But won’t it use up energy my spouse should use to fight the cancer?
Recent research is showing positive benefits of exercise for some people with cancer. Under the supervision of a doctor, moderate exercise and activity can help patients combat fatigue and maintain muscle strength, which can be diminished by surgery and other treatments. Exercise also helps patients to decrease anxiety, reduce feelings of depression, and maintain a positive body image.
Some hospitals are incorporating exercise classes, including yoga, chair aerobics, and personal training, all facilitated by specially trained experts. If your spouse is interested, help him by investigating local exercise programs, either through the hospital, a local gym, physical therapist, or community group, and be sure someone who has experience working with people with cancer leads the programs.
It is crucial that patients undergo any exercise routine safely to avoid injury and to benefit from the exercise. The cost of such services and programs varies. However, com-munity groups such as senior centers, Gilda’s Club, and the American Cancer Society sometimes sponsor exercise activities free of charge. People also can increase activity in their everyday lives without going to classes or a gym by walking more or taking the stairs at the hospital instead of the elevator, even if they have the energy for just one flight.
One patient, who was having a hard time with fatigue due to his chemotherapy and radiation therapy, felt that walking his hallway several times a day kept his body working and helped maintain his mental strength as well. Being active includes fun things too, like shop-ping at the mall, walking the dog, or playing with the kids. Doing activities with the patient can allow for quality time together. And having an exercise partner will be good motivation for both of you, since exercise can be an important part of reducing stress and improving health. Keep it fun!