Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, in partnership with the Duke Endowment and UNC Chapel Hill, is proud to introduce ‘Get Real & Heel’, a unique and specialized exercise program designed to support cancer patients. This innovative initiative integrates individualized prescriptive exercise, administered in small group settings, to enhance both physical and mental well-being for those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis.
A Comprehensive Approach to Cancer Recovery
The Get Real & Heel program is specifically designed to help participants manage cancer treatment-related symptoms while improving their chances of survivorship and overall quality of life. Research has demonstrated the profound benefits of exercise in reducing the debilitating side effects of cancer treatments, including fatigue, loss of muscle mass, decreased strength, and emotional distress. By engaging in structured physical activity, participants can regain strength, improve flexibility, and enhance their overall wellness.
Program Details
- -The first Get Real & Heel cohort will launch in April 2025 and will run through multiple cohorts.
- -Patients must be cleared by their doctor to be eligible to participate.
- -Exercise sessions will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 am and will be conducted at Cherokee Fitness Center.
- -Brett Parmenter, PT, DPT, Sherri Watterson, PTA, CLWT and Karen Walter, M.A.Ed, ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist from Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority will lead the fitness classes.
- -Participants will attend three exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks.
What to Expect
-Participants will engage in a variety of targeted exercise therapies, including:
- -Cardiovascular activities using aerobic exercise equipment.
- -Weight training to build strength and muscle mass.
- -Flexibility exercises, including movements to restore surgical side shoulder range-of-motion.
- -Balance training to improve stability and coordination.
Why Exercise Matters for Cancer Patients
Studies indicate that over 72% of cancer patients experience severe fatigue during treatment. Other common side effects include pain, muscle loss, depression, nausea, and shortness of breath, all of which can significantly diminish quality of life. While pharmacological treatments can provide temporary relief, exercise therapy has been shown to complement existing treatments by:
- -Reducing fatigue and increasing energy levels.
- -Improving muscular strength and endurance.
- -Supporting metabolism and weight management.
- -Enhancing stress management and emotional well-being.
- -Boosting heart rate coherence and overall cardiovascular health.
How to Enroll
The Get Real & Heel program is actively seeking participants. Information about the program will be distributed to primary care teams and posted at Cherokee Indian Hospital, Cherokee Choices, and Cherokee Fitness Center. Individuals interested in participating can contact Sherri Watterson at Sherri.Watterson@Cherokeehospital.org for enrollment details.
This initiative marks an important step forward in cancer survivorship care at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority. By integrating physical activity into recovery, Get Real & Heel aims to empower patients with the tools to rebuild strength, resilience, and quality of life.
For more information, please contact Sherri Watterson at Sherri.Watterson@Cherokeehospital.org