Fitness and health

Today's post is a special one. It's a guest post in honour of National Cancer Survivor's Day, which is celebrated today in the United States as well as few other countries. 

Last week, I was contacted by Melanie Bowen and asked if I wanted to feature a post on my blog, about fitness and health. Since last year I already hosted a guest post about beauty and cancer, I was pleased to do it again - this time though about fitness and health. Unfortunately, I am sure that everyone - including me - knows someone affected by cancer, and these type of articles can help you help that person in some way. Moreover, I think trying to use fitness and health, as well as beauty, to help with your cancer recovery is great and it's within this blog main concept - which is that beauty, fashion, fitness and health appropriate eating, plus everything in between, can help you feel fab inside and out. So without any further due, below is the article written by Melanie Bowen for you on fitness and health.

Fitness and Health: Plans for Recovering Cancer Patients by Melanie Bowen

Starting any kind of fitness and health program during cancer recovery can seem daunting at first. The recovery process can be emotionally and physically draining, and taking on any kind of additional activity can feel like just one more burden. As you recover from your cancer and treatments, it is important to regain as much of your physical fitness as possible. While not a cure, exercise can raise your energy level and mood, boost your immune system, improve quality of life and help in the transition from recovery to survivorship.

Light Exercise

Breathing exercises are a type of light exercise that is helpful for those who are still somewhat frail following treatment. It is a stepping-stone to more strenuous types of exercise. However, there are still some significant benefits to breathing exercises. They can help increase your respiratory function and improve the intake of oxygen in your cells. Breathing exercises are ideal for those undergoing treatment for mesothelioma or other lung-related cancers. One way you could incorporate breathing into your fitness and health routine is by taking up yoga. Yoga incorporates both stretching and breathing. Just keep in mind that there are many different types of yoga that vary in intensity. Stick to a light form that will not overtax you. As you move along in your recovery, you can take a step up in difficulty.

Moderate Exercise

Many cancer patients in recovery choose water aerobics as a form of moderate exercise. It is a type of exercise that actually combines several types. You are getting some aerobics, some stretching, and some strength training. Water aerobics can be as strenuous as you want, but you rarely risk injury because the water will be supporting your weight. This helps protect your knees and other joints. Swimming also helps prevent overheating, since the water disperses much of the heat. Be sure that you warm up prior to your water aerobics session and do not overdo it. Fitness and health experts always advise to gradually build up the intensity and duration as your body adapts, adjusting accordingly. You should also be aware of the pool water temperature so that there is no risk of hypothermia or muscle cramping.

Advanced Exercise

Resistance training is a form of advanced exercise that is appropriate for you if you are well into your cancer recovery. You will need to have a basic level of physical fitness and health prior to training and have good balance. Weight training can help rebuild any muscle mass you may have lost as a result of the cancer itself or any understandable inactivity during treatment. Remember to always warm up before you exercise, and take things slowly at first. If you are using free weights, you should be particularly cautious, since injury is more likely if you are careless. Resistance bands and machines are probably a better choice for most patients in recovery for this reason. You should also keep in mind that the benefits of this type of training are seen only when you train in moderation. Pushing yourself to exhaustion each time can actually weaken your immune system.

Physical fitness and health is an important component to cancer recovery. In addition to these exercises, the American Cancer Society also highlights on some active substitutions. Developing an exercise plan that fits your current stage of recovery and adjusting your plan as your recovery progresses ensures that your body and mind will feel stronger and more energized every step of the way. Remember to stay active, eat right, and stay positive. Also, keep in mind that healing and the road towards recovery is a gradual process, so taking things slowly is ideal. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any questions about your exercise plans.

STAY FAB