Women's Health Professional

Today's Date: Thursday, August 28, 2008

Pink Ribbon Program: Pilates Improving Breast Cancer Surviors Well-Being

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

The Pink Ribbon Program offers women a chance at a true recovery after surviving breast cancer, said Doreen Puglisi, founder of the specialized Pilates workout.

“In today’s fast-paced medical world, you don’t get the one-on-one care you really need once you’re done with surgery and are sent home,” Puglisi said.

“My mission is not only to show women how to reclaim their physical health again, but also to prove how a specialized program like this can improve breast cancer survival. It rehabilitates the body, the mind, and the spirit,” she said.

Puglisi equipped with a master's degree in Exercise Science, recognized a need for a program designed specifically to help breast cancer survivors in 1998. After she survived her own bout of breast cancer she created the non-profit program to improve other survivors' strength, self-esteem and their quality of life.

“While everyone agrees Pilates can give you a leaner, stronger body, it also has therapeutic and mental benefits that demand concentration and focus—keys to feeling like you’re back in control again.” Pilates actually has its roots in recovery circles, first created by Joseph Pilates during World War I to improve the rehabilitation of returning veterans, said Puglisi.

The Pink Ribbon Program consists of three phases, each lasting 2-4 weeks. It helps women:

Regain strength and mobility in affected areas;
Retrain musculature of the upper body;
Improve self-confidence;
Reduce feelings of depression;
Decrease stress and tension while increase energy; and
Enhance physical and mental well-being.

Puglisi created a Certification Program enabling Pilates instructors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses to be trained in her method. She trains healthcare providers nationwide and travels to anyone willing to host her two-day certification program, hoping to help others like her.

For more information please visit: www.pinkribbonprogram.com.

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