Recently I was contacted by David Haas and asked if I would consider a guest post; David is a Family Hospitality Coordinator at Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. His article is on a topic that I have not written about - the importance of physical activity during and following treatment.
Hopefully David's article will inspire us to find an activity - we don't have to work out at the gym or run a marathon, it might be that Yoga or Tai Chi is better suitable for some of us. My thanks to David for sharing this information and for the important work that he does.
Fitness to Assist in Going through Cancer
Dealing with cancer is always extremely difficult. Often, there are too many questions and not enough answers. No matter what stage a person is in, cancer is obviously extremely difficult to deal with, and finding ways to both cope with a cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment, and finding ways to aid in treatment and improving success rates is often on the forefront of everyone's minds. It is becoming more and more common to hear doctors and cancer experts discuss the added benefits of staying active while going through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or even while in remission.Obviously, having a physically active lifestyle is generally accepted as an extremely important component in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no matter what a person's overall health is. Taking part in fitness activities provides the same benefits to cancer patients as it does to those who haven't been diagnosed with cancer, and the largest benefit is an improved quality of life. Staying active is extremely important when going through cancer treatment, as it can lead to increased energy levels and can help prevent too much weight gain. It is easy to lead a more sedentary lifestyle while going through cancer treatment, but staying active can help patients stay in shape and enjoy their lives more. Cancer patients suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer, or any other different types of cancer can enjoy similar benefits from added fitness.There are no definitive guidelines that suggest fitness has a direct impact on cancer survivor rates, and a great deal of further research must be done in order to better understand just how fitness and exercise relates to cancer treatment. However, many mesothelioma doctors and doctors of almost any other kind of cancer are encouraging additional exercise to patients. There has been more and more discussion on exercise and fitness being incorporated as part of treatment plans and routines. One panel recently has begun to spread the word that taking part in exercise is extremely important for cancer patients. This panel wants further research to be done, and wants doctors to begin discussing exercise and fitness options with their patients further, as it isn't enough to just briefly mention fitness as an option. Instead, doctors need to discuss options in depth and decide the best possible routine for each patient. By continuing an active lifestyle through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or remission, a person can enjoy a better overall life.
