GUEST BLOGGER: DAVID HAAS

I would like to introduce to the readers of my blog a fellow blogger, named David Haas. David is a cancer support group and awareness advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. David Haas wanted to share his opinions about the importance of staying physically active in the midst of illiness, specifically, Mesothelioma.

I feel David's writing lends support to a conclusion I have already drawn through my own personal journey of limb loss: remaining as physically active as possible has many benefits. I hope you enjoy his writing:

Ways to Stay Physically Active During Cancer Treatments
by David Haas

People who are suffering from cancer must strive to remain as healthy as possible during the course of treatment. Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis or being diagnosed with other types of cancer can lead to a decrease in the desire to exercise. While remaining physically active during cancer treatments will not cure cancer, it can be beneficial in many ways.

Cancer treatments can vary in length and people who are undergoing  this will see great benefits from remaining physically active during their treatment. Exercise can lead to an improved sense of wellbeing, keep muscles from deteriorating during treatment, and improve circulation, minimizing the risk of blood clots. Many people find that unpleasant physical symptoms are minimized with regular exercise. Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety and depression are just a few of the symptoms that can be reduced with physical activity. Just how intense a cancer patient's workout should be depends on how advanced the cancer is, the health of the patient  and the type of treatment used to kill cancer cells. Before beginning an exercise program it is important to obtain instructions and precautions from the doctor providing cancer treatments.

Incorporating short bouts of exercise into a daily routine is one way cancer patients can increase their activity level. Walking around the block for 10 minutes three times each day will result in 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. Since cancer treatments can be stressful, many people find yoga is an activity that keeps them in shape and reduces stress. Certain types of activities are not recommended for cancer patients. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools, walking on uneven surfaces, and avoid using heavy weights that could cause injury. Cancer patients who are anemic or who experience unrelenting vomiting should not exercise without consulting their doctor.

When exercising during cancer treatments, always start out slowly and warm-up for two or three minutes before beginning. There may be days when fatigue is overwhelming. When these days occur, cancer patients should listen to their own body and take the day off to rest. Choosing activities that are fun makes it easier to be physically active. Working in the garden, dancing, and walking the dog are all activities that increase the heart rate and reduce cancer symptoms. Cancer patients and survivors may also wish to find a buddy to exercise with. Many people find it much easier to stick to an exercise program when someone else is depending on them each day.

**You may read further information written by David Haas and other affiliated writers by going to: www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/david/