Post by David Haas

Benefits of Exercise for Cancer
Survivors

Physical fitness and regular
exercise provide numerous health benefits, especially to those living with a
cancer diagnosis. Fitness helps reverse the overwhelming fatigue of cancer and
cancer treatments, and maintains overall health so that you can continue in
your fight against cancer. Most importantly, fitness and regular exercise lifts
your spirit and emotions, giving you the internal drive, emotional boost and
motivation that you need to enjoy day to day life and win your fight against
cancer.

Increased Energy
Cancer and the treatments for it
can zap your energy, making it difficult to even get out of bed in the morning
or do simple activities such as showering and getting dressed. It may seem surprising
that exercise can actually boost your energy levels. According to the National
Cancer Institute, exercise helps cancer survivors beat fatigue and it also
assists with energy balance. Survivors of mesothelioma
might find strenuous exercise difficult, but even light aerobic exercise such
as slow or moderate walking is beneficial for decreasing physical and mental
fatigue and helping you feel more energetic.

Emotional Boost
When dealing with a difficult
diagnosis such as cancer, your emotions are often all over the map. Exercise
helps increase feelings of positivity and fosters a forward outlook on
life. When you exercise, your brain produces endorphins that provide a natural
"high", often referred to as a runner's high. These chemical changes
in your brain during and after exercise can transform your mood, lifting the
clouds from your shoulders. Regular exercise as recommended by your doctor helps keep
your emotions upbeat even when it seems like all you hear is bad news.

Improved Quality of Life
Even cancer survivors must consider
their overall health besides their cancer diagnosis. Regular exercise and good physical fitness
help prevent the onset of other health problems such as obesity, diabetes, high
cholesterol and high blood pressure. While cancer is a serious health condition
that you will overcome, you must not neglect your overall health and wellness
in the mean time. Regular exercise also gives you something else to focus on
besides your cancer diagnosis. The mental break from thinking about cancer
helps improve your outlook and may give you back your drive and focus.
Continuing with a regular exercise and fitness routine might also prevent you
from developing another diagnosis of cancer later in life.