Cancer Patients -Alyssa Faia Exercise Program

Past: Get as much rest as possible… Reduce Physical Activity Today: Doctors encourage to stay ACTIVE Many benefits to exercising for cancer patients

Balance (lower risk of falls) Keep muscles from atrophy Improve blood flow to your legs Lower the risk of being anxious and depressed Lessen nausea Lessen symptoms of tiredness (fatigue) …… During Cancer Treatment

Certain things affect your ability to exercise, for instance: The type/stage of cancer Your cancer treatment Your stamina (endurance), strength, & fitness level

Take part in regular physical activity. Avoid inactivity At least 150 minutes per week. Strength training exercises 2X weekly.

Low intensity activity for healthy people high-intensity for some cancer survivors

Regular exercise can provide enjoyment and an escape, perhaps, from the severities of

Exercise has been shown to improve.. Cardiovascular fitness Muscle strength Body composition Fatigue Anxiety Happiness

Do not exercise if you have a low red blood cell count Taking medicines that make you less able to fight infection(STAY AWAY FROM GYMS) Radiation treated areas should not be exposed to chlorine.

Statics shown that those who exercised regularly had 40% to 50% less fatigue, the primary complaint during treatment.

Flexibility exercises Aerobic exercise: Resistance training: Mind-body exercises:

Burns calories Help you lose/maintain your weight Improves your mood Strengthens your heart and lungs

Works your muscles against some weight Uses resistance to help build strength As you all may know/ experience ….. Cancer treatment causes a decrease in muscle mass and bone density.

Lifting weights or other weight bearing exercises.

Combines body movement and mental focus Controlled breathing to improve Strength Balance Flexibility, Overall health (physically, mentally, and spiritually) relaxing music

Water is Key!!

Cramp F, Daniel J. Exercise for the management of cancer- related fatigue in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(2).