Fitness Carries Weight Against Cancer- Guest Post by David Haas

Fitness Carries Weight Against Cancer

For those who are diagnosed with cancer, recovery can seem like a long and frustrating path. With hundreds of different treatment options, medicines, holistic approaches and dietary guidelines, it may be stressful deciding which course of action is best. However, one of the most beneficial things to do after your diagnosis, recovery and treatment is begin or continue with a physical fitness routine. Exercise can help emotionally, mentally and physically through the various stages of treatment and recovery, whether you dealing with lymphoma, breast cancer, mesothelioma or any other type of cancer.

Post-Diagnosis: After receiving a diagnosis of cancer from your doctor, a patient can begin to feel depressed, sad, anxious or just melancholy. Different forms of exercise can relieve some of that stress and clear your mind. For those who have a regular exercise routine already, it is recommended that you continue with it for as long as your body allows. For those who have not exercised before, it is suggested that you bring in walking to your daily routine. Not only will it give you a chance to enjoy the fresh air, but also it can help you think through your treatment options and clear your head.

During Treatment: While a patient is undergoing treatment for cancer, they may be dealing with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or even multiple surgeries. In this stage, the body will likely be at its weakest. However, exercise can still be included to strengthen the body. Exercise like dance or yoga can stimulate the appetite, which is hugely beneficial. Many studies also show that regular exercise during treatment can increase self-esteem and reduce fatigue, which is a natural side effect of many treatments.

In Recovery: Many people are tempted to stop their exercise regimen after recovery, which is not advised. After treatment, many cancer patients are both weak and thin due to a suppressed appetite, or have gained weight because of inactivity. In either case, exercise can help to strengthen the body. Being at a healthy weight will help to reduce your chance to having a recurrence of cancer, so exercise that will help you to reduce your body fat percentages are helpful.

By including exercise into your daily routine throughout the stages of diagnosis, treatment and while in remission or recovery, you can help your body and mind fight back and reclaim your life.