AICR Offers an Empowering and Innovative Wellness Program for Cancer Survivors
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is launching a new online resource to help cancer survivors heal from cancer treatment, reduce risk of recurrence, and achieve optimal wellness. The free and easily accessible iTHRIVE Plan will give survivors a lifestyle-based tool to feel better and to THRIVE!
AICR's iTHRIVE Plan helps survivors identify their needs, interests, strengths and abilities in five areas – Diet, Movement, Environment, Rejuvenate and Spirit. In this personalized program, survivors select small, easy-to-accomplish daily steps that encourage each user to stay engaged with their wellness regime. The Plan leads survivors to longer term healthful behavioral changes.
Alice Bender, MS, RDN, Director of Nutrition Programs at AICR says, "Cancer survivors often ask us what they can do to boost their odds for a longer, healthier life. AICR'S iTHRIVE Plan is an easy to use online program that helps people create their own personalized lifestyle-based wellness plan with daily challenges that are specific and realistic."
AICR provides evidence based recommendations that focus on the benefits of healthy eating, weight management, and physical activity for reducing the risk of cancer. AICR's iTHRIVE Plan helps cancer survivors put these science based recommendations into action, but this program also addresses other important areas which we know are integral for their well being.
"We are excited to announce that AICR's iTHRIVE Plan is available on our website as a free resource beginning in January 2019," said Deirdre McGinley-Gieser, Senior Vice President of Programs and Strategic Planning for AICR. "The engaging and easy-to-use iTHRIVE online platform is a perfect complement to what we are presently doing at AICR to help reduce cancer risk."
AICR worked with the iTHRIVE team using the expertise and experience of both the groups to adapt the program to the specific needs of AICR content users. The online platform is available at aicr.org - http://www.aicr.org/patients-survivors/ithrive/
The iTHRIVE program meets the Commission on Cancer Survivorship Care Plan mandate and is being used in Cancer Centers across the country. The developers of the original iTHRIVE Plan, Dr. Alschuler and Ms. Gazella, cancer survivors themselves, are exponents of an integrative approach to prevention, treatment and healing.
Quotes from Experts:
"As a specialist in oncology nutrition, I think those with cancer will love having access to this program because it is customizable and comprehensive. It goes beyond nutrition and physical activity into areas happening outside of the doctors' office like stress relief, spirituality and rejuvenation. This plan lays out specific steps to move forward, make changes, and heal well." – Angela Hummel, MS, RD, CSO, LD
"We have long respected the work of AICR and often include their findings in developing our own work," said Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, co-creator and Chief Medical Officer of the iTHRIVE Plan. "We are thrilled to be working with such a respected, like-minded organization."
"Thanks to this collaboration, we will be able to help more people regain their health after cancer diagnosis." - Karolyn Gazella, co-creator and CEO of the iTHRIVE Plan.
Testimonials from Users of iTHRIVE Plan:
"It's a great way to get manageable bites of info for cancer prevention from a legit source."
Janice W.–Cancer Survivor
"I really like the program - not too big a time commitment and some fun actions!"
Jennifer H.–Cancer Survivor
"The nutrition challenges I enjoyed the most were the colorful plate of new vegetables. Most of my salads were solidly green, and it has been fun shopping for colorful additions. And I've really enjoyed trying new vegetables. I can't say I'll ever cook celery root or rutabaga again, but parsnips were a pleasant surprise."
A survivor from a cancer survivor support group
About the American Institute for Cancer Research
Our Vision: We want to live in a world where no one develops a preventable cancer.
Our Mission: The American Institute for Cancer Research champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that we can help people make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.
We have contributed over $108 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. Find evidence-based tools and information for lowering cancer risk, including AICR's Recommendations for Cancer Prevention, at www.aicr.org.
SOURCE American Institute for Cancer Research
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