Sydney Klompien, an exercise physiologist at Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has earned her Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification. This qualifies her to develop safe and effective exercise programs for both individuals currently living with cancer and those in remission. The addition of this certification expands the support offered not only by JRMC Cardiac Rehab, but also by the medical center’s Good Medicine program.
“I’ve worked with a number of patients in cardiac rehab and Good Medicine who stopped exercising after receiving a cancer diagnosis — they just felt too weak or overwhelmed to continue,” said Klompien. “We knew that there had to be more we could do to help them stay on track with their health, and I think that this training is one of the ways to do exactly that.”
In Stutsman County, the two leading causes of death are heart disease and cancer. Through a process of functional testing and health history review, Klompien can help local cancer patients and survivors build individualized exercise plans for every stage — preparing for surgery, staying active during treatment and building strength during survivorship.
“There’s a misconception that people with cancer should stop exercising and only focus on rest, but research shows that exercise actually improves survivorship,” Klompien said. “Any patient with any type of cancer can benefit; the approach just needs to be individualized — every patient has different needs depending on their diagnosis and treatment.”
JRMC’s Good Medicine program, located at the Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) in Jamestown, further benefits from Klompien’s certification. The program promotes connection through exercise alongside the guidance of the cardiac rehab team. For those with cancer or in remission, these relationships can make a significant difference to their healing journey, physically and emotionally.
“In both cardiac rehab and Good Medicine, patients often motivate one another and form social bonds, which is powerful,” said Klompien. “This certification gives us another way to be there for them, offer alternatives and help them stay strong and motivated.”