Harry Prapavessis, associate professor of kinesiology, has been named the Canadian Cancer Society’s researcher of the month.

The professor is currently exploring the impact of exercise while quitting smoking and how quitting will help fight off cancer.

In response to many women’s concerns about gaining weight when quitting smoking, Prapavessis designed a specific exercise program to be tested at Western.

“It can help smokers fight weight gain and deal with the other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal,” Prapavessis said.

Lindsay Sitzgeorge, a post doctoral fellow funded by the Canadian Cancer Society helping to conduct the study, noted they have completed base-line testing and are in the process of working with the 64 currently registered women.

Western students are welcome to participate in this study, though Sitzgeorge encourages women from all over London who are looking to stop smoking and are willing to exercise to take part in the next round of the study beginning in March.

—Katie Hetherman