Archive for July, 2009

13 Safety Tips for Exercising During and After Cancer Treatment

by AJ Farro

1) If you’re not feeling up to your regular exercise routine, try doing just 10 minutes of gentle stretching exercises instead.

2) Do not exercise if you’re anemic. Consult your cancer care team about when you can safely begin exercising.

3) Hold off on exercise if your body’s mineral levels (such as potassium and sodium) are not normal, which can occur during cancer treatment due to vomiting and diarrhea.

4) If you have a low white blood cell count or take medicines that weaken your immune system, avoid public gyms until your counts are at a safe level.

5) Avoid heavy weights or exercises that put excess stress on your bones if you have osteoporosis or if your cancer has spread to your bones.

6) Also avoid heavy weights if you have arthritis, nerve damage, poor balance, or general weakness.

7) A stationary bicycle may be easier to use than walking or a using a treadmill if you have numbness in your feet or legs or if you have problems with balance.

If you are having radiation therapy to treat your cancer, avoid exposing the areas of irradiated skin to swimming pool chlorine.

9) Avoid exercising at a level above what is moderate (no more strenuous than a brisk walk) for you without discussing it with your physician or your cancer care team.

10) Call your doctor for symptoms that concern you, such as unrelieved pain, nausea and /or vomiting. It’s okay to skip your exercise if you really don’t feel well.

11) If you notice sudden weight gain, swelling in your feet and/or ankles, or any shortness of breath (either at rest or with minimal exertion) notify your cancer treatment team.

12) You can break up your routine into smaller segments to help prevent fatigue.

13) Avoid any exercise activities that can raise your risk for injury, especially if you’re taking blood thinners (like coumadin/warfarin) in combination with your cancer therapy. If you notice bleeding, swelling, dizziness, pain, or blurred vision, notify your cancer treatment team or physician.

Low impact strength training exercises with resistance bands can help regenerate and maintain muscle function and mass. Alternate strength training with walking on a treadmill, but keep treadmill workouts fun with the SurfShelf.

by AJ Farro

Recent studies show that exercise, including strength-training and aerobic workouts, can help reduce fatigue, maintain or improve muscle function, and may even improve the quality of life for cancer patients, both past and present.

What are the potential benefits of participating in regular exercise routines while being treated for cancer? Read the rest of this entry »