The Importance of Fitness in the Battle against Cancer (Guest blogger Melanie)

Melanie contacted me to guest blog. She has a message that she wants to get out there and I am 100% behind her. It is also appropriate timing since I am looking down the road the Relay for life 24 hour run that I am doing at the end of April. If you or you know so one when is fighting cancer please pass this along. Enjoy what she has to say then go out and do something to fight cancer! Be it exercises or doing a relay for life or any of the thousands of runs and events out there that support those that are in the fight for their lives.

"Finding out that you or someone you love has cancer can be devastating. You may have many questions that include ways to take care of yourself and what you can expect in terms of treatment. If your fitness level is low, or if you don't devote a lot of time on your physical well-being, you should consider a fitness regimen that includes a diet designed to help in your fight.

Any cancer diagnosis, whether it's breast cancer, leukemia or mesothelioma, needs a proactive response when it comes to treatment and getting yourself healthy. Previously, cancer patients were advised to rest as much as possible rather than partake in strenuous exercise. Today, the American Cancer Society recommends regular exercise with a healthy diet as a means of battling cancer and improving their sense of well being.

If you have been diagnosed with a form of cancer, the only time you should avoid increased physical activity is if the activity causes shortness of breath. The exercise you choose to do should fit with your overall health, and once you find the right type of activity, you will have a greater quality of life. Increased activity, paired with a diet filled with cancer fighting super foods, can help you reach your optimum weight and give you the strength you need to fight your illness.

Cancer prevention guidelines provide recommendations for the amount of physical exercise that should be engaged in for both adults and children. Even smaller amounts of activity performed throughout the day can be beneficial. An important factor to remember is to never give up. As a cancer patient, you may have good days and bad days, but as long as you keep your goals in mind, you will have the strength to fight. Persistence will help you keep your bones and muscles strong, improve your blood flow and lower your risk for other illnesses.

A healthy fitness level and a healthy weight can also be used as a preventative measure against cancer. By exercising three times a week and sticking with a healthy diet, you can have the best defense against developing cancer later in life. While there are no absolutes, you are still prepared in the fight against any illness. You can work toward and maintain goals that can help lessen your risk factor, and if you do find yourself diagnosed with cancer, you will be in better shape to begin your fight to survive."


You can read more about what Melanie has to say about nutrition, fitness and the fight again cancer on her blog on the Mesothelioma site.