Sid Jacobson JCC "Strength To Strength" Program
A Comprehensive Breast Cancer Wellness and Aftercare Program For Women

EAST HILLS, NY-FEBRUARY 7, 2003 -- Sid Jacobson JCC of East Hills, a clinical affiliate of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and a partner with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, has created a novel, holistic approach to enhancing the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of women recovering from breast cancer. "Strength To Strength" is a program designed for all breast cancer patients and survivors, in all stages of treatment and recovery (with physician clearance) and is designed to improve the body, mind and the spirit. The program is based on the FORCE® Program (Focus on Rehabilitation and Cancer Education), whose founder, Jeff Berman is a cancer survivor himself.

Studies have shown that people recovering from breast cancer who exercise are less tired and have more energy and stamina to do the things that are important to them. Regular physical activity can help you feel more positive and less anxious or depressed. It also can make the individual feel better during treatment, reduce side effects, and can help recovery more quickly following treatment. Engaging in a group program such as "Strength To Strength," can increase one's ability to comply with exercise regimens and enhance social and supportive networks.

In the program, participants gain strength as a group, achieving lasting
results by becoming part of a caring community. The 16-week program,
initiated upon physician approval and led by specifically trained
professionals (some whom are themselves cancer survivors) includes:

• 10 hours of guided physical exercise
• 6 hours of stress reduction sessions (including yoga, guided
  imagery-meditation and Reiki)
• 4 hours of nutritional counseling
• 6 hours of group support
• Access to the JCC's Sports & Fitness and Aquatics Centers (for the participant and her primary caregiver/family member) during the last 12 weeks to maintain the goals of custom designed program developed by a Strength to Strength fitness professional

"Strength to Strength" is made possible with the generous support of
Senator Michael A.L. Balboni, Senator Joseph L. Bruno, Janet and Jerry Kroll, Debra and James Buslik, Tracy and David Levy and Pam and Martin Bernard, the New York State Department of Health and participant contributions. The program fee is $150, $100 for JCC members. Ample scholarships are available. For additional information, contact Sue Gold, MPH at (516) 484-1545, ext. 134. The Sid Jacobson JCC is located at 300 Forest Drive, East Hills.

About Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center

As the only full-service Jewish Community Center on Long Island's North Shore, the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center provides a full range of cutting edge recreational, health, fitness, educational, cultural, arts and social services programs. The Sid Jacobson JCC promotes Jewish identity and provides a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage and culture, and is committed to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in our community. Our eight Program Centers, Gershwind/Jacobson Sports & Fitness Center; Weinberger Jewish Family Center; Early Childhood and Parenting Center; Center for the Arts; Jack Nadel Social Services; Adult Services; Youth Services Center and Teen Services Center are here to provide the best possible services to our membership and the community at large. For more information, contact us at 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, NY, (516) 484-1545 or visit our web site at:
www.sjjcc.org

Jason Selss
Public Relations Director
Sid Jacobson JCC
300 Forest Drive, East Hills, NY 11548
(516) 484-1545
jselss@jcca.org
www.sjjcc.org

The Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center promotes Jewish identity and provides a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage and culture. The JCC is committed to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in our community. We are a proud beneficiary agency of UJA-Federation of New York.