By Susi Hately
Susi Hately Aldous and University of Calgary Cancer Center Develops Yoga for Cancer Survivors DVD
Together with Susi Hately Aldous, renowned yoga teacher, kinesiologist and founder of Functional Synergy, the University of Calgary Physical Activity and Cancer Center announce the release of the first yoga DVD customized for cancer survivors. This gentle 7 session therapeutic yoga program is based on Hatha yoga, but has been modified for people who have completed their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment and are looking for a gentle yoga program to relax, and progressively build flexibility, strength and balance. Each session is 75 minutes and no previous yoga experience is required.
Cancer survivors can experience a wide range of physical, emotional and mental trauma. Hately Aldous has put her expertise in the field of rehabilitation, yoga and mind-body synergy to work in helping them heal the body and improve mental and physical well-being. “There are many facets cancer survivors often go through, from the effects of chemotherapy to surgery, as well as lack of energy and emotional issues,” says Hately Aldous. “Previous cancer survivors who have completed this program have found significant benefits in physical strength and function, overall mood, stress levels and quality of life.”
Yoga for Cancer Survivors is a four-disc (9 ½ hour long) DVD series based on a seven-week yoga program offered at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre. This course has been scientifically proven to improve a cancer survivors’ quality of life and the exercises were specifically chosen and modified for cancer survivors.
Research has shown that regular physical activity improves a cancer survivor’s chances of survival. It can also help them get over the debilitating fatigue that affects so many survivors, improve their cardiovascular performance and allow them to return to their activities of daily living.
The Yoga for Cancer Survivors research is under the direction of Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed, one of Canada’s leading experts in the field of physical activity and cancer. The yoga therapy program was developed by Hately Aldous to meet the specific needs of cancer survivors. The DVD series begins with a gentle, introductory routine and progresses to more challenging yoga poses as the viewer progresses.
The Yoga for Cancer Survivors DVD can be purchased from Functional Synergy (www.functionalsynergy.com or 866-229-2645) for $29.95. A portion of the proceeds from each disc will go to support the cancer and physical activity research being done in Dr. Culos-Reed’s lab.
Starting in January 2009, Hately Aldous will be leading a series of Yoga for Cancer Survivors workshops in USA, Canada and Europe. These 1-day events will be open for cancer survivors post treatment and will be complimentary with the purchase of the Yoga for Cancer Survivors DVD. No prior knowledge of yoga is needed to participate.
Susi Hately Aldous is a renowned yoga teacher and author of several international best-selling yoga books. Her latest title, Advancing Your Yoga Practice: the Art of Slowing Down launched in September 2008 and follows her other titles including Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga for the Desk Jockey and, Anatomy and Asana: Preventing Yoga Injuries Series. Her yoga skills are enhanced by her B.Sc. in kinesiology, post-graduate training in mind-body medicine and ergonomics and, practical field experience assisting companies with disability management and workplace safety issues.
Susi’s main focus and expertise is in helping people overcome pain and injuries with her customized yoga therapy programs. Since 2004, Susi teaches a comprehensive therapeutic certification program for aspiring instructors to learn the importance of well-being as it affects various conditions. This training program, based on the Hatha yoga method, encompasses her wide range of acquired disciplines including kinesiology, yoga iRest (yoga nidra), rehabilitation, modern mind-body science and practical experience as an exercise therapist and ergonomics consultant. Find more info at www.functionalsynergy.com.
