Physical fitness is probably the last thing you might thinks of when diagnosed with cancer. Yet it is critically important to stay fit for a number of reasons, because exercise –
- Combats fatigue and increases energy.
- Increases the amount of oxygen in your system. Cancer does not fare well in an oxygenated environment.
- Exercise for lymphedema reduces this risk by keeping the flow of lymph fluid moving through your body.
- Stretchs out scar tissue caused by surgery and increase the range of motion in joints that might be affected by radiation.
- Increases a sense of self-esteem and keeps depression at bay – often a side effect of cancer treatment.
- Promotes relaxation and sleep – very important and sometimes difficult states to maintain.
Already I think you are getting the message. Whatever your choice of exercise – walking, yoga, pilates, cycling, tai chi – get moving, make new friends and create a fun environment for yourself. It will go a long way to making the cancer journey easier.
