Area cancer survivors have access to a free strength-and-wellness program designed specifically for them thanks to a partnership between the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and Olympic Medical Center.

Exercise and Thrive, a 12-week program, is available to all adult cancer survivors, 90 days out after the conclusion of cancer treatments. The 12-week session will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. starting Monday, Oct. 2, at the YMCA of Port Angeles.

The curriculum was developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Fred Hutchinson reached out to YMCAs to deliver the program in communities across the country.

Studies show that exercise can improve quality of life, lessen treatment side effects and help recovery, program coordinators say. Participants in the Y’s Exercise and Thrive program strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve endurance while receiving health-and-wellness coaching from YMCA personal trainers and wellness coaches during bi-weekly sessions. They are also introduced to mind/body activities like yoga and have the opportunity to learn about healthy eating.

The goal of the program is to help survivors develop their own physical fitness regimen and become life-long exercisers after the program ends.

Program participants must be 18 years of age or older. For a consultation and to receive your medical screening/permission form before the start of the class, contact Karen Rushby, physical therapist at Olympic Medical Center specializing in cancer rehabilitation, at 360-417-7116.

For more information about Exercise and Thrive, call Mikki Hughes, Health and Well Being Coordinator at the YMCA of Port Angeles, 360-452-9244, x133, or by email at mikki@olympicpeninsulaymca.org.

Exercise and Thrive is open to the community at no cost and is funded in part by the Y’s annual Power of Community Campaign and a grant from the United Way.

Learn more about Exercise and Thrive at www.olympicpeninsulaymca.org and or by calling 360-452-9244.