Guest Blogger David

I love Guest Bloggers! I have to admit I have guest blogged a few time on other blog but, I feel so flattered to have David want to share on my blog. This is amazing information Thanks for sharing David.

Helping Fight Cancer with Physical Fitness

If you are coping with cancer and all the treatments that come with it, staying fit might be the last thing on your mind. But keeping up with a physical fitness routine is something positive you can do to help your body fight the cancer. Feeling like you have some control over your body will help you stay strong enough to beat the cancer.

You often hear fitness promoted as a way to prevent cancer, and that's certainly the case. But more cancer treatment centers are incorporating fitness into the treatment program. What makes physical fitness so important to patients battling cancer?
Studies are showing that adding a regular exercise program, whether one is going through a common cancer like breast cancer or a rare disease like mesothelioma, during or after treatment for cancer has a number of physical and psychological benefits for patients. For instance, resistance training helps patients rebuild muscle tone and strengthen bones, two area of the body often negatively impacted by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. 

Doctors have started suggesting light exercise as a form of therapy in its own right. One study suggested that exercising for two and a half hours each week could actually decrease the chances of breast cancer recurring by 40 percent, and reduce the risk of death due to prostate cancer by 30 percent.

Some of the benefits of exercise for cancer patients include:

-- Fighting lymphedema and other swelling that can occur
-- Reducing weight gain during treatment
-- Retaining physical functioning
-- Reducing fatigue caused by chemotherapy

In addition to physical benefits, exercise lifts the mood, prevents depression, increases overall energy levels and improves the quality of life.

Before beginning an exercise program, it's important to consult with your doctor. In some circumstances, exercise is not a good choice, for example during the peak of treatment, some patients will simply be too ill to exercise, and that's okay. Additionally, patients with anemia should avoid exercise and those who have developed osteoporosis, nerve damage or bone cancers should avoid lifting heavy weights and strenuous exercise.

Good exercise choices for people who are going through cancer treatment include:

-- Water aerobics. The water gently supports the body and joints and the mild resistance is good for regaining muscle tone.
-- Yoga. Look for a gentle yoga program for beginners that focuses on stretching and flexibility and isn't overly athletic.
-- Walking. Walking outdoors in fresh air is a great pick-me-up, and the aerobic activity improves circulation and lung performance.