Ultramar and Breast Cancer Foundation support research at UPEI
Ultramar is supporting breast cancer research at UPEI, through the Breast Cancer Foundation’s My Active Health program. The research is carried out by UPEI’s Active Living Lab.
The Active Living Lab recruited cancer patients and survivors from across the Island to participate in a 12-week supervised exercise-training program, which focused on balance, strength, cardio, and flexibility. After the 12 weeks, participants showed improvements in a number of areas, from decreased fatigue, increased strength, and an increased satisfaction in quality of life.
“We know exercise is crucial for cancer patients and cancer survivors,” said Dr. Travis Saunders, assistant professor of kinesiology at UPEI. “This type of exercise is proven safe for patients and survivors, who respond to it physically and mentally in a similar way to the rest of the population. Access is a problem, which is why My Active Health is so important.”
“My Active Health, a physical activity program adapted for people at risk and affected by breast cancer, was developed by the Breast Cancer Foundation to significantly improve their quality of life before, during, and after treatment, and reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease,” said Nathalie Tremblay, chief executive officer of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. “After its first year of operation, the program in the Atlantic provinces expanded to provide services over a larger area and to a larger number of people. “
“It’s a great success that has a concrete impact!” said Mario Sauvé, vice-president of retail sales for the Parkland Fuel Corporation. “We are very proud to finance such a program, and we hope that it will expand year after year. Ultramar is proud to contribute $259,875 to the Foundation this year, money raised in October through its network of service stations in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, with $8,675 dedicated to fund the My Active Health program in Prince Edward Island.”
My Active Health spreads awareness of the benefits of activity among people at risk of breast cancer, as well as breast cancer patients and survivors. The program provides women affected with breast cancer with access to supervised exercise in Quebec and Atlantic Canada to help improve their quality of life and health.
