Adopt an exercise program – Change the battleground and Win
A patient, who is diagnosed positive with cancer, feels traumatic and depressed. Living with the knowledge of slowly approaching death and constantly bearing the pain is an extremely scary thought. But for some when this thought becomes a reality – they often get depressed to the extent that they reject the willingness to fight back the situation. Though it may sound clichéd but the fact remains that a patient can put himself or herself onto the recovery path only when they accept the reality and are aware of the factors which aggravate or lessens the condition. With the awareness, they’ll discover that cancer cells are ineffective in oxygen and therefore an effective way to combat the disease. Also, they’ll know that the radiations – used for treatment – causes immense fatigue and mostly leads to patient’s inability to do daily chores or even the basic needs. However, this is a vicious condition as no physical activity results in ever reducing stamina. Therefore to build good oxygen levels and increase stamina – the patient should be regularly exercising.
Chemotherapy causes fatigue in most of the cancer patients. Many fail to carry out the basic daily activities. Chemo causes reduced blood thereby making the person anemic and weak heart muscle. All these lead to increased exhaustion in a person. Doctors recommend rest to avoid any further exertion. Regular chemo-based treatment and continued rest makes the person increasingly susceptible to fatigue. To address cancer-induced fatigue part, doctors are now changing their thought-line and suggesting moderate physical exercise, to increase body stamina and muscle strength, to cancer patients.
In fact, there are some cancer hospitals where the oncology department provides hope to cancer patient by providing physical exercise and other programs. Actually, it addresses not only the fatigue problems in a patient but addresses the issue in mind as well. And needless to mention, the results have been astonishing. In a random check project carried out on patients who had received high chemo doses, were subject to tailored aerobic exercises as well as subjected to half an hour walk. This exercise regime was carried out for 6 weeks and the results clearly demonstrated radical improvement in physical stamina and reduced level of weakness. The project that aimed at building on endurance in patients successfully did so by means of rhythmic exercises and regular walking or cycling.
Some of the key positive impacts of regular exercising on cancer patients are – enhanced ability to perform daily activities, reduced body fat, increase muscle strength, improved body’s ability to defend itself, improved mood, enhanced self-esteem, reduced nausea and decreased fatigue. While exercising has a direct and noticeable positive impact on the body, it also results in positive psychological changes. The mind issues when resolved or lessened – result in less mood swings, better sleep patterns and an always positive outlook.
However, a word of caution – the above are based on empirical evidences; more focused studies and experiments needs to be carried out before concluding positively. However with great confidence it can be said that by moderate and guided exercising, the patient improves on multiple fronts and the risks of adverse effects are really low.
