Exercise

Exercise and Cancer – Overview

Move it or lose it! By now, it’s no secret that staying active is critical to staying healthy. Research has consistently shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. In addition, regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and increase energy.

Exercise is no quick fix – instead, it’s a permanent lifestyle change, a commitment to taking care of your body for the long-term. Our bodies were meant to move. Long ago, physical activity was inherently built into our lifestyle – but as our society has shifted away from physical labor and become more reliant on automobile transportation, we have become more sedentary and our bodies have paid the price.

Exercise is for everyone. Our bodies never stop needing it, even when we’re fighting cancer. While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is one of the best fatigue-fighting tools out there. Cancer patients who maintain an exercise program throughout treatment report less fatigue and a better quality of life. Furthermore, caregivers faced with the stress of caring for a loved one can benefit from exercise.

You don’t have to be a super-athlete to reap the benefits of exercise. There are a variety of ways to incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle. The following articles provide current, clinically researched information about the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment. For information about incorporating nutrition into your healthy, balanced lifestyle, go to Nutrition and Cancer.

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