ANNOUNCER:
The women in this yoga class share an unusual bond – like Carol, they’ve all battled breast cancer.
CAROL, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR:
There is just something different about being in this class, knowing that other people had gone through the same thing with me.
ANNOUNCER:
A recent scientific study out of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas confirms what women like these have known for years – that yoga increases physical function and improves the overall health of breast cancer patients.
CAROL, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR:
With each class I just feel that I am getting stronger and more flexible and stretching out. And then the whole emotional side, the whole breathing and just helping me remain calm through a lot of stressful periods of time.
ANNOUNCER:
Yoga combines meditation with controlled breathing, stretching and movement. Classes like this are tailored to meet the needs of breast cancer survivors.
SUSAN HERMAN, YOGA INSTRUCTOR:
This was designed not just to be a gentle yoga class, but a yoga class for people who may have lots of limitations in their upper bodies
ANNOUNCER:
Studies with lymphoma patients also show that practicing yoga can ease cancer-related sleep problems. But these women see a variety of other benefits too.
CAROL, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR:
I’ve made friends here. It has really helped to be with people that have gone through the same thing.
ANNOUNCER:
Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.