I don't know anyone these days whose life hasn't in some way been affected by cancer. Whether we are the patients, the family members, or the support system to others, cancer touches all of us. Just as I believe that a good diet is crucial to our overall health, I believe that physical activity has just as many important benefits--especially to those dealing with cancer and other illnesses and ailments. So here is some food for thought...
Viewing Fitness Favorably While Being Treated for Cancer
by David Haas
Most people do not like to exercise, even if they are in perfect health. However, when patients are fighting cancer, their chances of recovery and staying in remission are improved if they undertake a fitness regimen. Exercising everyday encourages patients' bodies to fight their disease and aide in their own healing. For that reason, Dr. David Sugarbaker and other doctors like him tell many mesothelioma patients that light exercise can help breathing during a difficult time to breathe. In fact, their chemotherapy and radiation treatments can leave them with significant nausea and fatigue. Some patients find it difficult to leave their beds or attend to their normal routines, let alone do any exercises. However, as the National Cancer Institute's website www.cancer.gov indicates, adhering to a fitness program may help people avoid the worst of these side effects. When they keep their bodies fit, they may be able to fight off the severe nausea and tiredness that comes with receiving chemotherapy and radiation.
Some patients might wonder, then, what exercises they can begin with if they are not used to working out everyday. In fact, doctors often tell their patients that they do not need to join a gym or hire a trainer. They can do activities at home that substitute well for regimens they might do at a fitness center. The main goal of their working out is to raise their heart rates and to encourage their circulatory systems to work better. This improved circulation helps move the cancer-fighting drugs throughout their bodies and aides in fighting the disease.
For example, for daily weightlifting people might use canned goods or books. They can lift these items above their heads several times as a way to work out their arms. Likewise, patients can lift a tote bag full of canned goods or other solid items with their legs by placing the tote's handles over their ankles or calves. As with their arms, they can lift the tote several times to exercise their legs. Exercising these parts of the body especially helps those who have had surgical procedures done to their abdomens or breasts.
Even doing routine housework can be looked upon as a means to exercise. Sweeping the floor, vacuuming, mopping, and putting away groceries works out people's muscles and assists in raising their heart rates. While it may be tempting to let these chores go or ask someone else to do them, patients should undertake these tasks themselves as a way of getting exercise everyday.
Fitness also can be gained by taking a daily walk. Some patients find it difficult to leave their homes; they may not like the way they look after having treatments or be afraid of getting sick in public. However, if people make it a point to take a short walk everyday, perhaps with a friend or relative, they may find that they feel better and ease their anxiety about their condition. Walking with others also lets them gain emotional support.
Most people do not like to exercise, even if they are in perfect health. However, when patients are fighting cancer, their chances of recovery and staying in remission are improved if they undertake a fitness regimen. Exercising everyday encourages patients' bodies to fight their disease and aide in their own healing. For that reason, Dr. David Sugarbaker and other doctors like him tell many mesothelioma patients that light exercise can help breathing during a difficult time to breathe. In fact, their chemotherapy and radiation treatments can leave them with significant nausea and fatigue. Some patients find it difficult to leave their beds or attend to their normal routines, let alone do any exercises. However, as the National Cancer Institute's website www.cancer.gov indicates, adhering to a fitness program may help people avoid the worst of these side effects. When they keep their bodies fit, they may be able to fight off the severe nausea and tiredness that comes with receiving chemotherapy and radiation.
Some patients might wonder, then, what exercises they can begin with if they are not used to working out everyday. In fact, doctors often tell their patients that they do not need to join a gym or hire a trainer. They can do activities at home that substitute well for regimens they might do at a fitness center. The main goal of their working out is to raise their heart rates and to encourage their circulatory systems to work better. This improved circulation helps move the cancer-fighting drugs throughout their bodies and aides in fighting the disease.
For example, for daily weightlifting people might use canned goods or books. They can lift these items above their heads several times as a way to work out their arms. Likewise, patients can lift a tote bag full of canned goods or other solid items with their legs by placing the tote's handles over their ankles or calves. As with their arms, they can lift the tote several times to exercise their legs. Exercising these parts of the body especially helps those who have had surgical procedures done to their abdomens or breasts.
Even doing routine housework can be looked upon as a means to exercise. Sweeping the floor, vacuuming, mopping, and putting away groceries works out people's muscles and assists in raising their heart rates. While it may be tempting to let these chores go or ask someone else to do them, patients should undertake these tasks themselves as a way of getting exercise everyday.
Fitness also can be gained by taking a daily walk. Some patients find it difficult to leave their homes; they may not like the way they look after having treatments or be afraid of getting sick in public. However, if people make it a point to take a short walk everyday, perhaps with a friend or relative, they may find that they feel better and ease their anxiety about their condition. Walking with others also lets them gain emotional support.
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