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Fitness Found to Benefit Cancer Patients

A panel of advisors from Penn State University's Medical school asserts the importance of exercise for cancer patients before, during and after treatment. As physical activity level guidelines continue to change the mindset of resting and taking it easy has been replaced with remaining active to boost health, quality of life and fitness. Findings made by cancer researchers over the past few years are beginning to result in the implementation of exercise rehabilitation programs for cancer patients. Following in the footsteps of similar programs used for recovering cardiac patients, exercise rehabilitation provides multiple benefits for people while going through and recovering from various cancer treatments. These are some of the benefits that can be attained.

Stress Reduction

It's natural to experience stress when dealing with the effects of cancer and its treatment no matter if one is going through a common cancer like skin cancer or a very rare disease like mesothelioma. But stress does more than alter the way you feel emotionally. Stress also leads to or exacerbates physical experiences. Participating in exercise programs that involve running, walking, swimming or yoga can help you release feelings of stress and replace them with calmness and happy feelings from endorphins. The release of endorphins, a natural hormone, increases feelings of happiness, which can greatly benefit your quality of life.

Improved Muscle Strength

Muscle strength impacts other functions of the body. When your muscles are strong and are exercised regularly, they provide you with strength and range of motion needed to smoothly move through your daily activities. Muscles that aren't developed and strengthened can become tight, which affects your range of motion, and more prone to soreness. Incorporate exercises such as those found in yoga and Pilates to strengthen your muscles and keep your body flexible.

Cardiac Conditioning

The condition of your heart affects the level of energy you have. Since cancer treatment can leave you fatigued it's important to participate in aerobic exercise that encourages heart health and helps you feel more energetic. This can help you move through your day with greater ease and reduce frustrations faced when you find yourself unable to tackle tasks that were once easily accomplished.

Natural Mood Improvement

Feelings of depression, sadness and anger are natural when dealing with a diagnosis of cancer. Exercise helps you counteract these feelings by relieving stress and providing you with an avenue to work toward improving your health. Whether you choose to walk with friends, bike ride with families or take a yoga class, the emotional and mental benefits can be just as important as the physical ones.

Quality of life is important. To go through daily activities while dealing with the effects of cancer you need physical strength and stamina, as well as a reduction in stress. By participating in a physical fitness program you can improve your ability to deal with the effects of cancer treatment and maintain an improved quality of life.