor’s quality of life. Using a multi-week curriculum, Survivor’s will receive fitness specific programs to include cardiovascular, strength training, endurance training, flexibility, stretching, etc., as well as health and fitness education. The programs will be designed so they can be delivered to groups of varying sizes depending upon the need for assistance within a group, and the number of instructors available to ensure proper technique. This format and group setting allows participants to practice the skills that are taught, measure their improvement and learn from other Survivors, while addressing the issue of social isolation many Survivors face. Most importantly, the programs provide a non-competitive and less intimidating environment in which to learn, improve and gain confidence.
Survivors’ fitness and recovery levels can range widely; therefore, each participant will be given a pre-program assessment and personal briefing with our program’s director. This will determine the participant’s specific needs, individual goals and anticipated outcomes. Participants will receive on-going support from the ASN directors and coaches.
Each program will develop it’s guidelines through up-front research, feedback from an advisory committee, and input from Survivors and program participants.
Programs will be delivered by Active Network Instructors. Following the initial assessment, the director will ensure that instructors are briefed on each participant’s strengths and weaknesses. All instructors will be selected by the Active Survivors Network program sub-committee and must meet the minimum requirements for certification, education and practical experience.
Program evaluations will be conducted by the Active Survivor Networks directors using questionnaires, surveys and post program assessment of the participants.
In collaboration with the American Stroke Association, The Active Survivors Network developed and implemented a marathon and half marathon training program for the Baltimore/DC area.
The Active Survivors Network, in conjunction with Program Coordinator, Deb Kirkland of Lifebridge Health and with the support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, will conduct a 12-week cardio vascular training program for breast cancer Survivors to learn about health and fitness during and after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Participants will meet weekly for group walks/runs and social support and fitness education. Each participant will receive a personal fitness analysis, fitness plan and on-going support from the programs director and coach. The goal is to participate and complete the 2008 Race For the Cure™.
The benefits may include improved stamina, weight control, and understanding of the benefits of physical activity, improved mental cognition, mood and overall health.
The Active Survivors Network in cooperation with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults will sponsor the Cancer to 5K. This program is designed to help cancer Survivors engage in activity, using a 12-week progressive run/walk curriculum, designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity. The program will provide them with training, coaches, encouragement and support necessary to complete a in the 3.0 mile portion of the Survivor Harbor 7 race, June 8, 2008.
The Cancer to 5K program will provide cancer survivors with an introduction to the sport of running and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and while providing the survivor with a healthy dose of personal empowerment. Both of which are keys for Survivors to moving forward in their life after cancer.
This 8-10 week program is designed to improve Survivor’s health and well-being and overcome disabilities that result from Brain Trauma. Physical activity for brain injury Survivors is recommended by the physicians and therapists at an ever-increasing rate. Recent studies suggest engaging the brain in physical activity helps it to “re-learn” functions that are sometimes lost after brain trauma. Yoga incorporates many disciplines that brain injury Survivors often require to assist with recovery. Brain injuries often result in disabilities such as balance, vestibular system and equilibrium problems, muscle dysfunction, spasicity, mental acuity, fatigue and overall lost of strength. This program is designed to address these disabilities.
Working with Let’s Dish, the Active Survivors Network will be offering a series of cooking seminars targeting specific diseases and illnesses. The first in the series will be, Cooking for Diabetes.
Currents statistics show that anywhere from 35,000 to 53,000 soldiers have been injured in the current war. A large percentage of those injured are left with the war’s signature wound, a Traumatic Brain Injury. Many of these returning soldiers have are not only been left with a TBI, but also have experienced loss of limb or paralysis. Of those injured, 90% are expected to return to the community. The Active Survivor Network, Fitness for Survivors, will develop programs to assist these individuals and other war veterans with their on-going recovery.
Inquiries send an e-mail to webmaster@activesurvivor.org
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