In the past, anybody being treated for a chronic illness, most significantly cancer was often told by doctor's to rest and reduce their physical activity.  This is sound advice if the activities cause pain, rapid heart beat, or shortness of breath.  The most recent research now shows that exercise during cancer treatment is possible, safe, and leads to quicker physical recovery from the treatment itself.  Exercise will also improve the patient's physical function and quality of life.

  There are many ways exercise may be of benefit to you or a loved one during cancer treatment.  Exercise can help you maintain your physical abilities.  It will diminish muscle atrophy due to inactivity.  By increasing your activity level, you can improve balance, which lowers your risk for falls.  Increasing exercise can also improve your blood flow which lowers your heart rate and your risk for blood clots which can increase secondary to the treatment regiment.  Exercise has been found to lower the risk of anxiety and depression, as well as improving one's self-esteem.  All of which are affected to a significant degree when you have a chronic illness with which to deal.

  
These are just a few of the benefits of an exercise program during cancer treatment. While there are many reasons for being physically active during treatment, a person should base their exercise program on what is safe, effective and enjoyable for that particular person.  Some people can safely begin a program on their own, but most people will have better results with the help of an exercise specialist, physical therapist, or an exercise physiologist.  Be sure to get your doctor's approval before proceeding.

Your heart has a big job to do - and a healthy heart plays a huge role in your overall health. "A healthy heart and cardiovascular system is at the center of well-being," says Karol E. Watson, MD, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine and co-director, UCLA Center for Cholesterol and Lipid Management Office in Los Angeles. "The heart pumps blood through your vessels to all your vital organs, including your brain, so chronic heart or blood vessel disease can lead to not only stroke and heart attack, but depression and decreased brain function,"

There are several habits that everyone should follow for better heart health, and one of the most important is a diet for a healthy heart. A heart-healthy diet means sticking to foods low in unhealthy fats, specifically saturated and trans fats. "Limit the saturated fat you eat," recommends Watson, and "reduce the salt in your food." Just as important, it also means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats - think fatty fish, nuts, and avocados, which can help promote weight management and prevent heart disease.

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