Excersise shown to be beneficial to cancer patients......

I was contacted by David Haas who does research into the benefits of fitness, support groups and nutrition for cancer patients and even their support people.  He came across my blog and wanted to know if he could write a little something to share with readers and other cancer patients like me.  So I thought it was a great idea and here is what he has to say......

 EXERCISE SHOWN TO BE BENEFICIAL TO CANCER PATIENTS

The Foundation for Cancer Research & Wellness

Exercise is very beneficial to cancer patients and inactivity should be avoided.
Combined with other research in the medical field, the article places emphasis on
activity during and after cancer treatment. This is in direct contrast to what cancer
patients used to hear. But the days of being told to lie in bed and take it easy are
gone. Although exercise must be incorporated under the supervision of your doctor,
if you're suffering from cancer, such as mesothelioma, breast cancer or any other
type of cancer, exercise can provide you with some of the following benefits.

Improves Quality of Life

Coping with cancer treatment and its side effects can wreak havoc on your quality
of life. While there are days when you want nothing more than to lay in bed or sit
on the couch, it's beneficial to get some moderate exercise when you can. Exercise
improves strength and stamina, which in turn helps you as you recover from
treatment.

Boosts Energy

Exercise boosts energy for anyone who does it. Energy becomes especially important
when cancer and its treatments deplete your energy. Thirty minutes of moderate
exercise gets your blood pumping and oxygen moving through your body, both of
which contribute toward increased energy. Start out slowly and if 30 minutes isn't
possible, do what you can.

Emotionally Beneficial

In addition to providing you with physical benefits, exercise is also beneficial in
other ways. If you're feeling down or experiencing a loss of confidence during cancer
treatment, exercising can boost both. The rush of endorphins as you exercise helps
lifts your mood and continual participation in exercise contributes toward a boost in
confidence.

Other Health Benefits

Aside from the specific benefits exercise has to you during or after cancer treatment,
long-term participation in moderate exercise contributes toward greater heart health,
while decreasing your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Altogether, these things
can greatly increase your quality of life.

While it is recommended that cancer patients recommend a total of 150 minutes
per week, similar to the general public, the type and intensity of exercise should be
tailored specifically to the needs and ability of the cancer patient. If your immune
system is suffering, working out in a public location might not be the best option.
Activities such as swimming, yoga, walking and moderate strength training are all
beneficial to those with cancer.

If you want to contact David for more information or to inquire about his research you can e-mail him at davdhaas@gmail.com.