3 Ways that Physical Fitness Can Support You on Your Cancer
Journey
Did you know that one simple change might make a world of difference to a person affected by cancer? Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or in remission, this advice from medical professionals can make a difference: just start moving.
Research has shown that engaging in appropriate levels of exercise can improve a person's overall sense of wellness. A set of guidelines established in 2010 state that even mild to moderate exercise has the power to improve overall functioning, reduce fatigue, and create greater self-esteem for individuals affected by cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Here are three ways that physical activity can make a positive difference for you, whether you are a person living with cancer or a cancer survivor.
1. Improving quality of life
Physical activity can benefit a person's body as well as his or her moods. Movement helps to support the work of all body systems, from circulation to digestion. Walking and other types of exercise result in the production of endorphins and other helpful hormones that have positive effects on a person's emotional state. Also, being physically active sometimes leads to increased engagement with the outside world, such as when a person takes a walk outdoors or gets involved in an exercise class. In this way, increased social interaction can positively impact your mental health.
2. Alleviating fatigue
A pervasive sense of tiredness is one common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy, which are standard protocols in mesothelioma treatment as well as many other types of cancer therapies. It is believed that even a brief period of mild exercise, such as a short non-aerobic walk, has a positive short-term effect on a person's energy level. Physical activity can even cause a long-term decrease in fatigue if a person engages in regular exercise.
3. Increasing self-esteem
For some people, cancer treatment can result in changes to how their bodies look or feel, making them feel less confident about themselves. Being physically active can help to counteract this phenomenon. In many cases, physical fitness leads to a sense of accomplishment and greater physical ease, both of which can translate into self-confidence.
Simply increasing your activity level can make a big difference in your overall functioning and sense of wellness. Ask your doctor or treatment team about safe ways to increase your physical fitness, so that you can give your body and mind the gift of greater wellness.
Did you know that one simple change might make a world of difference to a person affected by cancer? Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or in remission, this advice from medical professionals can make a difference: just start moving.
Research has shown that engaging in appropriate levels of exercise can improve a person's overall sense of wellness. A set of guidelines established in 2010 state that even mild to moderate exercise has the power to improve overall functioning, reduce fatigue, and create greater self-esteem for individuals affected by cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Here are three ways that physical activity can make a positive difference for you, whether you are a person living with cancer or a cancer survivor.
1. Improving quality of life
Physical activity can benefit a person's body as well as his or her moods. Movement helps to support the work of all body systems, from circulation to digestion. Walking and other types of exercise result in the production of endorphins and other helpful hormones that have positive effects on a person's emotional state. Also, being physically active sometimes leads to increased engagement with the outside world, such as when a person takes a walk outdoors or gets involved in an exercise class. In this way, increased social interaction can positively impact your mental health.
2. Alleviating fatigue
A pervasive sense of tiredness is one common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy, which are standard protocols in mesothelioma treatment as well as many other types of cancer therapies. It is believed that even a brief period of mild exercise, such as a short non-aerobic walk, has a positive short-term effect on a person's energy level. Physical activity can even cause a long-term decrease in fatigue if a person engages in regular exercise.
3. Increasing self-esteem
For some people, cancer treatment can result in changes to how their bodies look or feel, making them feel less confident about themselves. Being physically active can help to counteract this phenomenon. In many cases, physical fitness leads to a sense of accomplishment and greater physical ease, both of which can translate into self-confidence.
Simply increasing your activity level can make a big difference in your overall functioning and sense of wellness. Ask your doctor or treatment team about safe ways to increase your physical fitness, so that you can give your body and mind the gift of greater wellness.
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