LEWISTON — The YWCA has announced the new Encore Program, an after breast cancer aquatic exercise program. This eight-week, gentle exercise program is made possible by a generous gift from Proctor and Gamble.

After surgery and treatment for breast cancer, many experience numbness, pins and needles, a loss of mobility and strength and discomfort in their upper bodies. The program provides warm water gentle exercise to improve mobility and flexibility, relieve discomfort and help reduce the potential risk of lymphedema.

Wendy Brown, occupational therapist and Encore Program director, will provide an introductory informational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Maine Medical Center, 12 High St., Conference Room A/B. Through a partnership with the Dempsey Center, registrations may be made by contacting them at 795-8250 or www.dempseycenter.org.

The first session begins on Friday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. and the second session begins on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.