Katie Beck, MSc Kin
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP CEP)
Professional Kinesiologist

☎ CONTACT

katie@beckexercisephysiology.ca
Office: (902) 367-0320

Cancer

Worldwide, experts are recommending exercise prescription be included in the standard of care for cancer treatment and rehabilitation. Research has repeatedly shown that exercise during treatment increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy and significantly decreases side effects of radiation/chemotherapy treatment including:

• cancer-related fatigue

• nausea

• anxiety and depression

• pain

• prevention/reversal of effects of cardiotoxic treatments

• musculoskeletal weakness

• osteoporosis

With an advanced certificate in provision of exercise for people with cancer, I can help you feel and live better, in the safest way possible. Contactless, one-on-one, on-line training is available for people with compromised immune systems.

KNee and Hip Osteoarthritis

20.4% of Canadian adults have arthritis, the vast majority being osteoarthritis (OA). OA can be caused and/or influenced by irreversible factors such as age, sex and heredity, and modifiable factors such as previous joint damage, being overweight, heavy work and weak muscles. Typically, the disease develops slowly over many years and affects articularstructures like the joint capsule, menisci and ligaments. The final stage of OA is consistent with articular cartilage loss and changes in the underlying bone, for example bone marrow lesions. The knee and hip joints are most often affected and represent the largest clinical population.

Clinical guidelines for the treatment of knee and hip OA recommend patient education and exercise as the first line of treatment. - GLA:D Canada

Pain

Chronic pain from a past injury, accident, or disease can affect the way you live your life. Appropriate exercise prescription can be a very effective tool to help manage or decrease your pain (without additional medications) so you spend less time thinking about it, and more time doing the things you love.

Previous surgeries or injuries are one of the most common causes for continued pain that I treat. Once you’ve been assessed and treated for an acute injury by an allied health professional (PT, OT, Chiro) or primary care provider, I can help you tackle your specific needs. This also includes strengthening additional areas, not just the injured site.

Diabetes

Diabetes Canada states that “low physical fitness is as strong a risk factor for dying as smoking is.” Exercise is not only safe, but also recommended for people with diabetes. Appropriate exercise will lower blood sugar levels and in some cases, do it just as effectively as medication.

If you have been diagnosed as “pre-diabetic”, exercise can prevent the progression of the disease.

Appropriate blood glucose levels prior to and during exercise can ensure a safe exercise experience, and I can help guide you through this process.

Heart, stroke, and pulmonary disease

It’s no surprise that exercise is one of the most powerful ways to prevent heart disease and stroke, as well as treatment post-heart attack. It is very effective at decreasing the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, which include:

• high blood pressure

• type II diabetes

• obesity

Both aerobic and resistance training are important for a healthy heart and a well balanced program can help you find activity that is enjoyable for you.

Neuromuscular disease

There are many types and classifications of neuromuscular disease. Most have symptoms including loss of balance, coordination, muscular strength, and/or range of motion.

Exercise is effective at helping people with neuromuscular disease like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s Disease maintain a higher quality of life and independent mobility, longer. As flare ups (exacerbations) of these diseases is very individual, I will provide you with programming that will meet you at your current health status. You don’t need to worry about having to drop out should your symptoms worsen as your program is created to suit your needs on a changing basis (sometimes daily), as is common with these conditions.

The MS Society of Canada provides these physical activity guidelines.