Stepping outside their specialty to stimulate all-round health in their patients, Urology Centers of Alabama (UCA) just began offering their patients free memberships at the nearby YMCA. “We take pride in caring for other aspects of our patients’ wellness that may involve things other than the surgery we perform or the medicines we put them on,” says Mark DeGuenther, MD, president of UCA.

 

Pre- and post-operative patients and those undergoing treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, start with a free fitness assessment by the YMCA staff. The trainers then build a fitness plan specifically for that patient’s needs. “Healthy patients recover from surgery better than unhealthy ones,” DeGuenther says. Patients can also meet with a registered nutritionist to gain expert direction on diet and healthy eating.

 

The UCA physicians hope the strengthening of the body, the interaction with trained fitness providers, and being among supporters will uplift a patient’s mind and spirit. “There’s a psychological impact of cancer, and ED has a tremendous emotional and psychological overlay,” DeGuenther says. “Patients suddenly feel vulnerable, frail, mortal. It brings it home.” This can deflate patients mentally and emotionally, sapping their recuperative strength.

 

DeGuenther also thinks the program might deter some self-destructive lifestyle choices that lead to many chronic diseases. “Rather than just say, ‘you need to be more active’ or ‘you need to lose weight,’ and sending them out the door, I’m able to give them a tool now — a program designed for them,” he says.

 

After the month’s free membership from UCA, the patient receives a fitness assessment and can continue at their own expense. “We want to try and open that door for patients, but we can’t push them through it,” DeGuenther says.

 

The wellness program grew out of discussions following UCA’s $50,000 donation to the Shades Valley YMCA capital campaign. The campaign, nearing its completion, will include a new multipurpose group exercise room, entitled “Triangle – Spirit, Mind and Body” and be named for Urology Centers of Alabama.