Cancer Sucks.

This posting is from someone named David Haas that contacted me about getting some more information about cancer out to the masses (still not sure how my blog will do that!) and considering that I have had family, friends and co-workers affected by cancer, I just figured it was appropriate. Thank you to David(and everyone else) for visiting the site and good luck to you and your research... Here it is:


Physical Fitness: Preparing For The Battle With Cancer

Associating the words “healthy body” with “cancer” can seem like an oxymoron. Cancer is an ugly beast; nothing healthy about it, and fighting cancer is usually an uphill battle. Yet, maintaining a physically fit and healthy body --before and during cancer -- is great battle preparation. Moderate exercise helps patients cope not only with the enemy that is cancer, but also with the side effects of the aggressive cancer treatments.

Inappropriate exercise can do more harm than good, so cancer patients should never start a physical fitness program without their doctor’s knowledge and consent. But research shows that, for most patients, exercise is safe and effective for combating fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, and lack of sleep. This goes for patients with prostate or breast cancers, skin or bone malignancies, and even more serious illnesses like pancreatic cancer and mesothelioma.

The Cancer-Fighting Benefits

According to reports on the Australian government’s Better Health Channel, exercise has a number of cancer-fighting benefits. First, it boosts the body's immune system and encourages white blood cell production, which helps defend against disease. Second, it reduces cancer recovery time, including time spent in the hospital. Third, exercise even improves cancer survival rates in some cases.

The Cancer Treatment Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, exercise helps cancer patients better cope with their treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatment methods typically cause fatigue and depression. Exercise reduces fatigue, increases energy, and improves mood. It also improves a number of body functions, including those associated with the heart, lungs, and digestion. And exercise increases the appetite and encourages sleep, something all cancer patients welcome.

The Best Exercise Choices

Some exercises are more appropriate than others for people with cancer. Most patients can enjoy almost any form of moderate exercise, from walking and swimming, to yoga and dancing. Others can only manage gentle movements and stretching. Exercise may be impossible for some, such as those undergoing mesothelioma treatment, whom may be unable to breathe without the use of machines.

Cancer patients should always turn to the guidance of medical professionals before embarking on any exercise regimen. Family doctors, oncologists, occupational therapists, and cancer support personnel can recommend the best exercise for their patients. Short walks are generally a good place to start, before progressing to a full-fledged fitness program.

By: David Haas

http://haasblaag.blogspot.com/
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/