The inaugural session of ‘Get Real & Heel’, a groundbreaking program made possible through a partnership with The Duke Endowment and UNC Chapel Hill that offers cancer patients a unique path to wellness through prescriptive group exercise and emotional support, just wrapped up and participants saw exciting measurable results.
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.
Among participants with matched data (n=6), PROMIS Anxiety scores decreased — a key indicator that the program’s supportive and community-based approach made a real impact. Whether it was the camaraderie, the movement, or the mindful moments, Get Real & Heel proved to be a source of meaningful emotional support.
The group exercise classes are taught Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10am at the Cherokee Fitness Complex and last approximately 1 hour. Brett Parmenter, PT, DPT, Sherri Watterson, PTA, CLWT and Karen Walter, M.A.Ed, ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist from Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority lead the fitness classes.
The first session of Get Real & Heel was a powerful step toward healing, leaving CIHA Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy staff excited to continue evolving to meet the needs of the community with the next session. Session 2 runs from August 25 through November 21. If you or a loved one has experienced a cancer diagnosis and are seeking a supportive, whole-person approach to healing — this program is for you. For more information, contact Sherri Watterson at sherri.watterson@cherokeehospital.org.