This is a message send to me by a friend who is with us in this fight against cancer -
In spite of what you might think, undertaking an exercise program is one of the most effective things you can do as a cancer patient. It can help give you more energy, improve the functioning of your immune system, and improve your overall health. Exercise is one way you can take your health into your own hands and support the treatment you may already be receiving. Let's take a look at some ways exercise can help get you on the road to recovery.
Pain Reduction
Many sedentary people rarely push their body or move it throughout its whole range of motion. Because of this, certain muscles are underused, while others are overused. Muscle tension, imbalance, and weakness result and can lead to joint and muscle pain. A good exercise routine increases flexibility, strength, and mobility.
Better Mood
Exercise is being used successfully to combat depression. In fact, studies show that exercise is as effective as antidepressants when fighting depression. When you workout to build muscle and lose fat, several months may go by before seeing results. However, the mood-boosting effect of exercise can be seen immediately.
During Treatment
In many ways, the positive impacts of exercise on cancer patients are the same as for any person. According to the American Cancer Society, exercise benefits include:
- Improved blood flow to lower limbs and lowered risk of developing blood clots.
- Lowered risk of falling and breaking bones as a result of improved balance.
- Reduced effects of nausea.
- Prevention of muscle loss from being sedentary.
- Lessened amount of fatigue.
The notion that exercise increases energy levels, rather than decreasing them, is new to many people, even doctors. In the past, oncologists had recommended that cancer patients avoid strenuous physical activity, but that is slowly changing. The cardiovascular effects from regular exercise help improve energy levels for anyone who becomes physically active.
Many cancer patients are under weight and will need to have their blood count monitored closely, while overweight patients will need to be careful of fatigue and weakness from their treatment. Each type of cancer carries with it a special need that impacts the type, intensity, and duration of exercise that can be done. What mesothelioma patients are able to do may not be what liver cancer patients can do.
Following Treatment
It is important to drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest between workouts. Your body is still recovering from your treatment and does not need to be overworked at this time. Remember, a little bit of exercise goes a long way. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to rest for a day or two when needed. The immune-boosting properties of exercise work only when not overdoing it.
The Impact of Exercise on Cancer Patients
In spite of what you might think, undertaking an exercise program is one of the most effective things you can do as a cancer patient. It can help give you more energy, improve the functioning of your immune system, and improve your overall health. Exercise is one way you can take your health into your own hands and support the treatment you may already be receiving. Let's take a look at some ways exercise can help get you on the road to recovery.
Pain Reduction
Many sedentary people rarely push their body or move it throughout its whole range of motion. Because of this, certain muscles are underused, while others are overused. Muscle tension, imbalance, and weakness result and can lead to joint and muscle pain. A good exercise routine increases flexibility, strength, and mobility.
Better Mood
Exercise is being used successfully to combat depression. In fact, studies show that exercise is as effective as antidepressants when fighting depression. When you workout to build muscle and lose fat, several months may go by before seeing results. However, the mood-boosting effect of exercise can be seen immediately.
During Treatment
In many ways, the positive impacts of exercise on cancer patients are the same as for any person. According to the American Cancer Society, exercise benefits include:
- Improved blood flow to lower limbs and lowered risk of developing blood clots.
- Lowered risk of falling and breaking bones as a result of improved balance.
- Reduced effects of nausea.
- Prevention of muscle loss from being sedentary.
- Lessened amount of fatigue.
The notion that exercise increases energy levels, rather than decreasing them, is new to many people, even doctors. In the past, oncologists had recommended that cancer patients avoid strenuous physical activity, but that is slowly changing. The cardiovascular effects from regular exercise help improve energy levels for anyone who becomes physically active.
Many cancer patients are under weight and will need to have their blood count monitored closely, while overweight patients will need to be careful of fatigue and weakness from their treatment. Each type of cancer carries with it a special need that impacts the type, intensity, and duration of exercise that can be done. What mesothelioma patients are able to do may not be what liver cancer patients can do.
Following Treatment
It is important to drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest between workouts. Your body is still recovering from your treatment and does not need to be overworked at this time. Remember, a little bit of exercise goes a long way. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to rest for a day or two when needed. The immune-boosting properties of exercise work only when not overdoing it.
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