The Benefits Of Exercising With Cancer by David Haas

Anyone who has cancer can benefit from exercise. This includes anyone who has just been diagnosed, those who have had cancer awhile or those whose cancer is in remission. The key is to start some type of workout regimen right away after getting the okay from your doctor. Those with mesothelioma, which is a lethal form of lung cancer caused by asbestos, can also benefit from exercise. These individuals should start slowly and build their endurance up, as it will take time to build stamina.

One of the major benefits of exercise for cancer is that it increases your energy level. Cancer patients often feel fatigued from the disease. A little exercise per day can help you restore some lost energy, which enables you to accomplish more. Exercises can also help improve your moods if you have cancer. Exercise stimulates endorphins in the body. These are chemicals that trigger certain neurotransmitters in the body, according to Webmd.com. These neurotransmitters act as natural analgesics, assuaging pain and improving your mood. Similarly, regular exercise can also improve your self-confidence. Your self-confidence may improve because you can accomplish more with renewed energy. Additionally, exercise is know to reduce hormone levels in women, which lowers the chance of breast and colorectal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Exercise also decreases the odds that the cancer will return--in both males and females.

There are different types of exercises to perform when recovering from cancer. Flexibility exercises such as stretching can help limber you up and prevent stiffness and pain. Stretch your arms overhead, bend from side to side, or sit on the floor and perform various stretching exercises. Stretch all major muscle groups, including your neck, chest, back, arms, thighs and calves. Start walking or doing cardiovascular exercises, such as walking or jogging on the treadmill. Use the exercise bike. Add resistance training like weightlifting to your regimen. Exercise help promote blood flow, which can increase the healing process from cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends that the general population exercise 30 to 60 minutes per day, five days per week at a vigorous pace. Cancer patients are encouraged to build up to this type of exercise over time. Join a gym so you can do the various forms of exercise. Ask a trainer to instruct you on some of the various exercises if you are unfamiliar with weightlifting.

Exercise helps you remove deadly toxins from the body, which you have when you suffer from cancer. The movement of blood increases oxygen levels in various body tissues, which carry healing agents like vitamin C and other antioxidants. It is also important to drink lots of water when your exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Eat more lean meats, grains and fresh vegetables and fruits.

David Haas
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Guest Blogger
http://about.me/haasblaag

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Tattoo Day

I am so very, very happy. Do you ever feel like your heart is going to blow up from being too full! Why? Specifically, I can't name it. I can't list all the reasons because there are way too many.

I had a pretty crappy time over the last few weeks. My surgery went fine but I think I broke something inside my boob a few days later and it was burning with the heat of a thousand suns when I bent over. Then Nanny fell and broke her bones and died. Of course my Mom is still very sick and might have to go back to hospital this week. However, yesterday I started to feel very happy again. I am just so filled with gratitude for all the wonderful things in my life. I said it before and I will say it again...I'm a very blessed girl!

Tomorrow, is my workup day with the radiologist. I will receive my tattoos I believe. These will be my first tattoos ever - and my last. I'm kind of excited. I can't wait to see the machine!

To all my friends who have had their mammograms recently, I pray your results are perfect. Teresa, I know you will be fine. Thinking of you!

Cheers
Jeannie

Supernanny

Supernanny died last night :o(