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Today’s Moderator:Dana Nolan, MS LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

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Bad-Weather Workouts for Cancer Patients

Today’s Moderator:Dana Nolan, MS LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Research on Cancer and Exercise

In 2010, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggested the following exercise recommendations for cancer patients: Cardiovascular activityFlexibility/StretchingMuscle strength training

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Benefits of Exercise

Research shows the following benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatments:Physical: Improved sleep, decreased fatigue

and less treatment side effectsPsychological/emotional: Decreased anxiety

and depressive symptoms, increased self-esteem and body image

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Challenges of Exercise in Bad Weather

Chemotherapy patients on platinum-based drugs carboplatin and cisplatin may be unable to regulate their body temperature in the extreme heat and cold.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy can affect balance and increase chance of slipping on wet or icy surfaces.

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Bad Weather? Exercise at Home!Exercise at home:

Use a treadmill or elliptical machine for cardio.Use light hand weights or resistance bands for

muscle strength training.Stretch muscle groups while lying in bed or on a

floor mat.Search your cable or satellite TV program guide

for “fitness,” “exercise” or “yoga” programs. I found an on-demand program for chair yoga.

(877) 626-5916

Exercise at Home (cont.)

Search Amazon.com for exercise DVDs or Blu-rays tailored for cancer patients.

Search Youtube for “exercises for cancer patients” and select one that fits your energy level or diagnosis.

Search the web for streaming exercise videos.

(877) 626-5916

Options Away from HomeMall walking

Many malls open early (even before individual stores raise their gates) to allow people to walk through the common areas.

Yoga and Jazzercise studios are great options if you’re well enough to leave the house and your immune systems is healthy

Most yoga classes can modify exercises if you’re unable to keep up or reach all the yoga poses

(877) 626-5916

Options Away from Home (cont.)Gyms

Exercise at your own pace. Variety of cardio and weight training options from

free weights to workout machines

NOTE: If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from surgery, ensure that you disinfect machines before and after use to minimize risk of exposure to germs and infection

(877) 626-5916

Staying Healthy in Bad Weather

Many mesothelioma patients report feeling socially isolated, lacking energy and feeling “blue” when the weather is unpleasant.

Rainy or very cold weather can intensify those feelings.

Exercise is emotionally and physically beneficial during cancer treatment.

(877) 626-5916

Resources

Schmitz, K.H. et al. (2010). American College of Sports Medicine roundtable on Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42(7), 1409-21.

Speck, R.M. et al. (2010). An update of controlled physical activity trials in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cancer Survival, 4, 87-100.

(877) 626-5916

Contact Information

1-877-626-5916

(877) 626-5916

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