Physical Well Being
Regular physical activity and careful nutritional planning are both essential to a healthy lifestyle overall. Altering habits related to diet and exercise are generally some of the first suggestions recommended by health professionals to help one cope effectively with cancer treatment.
Exercise
As reported by the Harvard Medical School, the evidence is clear: a regular exercise program can help reduce the effects of cancer and treatment. Clinical trials have shown that “an exercise program during treatment had significantly improved quality of life, fitness, energy, and strength, as well as significantly lessened anxiety, depression, and lowered body mass index.” Just as important, Exercise also elevates mood and can support mental and emotional well-being. Check with your physician for any restrictions.
It may seem counter-intuitive, and can also feel extremely daunting when you’re already feeling drained during cancer treatment, but exercise can help boost energy and stamina, even in short increments. Exercise also elevates mood and can support mental and emotional well-being.
Nutrition
The American Cancer Society states that “Good nutrition is especially important if you have cancer because both the illness and its treatments can change the way you eat. They can also affect the way your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients” Cancer treatment can sometimes make healthy eating even harder with the need to navigate side-effects. But good nutrition can actually improve the effectiveness of treatment and lead to a better life.
“HEALTH is a state of body. WELLNESS is a state of being.” ~J. Standford