Ask a Physio: MacMillan Cancer Support
Repost from community MacMillan’s Community News Blog published on macmillan.org.uk on 10th April 2019.
Get to know the Expert: Hannah (Ask a Physio)
One of my favourite aspects of the Community is the fact our members can put any questions they have about cancer to one of our various experts through the Ask an Expert section of our site. Whatever your situation, wherever your location - you can simply log onto the Community and access support from a professional.
Want to know more about Experts who volunteer to answer your questions? Well starting from today we’ll be introducing a monthly ‘Get to know the Expert’ Q&A, where our Experts will tell you a little more about themselves, what they do, and how they can support you through your experience with cancer.
This month we’ve Hannah, one of our Ask an Expert Physio’s, to start things off…
How long have you been an Expert on the Community, and what made you want to volunteer for Macmillan?
I have been volunteering as an Expert on the Community for around 18 months.
I saw an email advertising the volunteering opportunity and thought it was a fabulous way of connecting with people outside my day job at the hospital. I wanted to learn more about how cancer affects people, outside of their hospital experiences.
When talking to someone face-to-face, you are able to adapt your style of communication, with tone of voice or body language. On the Community, you don’t have these cues – so, choice of words and phrases become very important! This is probably the biggest thing I have taken from my experience at Ask an Expert.
What common questions do Community members come to you with?
The most common questions I receive from community members are:
“Is exercise safe when you have cancer?” and “How much should I be doing?”
Firstly, yes! Exercise is so important, but it is also important to work out your limits and your body’s way of telling you that you are doing enough.
The recommended amount of exercise for people with cancer is the same as everyone else! The Government recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Remember, exercise definitely does not have to be in a gym. It can be anything that gets you moving and your heart pumping: housework, walking, cycling, dancing and gardening all count as exercise.
What’s been your Community highlight to date?
Being able to talk with people that I might have otherwise not met in day-to-day life is one big highlight!
Who’s your hero and why?
My granny was cared for at The Royal Marsden Hospital, which where I now work. My experiences as a child is what inspired me to work in oncology, and I believe my granny lead me into my dream career.
Finally, tell us a random fact about yourself.
Outside of work, I travel the country as a pet and house sitter – soon, I will be looking after three German Shepherds by the seaside.
