Thompson Rivers University

Free Yoga Classes Raise Awareness About Breast Health

September 11, 2014

Pop-up yoga on campus Sept. 12

The pop-up yoga tour returns to TRU on Sept. 12 from 11am to 3pm in front of the Campus Activity Centre. It will be in Student Street if the weather is unsuitable.
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This photo is from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation BC/Yukon’s Facebook page promoting the tour.

Low-impact, free yoga classes are being held at Thompson Rivers University on Sept. 12 as part of the second annual Pop-Up Yoga tour of British Columbia college and university campuses.

The tour is to raise awareness about breast health and to encourage young women and men to check their breasts in order to know what’s normal for them and if they notice unusual changes, to discuss them with a health care professional. It is also to let students know that the decisions they’re making today around diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol consumption could be putting them at risk for breast cancer a few or many years from now.

Pop-up when and where
The yoga sessions run 11am to 3pm in front of the Campus Activity Centre and in case of rain or other unfavourable conditions, will be moved inside to Student Street, which is located in Old Main. Yoga mats will be provided at no cost and will be pink in colour. There will also be a number of giveaways.

“We are thrilled to have the campaign return to campus,” says Chelsea Corsi, TRU’s wellness coordinator. “This is an exciting opportunity to engage young men and women in conversation about breast health while participating in low-impact pop-up yoga sessions.”

During the sessions, instructors will share breast health insights and how young women and men can reduce their risk of breast cancer.

The BC/Yukon Region of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) has organized the tour and is receiving support from RBC Foundation and Winners department store.

Good things can come from a few good stretches
A CBCF news release states: “Research has shown that yoga can improve physical fitness, lower levels of stress, and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being, therefore reducing the risk of breast cancer. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.”

CBCF community relations specialist Amanda McNally says reaching the post-secondary community is important because students may be unaware that the decisions they’re making today could be putting them at risk for breast cancer.

Are you putting yourself at risk?
“Students are potentially living away from home for the first time and being influenced by external pressures affecting their diet, exercise and alcohol consumption,” says McNally. “We hope to better inform this group about lifestyle choices, as the decisions they make between the ages of 18 and 25 can impact their breast health in the future.”


Media inquires
Chelsea Corsi
TRU Wellness Coordinator
Tel: 250-828-5010
Email: ccorsi@tru.ca

Learn more about the campaign
dontforgettocheck.ca