Wellness for Life Having cancer does not preclude wellness, a concept that extends beyond physical health to encompass spiritual, social, cultural, intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being. There are many things that a person can do to enhance their wellness across these dimensions. In recent years, the roles of exercise, sound nutrition, and support have been receiving substantial attention as methods of advancing the quality of life of cancer patients both during and after treatment. The Wellness for Life program helps patients and caregivers to live better, feel stronger, and grow through the challenges of cancer and treatment.Regular exercise can advance the quality of life for cancer patients both during and after treatment. Studies show that exercise rehabilitation can significantly improve lung function, energy capacity, and muscular endurance and strength, and decrease fatigue and depression in cancer survivors. Exercise may also reduce side-effects from chemotherapy, including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and may reduce hospital length of stay for oncology patients.  The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing and the The Central Maine Health & Wellness Center jointly offer Wellness for Life, an exercise rehabilitation program. The program provides: Opportunities for individual consultation and evaluation with a personal health counselor Opportunities to learn about mind/body/spirit modalities through programming at the Dempsey Center. Please see Events Calendar for more information. Opportunities to participate in either individual or group exercise programs. Participation in the Cancer Wellness and Support Group Patients must be referred to the program by their primary care physician, oncologist, or surgeon. CMMC is seeking grant funding to enhance program offerings and supplement patient participation fees. At this time, patients who cannot otherwise afford to participate in the program can apply for financial assistance through the Immediate Needs Fund. Please contact Kerry Irish, the program's coordinator, at 795-7118, for more information.