A few weeks ago, a lovely young lady called Liz e-mailed me and asked if she could post an article onto this blog. As soon as I read the article, I said yes and you will soon see why. Many thanks to Liz for the time and effort involved in putting together such a professional article... regular readers, don't get used to it- we'll be back to general waffle and grumbles tomorrow!
Take it away Liz...
Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.
The Benefits of Staying Active for Cancer Patients
Exercising is sometimes one of the last priorities for cancer patients, particularly if they have just undergone chemotherapy. Although physical activity might seem like too much work, exercise can actually improve a patient’s physical and mental state. Before post-operative patients begin a new regimen, they should check with their doctors to see which specific workouts are the most appropriate. Treatment for lung cancer and mesothelioma causes patients tends to focus on increasing lung capacity while arm exercises might be best for breast cancer patients.
Physical Effects
Exercise helps to build physical strength and endurance. After being in the hospital, or going through bouts of chemotherapy, many patients find that regular workouts help to rebuild their strength, and makes handling treatment side effects more bearable. At the same time, exercise can help prevent the onset of pain associated with cancer by decreasing its prevalence.
Improved Mental Outlook
Aside from the physical benefits, exercise directly improves the mental states of cancer patients by increasing the release of good mood hormones and preventing anxiety. Since this type of chronic illness takes such an emotional toll, many patients find that having a sharp brain and positive outlook are both imperative to surviving the disease.
Types of Exercises
Cancer remission often leaves survivors weak and with little physical energy. This can be disheartening to patients who were once extremely active and engaged in high-intensity activities, such as running. In order to reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise without setting goals too high, cancer patients should focus on low-intensity exercises such as swimming and walking. These workouts are also perfect for those looking to start off slowly and gradually add on laps or miles. Yoga can also be incorporated into a routine, but it is best to seek the guidance of an instructor to prevent injury.
No matter which workout a patient chooses, consistency is important. Patients can focus on exercising 20 to 30 minutes at a time to start, for three days a week. As cancer survivors grow stronger, they can consider increasing the duration and number of workouts they do—with the consent of a doctor.
When to See a Doctor
The first time a patient works out after being in the hospital can take its physical toll on a patient’s muscles. However, if a patient experiences a great deal of pain or extreme fatigue post-exercise, then he or she should consult with a physician immediately. Regular exercise does help most cancer patients recover, but a few might not be physically ready for it as soon as other patients in remission.
Physical Effects
Exercise helps to build physical strength and endurance. After being in the hospital, or going through bouts of chemotherapy, many patients find that regular workouts help to rebuild their strength, and makes handling treatment side effects more bearable. At the same time, exercise can help prevent the onset of pain associated with cancer by decreasing its prevalence.
Improved Mental Outlook
Aside from the physical benefits, exercise directly improves the mental states of cancer patients by increasing the release of good mood hormones and preventing anxiety. Since this type of chronic illness takes such an emotional toll, many patients find that having a sharp brain and positive outlook are both imperative to surviving the disease.
Types of Exercises
Cancer remission often leaves survivors weak and with little physical energy. This can be disheartening to patients who were once extremely active and engaged in high-intensity activities, such as running. In order to reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise without setting goals too high, cancer patients should focus on low-intensity exercises such as swimming and walking. These workouts are also perfect for those looking to start off slowly and gradually add on laps or miles. Yoga can also be incorporated into a routine, but it is best to seek the guidance of an instructor to prevent injury.
No matter which workout a patient chooses, consistency is important. Patients can focus on exercising 20 to 30 minutes at a time to start, for three days a week. As cancer survivors grow stronger, they can consider increasing the duration and number of workouts they do—with the consent of a doctor.
When to See a Doctor
The first time a patient works out after being in the hospital can take its physical toll on a patient’s muscles. However, if a patient experiences a great deal of pain or extreme fatigue post-exercise, then he or she should consult with a physician immediately. Regular exercise does help most cancer patients recover, but a few might not be physically ready for it as soon as other patients in remission.
Like the idea of a "Guest Blogger".
ReplyDeleteDo you get to post on her blog too?