Monday, April 23, 2012

Fitness Routines Play a Major Role in Improving How a Cancer Patient Feels

Great article by Guest Blogger

Cancer patients struggle with many different issues that range from physical tiredness, bouts of severe pain, lack of energy, emotional unsteadiness, and new routines consisting of regular doctor visits and treatments.

Being diagnosed with cancer affects each person differently, but the disease has a few major common denominators that are typically present in nearly any person who has cancer.  The disease takes away levels of energy and decreases physical strength in the body.  Investing in physical fitness routines can assist people fighting cancer in gaining more muscle strength and higher levels of energy.

Doctors around the globe who research the benefits of fitness for cancer patients have repeatedly stressed that when a cancer patients gets mild to moderate amounts as possible, the person will be working to make improvements in how he or she feels and in overall body strength.  People who want to improve their fitness and physical strength can utilize the many options for exercise and begin pursuing a fitness routine that is enjoyable and will have a positive impact on how the person feels.

Fitness for mesothelioma
and other cancer patients can range from mild to moderate to advance.  Each person should consult his or her oncologist or personal family physician before beginning any type of fitness routine.  Working out and planning a fitness schedule under the supervision of a doctor will help the person to maximize the benefits the person is able to receive from exercising.

Following recommended fitness guidelines will assist a cancer patient, or a person who is in remission to slowly begin to achieve more physical strength and also increase levels of energy in the body.  Fitness has also had a great impact in providing coping methods to cancer patients and to other people who are going through the process of having a major illness or disease treated.

The website for the National Cancer Institute, states that getting exercise on a regular basis is a key factor in a cancer patient’s life.  According the NCI, physical fitness helps to balance energy for people who are fighting cancer.  

Regular amounts of exercise can strengthen the heart, improve muscle and joint function, and reduce lethargy in everyone.  These are especially important factors for someone who is going through chemotherapy treatments, radiation, or a battery of surgeries to remove cancerous tumors.  The many types of treatments can take a major toll on a person’s mind and body and leave a person feeling completely drained.

Participating in enjoyable and regular workouts can provide a way for a cancer patient to begin taking control back over his or her life by strengthening the body and giving the mind a new set of coping skills and a positive, healthy outlet.  Making the exercises fun and doing something out of the ordinary to get the body moving has benefited many people.  Participating in bike rides, leisurely hikes, bowling, gardening, yoga, dance classes, and mall walking are all moderate forms of exercise that can greatly increase how a person feels both emotionally and physically while he or she is battling cancer or recovering from cancer.


Joining the organization in 2011, David Haas is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In addition to researching the many valuable programs available to our site’s visitors, 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.

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/david/bio.htm#ixzz1ssSJ5R3n

Exercising when you can will help you through the rougher times, be good to yourself and know when to take it easy too.  If you need help with an exercise program, please don't hesitate to contact me.

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