Tag Archives: cancer

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Fighting Cancer with Fitness

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The Major Role Fitness Plays in Fighting Cancer

Chances are that a friend or loved one will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Although experts in the medical community still have a lot to learn about the different forms of cancer, there have been some very intriguing findings involving the relationship between cancer and fitness. In general, increased fitness levels seem to have a positive impact on people in all stages of cancer treatment. Whether someone is a healthy adult or a cancer survivor, including fitness into daily life can offer many benefits.
One of the most recognized positive outcomes for people who routinely exercise is a lowered body mass index. Getting frequent exercise helps to reduce body fat and increases lean muscle mass for those who work out.  Medical experts have recognized a correlation between lowered body mass index and the prevalence of cancer. Based on this scientific data, people of all ages should incorporate fitness into daily routines to help prevent a cancer diagnosis. Staying in shape can also help to lower inflammation throughout the body and lower the occurrence of other major illnesses.
Even with proper diet and exercise, a cancer diagnosis can sometimes happen without warning. For most, getting this news from the doctor is a stressful experience that is difficult to deal with. However, this is the time when staying fit can be the most advantageous. Fitness and medical experts agree that regular exercise helps to lower stress hormones in the body. After an initial cancer diagnosis, patients should stay motivated to stick with exercise programs in order to maintain a positive outlook. Staying active will help the body deal with the shock of this information.
After a cancer patient has agreed upon on a treatment method with a doctor, some may undergo depression and withdrawal. It can be easy to get discouraged when undergoing strong chemotherapy treatments for mesothelioma and other cancers. Patients should confer with their oncologist about the type of exercise that would be right for them. Moderate walking and resistance training can increase energy levels and positively affect mood. Additionally, there are many side effects associated with these aggressive treatments that can leave patients with the feeling that they have lost control over their bodies. Simple, short-term exercise goals can help patients to regain confidence with their abilities and help them to overcome a cancer diagnosis.
Even patients in remission from cancer can benefit from routine exercise.  Several studies have shown that exercise helps to prevent the cancer from recurring. One specific study of breast cancer survivors found that women who walked three to five hours a week saw a 50% reduction in mortality. Getting frequent exercise after going into remission offers survivors the chance to prevent the disease from coming back. In addition, those who maintain this level of exercise after going into remission are able to regain a lot of the strength that may have been lost during the treatment process.
Although staying active and maintaining a proper body weight is not a definitive cure for cancer, there is enough evidence to suggest that patients greatly benefit from regular participation in cardiovascular and strength training. Further, taking a simple walk around the block or picking up lightweights on occasion offers benefits for anyone desiring to prevent major medical issues. Cancer doesn’t have to be fought lying down. Oncologists can work with cancer patients to help them stay in shape during the long and arduous fight against the disease.

Author: David Haas

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Vitamin D Overload!

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Sun exposure is very important for our bodies. After all, it is our body’s primary form of receiving the Vitamin D that we need to function at our best. There are numerous benefits to maintaining optimum Vitamin D levels, including a healthier immune system and improved mood. However, it doesn’t take much sun exposure for our body to soak up the Vitamin D that it needs. In fact, excessive, unprotected sun exposure can be very damaging for our bodies. This is true for people of all ages, but especially for children. “Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18…” (www.kidshealth.org) So, how do we protect ourselves, and our children, from the damaging effects of the sun?

The most important thing you can do is to use sunscreen frequently. Every time you will be spending time in the sun, be sure to lather on the sunscreen. Sunscreen is designed to filter the UV Rays from the sun before they reach your skin. Using it appropriately will significantly reduce your risk of getting a sunburn. Not only are sunburns painful and unpleasant, they are also very dangerous. It only takes one blistering sunburn to double a child’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. (www.sunsafetyalliance.org)

The second thing you can do is to monitor sun exposure. Although summer days are best spent running around the neighborhood with friends and practicing canon balls at the local pool, too much sun exposure can be harmful for our bodies. Not only do you run the risk of getting sun burnt. But, there is also the risk of overheating and/or getting dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water! As a general rule, consuming 8 oz. of water per hour (that you are exposed to the sun) will keep your body hydrated and help regulate your body temperature.

Spending time playing and being active outside has so many health benefits. Therefore, we always encourage finding activities for you and your family to enjoy outdoors. This time of year, it is just extra important to pay close attention to our bodies and be sure we are taking care of them properly. Now, take these tips so you can get out there and enjoy your summer!

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Best Practices for Breast Cancer Prevention

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The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2006 (which were the most recent numbers available), over 190,000 American women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and just over 40,000 American women died from the disease. This accounts for about 1% of all American women deaths.

The prospect of breast cancer is scary, but there are ways to go about preventing it. The Mayo Clinic has four broad and basic ways to go about preventing breast cancer:

Limit Alcohol Intake

Either wine, beer, or mixed drinks; it makes no difference. Though a link between alcohol intake and the occurrence of breast cancer exists, it still remains to be seen how strong the link is. To be safe, think about limiting your alcohol intake to one or less drink a day.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

The link between obesity and cancer is clear, and the case remains the same for breast cancer. Weight that is gained later in life, especially after menopause, is particularly harmful. To help matters, try to keep in a healthy weight range for your body type.

Stay Physically Active

At least 30 minutes of exercise a day can aid in breast cancer prevention. This also helps when maintaining a healthy weight. Training with weights can also help with keeping your bones strong.

