Four Week Cleanse will be June 3- June 30   REGISTER by May 26th (First Weigh in June 2nd)

First Event- This Sunday, May 6th 8am-10am Seacrest Soccer Complex, Delray

A diagnosis of cancer can be a challenging experience for a loved one or family
member. While it’s essential to follow a or doctor’s advice, there are a number of
lifestyle changes that can improve one’s chance of recovery. The following guide
provides simple tips on improving quality of life and recovery times during
chemotherapy.

Fitness for mesothelioma and other cancers can help minimize some of the common
side effects of chemotherapy. In order to understand the value of exercise, it’s
essential to understand the biology and physiology of cancer.

Cancer is the uncontrolled replication of a body’s own cells. The average human
contains billions of individual cells. Each of these cells contains a complete record of
a person’s gene. During mitosis, cells divide to create copies of themselves.

In the body, several processes control cell replication. Most cells regulate the
production of copies through gene expression, chemical signals, proximity to other
cells and physiological factors. Cells will usually cease reproduction when they reach
a certain density.

During cancer, the cellular replication mechanism remains stuck in the ‘on’ position.
DNA damage, viruses, bacteria, carcinogens and other toxins can cause this. Some
people may also have inherent genetic factors that increase their susceptibility to
certain types of cancer.

The immune system is the first level of defense against many types of cancer. When
the immune system senses the presence of cancer, it triggers the release of white
blood cells to the site of metastasis. These white blood cells can kill any cells that
are replicating outside of the body’s control. In some cases, cells will replicate at a
speed where they can’t be controlled by the immune system. In these cases, a
cancerous growth changes into a malignant tumor.

Chemotherapy works by eliminating cells in the body that reproduce at a rapid rate.
Most of these drugs work by disabling the cellular machinery used during cell
replication. While chemotherapy can be effective at eliminating cancer, it does put a
high level of stress on other parts of the body.

Many chemotherapy patients will experience hair loss, apathy, weight loss, muscle
atrophy, anxiety, restlessness, a loss of appetite and systemic pain. Most of these
symptoms are caused by the interaction of chemotherapy drugs with non-cancerous
parts of the body.

Exercise can be an effective way to alleviate these symptoms. During exercise, the
body releases a high level of endorphins. Endorphins work as natural pain-fighting
agents in the body. In many cases, endorphins can be more powerful than
prescription pain killers like oxycodone and morphine.

Some forms of exercise can also be effective at combating muscle atrophy. Since
chemotherapy drugs can cause the breakdown of muscles, it’s important to have an
exercise routine to tone the body. Exercises like yoga and swimming can be a great
way to exercise different muscle groups with minimal impact to one’s joints. In
addition, yoga can be a great way to achieve peace and clarity of mind.

Exercise can also help boost appetite. During a vigorous exercise routine, the body
releases neurotransmitters called cannabinoids. These are similar in structure to the
active chemical found in marijuana. Like marijuana, cannabinoids can trigger the
sensation of hunger in an individual. This can be a great way to combat muscle
atrophy and weight loss during a treatment program.

It’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during a recovery program. One
should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats. In addition, it’s a good idea to
stay away from sugar-containing foods.

Exercise and diet can have a positive effect on patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Sources:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/physicalactivity

http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/alternative/personal-fitness-and-training.htm