EDGEWOOD, Ky. — November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors are working to share tips and important information on screening. The Cancer Community Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky provide programs that assist patients on their journey.

What You Need To Know

  • November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month 

  • Kristin Dietach has studied and taught Tai Chi for 10 years

  • Tai Chi is described as a slow martial art

  • The Cancer Support Community provides dozens of programs, such as cooking classes, yoga and counseling

Kristin Dietach is an experienced tai chi instructor with the Cancer support community. She’s done it for 10 years. The Cancer Community arrived in Northern Kentucky 30 years ago. They have dozens of programs to assist patients on their cancer journey. She says tai chi became a part of her life because of her parents.

Dietach said, “I discovered tai chi when my parents moved to assisted living and they went to a tai chi class. I went with them. It changed their life, and I had to learn how to teach it.”

She describes the exercise as a slow martial art.

“If you think about martial arts, like Bruce Lee, you know, external energy takes all that positive energy and brings it back into the body for healing. So, it’s so perfect for people struggling with cancer,” said Dietach.

She says that both the cancer community and tai chi saved her life.

“In the past year, I’ve had my own cancer journey, and I was in the right place. The cancer support community. Tai chi saved me... tai chi has been it.... tai chi is like my rehabilitation process.”

Cancer community staff Gretchen Ramstetter says data shows taking part in physical and mental activities increases positive outcomes in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Ramstetter said, “There are all sorts of ways and hundreds of programs that we offer individuals because we believe that no one should face cancer alone, nor can they.”

Dietach says that while unique tai chi provides healing and a new way to exercise.

Dietach said, “It’s very different from regular exercise classes, so it doesn’t always meet your expectations, but it’s not intimidating. It’s super friendly. People just have to be willing to exercise in a different way.”

This class, like many others, is offered weekly, both in-person and hybrid, to meet the needs of all patients. The Cancer Community is a partner of St. Elizabeth Hospital and works to design specific programs that cater to various cancers. This month they will host more classes and talks to discuss the importance of physical and mental exercise in individuals with cancer. Visit the cancer support community for more information.

Related Stories