Saturday, January 7, 2012

Exercise- Declare WAR on Cancer

Today is an article written by a guest blogger, David Haas.  I believe he has a great message that we should all be listening to whether or not we have cancer.  Our bodies, our health, are our responsibility.  We've been given these bodies to take care of, but how many of us are not the good stewards that we should be?  I know I am prone to neglecting my body.  I gained 5 pounds in 3 months (a lot on a small frame like mine) when I was directing Pride and Prejudice 2 years ago because I didn't have the time to get to the gym or to eat properly.  I think this is a common problem in our society.  Let's read this article and take note of what David has learned on this subject:



Exercise- Declare War on Cancer 
Hold it for a few more counts. 8, 9, 10…Push it just a little harder. You can make it!

These sentiments sound familiar? Exercising isn’t always exactly fun or pain-free for anyone. However, if you push through the pain, the payoff of benefits is worth the short-term discomfort.

Research has not only proven exercise as beneficial for individuals of average or good health, though. Current studies have identified the advantageous effects of exercise for those mediating a variety of health maladies; this includes all cancers from breast cancer to rare mesothelioma. Participating in an active and regular exercise routine can proffer a multitude of advantages and is one of the first steps toward declaring war on this once debilitating disease.

Specific exercise routines and practices are supported and purported by doctors as well as various other cancer specialists. A general exercise routine should be comprised of a total of approximately 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity per week in conjunction with 2 days of light muscle-strengthening workouts. The four elements of physical activity should be incorporated in this total time including aerobics, strength training, balance exercises, and stretching, but all components should be completed in moderation. Appropriate and effective exercises include walking, bicycling, or light jogging to raise the heart rate; strength training and light-lifting with hand weights for training and toning muscles; heel raises, walking in a straight line, and grapevines for improving balance; and completing v-sits, arm circles, and joint rolls to stretch different areas of the body. The suitable exercise routine is one that integrates a variety of exercises and is done with individual body awareness. Listening to one’s body is always important but especially as one is battling or recovering from cancer.

Engaging in a regular exercise routine is one sure way to insight combat upon cancer and any number of other health issues as well. Frequent exercise offers a variety of health benefits to any individual. Such assets from exercise include, in general, a longer life and faster recovery from disease. When fighting cancer, mood, self-confidence, and fatigue can be a particular issue. Exercise helps alleviate these stressors as well. Research has also shown that exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence as well as fatality from a variety of cancers by as much as 50%. Other risks imposed by cancer treatment, such as osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease, can also be avoided by participating in regular exercise.

The fight against cancer is very much that—a war raged upon and within one’s body. Activating effective warfare techniques, though, such as exercising and eating well, is a definite way to declare combat and become a cancer warrior.



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