Limit Fat in Your Diet

This also helps in avoiding a plethora of other diseases, and in maintaining a healthy weight, but it has been determined that there is a slight correlation between dietary fat intake and the occurrence of breast cancer in women. Try to limit your fat intake to about 35% of your daily calories, and avoid saturated fat in all instances possible.

Be aware: For the average woman, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography every two years in women between the ages of 50 and 74. Get regular check-ups for the best results.

Here at NCES, we love providing tips to create a healthier population! Join us on Facebook and Twitter for more ‘quick tips’ added constantly!

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A Change in Lifestyle, A Change in Nutrition (Week 4)

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April is National Cancer Awareness Month, in recognition of this, we have decided to highlight this week for you, some of the changes experienced and needed in your diet as a cancer survivor.

There is no “magic bullet” for increased health and maintained wellness in the body. The human body is composed of many different systems, all requiring different things to stay working at an optimum level, and there’s simply no single, simple answer to the equation.

The only proven way to stay healthy after beating cancer is to ensure that your diet is a healthy one, and that you maintain an appropriate level of engaging, physical activity.

Having a healthy diet can be simple though. Take a look at your plate. At least 2/3 of the food you see on there should be vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. Only about 1/3 or less should consist of fish, poultry, lean red meat or dairy products. Anything else, such as processed red meat, should only appear occasionally.

When it comes to the vegetables and fruits, make sure that the canned varieties are packed in water or juice instead of syrup. For frozen vegetables, check the nutrition label to make sure that there isn’t any added sugar or sodium, since those should be avoided.

This information and much more can be found in our handout: “Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor” One of our Anniversary Special Items in our catalog and at www.ncescatalog.com.  Item # 4625

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A Change in Lifestyle, A Change in Nutrition (Week 3)

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April is National Cancer Awareness Month, in recognition of this, we have decided to highlight this week for you, some of the changes experienced and needed in your diet as a cancer survivor.

It’s common knowledge your doctor recommends a healthy diet in order to promote overall heath, but did you realize that there are some healthy eating choices you can make that might improve the chances of keeping your cancer from returning? 

A healthful diet that’s full of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans is especially helpful as a cancer survivor. The more in your diet, and the less red meat in that same diet, can help fight cancer at several stages. The vitamins and minerals gained through this diet help the body defend itself against cancer, as well as other diseases.

Many of the protective plant phytochemicals are very helpful in seeking out toxins and carcinogens in the body and eliminating them. This protects cells, and helps them to make repairs when cell damage occurs.

Combined with a healthy amount of physical activity, this improved lifestyle can greatly increase your chances of preventing remission, and living a full, longer life.

This information and much more can be found in our handout: “Nutrition of the Cancer Survivor” One of our Anniversary Special Items in our catalog and at www.ncescatalog.com.  Item # 4625.

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Cancer: A change in Lifestyle, A Change in Nutrition (Week 2)

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April is National Cancer Awareness Month, in recognition of this, we have decided to highlight this week for you, some of the changes you can make to your diet to combat nutrition problems when diagnosed with cancer.

Weight and Appetite Loss

Very common among cancer patients, this occurs because of several changes in the body including the need for energy, the way the body is processing and absorbing food, and side effects such as anxiety or depression.

There are many simple, easy ways to combat severe weight loss or appetite loss due to cancer or treatment. Eating several, smaller meals a day, instead of three large meals can help keep you in routine, and not force yourself to eat too much food in one sitting.

Drinking beverages between meals can also help you feel full, and can be a great source of energy and vitamins. Drinking higher-calorie beverages, such as juice or yogurt smoothies can help out even more, and can provide a great amount of vitamins and minerals.

With a loss of appetite, a way to counter this can be to try new recipes and products, or even new and different seasonings. Anything to vary the taste slightly could make the difference between a half-eaten and fully-eaten meal.

Be sure, as always, to let your doctor know of any changes in your weight or appetite, as well as what you may be trying to counter those effects.

This information and much more can be found in the handout: “Nutrition of the Cancer Patient”.  The handout is one of our Anniversary Special Items and can be found in our catalog or by visiting www.ncescatalog.com and searching item # 4622.

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Cancer: A Change in Lifestyle, A Change in Nutrition

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April is National Cancer Awareness Month, in recognition of this, we have decided to highlight this week for you, some of the changes experienced and needed in your diet when diagnosed with cancer.

Sometimes, the side effects of different cancer therapies might affect what you’re eating and how much of it you’re eating as well. Different things may seem less appealing than they once were. Because of this, many times people start eating less altogether. Dealing with cancer and its therapies may also cause you to become even more sensitive to certain foods.

It’s very normal to feel overwhelmed by all of the changes in your diet. Anxiety over what foods may be the “right” or “wrong” foods is common, and can be overcome with a little truth and knowledge to help guide you along the way.

Most patients experience the same common vitamin and mineral deficiencies when they’re dealing with cancer. This can easily be remedied by multi-vitamin supplements or liquid meal replacements designed specifically to provide vitamins and minerals. Make sure to always inform your doctor about which supplements or herbal preparations you are taking, or are thinking about taking.

Common Mineral & Vitamin Deficiencies:

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Calcium

Copper

Folate

Iron

Magnesium

Vitamin B12

Vitamin C

Zinc

Also, many of these deficiencies can be made up with a proper diet and attention to the amounts being consumed, whether too much or too little.

This information and much more can be found in the handout: “Nutrition of the Cancer Patient”.  The handout is one of our Anniversary Special Items and can be found in our catalog or by visiting www.ncescatalog.com and searching item # 4622.