It was brought to my attention recently that exercise can be a great way to not only make the patient feel better about themselves, but also help them psychologically to get over the stress and trouble of this hard time in their life. The article below was written by Melanie Bowen and is not only interesting but opens our eyes to what exercise and fitness can do for people. Check this out!
Exercise for Cancer: A Quality of Life Prescription
The side effects of cancer and its treatment can greatly impact quality of life issues for many patients. Among the most troubling side effects are fatigue, nausea and loss of functional capacity. Many patients describe these symptoms as debilitating or disabling. Fortunately, most patients have at their disposal a very effective cancer management tool: exercise.
Exercise Importance for Cancer Patients:
More patients are surviving cancer today than ever before. While each cancer experience is unique, these survivors have all undergone some type of cancer treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biotherapy or a combination of treatments. All cancer treatments carry a potential risk of side effects, and some are more serious than others. Fatigue, weakness, pain, nausea, hair loss, depression and functional incapacity are common side effects of cancer treatment. All of these symptoms cause a quality of life decline. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, exercise has a beneficial effect on many treatment side effects. Doctors usually recommend aerobic activity and resistance training for patients who can handle the physical stress.
Numerous studies suggest that exercise may cut the risk of some cancer types including breast, colon and prostate cancers. Even people with rare or late-stage cancers, like mesothelioma, can benefit from movement, to the extent that they are able to move and breathe.
Exercise Programs for Cancer Patients:
The goals of a cancer fitness program should be well defined and specific to a patient’s needs. For example, will the exercise alleviate cancer symptoms, reduce treatment side effects, strengthen muscles or improve functional capacity? The exercise goals will determine specific interventions to produce a desired outcome.Most exercise programs include three components: aerobic activity, resistance training and flexibility movements. Because each patient’s needs are unique, a one-size-fits all program will not be as effective as a customized program that has been approved by the patient’s doctor or physical therapist. Location and guidance are important factors for cancer patients to consider as well. Will the exercise program be supervised by a physical therapist or fitness trainer, or will it be a home-based program? An evaluation process is also important to determine a patient’s progress. Many patient concerns can be addressed through specific exercises and physical activities. In a world filled with hospital visits, medical treatments, physical pain and emotional exhaustion, exercise is a safe and natural prescription that can greatly improve a patient’s health, outlook and quality of life.
References:
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_effects_does_exercise_have_on_other_conditions_000029_8.htm
http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/
Exercise for Cancer: A Quality of Life Prescription
The side effects of cancer and its treatment can greatly impact quality of life issues for many patients. Among the most troubling side effects are fatigue, nausea and loss of functional capacity. Many patients describe these symptoms as debilitating or disabling. Fortunately, most patients have at their disposal a very effective cancer management tool: exercise.
Exercise Importance for Cancer Patients:
More patients are surviving cancer today than ever before. While each cancer experience is unique, these survivors have all undergone some type of cancer treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biotherapy or a combination of treatments. All cancer treatments carry a potential risk of side effects, and some are more serious than others. Fatigue, weakness, pain, nausea, hair loss, depression and functional incapacity are common side effects of cancer treatment. All of these symptoms cause a quality of life decline. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, exercise has a beneficial effect on many treatment side effects. Doctors usually recommend aerobic activity and resistance training for patients who can handle the physical stress.
Numerous studies suggest that exercise may cut the risk of some cancer types including breast, colon and prostate cancers. Even people with rare or late-stage cancers, like mesothelioma, can benefit from movement, to the extent that they are able to move and breathe.
Exercise Programs for Cancer Patients:
The goals of a cancer fitness program should be well defined and specific to a patient’s needs. For example, will the exercise alleviate cancer symptoms, reduce treatment side effects, strengthen muscles or improve functional capacity? The exercise goals will determine specific interventions to produce a desired outcome.Most exercise programs include three components: aerobic activity, resistance training and flexibility movements. Because each patient’s needs are unique, a one-size-fits all program will not be as effective as a customized program that has been approved by the patient’s doctor or physical therapist. Location and guidance are important factors for cancer patients to consider as well. Will the exercise program be supervised by a physical therapist or fitness trainer, or will it be a home-based program? An evaluation process is also important to determine a patient’s progress. Many patient concerns can be addressed through specific exercises and physical activities. In a world filled with hospital visits, medical treatments, physical pain and emotional exhaustion, exercise is a safe and natural prescription that can greatly improve a patient’s health, outlook and quality of life.
References:
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_effects_does_exercise_have_on_other_conditions_000029_8.htm
http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/
