Our intern personal trainer, Kimbra
presented to our group of trainers about
cancer and the positive effects of fitness. Here is a synopsis of what was discussed.
“Physical activity is the single largest
modifiable risk factor we know of to prevent reoccurrence.”
1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women—will receive a
cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. The good news: it is not a death sentence.
For many of the most common forms of cancer—including breast, prostate and
skin—the 5-year survival rates following an early-stage diagnosis are close to
90% or higher. As more and more physicians recommend exercise, many survivors
will be looking for support from the fitness community and will not find much
help. This is where we can set ourselves apart from the crowd, by not being
scared and turning them away because we will have knowledge regarding cancer
and we will be able to train clients these clients.
“Following the shock of diagnosis, one of
the first things cancer patients want to know is: What can I do to make sure
this disease doesn’t come back, and doesn’t kill me? According to Culos-Reed,
who also conducts research on the benefits of exercise for cancer survivors,
“Physical activity is the single largest modifiable risk factor we know of to
prevent reoccurrence.” A recent review in the British Journal of Sports
Medicine identified nine studies showing that physical activity reduced the
risk of death in cancer survivors. Most striking was the finding, across a
number of studies, that 3 hours a week of moderate-intensity exercise was
associated with a 50%–53% lower risk of death in breast cancer survivors and a
39%–59% lower risk of death in colon cancer survivors. Although other forms of
cancer have not been studied sufficiently to draw strong conclusions, there is
no reason to suspect that exercise would not benefit people with other types of
cancer. Living longer is a powerful motivator, but quality of life can be
equally important. A recent national survey of more than 9,000 cancer survivors
found that for all types of cancer, meeting the recommended guidelines for
physical activity was associated with a higher health-related quality of life,
including less pain, fewer difficulties completing daily tasks, better physical
functioning and better general health,”
Before beginning an exercise program, it’s
essential that a physician’s referral or clearance and a medical history be
obtained East london
personal trainer.
People who were physically active before
they were diagnosed with cancer may wonder if they can continue participating
in the physical activities they used to enjoy. Others, who view a cancer
diagnosis as a wake-up call to become less sedentary, may wonder whether they
can embark on a new exercise program during or after treatment.
Finding the Right Activity
We stress that it’s important for cancer
patients and their caregivers to speak with their doctors before undertaking
any kind of exercise program. Often the ability to perceive your own comfort
with movement can be clouded by medications that you’re taking.
Physical and
occupational therapy are an important component of recovery for many patients,
especially those who have had surgery, but when the sessions end, many people
may question how they can return to their regular exercise routine.
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