V is for Visitor

Visitor (aka Guest) Post by Melanie Bowen

http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/ 

 Social Interaction and Exercise Helps Cancer Patients

The U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Health Institutes reviews how a person is physically and emotionally affected by cancer, both during treatment stages and during remission stages.  In an online publication, the organization addresses the benefits exercise can have on people who are facing side effects of the disease and treatments for the disease.  Some of the most beneficial results exercise provides to people going through treatments for cancer include increased muscle use, stronger bones, healthier circulation, more energy and decreases in pain and inflammation.

Does Exercise Really Help Cancer Patients?

Because exercise can seem like such a simple solution to bring about so many positive health results for cancer patients, many people are skeptical if it really works.  Numerous universities and cancer research centers have found time and time again that physical activity does indeed play a significant role in helping to alleviate pain and improve a cancer patient’s health in a variety of ways.  The amount of results that are experienced will be greatly dependent on the stage and type of cancer a person has, the person’s current physical shape, how often the individual is able to exercise, and how rigorous the cancer treatments the person is going through.  

One thing that has been proven repeatedly in people who have cancer and who have chosen to adapt to a physical activity lifestyle is many of these people have experienced positive results almost right from the start.  The benefits of exercising while a person has cancer include being able to sleep better at night because the oxygen if flowing better in the blood stream due to exercise and higher energy levels.  When more energy is gained, fatigue is reduced and the person is able to gain enough physical strengthen to continue with important treatments that are vital in defeating the disease.

Combine Exercise and Socialization for Maximum Benefits

Socializing while exercising also provides intense emotional relief from mental and physical stress a person may experience when going through cancer treatment stages.  Socializing with family members or friends while visiting a park, playing badminton, or going for a walk on the beach, helps fight against depressed mood swings that numerous cancer patient’s experience.  Mingling with friends while getting exercise is also valuable to the person so he can unwind and connect with loved ones while having fun. So whether the battle is with breast cancer or mesothelioma, exercise is an essential part of the process and should be started as soon as possible.

- Thank you Melanie Bowen for the information. I appreciate the guest post.