This year, I had the pleasure of meeting Shannon Carney through 24 Hours of Booty. Shannon is a cancer survivor, who like David, believes in the power of exercise in getting through cancer treatment and through the recovery process. Shannon started Wind River Cancer Wellness Retreats and Programs to help cancer survivors through their experience in a peaceful mountain setting. Learn more about Shannon's program here: Wind River
David Haas Article:
Exercise makes a difference in the battle with
cancer
Did you
know that exercise while battling cancer has proven to have numerous positive
effects on our bodies and our minds? The depression and anxiety that
accompanies a cancer diagnosis can be hard to work through on your own.
Exercise releases endorphins to the brain which helps produce feelings of well
being. Getting exercise is also a means of getting your mind off of your cancer
diagnosis and just makes you feel a little more normal.
Fatigue is a very common feeling among cancer patients. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be exhausting. You can help battle the tiredness with light aerobic exercises that improve energy and stamina. Exercise improves circulation and lessens the symptoms of nausea, which is the most common side effect of chemotherapy.
In certain cancers that reduce lung function such as mesothelioma, exercise can be helpful in building up lung capacity. Common cancer treatments such as chemo and radiation put stress on the heart. The benefits to your cardiovascular system from exercise help lessen that stress. Taking care of you cardiovascular system through activity also reduces the chances for dangerous blood clots that can form when blood flow to the legs is decreased.
A study by the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) indicates that physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis increases improved survival rates compared to those women who had a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise is also key to managing lymphedema. Lymphedema, which affects many cancer patients, especially those with breast cancer, causes painful swelling in the limbs. By keeping the arms and legs active with exercise, patients are able to cut these painful occurrences of lymphedema in half.
Weight gain often accompanies cancer treatment, keeping your weight down with exercise helps keep that in check. Treatment for certain cancers such as prostate, cancers of the head and neck as well as stomach cancers, can lead to weight loss and decreased muscle mass. Exercises plays a vital role in that as well by keeping the muscles strong and maintaining their tone.
The benefits of exercise while undergoing treatment for cancer are exciting. They don't have to be as strenuous as running a marathon or climbing mountains. Start off with a nice walk or bike ride. Find something that you enjoy and are physically able to do. Talk with your doctor to see about an exercise program that is right for you and get moving!
Fatigue is a very common feeling among cancer patients. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be exhausting. You can help battle the tiredness with light aerobic exercises that improve energy and stamina. Exercise improves circulation and lessens the symptoms of nausea, which is the most common side effect of chemotherapy.
In certain cancers that reduce lung function such as mesothelioma, exercise can be helpful in building up lung capacity. Common cancer treatments such as chemo and radiation put stress on the heart. The benefits to your cardiovascular system from exercise help lessen that stress. Taking care of you cardiovascular system through activity also reduces the chances for dangerous blood clots that can form when blood flow to the legs is decreased.
A study by the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) indicates that physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis increases improved survival rates compared to those women who had a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise is also key to managing lymphedema. Lymphedema, which affects many cancer patients, especially those with breast cancer, causes painful swelling in the limbs. By keeping the arms and legs active with exercise, patients are able to cut these painful occurrences of lymphedema in half.
Weight gain often accompanies cancer treatment, keeping your weight down with exercise helps keep that in check. Treatment for certain cancers such as prostate, cancers of the head and neck as well as stomach cancers, can lead to weight loss and decreased muscle mass. Exercises plays a vital role in that as well by keeping the muscles strong and maintaining their tone.
The benefits of exercise while undergoing treatment for cancer are exciting. They don't have to be as strenuous as running a marathon or climbing mountains. Start off with a nice walk or bike ride. Find something that you enjoy and are physically able to do. Talk with your doctor to see about an exercise program that is right for you and get moving!
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