My Services
Kinesiology for Life
Exercise for Cancer Care
Exercise before, during and after cancer treatments can improve outcomes from treatments, and research shows regular exercise reduces the rates of certain cancer recurrences. Exercise reduces the effects of cancer treatments, allows you to handle the treatments better, improves your immune function and improves your chances of completing your full treatment regime.
Benefits of exercise for people with a cancer diagnosis:
Reduce cancer related fatigue
Reduce the effects of cancer treatments such as nausea, lymphedema, and muscle loss,
Aid in the recovery of surgery
Improve muscle strength (help prevent muscle loss)
Improve mental health (decrease anxiety and depression)
Improve your immune system
Improve cardio vascular health
Reduce the risk of co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes
Improve quality of life, maintain independence, feelings of control, and self-confidence
RECaPS - Rural Exercise for Cancer Patients and Survivors - 2 year grant for free 12 weeks in both Bracebridge and Huntsville. Fall 2023 Huntsville, Winter 2024 Bracebridge, Spring 2024 Huntsville, Fall 2024 Bracebridge, Winter 2025 Huntsville. email therecapsstudy@gmail.com or contact Deanna Lavigne
ENLIVEN HYDRO ONE Grant - Classes in both Huntsville and Bracebridge Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 email info@enlivenmuskoka.ca to register
EXCEL - Free Virtual 12 Week Cancer Exercise program available through a research grant - email Deanna Lavigne for details.
Virtual Cancer Exercise Classes - Contact Deanna Lavigne for current class schedule.
Active Match Program to Connect with An Exercise Partner
Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Patients - A International Consensus Statement
Exercise and Cancer Guidelines
TrueNTH Lifestyle Management - Programming for Prostate Cancer
Osteoporosis (I am “Bone Fit” trained by Osteoporosis Canada)
Osteoporosis, also known as the silent thief, is a condition that causes bones to become thin and porous and thus weaker. We don't always see symptoms until there is a fracture, hence the term silent thief. Over time people on the osteoporosis continuum may have fragility fractures in the vertebrae, wrist or hip. Even 60% of vertebral fractures may go unnoticed as there is not always pain. These fractures can occur from falls from standing or sudden movements of the spine depending on the severity of the osteoporosis. We build bones until our early 20’s, bone density peaks around 30 years of age and then will slowly decline as we age. It is not only a disease of the elderly and lifestyle factors can affect our bone density and bone health. Research shows weight bearing, strengthening, posture and balance exercises are highly recommended to improve osteoporosis condition. Please contact me to chat about what exercises and lifestyle factors would best help you improve your bone health.
Exercises for Healthy Bones from Osteoporosis.ca website
Brochures and fact sheets from Osteoporosis.ca
Exercises and Education for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint and whole person problem that affects all the tissues of the joint including cartilage, bone, ligaments and muscles. It can cause persistent pain and affect daily activities. Small injuries to joints, increased body weight, and nutrition can increase the risk of osteoarthritis but the cause is often unknown. Motion is Lotion. Movement tends to lubricate joints and thus, exercise and strengthening are recommended to manage and treat osteoarthritis pain. Exercise produces pain relieving hormones that are often much stronger than prescription medication. Exercise, as long as prescribed for your abilities and completed safely can help relieve pain, increase strength, control body weight and often prevent the use of medications and surgery. Some myths of osteoarthritis include pain is from wearing down of cartilage, osteoarthritis gets worse over time, exercise will further damage the joint, and there is nothing to be done. Let’s chat about how exercise can help your osteoarthritis, there is hope.
I am certified to offer GLA:D Canada’s 8 week Education and Exercise Program for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. Check out the program page for more info.
Email Deanna Lavigne for the next class schedule.
Arthritis and Pain Education Podcasts
Osteoporosis vs osteoarthritis fact sheet from Osteoporosis.ca
GLA:D Canada
Exercises for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Exercise and Education can help you build confidence to deal with your fear of breathlessness, improve quality of life and improve your physical and mental health. Ask me about information on exercise programs for COPD.
Exercises and Education for Fall Prevention
Falls can be prevented with many lifestyle, health and home modifications. Being strong, eating well, managing medications, preventing trip hazards in your home, using assistive devices, taking care of your feet, and getting a good night’s sleep are just some of the factors that can help prevent falls. Let’s chat about what exercises and lifestyle factors would best help you stay on your feet and stay strong.
Kinesiology for Work
Office and Industrial Ergonomic Assessments and Education
Virtual, in home or in office workplace assessments. Learn how to set up your workstation to reduce discomfort using household or low cost items. Learn how to adjust your chair, keyboard, mouse, footrest, monitor, lighting etc. to improve your comfort. Tips and tricks for movement, stretching, micro breaks from prolonged positions, standing versus sitting are just some of the benefits of an ergonomic consult.
Physical Demands Descriptions
Having a description of all the physical requirements of a job is beneficial when returning to work from an injury, or with functional limitations and abilities. The descriptions include qualitative and quantitative measurements, photos, and summaries of movements required to complete work tasks.
Functional Work Capacity Assessments
Functional work capacity assessments compare the functional abilities of a worker with the physical requirements of the position. During the assessments, education and recommendations are provided to assist workers in the return to work process.
Job Coaching and Return to Work Consulting
Coaching, education and recommendations ensures a successful return to work following a period of time off due to injury or illness.