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Helping young people rebuild their lives after cancer

A digital program to support young people adjusting to life after cancer has been awarded $1.37 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Dawn collaborator Professor Sandie McCarthy, from the University of Queensland’s (UQ) School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work is leading the project BALANCE, which will be developed by UQ in partnership with cancer support organisation Canteen.

Professor McCarthy said the aim of the digital program was to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of young people treated for cancer by giving them the knowledge and skills to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

“Surviving cancer does not necessarily mean younger people can return to their former state of health – they must work at it,” Professor McCarthy said.

“Young people need mental health strategies to manage the distress associated with their cancer experience.

“As the program is driven by the needs of young people, it will be designed and delivered in consultation with them.”

For more information about BALANCE, contact Professor McCarthy at s.mccarthy@uq.edu.au

Video courtesy of Channel 10 News, airing 8 October 2021

 

The BALANCE program is supported by:

UQ Balance Program Supporters

Moving through change

Things are changing and will continue to change over the next few months. We can easily let these uncertain times to our routines affect all aspects of our health.

This is the time that exercise becomes even more important than ever.

The sooner you create a new ‘new’ when it comes to exercise the better you will be coming out the other side of this pandemic.

Exercise can be one of the most positive strategies you can be using to manage both your mental and physical health at the moment. But you need to be proactive and intentional with your planning and create a new routine. The most important thing is don’t over think it and just move.

If you are self isolating at home or working remotely a weekly or daily plan can help you keep these important activities a regular part of your week. But it wont just happen unless you plan for it. We have too much going on in our heads at the moment to rely on our self motivation.

Create a weekly plan and put it somewhere you can see it. Ticking the box when completed is a simple strategy to keep you on track.

Example Weekly Exercise Plan
Monday: Walk with dog, 45 minutes
Tuesday: Beginners yoga you tube video
Wednesday: Walk 30 minutes and body weight strength circuit
Thursday: Pilates/Tai Chi you tube video
Friday: Walk 45 minutes
Saturday: Strength circuit with resistance bands
Sunday: Rest

In these uncertain times there are many things that we can’t control, but we can control our choices. Putting a simple plan in place can be a game changer in how you manage your health in this stage.

Guest blogger – Vicky Graham
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
True North Wellness