Monday, March 11, 2013

How Exercise Helps Cancer Patients


How Exercise Helps Cancer Patients

Even if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, you still need to take extra steps to ensure you are living a healthy life. Cancer treatment can often leave you feeling exhausted and in pain. It also weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness and disease. However, regular exercise can improve your quality of life and complement your traditional treatment quite well. If you do not participate in a routine exercise program, you might be wondering what it can do to benefit your health and how often you should be exercising on a daily basis.

Exercise has several benefits that you will find when you begin a program. The first benefit is that you will be able to feel more energized. People who exercise tend to improve their energy levels because of improved muscle strength and tone as the person continuously works out. As a cancer patient, you will find that this extra energy really helps to make life easier for you, and allows you to be more independent. Exercise also releases endorphins into the body, which is the chemical that makes you feel happy and satisfied. This is the feeling you will normally get when you finish a workout, which can be especially beneficial for those battling cancer. Depression is a common development as a result of cancer, and working out can be a healthy way to combat that.

When working out, it is up to you what type of exercise you'd like to participate in. Many cancer patients have found that walking and following a set regimen helps tremendously when it comes to establishing a program. Other cancer patients are enjoying yoga and join local classes to reap the benefits of exercise as well as social interaction. It is advised that you get clearance from your doctor before starting an exercise program. Your doctor will be able to help create a workout regimen appropriate for you and your diagnosis.

Working out has its benefits for people who are young or old and for those who are either in great shape or those who are very ill. The key to working out is to start it off slowly. Try to workout for a few hours each week, but do not overdue it as to make yourself even more exhausted. You want to make sure that you are able to continue exercising throughout your treatment without feeling overly exhausted. It is a great idea to begin exercising when you are going for traditional treatment, but always talk with a doctor before doing anything yourself at home.

Guest blog by Melanie Bowen

3 comments:

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