Healthy Living
General Information | Dont' Smoke | Eat Right | Exercise | Avoid Alcohol | Practice Sun Safety
Exercise
Even if you feel great and are in good health, it is important to consult with your physician before beginning any workout program. Certain types of chemotherapy used in treating childhood cancer may lead to heart disease, which could then be aggravated by strenuous activity. For instance, some survivors who have had adria drugs (doxorubicin and adriamycin, for example) can put themselves at a higher risk of heart damage by doing isometric exercises (pullups and bench pressing, for instance.) Discussing your exercise regimen with your doctor first will help ensure your safety (see Late-Effects Assessment.)
Sedentary lifestyle is another contributor to adult cancers. Combined with poor diet, this leads to obesity, which has been linked to several adult cancers. Physical activity has been proven to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and possibly breast cancer. Although there is no firm link between physical activity and reducing cancer recurrence, physical activity is known to increase energy, improve mood, boost self-esteem, stimulate the immune system and reduce symptoms of pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
Diet, in combination with physical exercise, will help you attain a healthy, normal weight, as defined by your doctor. Once you’ve reached your ideal weight, limit weight gain throughout adulthood to less than 11 pounds and avoid significant and frequent weight gains or losses. The American Institute for Cancer Research has excellent guidelines for maintaining healthy weight, as well as thorough nutrition information.
Getting Started:
Start with a workout routine that has a consistent level of limited to moderate activity. Schedule periods of moderate activity (at least 30 minutes of some form of aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate) several times a week.