Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of life's most challenging experiences, but there is hope and support for British Columbians living with this disease.
As part of HealthyFamilies BC, InspireHealth, an integrated cancer care centre operating in Vancouver since 1997, is expanding its unique cancer care delivery services in communities across the province.
By September 2012, new cancer care centres in Victoria, Kelowna, Abbotsford and Prince George will begin receiving patients. Another virtual centre in Vancouver will remotely link InspireHealth doctors with patients in rural and remote areas of B.C. using new and existing telecommunications technologies. It's an exciting time for InspireHealth, a place where medical doctors help patients to incorporate research-informed natural approaches to health into their cancer treatment and recovery.
"One in three British Columbians will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime and there is much evidence that integrated cancer care approaches support health and immune function and can play an important role in both reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and increasing survival rates," says Dr. Hal Gunn, InspireHealth co-founder and CEO. "By combining nutrition, exercise and stress management programs with conventional cancer treatments, we're not only promoting an overall healthier lifestyle – we're also providing our patients with powerful tools to take better control of their own health."
Core health initiatives dedicated to supporting the mind, body, spirit and immune systems of people living with cancer include nutrition and cooking instruction, yoga, exercise, relaxation and medication classes and shared learning groups. These natural approaches to health and wellness place cancer patients directly at the centre of the healing process, empowering them to learn about their cancer and take charge of their recovery.
"Being diagnosed with cancer changed my life in ways that went beyond the changes in my body," says Carol Sicoli, InspireHealth patient. "InspireHealth's integrated approach to cancer care gave me a sense of peace amidst a storm of emotions, helping me to create a sanctuary where healing of the mind, body, and spirit could begin to take place."
While access to InspireHealth's physicians and nurse practitioners is free, patients who would like to engage more deeply in ways designed to support their health and recovery are invited to join InspireHealth's membership program. This exceptional program gives patients access to ongoing classes including nutrition, exercise, yoga, and meditation, support groups, educational seminars and the LIFE program, a medical doctor-led two-day cancer care workshop with a unique approach to providing cancer patients with important tools for improving recovery and survival. The InspireHealth membership cost is $445 for the first year and $95 for annual renewals. The fee is waived for patients receiving MSP Premium Assistance.
For more information about InspireHealth please visit www.inspirehealth.ca
