To Your Health: Exercise helpful during cancer treatment
By the American Cancer Society August 14, 2012 2:58PM
Updated: September 16, 2012 6:15AM
Many studies have shown that physical activity has a tremendous impact on quality of life of cancer survivors not only during cancer treatments, but after cancer treatments as well.
Your exercise routine during cancer treatment will depend on your physical condition and your general health before the cancer was found.
Exercise, with periods of rest built into your day, can be very helpful. It can boost your energy level, relieve stress, decrease anxiety and depression, and make you hungry. Your doctor or a physical therapist can help you come up with a schedule and activities that are right for you.
Exercising after cancer treatment also can help you get and stay healthy. If you were very ill or weren’t able to do much during treatment, it is normal that your fitness, staying power and muscle strength declined. You need to find an exercise plan that fits your needs. Talk with your health care team before starting. Get their input on your exercise plans.
Whether you’re exercising during or after cancer treatments, you don’t have to do it alone. Finding an exercise buddy can make exercising more enjoyable for both of you.
Exercise can improve your physical and emotional health by:
Improving your cardiovascular (heart and circulation) fitness.
◆ Making your muscles stronger.
◆ Reducing fatigue.
◆ Lowering anxiety and depression.
◆ Making you feel generally happier.
◆ Helping you feel better about yourself.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults be physically active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Children and teens should try being physically active for 60 minutes a day, five days a week.
More information about exercising through cancer treatments is at (800) 227-2543 or www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.
