Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/388246
28 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | OCTOBER 2014 What's the importance of a community like the WAC for someone just out of treatment? For many people, a place like the WAC helps them get back a sense of self—in terms of being physically active again and doing things they didn't think they could do. There's a lot of support from other members and from the staff who are working with them. It helps people feel strong and empowered again. How have you seen the WAC help members recovering from cancer? People who've just gone through chemotherapy often need things like graduated weight training and balance training. Also, exercise can help treatment-related fatigue. The WAC is great for helping people with these needs. The trainers are thoughtful in helping people in ways that are safe and empowering. The WAC physical therapists also do a wonderful job with people dealing with recovery-related issues. You worked with a WAC personal trainer for your own recovery. How was that? I started training with Mona Caravetta soon after my reconstruction surgery. She has helped me improve my chest flexibility and my upper body and arm strength. For women who have had a mastectomy or reconstruction surgery, in particular, they may be weak or have tight muscles on their chest or under their arms. They may require adjustments for many years afterward. The American Cancer Society notes that managing diet and physical activity can contribute to cancer prevention. What are some of the health tips you offer? Even something as simple as moderate exercise four to five hours a week decreases the risk of getting breast cancer and improves the chance of long-term survival in cancer survivors. There are other cancers where similar outcomes have been noted. I usually recommend a healthy diet not just for cancer risk but also for cardiovascular risk, weight man- agement, and life in general. Q&A D R . K R I S T I N E R I N N Medical Oncologist, Swedish Cancer Institute BY MELINDA YOUNG-FLYNN WAC member Kristine Rinn, a breast cancer specialist in practice for 15 years, has personal experience with the disease. Having breast cancer in her family, she was diagnosed with the disease six years ago and had a double mastectomy. Kristine says she loves taking care of people with cancer and trying to make their lives better. She also has seen firsthand how the WAC helps members recovering from the illness. Here, she offers some thoughts and observations.