Active Living for Cancer Rehab

Summarized by Dr. Agnes Coutinho PhD

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends incorporating regular physical activity, as part of a healthy lifestyle and weight management plan to prevent the development of certain types of cancer (especially colon and breast cancer). We want to thank all of our clients who have shared their experiences of using our poles through their personal treatment and recovery-phase. Your touching and inspirational stories have helped to motivate others to try our program and experience the benefits for themselves. As you have told us and research supports, walking with poles versus walking without poles may help boost self-esteem, improve sleep and energy levels, as well as lower depression and anxiety, while helping with pain management.

“For someone who is used to be being very active, Urban Poling helped me with my core strengthening and regaining my physical health.  It was one of the many awesome tools that supported my recovery from breast cancer (surgery and radiation) “
-Cheryl

Research Benefits

Evidence-based studies clearly identify Urban Poling, with the proper training, as a healthy mode of physical activity suited for improving quality of life. Urban Poling offers proven beneficial effects on general key health parameters which may include:

  • Quality of Life, social interaction, self-esteem
  • Functional independence
  • Core Strength
  • Mood / level of anxiety or depression
  • Reduces lymphedema, swelling & tightness
  • Upper extremity mobility and strength (especially pertaining to breast cancer)
  • Muscular endurance
  • Posture, stability & balance
  • Exercise tolerance
  • Personal exertion limits


Sources:
(Tschentscher et al 2013) Health Benefits of Nordic Walking A Systematic Review. PubMed
(Sprod et al 2005) The Effects of Walking Poles on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Survivors. Integrated Cancer Therapy

Contact Us for more information or to obtain a client education sheet on walking poles for cancer.

“Most people gain weight during chemotherapy because they are exhausted with a total lack of stamina” she said. With  lifestyle changes including a change in diet, Gabriela Valente’s stamina kept up and actually improved over the course of her treatment. Valente says in the midst of her treatment, she was walking more than three kilometers a day. “I found as I went on I really appreciated it because it calmed me down and became a form of meditation.”
-Gabriela Valente, from CBC Live Right Now Article

 

 

4Life Grant Program

We are proud to support cancer wellness programs across Canada with funding supported by 2% of Pink 4Life Pole Sales.  We are currently accepting 4Life grant applications until November 30, 2018.

2018 4Life Grant Application

Why Health Professionals recommend Urban Poles

urban poling nordic walking (19)_2

Urban Poles are built for fitness with these unique features:

  • Ergonomic CoreGrip developed for core strengthening
  • Strapless to reduce the risk of injury
  • Secure turning lock system
  • Boot-shaped tips propel you forward to increase your workout
  • Boot tips are easily removed to expose the carbide for winter walking
  • 3 Anti-vibration features minimizing stress on joints
  • *2% donated to Cancer Wellness Programs with our hot pink 4Life poles!
  • ACTIVATOR poles are being prescribed for clients who also have balance issues

Consult your physician or therapist before using the poles if you currently use a cane or walker, have any medical condition which affects your balance, stability, grip strength, vision, depth perception, judgement or co-ordination, of if you are currently recovering from injury or surgery.

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Most of our breast cancer clients do Urban Poling, however, we highly recommend the ACTIVATOR poles designed greater stability for clients with a neuropathy in the feet (numbness, tingling, pain) or post abdominal, chest surgery as they help provide assistance for balance, stability and encourage an upright and aligned posture to minimize rounded shoulders.
-Joanne Morgan (Kin) & Sarah Weller (Kin)

 

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Going downhill

For moderately steep slopes, simply decrease the pressure on the base of the handles or drag your poles behind you. For steep slopes, keep your poles upright and in front and out to the side slightly, so if you do fall you won’t land on your poles. Bend your knees and elbows, and slow down any momentum. For long descents, it may be helpful to lengthen the poles.
–Barb Gormley, Director of Education

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