Zoom Review

After a busy zoom earlier this week, all about keeping active, here's a very quick summary:

• We don't have to be fit to do simple exercises
• Exercising is not all about getting fit, it helps us to cope better with treatment and surgery
• Gentle daily exercise reduces side effects of chemo and post surgical complications
• Exercising helps to maintain energy levels and a general feeling of wellbeing
• Establish a daily routine and written record, this helps planning and motivation
• Aim to do 30 minutes a day of gentle exercise or activity that doesn't over exert you
• Getting to a point of feeling warm and very slightly out of breath is sufficient
• Walking, swimming and cycling are excellent ways to exercise; simple bending and stretching are also effective 
• Try lifting light weights e.g. a bag of sugar in a carrier bag, as many times as you can to build muscle tone and improve basic strength
• Seek advice from the Physio Team at the Churchill - speak with Nathan or Dane

We thank Dane Jenner, Physiotherapist at the Churchill Hospital, for his excellent presentation and top tips to keep us well. You can view Dane's presentation here.  

We also thank Dr Pierre Montauban for introducing a novel project aiming to refine and enhance treatment by monitoring our fitness using hi-tech smart devices. And we especially thank Kathryn and Tom, as recent and current patients, for sharing their own experiences, giving us ideas and reassurances that we can in fact have a full and active life after cancer.

Café Catch Ups

We had an enjoyable time this week, and a rather boiling-hot catch up at Waterperry gardens near to Oxford, with 20 of us trying not to melt in the 30°C heat. Despite the food being a bit pricey and not particularly memorable, it was a very sociable time, meeting old friends and new. Our next two monthly lunches will be:

• Monday 10th July 12:30 at Bicester Village Garden Centre, OX25 2NY
• Tuesday 8th August 12:30 at Yarnton Garden Centre, OX5 1PA

In the round of Café Catch Ups, I have to say Bicester Village has so far given us the best food, best value and best service, so if you'd like to join us drop me a line here, so we can reserve the right numbers on the day.

Swindon Sub-Group

Because we have quite a number of current and former patients, and OOSO supporters, based near to Swindon, we have often thought of establishing a sub group or at least a regular opportunity to meet up locally. So, we're very pleased to let you know that Debbie and Lynda have kindly offered to trial a monthly informal Café Lunch, initially at Dobbies Garden Centre, starting on Wednesday 12th of July from 12:30. If you would like to join them, please drop me a line here, and I'll put you in touch.

BBQ  / Cycle Ride Reminder

We're hosting our annual BBQ and cycle ride a bit earlier this year on Saturday 5th August, not far away now!

The BBQ will take place from 3pm at Wytham Woods near Oxford, finishing at around 6pm. We are very fortunate to be allowed to use the Oxford Universities barn facility near to the walkers car park, Post Code: OX2 8QQ.

There's no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day, tickets on arrival are £12.50 per person and a small donation for children would be appreciated. Bring your own bottle if you wish, soft drinks will be provided. As usual there'll be a fun raffle, and if you'd like to donate a prize on the day we'd be very grateful too.

The cycle ride, led by Anne and Nick, will start earlier in the day with two distances to choose from, 25 and 50 miles, taking in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, finishing at the BBQ at around 3pm. If you would like to join in just drop me a line and I'll put you in touch with Anne.