One of the things that bothered me when my father was ill with cancer was his inability to exercise - then again, he had heart problems so was also unable to excert himself. But if you know anyone with cancer, do send them a link to this article. I've read many, many articles about healthy eating and exercise helping one's recovery from therapy and David Haas has written a guest post for us today.
David Haas is a cancer support group and awareness advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In addition to researching the many valuable programs available, David often blogs about programs and campaigns underway at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, as well as creative fitness ideas for those dealing with cancer, while creating relationships with similar organizations.
David can be reached at dhaas@mesotheliomacanceralliance.org
Investment in Health - Exercise During Cancer Treatment
Exercise is powerful medicine for cancer patients of all types and stages. It may go against the prevailing wisdom, and some doctors have not yet heeded the recommendations, but research has shown that exercise offers several benefits that are just too important to ignore. This doesn't mean that hitting the gym just after chemotherapy treatments is a good idea or that bed-ridden patients cannot gain benefits. Everyone, even those receiving brain cancer or mesothelioma treatment, can benefit, but the exercise program chosen by the individual needs to be tailored to their specific needs and safety concerns.
Many insurance plans and oncology clinics do not support the inclusion of physical fitness experts into treatment programs yet, but this is changing with more strident recommendations from research organizations and patient advocacy. Though this deficiency may take some time to overcome, it is ultimately up to the patient to speak with the doctor about exercise safety and embark on a program as soon as possible.
Is Exercise Really Worth the Hassle?
Any physical fitness program requires foremost a commitment to regularity. While it does take time and energy to make exercise part of the daily routine, it is well worth it for everyone. The first benefits to be realized can directly help with many of the common symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Moderating weight change, increasing metabolism, building a healthier body composition, and stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory hormones are some of the ways that physical fitness directly addresses symptoms, like fatigue, depression, insomnia, and digestive complaints.
Other benefits will also accrue from long-term participation in fitness programs, including some related to specific treatments and cancers. Surgery and treatments can leave the body drained and sluggish; yet being fit has been shown to be important in speeding up recovery time. Specific exercise programs may be designed for post-op recovery. Personal fitness is directly related to quality of life, primarily through reducing the symptoms above, and quality of life has proven to be a predictor of life expectancy for terminal lung cancer patients. Many facing common, treatable cancers will benefit from increased survival rates and lower risk of recurrence.
Can Exercise be Safe for Everyone?
Safety is a key concern for every cancer patient. For this reason, it is important to find a fitness expert willing to work with the oncological team, especially during treatment or in cases with a poor prognosis. Most cancer patients can embark on an program of walking and other low-impact aerobics with the advice of their doctor. Those with limited mobility may require specialized programs tailored to their circumstances. However, the evidence and recommendations are clear, engaging in physical activity, even range-of-motion exercises, offers benefits available to all patients.
If you'd like to write a guest post about cancer, thrifting, fashion or beauty, email me.
Come Follow!