Whether it is a family member, friend, neighbour or even a colleague, we have all unfortunately been affected by
cancer in some way. I am a true believer in the power of exercise and the following post, written by Melanie Bowen, is a perfect example of how physical treatments can help one deal with and possibly overcome the burden of such a horrible diagnosis.
Regaining
Fitness During Cancer Recovery
Cancer
recovery is a long road that can be exhausting for many patients. Even
when treatment is behind you, you may feel as if you will never feel normal
again. Regaining your overall fitness after cancer treatment is not an
easy task, but it can be done with some determination and knowledge.
Exercising can even boost your mood and help you feel better while
recovering. It is important to discuss exercise with your doctor and take
it slow until you know your level of fitness ability.
Exercising During
Aggressive Cancer Treatment
While
it is important to engage in some form of physical activity while undergoing
cancer treatment, the intensity of aggressive forms of treatment makes it
necessary to stick with light exercises. Light exercises generally do not
cause a change in breathing pattern and do not result in sweat.
Breathing
exercises are a great way to increase circulation, reduce fatigue and improve
lung function during cancer treatment. Breathing exercises are especially
effective for those with pleural mesothelioma or any other lung-related cancer. Breathing exercises
have even been linked to a reduced risk of depression in recovering cancer
patients.
Fitness During Cancer
Recovery
Patients
who are done with the treatment process may be able to handle moderately
intense exercises that require a bit more effort. People who are ready to
regain their strength after going through the intense cancer treatment process
can engage in moderate exercises in order to get this energy back.
Moderate exercises do cause deeper breathing, but a person who is
engaging in moderate exercises does not feel out of breath. A light sweat
may form after about ten minutes of physical activity
According
to LIVESTRONG.com, swimming as little as 20 minutes a day three times per week
can provide health benefits to cancer survivors. Water aerobic exercises
provide a cushion for the body that makes these exercises easier to complete
than activities done on land. In addition, this is considered as a
low-impact exercise because exercising in water makes you
feel about 90 percent lighter. As a result, water aerobics are a great
exercise for cancer patients who may have joint complications. Also, water
aerobics offer resistance that enables a patient to build up strength during
recovery.
Taking Fitness One Step
Further
Patients
who have successfully established a moderate fitness routine can talk to their
doctors about increasing the intensity and participating in advanced exercises.
Advanced exercises are used to build upon strength and stamina
established while engaging in moderate exercises. People who engage in
advanced exercises breathe deeply and sweat after only a few minutes.
Running
is a popular exercise that cancer survivors can engage in when they have built
up stamina and strength. Patients are encouraged to wait until the later
stages of recovery before trying running as an exercise. Running can fight
fatigue and build endurance. One of the biggest benefits of running
is that it requires no special equipment, and runners are able to gauge their
own abilities and create a workout based on these abilities. Patients can
easily vary the length and intensity of a running session.
Starting
a fitness routine during cancer recovery seems like a daunting task, but
gradually building up endurance and strength while recovering from cancer
treatment provides valuable benefits. Patients can regain energy and
improve their overall health by engaging in physical activity that is catered
to their fitness ability. It is important to consult a physician before
starting a fitness regimen during cancer treatment and recovery.
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Melanie is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. To read more from Melanie, visit
her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.
