Monday, June 10, 2013

Exercises for Each Stage of Cancer Recovery

Recently I was contacted by one Melanie Bowen. She asked if I would " allow guest posts because (she) recently (has) been researching and writing about how staying physically fit can be extremely beneficial to people going through cancer treatments." Melanie's bio states she "is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family."

I thought to myself, "where's the harm in in an article that explores the benefits of exercise for cancer patients?" And so I asked her to send me her submission and I would read it and decide. The article she sent me appears at the bottom of this entry. It became immediately apparent, in fairness, that Melanie wanted to promote her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.

Personally, my only awareness of Mesothelioma was from those commercials I always see on certain networks and in certain hospital waiting rooms claiming that some law firm is standing by waiting to take your call to see if they can make a buck off of your Mesothelioma case. Because, of course, Mesothelioma is the "Asbestos Cancer," and so surely money can be made off the case by suing corporations, businesses and other "responsible entities" (the manufacturer) that exposed you to asbestos in the first place. You know the commercials of which I speak - the ones with the American Flag flying in the background and some anthem-like patriotic music and an actor who got paid to elicit your sympathy and make you feel like that law firm actually cares (The truth of such commercials is that they are a paid advertisement for a referral mill in which they seek a cut from a locally referred lawyer's fees - the claimant would be just as well-served, if not better-served, by contacting a local lawyer directly).

As it turns out, upon a very-quick-educate-myself-on-Mesothelioma session, Mesothelioma is in fact caused solely by asbestos. Asbestos liability is what's known as "strict liability" - the plaintiff doesn't have to show negligence, or even demonstrate that the manufacturer was aware of the risks. Because the product is inherently dangerous, a diagnosis is practically a guarantee of full compensation to either the patient or the surviving family.

A whole industry has arisen out of this Mesothelioma thing.  Don't get me wrong, Mesothelioma is very serious, and people DIE from it. But a Mesothelioma-industry that has sprung up out of the disease that includes a network of doctors and healthcare professionals who specialize in it, lawyers (of both the legitimate and ambulance-chaser varieties) who specialize in it, insurance companies and processors who specialize in it, awareness/charity organizations that generate cash flow (and thus salaries) off of it, and the media industry that benefits from advertisers in all the aforementioned categories. It's an industry that capitalizes on the misfortune of the victim, and drives healthcare costs up through the milking thereof.

However, Melanie's blog appears to be oriented more for cancer in general rather than (just) Mesothelioma, and carries an overall positive message that explores things that can be beneficial to cancer patients. Some examples I read included exercise, nutrition and therapy. Still, reader beware: seek a doctor's advice, do your own research, etc.,  etc.,  etc., and be aware that the overall purpose of her blog appearing on the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance website is to drive web-traffic to that parent site, though Melanie's personal motivations may be more noble than that. You decide.

I firmly believe that an physically active lifestyle can be beneficial to anyone, regardless of their health or diagnosis, except when their doctor does not advise physical activity. Mental acuity and spiritual fitness are things no self-respecting doctor would ever advise against. So therefore, I have included what Melanie sent me - Melanie's blog is here: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/

And thanks, Melanie, for improving my awareness of Mesothelioma.

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Exercises for Each Stage of Cancer Recovery


It’s important for people to remain physically active to preserve bone strength and muscle. Heart and lung function can also suffer from a lack of exercise. When people are ill, it’s often impossible to maintain their normal exercise routine, but it’s important that a sedentary lifestyle isn’t adopted. When the symptoms or treatment for cancer leave you unable to pursue your regular activities, speak to your medical team about ways to work your body to remain as physically fit as possible.

Beginner `
Light exercise can give a feeling of calmness and encouragement, thus reducing the depression that may accompany illness. Even low impact exercises like light stretching can increase vitality and make you more flexible. A light exercise program can improve sleep so that your rested body and mind are ready for the next day. Simple stretching can help strengthen the body even while receiving aggressive cancer treatments. The exercises can be done without taking away the breath. You can even carry on a conversation while improving your physical fitness. People in the late stages of cancer can relieve the swelling and discomfort caused by surgery or lymph-edema. For those with the prognosis of mesothelioma, there may be respiratory related complications that prevent heavy exercise. As a result, simple stretching can improve fitness without suffering difficulty in breathing. Almost anyone can remain flexible by simple body movements and stretching.

Intermediate
There are many benefits to exercising in the water as opposed to on land. Water has the unique ability to disperse body heat, which prevents your body from overheating while exercising. Patients can easily do moderate exercises like water aerobics as they begin to recover from the treatments received to fight cancer. The buoyancy of the water supports the body, allowing a greater range of motion. It is often easier for those who suffer from joint and muscle pain and stiffness. Water aerobics are very beneficial in the building and regaining of strength, due to the fact that water provides 12-14 times more resistance than training on land. Circulation is increased, cardiovascular endurance is improved, and bone health is maintained.

Advanced
As the cancer recovery progresses, advanced exercise routines can be practiced so that strength is regained and overall physical condition is improved. To battle fatigue, the continuous movement of aerobics will improve energy. With approval from the medical team, the recovering cancer patient can combat the fatigue, a common symptom caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Rest alone will not overcome this fatigue, but an aerobic exercise routine can improve the circulation and strengthen the heart. Emotional health and brain function can be improved as overall physical well-being is being restored.

If your cancer treatments won’t allow you to follow a strenuous workout routine, there are several other options available to strengthen your body, improve your emotional state, and work toward a healthy lifestyle. Ask your medical staff about various exercises to make sure that you are strong enough to embark on the new physical fitness routine at every stage of your disease, treatment, and recovery.

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