Pool group seeks

By Callan Date
AN EXERCISE group for local women recovering from breast cancer is in danger of closing if it cannot attract new members.
Only 18 months ago the Narre Warren based After Breast Cancer (ABC) exercise group had about 20 regular members, but only one or two people have attended most sessions in 2007.
ABC co-ordinator Dianna Polenini said the water based exercise program would struggle to continue if numbers didn’t increase over the next few months.
“I really don’t want it to fall apart,” Ms Polenini said.
“Some people move on to different things. They move out of the area or unfortunately get sick again.”
She said the weekly sessions, conducted at Dandenong Valley School’s hydrotherapy pool, cost only $2 and provided many benefits to people recovering from breast cancer.
“It allows women to exercise in a female-only environment and is great in several ways.”
A breast cancer survivor herself, Ms Polenini said the program offered physical, emotional and social benefits to those who attended.
The benefits include the relaxation of muscles, improved mobility in arms and shoulders and an opportunity to develop new friendships.
Ms Polenini said there were no contracts and participants were welcome to attend as little or as much as they like.
The sessions take place every Wednesday throughout the school term from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
For more information about the ABC program, contact Dianna Polenini on 9796 7630.