This week is a challenging week with a public holiday smack bang in the middle of it. I didn't go to the gym, but I did go for a short walk today.
On Sunday, my husband surprised me by organising this week - usually it's me doing that kind of thing. At the end of the organising of chores etc. He put at the end "Felicia will plan low calorie diet plan" "Phil (my husband) will eat what is put in front of him". For me, that is a real achievement, so I'm really happy about that and I made fish for dinner which he ate most of it - some of the veg got left behind, but it's a start and I'm proud of him of the changes that he has been making recently.
Last week some activity happened with this blog, I was approached and asked to do a guest post. As I've never done this before, so any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Please enjoy this post by David Has who has researched and complied a report - Exercise for Cancer Patients. His post is extremely informative and is worth a read. Even though I don't have cancer, I have known people who have. What David has written is good for cancer patients who need some extra motivation, or the average person who wants to get healthy.
Please read post below and any feedback is welcome. Enjoy!
By David Has
Exercise Research for
Cancer Patients Continues to Grow
Exercise programs for cancer patients have popped up around the country and many of them continue to grow each year. The once anecdotal benefits of a few high-profile athletes diagnosed with cancer have been quantified over numerous studies focusing on everything from overall symptom management to increased efficacy of specific treatments. Cancer experts now advise every patient to get involved in a regular workout program and avoid physical inactivity.
One of the programs to have gained success over the past decade is the Stanford Living Strong Living Well partnership. With the help of YMCA resources and experts like Dr. Abby King, the Stanford partnership has helped more than one thousand patients find the motivation and expertise to exercise safely through every stage of cancer, from diagnosis to remission. Active research has made it possible to individualize fitness programs with the best understanding of the most beneficial routines for patients in a variety of circumstances.
Research-based Approach to Exercise
Physical activity has been proven beneficial and safe for cancer patients, but the idea can be overly vague for newcomers and those striving to maintain motivation. Most people will not have access to such a strong, community-based program, and doctors may or may not be amicable to consulting with fitness experts. Doctors may also be unaware of the latest research on specific forms of cancer and expert recommendations of different types of exercise to use in different situations.
There is a lot of good news in this area though. The number of fitness experts certified in cancer care is projected to grow in the near future. It is only a matter of time and increasing patient advocacy before all cancer clinics and insurance providers begin supporting the standard inclusion of a fitness component into treatment programs. Until then, most patients new to exercise can safely go it alone by keeping in mind a few fitness basics. Patients receiving treatment for mesothelioma, or other palliative care, will find physical therapy resources available through their clinic or hospital.
Keeping Exercise Safe
The biggest risks for patients deciding to begin a workout program are the risk of injuries and the fact that epidemiological studies show that patients tend to drop out of fitness programs at a higher rate than the general population. Injuries can be prevented by following a couple of fitness rules that apply to everyone. Newcomers should always begin with low-intensity forms of exercise with a short duration. Gradual increase in duration and intensity will prevent most injuries. Staying hydrated is also extremely important.
Maintaining motivation is difficult in the face of treatment, because the common symptoms of cancer treatment can be debilitating. It is necessary to realize that the fatigue, digestive upset, depression and other symptoms can be reduced with continued participation. A good tactic for maintaining motivation is the buddy system. Enlisting friends, family, and other cancer patients can go a long ways toward making the effort feel worthwhile. The benefits of exercise during cancer are too important to risk losing.
Exercise programs for cancer patients have popped up around the country and many of them continue to grow each year. The once anecdotal benefits of a few high-profile athletes diagnosed with cancer have been quantified over numerous studies focusing on everything from overall symptom management to increased efficacy of specific treatments. Cancer experts now advise every patient to get involved in a regular workout program and avoid physical inactivity.
One of the programs to have gained success over the past decade is the Stanford Living Strong Living Well partnership. With the help of YMCA resources and experts like Dr. Abby King, the Stanford partnership has helped more than one thousand patients find the motivation and expertise to exercise safely through every stage of cancer, from diagnosis to remission. Active research has made it possible to individualize fitness programs with the best understanding of the most beneficial routines for patients in a variety of circumstances.
Research-based Approach to Exercise
Physical activity has been proven beneficial and safe for cancer patients, but the idea can be overly vague for newcomers and those striving to maintain motivation. Most people will not have access to such a strong, community-based program, and doctors may or may not be amicable to consulting with fitness experts. Doctors may also be unaware of the latest research on specific forms of cancer and expert recommendations of different types of exercise to use in different situations.
There is a lot of good news in this area though. The number of fitness experts certified in cancer care is projected to grow in the near future. It is only a matter of time and increasing patient advocacy before all cancer clinics and insurance providers begin supporting the standard inclusion of a fitness component into treatment programs. Until then, most patients new to exercise can safely go it alone by keeping in mind a few fitness basics. Patients receiving treatment for mesothelioma, or other palliative care, will find physical therapy resources available through their clinic or hospital.
Keeping Exercise Safe
The biggest risks for patients deciding to begin a workout program are the risk of injuries and the fact that epidemiological studies show that patients tend to drop out of fitness programs at a higher rate than the general population. Injuries can be prevented by following a couple of fitness rules that apply to everyone. Newcomers should always begin with low-intensity forms of exercise with a short duration. Gradual increase in duration and intensity will prevent most injuries. Staying hydrated is also extremely important.
Maintaining motivation is difficult in the face of treatment, because the common symptoms of cancer treatment can be debilitating. It is necessary to realize that the fatigue, digestive upset, depression and other symptoms can be reduced with continued participation. A good tactic for maintaining motivation is the buddy system. Enlisting friends, family, and other cancer patients can go a long ways toward making the effort feel worthwhile. The benefits of exercise during cancer are too important to risk losing.
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