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Benefits of Exercising<br />
with Cancer By Michelle Morath, NM Fit<br />
One of my clients was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal<br />
cancer almost 2 ½ years ago. He was in his early forties<br />
when he received the diagnosis. After major surgery (to<br />
remove the cancerous mass), he has had many chemotherapy<br />
treatments since. Other than his positive outlook on life,<br />
one thing that has helped him to maintain his quality of life<br />
is exercise. His exercise regimen has primarily consisted of<br />
strength training, yoga and walking. Because of exercising, he<br />
has been able to continue working and keep living a normal life<br />
while going through the arduous chemotherapy treatments.<br />
The primary goal of exercise for cancer patients is to maintain<br />
strength, range of motion, weight, energy level and normal<br />
breathing. In dealing with the cancer and treatments, my client<br />
has had many ups and downs but because of his dedication<br />
to exercise, overall, he has been able to maintain all of these<br />
qualities.<br />
The old guidelines for cancer patients recommended<br />
rest. It has since been found that being sedentary for a<br />
prolonged period can be detrimental and contribute to health<br />
complications for cancer patients. According to the American<br />
College of Sports Medicine, the new guidelines recommend<br />
that cancer patients avoid inactivity and strongly recommend<br />
A Holistic Foundation for<br />
a Fuller Life!<br />
• Personal Training<br />
• Group Fitness<br />
• Nutrition<br />
• Massage<br />
Talk to Michelle!<br />
505.550.8322<br />
www.NewMexicoFIT.com<br />
6001 San Mateo Blvd NE<br />
Albuquerque, NM 87109<br />
exercise. Exercise will help lessen fatigue and offer many other<br />
benefits including:<br />
• Decreased fat mass; increased lean mass<br />
• Alleviated symptoms including nausea<br />
• Less depression, anxiety, emotional distress, pain<br />
• Increased muscle mass, strength and endurance<br />
• Improved physical functioning<br />
• Enhanced bone health and heart health<br />
• Improved appetite<br />
• Better sleep<br />
Although it is vital for the cancer patient to exercise, there<br />
is not a “one size fits all” exercise routine. Many factors must be<br />
considered before beginning an exercise routine. Some of the<br />
factors include age, type of cancer, surgery, cancer treatments,<br />
current energy level, and whether or not the patient has a low<br />
red blood cell count, a low white blood cell count, or a low<br />
platelet count. Before pursuing an exercise regimen with me,<br />
the patient must receive written consent from his or her doctor.<br />
The doctor will determine when the patient can begin exercise<br />
and what limitations the patient has, if any. Once the doctor has<br />
given consent, I then work with the cancer patient to determine<br />
his or her goals and create an individualized exercise program<br />
to achieve those goals.<br />
In addition to exercise, nutrition is vitally important in<br />
fighting cancer and preventing recurrence. One main objective<br />
of making dietary changes is decreasing systemic inflammation.<br />
This may sound difficult, but has an immense impact on the<br />
immune system and on body’s ability to heal. By adding more<br />
fresh fruits and vegetables in your regular diet, you can greatly<br />
reduce inflammation in your body. An easy way to get on the<br />
right path with good nutrition and get more fruits and veggies<br />
into your regular diet immediately is taking Juice Plus+®—a<br />
whole food nutritional supplement made from vine ripened<br />
fruits, vegetables, grapes and berries. It’s like a salad bar in a<br />
capsule! Not only does it decrease inflammation, but it helps<br />
improve your immune system, supports heart health, and<br />
offers many other health benefits. To get more information<br />
about Juice Plus+® visit www.nmfitjuiceplus.com.<br />
Most of us have been affected by cancer in some way. Perhaps<br />
you have been diagnosed with it, or know someone who<br />
has. Cancer can be an extremely traumatic experience, both<br />
emotionally and physically. Several people throughout my life<br />
have succumbed including an uncle who lost his battle with<br />
skin cancer. Others are survivors including one of my parents<br />
who survived colon cancer. If you or someone you know has<br />
cancer, call me. Learning about and regularly completing the<br />
right exercises contribute to the best cancer outcomes possible.<br />
Michelle Morath, New Mexico Fit: 505-550-8322, mmorath@<br />
newmexicofit.com. www.newmexicofit.com<br />
10 <strong>Truly</strong> <strong>Alive</strong> | www.trulyalive.net<br />
Read more articles by Michelle Morath online: www.trulyalive.net
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