While taking on a new exercise regimen may seem like the last thing a cancer patient feels up to doing, this may be the very commitment that provides a cancer patient with enough strength and energy to successfully complete treatment. There are numerous benefits that can potentially stem from a cancer patient getting regular amounts of moderate-level exercise. These benefits range from better weight management, increased physical strength, stamina, better outlook on life and improved levels of energy.

 Exercise Can Upgrade the Quality of Life for a Cancer Patient

 The American Cancer Society released an informative online publication that provides helpful information about increased quality of life for people suffering from various kinds of cancer. The publication states that lifestyle changes that include consistent exercise can help patients to gain balance, reduce blood clots, and can also lessen the amount of fatigue a person feels.

 When people go through cancer treatments that include surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and radiation, fatigue is almost always a given. Fatigue settles in and can be a difficult obstacle for any cancer patient to overcome, from those battling breast cancer all the way to mesothelioma. If a person experiences this and is able to make small lifestyle changes that include walking two or three times a week, or going for a bicycle ride, the fatigue has a greater chance of decreasing. This will leave the patient with a renewed sense of mental and physical refreshment that can lead to more exercise and improved overall strength. The stronger a body is, the better a person’s chances are of fighting the disease and continuing with necessary cancer treatments.

 Helpful Things to Keep in Mind When Beginning an Exercise Regimen

 Before committing to a specific type of exercise routine or schedule, it is helpful and important for a person with cancer to speak to his or her private physician or oncologist. The medical professional can observe progress and also can make suggestions as to specific types of exercises that may be the most beneficial to the patient and their diagnosis.
Drinking a lot of water and getting plenty of rest between exercise and treatments will also help to improve the results of exercising and will provide the patient with renewed stamina to maintain a moderate exercise schedule. Adding in healthy foods such as fresh spinach salads, berries and low fat meats will also provide great nutrition to support a person’s strength and energy levels.

 Submitted by Melanie Bowen
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/