IWMF offers a range of wellness classes tailored to meet the needs of individuals living with WM. Wherever you are in your wellness journey, we have something for you, including offerings led by instructors who also have WM. Our evidence-based practices address the whole person—not just the disease. With this holistic approach, we strive to help you thrive!
Caregivers are also encouraged to participate.
Note: IWMF Wellness Programs offer complementary or integrative practices to be used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, with the approval of your doctor.
How Can I Participate in the IWMF Wellness Programs?
Check out the IWMF Events Calendar to find a class or webinar that works for your schedule. Classes and webinars are available via Zoom and YouTube to ensure the ongoing safety of our community.
A note about fatigue:
One of the most common symptoms of Waldenstrom’s is fatigue. We offer a range of practices that can support your awareness of your own vitality, as well as the means to boost it. In our classes, you’ll find options for varying fatigue levels, as well as personalized cues.
Remember, physical activity is the number one intervention for cancer-related fatigue.
Yoga
Chair and Mat Yoga with Ann Grace
Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice. It has been studied as an intervention to improve quality of life for those affected by chronic illnesses such as cancer. Try this gentle, inclusive yoga practice to stay balanced in mind, body, and spirit. Both seated and standing options are available, all levels are welcome.
T’ai Chi
T’ai Chi and Qi Gong with Rami Rones
Explore the ancient mind-body therapies of T’ai Chi and Qi Gong. They help reduce anxiety and stress. T’ai Chi and Qi Gong help boost your mood, immune system, and energy levels. The slow, low-impact movements can:
- Increase muscle mass and bone density
- Ease aches and pains
- Gently stretch muscles
- Improve your balance
Fitness for WM
Cardio Flow with Ann Grace
Get your blood flowing with simple repetitive movements that:
- Strengthen the core and legs
- Work the upper body
- Pump the lymph fluid for immune system support
Challenge your coordination and balance while addressing symptoms such as fatigue and peripheral neuropathy.
Strength Training with Sharon P.
Strength training can help us age more gracefully by:
- Improving mobility and bone density
- Maintaining or increasing muscle mass
- Decreasing the risk of falling
Join Sharon Piotrowski for a strength training workout for all fitness levels. Sharon is a ACE Certified Personal Trainer and WM community member.
Relaxation Guidance
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra has has been shown to:
- Decrease stress levels
- Improve sleep quality
- Elevate well-being
- Increase the mindfulness
Practice this guided relaxation while lying down on a bed or couch.
Sound Meditation
Relax to the sound of authentic Himalayan Singing bowls. Gentle verbal guidance and healing chants further calm the nervous system. Research shows this restorative practice could be useful for those experiencing:
- Fatigue
- Chronic stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
Wellness Webinars
Educate and Empower Wellness Webinars
Our Educate and Empower monthly wellness gatherings tackle a variety of relevant topics. We feature notable wellness experts in the cancer care community. Their mission is to share their knowledge to help achieve better patient outcomes. Come ready to learn, do, and to ask questions!
You Are Not Alone
Meet others who share your rare diagnosis! Our support chat that follows many of our live classes sets us apart from other organizations in the cancer field. We provide a hosted, global platform that enables participants to share their unique journeys. This sense of community plays an important therapeutic role in our program.