"CANCER SUCKS..."

That is a quote from my kids, while I was going through cancer in 2005.  As a personal trainer I have had some health issues of my own that have made my own personal health and fitness a life or death issue.  In February of 1986 while a senior in high school I began to lose weight for an unexplained reason.  I was working out daily as I was attempting to get my body ready to play college football.  But no matter how much I trained I just kept losing large amounts of weight.  It was revealed after a trip to the doctor that I had juvenile diabetes.  I was crushed, I thought my life was over.  But now after successfully managing my diabetes for almost 20 years I can actually say that my diabetes has been a positive thing for me.  I can actually say it saved my life? 

In February of 2005 I was having problems managing my blood sugars.  No matter how hard I tried I couldn't keep my blood sugars from going through the roof and then for no explained reason they would fall to very dangerous levels.  My blood sugars were telling me that something was not right.  A trip to the doctor confirmed something was not right.  I was diagnosed with stomach cancer.  I was told that it was stage 3 and I needed to begin chemo immediately.  After 6 weeks of daily treatment the cancer had gotten smaller but was still advanced, I was told I had about a 30% chance of surviving!  The doctors gave me a choice.  I could have my stomach removed or I could seek some other form of treatment.  I opted to keep my stomach and try alternative treatment.  Two years later I am cancer free.

I feel that my personal success with overcoming diabetes and cancer has given me a great understanding of just what it takes to physically, mentally and emotionally live life to the full in spite of the challenges that come with living with and surviving health issues such as cancer and diabetes.

If you are someone living with diabetes or cancer I would love the opportunity to share with you the things I have learned personally, regarding what it takes to live a healthy, exciting, full life in spite of health issues such as cancer and diabetes.  I would like the opportunity to share with you the programs I have developed for myself that helped me in overcoming diabetes and cancer.  I can work with you and your doctor to help you not just survive life with diabetes or cancer but actually show you how health issues such as these can make your life better. 

For more information about my special health and fitness issues programs for those with diabetes or cancer check-out the info below about the LiveSTRONG Survivor program or go to the diabetic program link on the navigation bar to learn more about Barefoot Fitness Diabetic programs or simply call me to arrange a free consultation.

The LIVESTRONG™

Health & Fitness Program

This program is done in conjunction with the regular programs offered by Barefoot Fitness.  But cancer brings health and fitness issues into our lives that require special needs such as:

-How do I eat healthy when everything makes me sick?

-How do I stay physically strong while going through treatment?

-I am mentally and emotionally overwhelmed, how do I focus on the positive?

With the LIVESTRONG™ Health & Fitness program I adjust everything to your needs in regards to physical and nutritional needs, plus I incorporate the Lance Armstrong Survivorship Program.  I take extra time each week at no extra charge and work with you using the Survivorship Notebook

This notebook is designed to organize and guide your cancer experience. It is a portable notebook, so you can take it with you to health care appointments and other important meetings. It includes the following:

• Survivorship Tools - this section will help keep you organized. It contains a personal health journal including an appointment diary and list for medications, practical life summary for health and financial information, and a medical history and treatment section.
• Survivorship Stories - full of stories of cancer survivors talking about their experiences with cancer. This section hopes to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
• Survivorship Topics - this section is broken down into three categories:

1.   Physical Topics (e.g. Aftereffects of Treatment, Healthy Behaviors, and Physical Rehabilitation)

2.   Emotional Topics (e.g. Support Systems, Fear, Hope, and Uncertainty)

3.   Practical Topics (e.g. Communicating with your Health Care Team, Life Expectancy, and Planning for your Financial and Medical Future)

Each topic has readings and answers to questions that you might have, plus available resources for you to use for more information.