What makes the CanWell program different from other exercise programs?
Who can join the CanWell Program?
How do I know if I will meet the requirements to join the exercise program?
Can I join while I am on chemotherapy?
Can I join if I have a PICC line?
Is financial assistance available?
What happens at the end of the 12 week program?
Where is the CanWell program offered?
When is the Les Chater Family YMCA open?
Who do I call if I need more information?
What if I become ill during the 12 week program?
Can friends or family come with me to exercise?
What if I want to exercise more often than twice a week?
Why is the CanWell Program only available at the Les Chater YMCA in Hamilton?
What if I don't live close to the Les Chater YMCA but I want to join the CanWell Program?
What makes the CanWell program different from other exercise programs?
The CanWell program has been developed to meet the specific needs of people with cancer. It has been developed by a team of exercise, health care, research and academic professionals and is based on the most recent evidence about exercise and cancer. Participants exercise in a community setting, while being supervised by certified exercise fitness leaders. The YMCA fitness leaders have obtained additional education and training regarding the specific needs of people with cancer. A unique feature of the CanWell program is that a kinesiologist, physiotherapist and nurse practitioner are available to participants and YMCA staff to provide ongoing education and support.
Who can join the CanWell Program?
The CanWell Program is open to people with cancer, regardless of the type of cancer or stage of treatment. CanWell is primarily for adults living with cancer, however we do have mature teenage participants (evaluated on an individual basis). Generally, participants must be 18 years of age or older, and living in the community. Participants can refer themselves, or their health care provider can refer them. A medical form must be signed by your oncologist or another physician, confirming your fitness to participate in the exercise program.
How do I know if I will meet the requirements to join the exercise program?
Participants must be living in the community.
Can I join while I am on chemotherapy?
Yes, you may join the program while you are on chemotherapy or radiation treatment, as long as your oncologist signs the form confirming your fitness to participate.
Can I join if I have a PICC (or other) line?
Yes, participants may exercise with a PICC line. The kinesiologist, physiotherapist and YMCA fitness leader will design a specialized program of exercise so you may exercise safely with a PICC. However, you will not be able to swim with a PICC. People who have a healed port under the skin generally can swim, but we will review this as needed.
Please see the Les Chater Family YMCA web site for detailed information about membership fees and benefits. CanWell is one program, of many, at the YMCA. Participants need to be YMCA members to join CanWell, but there is no extra cost for this specific program.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. As a charitable organization, the YMCA strives to serve all segments of the community, including those with limited financial means. Donors to the YMCA make this possible.
If your current financial circumstances are limiting your ability to participate, assistance may be provided. Please see the Les Chater Family YMCA web site or contact the Les Chater Family YMCA for more information. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
What happens at the end of the 12 week program?
CanWell participants have found that the CanWell Program has helped them to make regular exercise a part of their daily and weekly routine. CanWell participants also enjoy the added benefits of peer support as they get to know many of their fellow CanWell Program members. Participants are encouraged to continue exercising at the Y, and elsewhere. CanWell staff are available beyond the 12 week program to provide assistance and guidance as needed.
Where is the CanWell program offered?
The CanWell program is currently offered at the Les Chater Family YMCA, at 356 Rymal Road East,
Hamilton.
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When is the Les Chater Family YMCA open?
Please see the Les Chater Family YMCA web site for detailed information hours and programs.
Who do I call if I need more information?
Phone 905-667-1515. Mention that you are looking for information about the CanWell program.
What if I become ill during the 12 week program?
If you need to stop exercising due to illness during the 12 week
program, that is okay. Your program can be put "on hold", and can be
resumed when you have confirmation from your physician that you are
fit to participate.
Please notify a member of your CanWell program team if you need to put your program "on hold".
Please note that this does not suspend your YMCA membership. If you want to suspend
your YMCA membership itself, please
click here
for information, or call the YMCA front desk.
Can friends or family come with me to exercise?
CanWell participants have said that they appreciate the program because it is a positive, healthy activity they can enjoy as a family. Like any YMCA member, friends and family members may participate on two occasions as a guest, free of charge. We encourage friends and family to become YMCA members so they can exercise with CanWell participants on a regular basis.
What if I want to exercise more often than twice a week?
Exercising two to three times a week is the minimum commitment we ask of CanWell program participants. Particiants are encouraged to use their YMCA membership to the fullest. Doing activities that you find enjoyable is very important to maintaining an exercise routine. CanWell is one program offered in partnership between the YMCA, Hamilton Health Sciences, and McMaster University. CanWell particiants are welcome to attend other exercise activities or any other YMCA program (there is no additional charge).
Why is the CanWell Program only available at the Les Chater YMCA in Hamilton?
The CanWell Program was started as a pilot program with one-time funding from HealthForce Ontario (a division of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care). Research on the benefits of exercise and cancer is growing rapidly. However, the best way of providing exercise programs for people with cancer is just being developed. The CanWell pilot program was very successful. The participants made significant improvements in strength, increased energy, better quality of sleep, and improved quality of life (see "research" tab above). The goal is to expand the CanWell Program to other YMCA locations. We are currently looking for resources to expand the program. If you would like to donate or help, please see the "help us" tab above.
What if I don't live close to the Les Chater YMCA but I want to join the CanWell Program?
At this time, the CanWell Program is only available at the Les Chater Family YMCA in Hamilton. Our goal is to expand the program to other YMCA locations. Participants could complete the 12 week CanWell Program at the Les Chater YMCA location, then continue to exercise at a YMCA location closer to their home. Membership at the YMCA provides access to any YMCA in Canada.