Movement and Healing: Learn and Experience the Benefits of Movement During GYN Cancer Treatment and Beyond

September 18, 2023

Studies have shown that exercise may help reduce the risk of recurrence in cancer patients. It can also help improve mood and sleep, reduce anxiety, boost energy, and so much more. Join Dr. Shannon Armbruster, gynecologic oncologist at Virginia Tech’s Carilion Clinic, as she talks about these benefits, exercise guidelines for cancer survivors, her research, and more. One form of exercise that has mind-body benefits for cancer survivors is yoga. Dr. Samantha Harden, an associate professor of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and 500 hour registered yoga teacher, will share some of the research findings related to yoga for cancer survivors and include a brief, accessible demonstration of the yoga kernels for public health (breathing, movement, moment-to-moment awareness). Learn about and reap the benefits of movement with us during this Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month!

Key Takeaways:

• Exercise can play a crucial role in keeping us healthy in body and mind, and can help reduce the risk of getting a second cancer.
• It’s always better to move than be sedentary. Increasing physical activity affects overall health and can enhance quality of life.
• Even if you can't do strenuous exercise, there are many low impact workouts you can do, such as yoga and  light walking.
• It’s important to be in tune with your own body and how much your body can handle; you can slowly increase the length and intensity of activity over time. You can also consider doing several 10-minute exercise segments throughout the day, which can work as well as longer exercise periods.