Monday, October 31, 2011

FITNESS AS A FORM OF TREATMENT FOR CANCER PATIENTS.

The following article was written by guest author Liz Davies. Important and well written articles such as this will always have a home on my Blog. Many thanks Liz, hopefully this is the first many.

Fitness is now being widely recognized as a method of treatment for those who are currently suffering from cancer. While fitness and exercise will not necessarily get rid of any cancer that is already present in the system, it is a great way to remain healthy and in shape while preventing various other forms of cancer and diseases. In fact, studies have shown that individuals who exercise for at least thirty minutes during the day are less likely to suffer from breast cancer, colon cancer, and even testicular mesothelioma. Individuals who are suffering from cancer will most likely undergo various types of treatment. Some of the most common treatment methods for cancer include radiation therapy, surgery, and even chemotherapy.

While these treatment methods can help reduce the cancer and possibly get rid of the cancer for good, some of the treatment methods can leave the patient feeling very tired and lightheaded throughout the day. Beginning a fitness routine on a daily basis can help the cancer patient to relieve some of these frustrating side effects of cancer treatments. There are several forms of exercise that can be performed by cancer patients. Before the patient begins their fitness routine, they should speak with their doctor about their condition to make sure that it is okay to exercise. Most doctors will encourage cancer patients to exercise.

When a cancer patient begins a fitness routine, they should start off with simple stretches. A simple stretch would include sitting on the floor and stretching out the legs and arms. Static stretching and passive stretching are both gentle versions of stretching that can be beneficial for cancer patients. Once the patient completes about five minutes of stretching, they should begin some aerobic exercises. Some of the best exercises for cancer patients include brisk walking, running on a treadmill, jogging, and riding a bike. The cancer patient can switch up their fitness routine and do different activities each day.

It is important to exercise but it is also important that the patient does not overdo it. A daily fitness routine of about thirty minutes will not only help the cancer patient to maintain fitness and get into shape, it will often help cancer patients on their road to recovering from cancer.Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.

( Liz Davies / Article ).
( Jody Cranston / 2011 ).