Recently, a reader of my post contacted me to share an article that he had written regarding cancer and the benefits that exercise can have on those patients. Below you will find an article written by David Haas that I more then happily offered to share upon his request. I think you will find the article both interesting and powerful. Its amazing how exercise can impact your health and increase positive benefits even when you are fighting specific health problems. I think everyone in some way, has known someone who has battled cancer. Personally, Its something that I can relate to and i think this could be beneficial information to many!
Physical Fitness Enhances Health and Stamina to Fight Cancer
Physical fitness regimens have many proven benefits, and many exercise plans target specific health problems ranging from heart disease to stroke. Cancer-prevention benefits have been statistically proven by multiple studies because physical exercise enhances overall health and strengthens the immune system. People undergoing cancer treatment or those who have begun remission can also benefit tremendously from a regular routine of exercise.
Most people do not enjoy exercise when completely healthy, and weakened cancer patients may find the idea of exercise overwhelming, but that is why the activity is so essential. The mental benefit alone makes the decision a viable choice. Cancer patients who exercise increase their energy levels and help marshal the body’s resources. Patients avoid additional health problems that weaken defenses. Activity generates a sense of security and fights depression, which is a good part of the battle. The increased quality of life is a benefit independent of any effect on the cancer treatment.
Regular exercise creates a longer life expectancy, and allows practitioners to live healthier lives. Exercise is proven to prevent some cancers such as breast and rectal cancer, and many researchers believe it decreases the chances of lung and endometrial (uterine lining) cancer. Physical activity improves circulation, reduces high blood pressure, and enhances cognitive function in older people. Regular exercise improves appetite in cancer victims and helps fight the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. An effective regimen of exercise can also prevent bone loss from osteoporosis, which strengthens the body’s overall health.
An exercise regimen can begin quite simply with a couple of hours each week of moderate activity, and muscle-strengthening exercise should be performed twice each week. The remaining exercises can be divided into aerobic exercises, stretching and walking activity. If the patient has undergone extreme radiation and chemotherapy on a given day, fatigue may demand rest. Cancer patients should not push themselves too hard, but they should try to exercise on those days when they are not too tired. Walking, running and bicycling provide energy, restore appetite and improve a patient’s mood. The exercise will actually boost overall energy and help fight the side effects of treatment.
Exercise is also of great benefit to those who have survived cancer. A structured regimen helps solidify the cancer patient’s status as a survivor determined to fight the possibility of recurrence by strengthening the body. Cancer patients may take some convincing because treatment can be exhausting. Patients often feel nothing is under their control, whether they are undergoing skin cancer therapy or a rare mesothelioma treatment. However, exercise is something the patient can control. Patients can take charge of something in their altered lives, and this power often helps marshal the body’s disease-fighting forces.
A great body of scientific evidence supports the general benefits of exercise to fight many disorders. A Finnish study reported in the British Journal of Sports on July 28, 2009, concluded that 30 minutes of exercise daily cut cancer mortality rates in half. The study followed a group of 2560 people over an 18-year period. Readers can access this study and other confirmations of the health benefits of exercise at the site: CBass.com. Other important scientific confirmation can be found at educational websites such as: Medicine Net and Harvard Studies.
Physical fitness regimens have many proven benefits, and many exercise plans target specific health problems ranging from heart disease to stroke. Cancer-prevention benefits have been statistically proven by multiple studies because physical exercise enhances overall health and strengthens the immune system. People undergoing cancer treatment or those who have begun remission can also benefit tremendously from a regular routine of exercise.
Most people do not enjoy exercise when completely healthy, and weakened cancer patients may find the idea of exercise overwhelming, but that is why the activity is so essential. The mental benefit alone makes the decision a viable choice. Cancer patients who exercise increase their energy levels and help marshal the body’s resources. Patients avoid additional health problems that weaken defenses. Activity generates a sense of security and fights depression, which is a good part of the battle. The increased quality of life is a benefit independent of any effect on the cancer treatment.
Regular exercise creates a longer life expectancy, and allows practitioners to live healthier lives. Exercise is proven to prevent some cancers such as breast and rectal cancer, and many researchers believe it decreases the chances of lung and endometrial (uterine lining) cancer. Physical activity improves circulation, reduces high blood pressure, and enhances cognitive function in older people. Regular exercise improves appetite in cancer victims and helps fight the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. An effective regimen of exercise can also prevent bone loss from osteoporosis, which strengthens the body’s overall health.
An exercise regimen can begin quite simply with a couple of hours each week of moderate activity, and muscle-strengthening exercise should be performed twice each week. The remaining exercises can be divided into aerobic exercises, stretching and walking activity. If the patient has undergone extreme radiation and chemotherapy on a given day, fatigue may demand rest. Cancer patients should not push themselves too hard, but they should try to exercise on those days when they are not too tired. Walking, running and bicycling provide energy, restore appetite and improve a patient’s mood. The exercise will actually boost overall energy and help fight the side effects of treatment.
Exercise is also of great benefit to those who have survived cancer. A structured regimen helps solidify the cancer patient’s status as a survivor determined to fight the possibility of recurrence by strengthening the body. Cancer patients may take some convincing because treatment can be exhausting. Patients often feel nothing is under their control, whether they are undergoing skin cancer therapy or a rare mesothelioma treatment. However, exercise is something the patient can control. Patients can take charge of something in their altered lives, and this power often helps marshal the body’s disease-fighting forces.
A great body of scientific evidence supports the general benefits of exercise to fight many disorders. A Finnish study reported in the British Journal of Sports on July 28, 2009, concluded that 30 minutes of exercise daily cut cancer mortality rates in half. The study followed a group of 2560 people over an 18-year period. Readers can access this study and other confirmations of the health benefits of exercise at the site: CBass.com. Other important scientific confirmation can be found at educational websites such as: Medicine Net and Harvard Studies.
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