Clinton Resident Teaches Therapeutic Exercises to Help Breast Surgery Recovery

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. - June 29, 2004 -- Allison Heindl, RN, CLM, of Clinton, Miss. is leading a free new exercise program at Baptist Cancer Services. The Lebed Method "Focus on Healing" is a therapeutic movement and exercise program developed specifically for women following breast cancer surgery, node dissection, radiation, chemotherapy, lymphedema, or those who suffer from chronic fatigue.

It's an eight-week course that began in June. New classes will resume on Thursday July 8 and are offered Mondays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Activities Room of the Hederman Cancer Center at no cost.

Heindl has a personal and compassionate commitment to help women regain strength after breast cancer surgery. Her mother, Kathy, of Clinton, is a breast cancer survivor. Heindl saw her mom struggle to regain movement in her arms. Already a ballet instructor, Heindl, discovered The Lebed Method, an exercise program of stretching, jazz and ballet movements that restores strength and flexibility after surgery.

"My grandmother also had breast cancer; so I was just looking for a way to take my passion for dance and incorporate it to help those regain flexibility. I saw what my mom and grandmother went through. I came across this national program and got certified to teach it," said Heindl who is the only certified instructor in Mississippi.

"Cancer survivors reclaim their vitality in this class through increased range of motion, reduction or deterrence of lymphedema, increased energy, released frozen shoulder, reduced depression, assistance in structural rebalancing, promotion of positive self-image and reestablish a sense of beauty," Heindl added.

One of the participants, also of Clinton, stated she wouldn't call it just a support group, but it's a fun dance class.

"It's relaxing and fun especially after going through surgery," said Susan Stowe of Clinton, Miss. "I have battled breast cancer for 12 years, and I have lymphedema; so this mentally lifts my spirits, and I can tell it is strengthening my muscles."

Sherry Lebed Davis, a dance movement specialist and breast cancer survivor, and her physician brothers, developed the program nationally after their mother grew despondent following a diagnosis of breast cancer.

For more information contact the Baptist Health Line at (601) 948-6262 or visit http://www.focusonhealing.net/. Heindl also teaches the class in her Clinton studio for a low cost. Call (601) 842-2035 for information.

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