Physical Exercises and Sports for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in construction, insulation, and other industries until the 1980s. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning that it can take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and the prognosis is often poor. However, there are treatments that can help improve the quality and length of life of mesothelioma patients, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and alternative therapies.
One of the alternative therapies that can benefit mesothelioma patients is physical exercise.
Physical exercise is any activity that involves moving your body and using your muscles. It can range from low-intensity activities, such as walking or stretching, to high-intensity activities, such as running or lifting weights. Physical exercise can have many positive effects on your health and well-being, especially if you have mesothelioma. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of physical exercise for mesothelioma patients, the best types of physical exercise and sports for mesothelioma patients, and some tips and precautions for doing physical exercise and sports safely and effectively.
Benefits of Physical Exercise for Mesothelioma Patients
According to multiple studies, physical exercise can offer a number of benefits to mesothelioma patients, such as:
• Boosting energy and reducing fatigue.
Mesothelioma can cause fatigue, which is a feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy that interferes with your daily activities. Fatigue can also be a side effect of mesothelioma treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Physical exercise can help combat fatigue by improving your blood circulation, oxygen delivery, metabolism, and muscle strength. Physical exercise can also stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make you feel good and energized.
• Improving physical function and quality of life.
Mesothelioma can impair your physical function, which is your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries. Physical exercise can help improve your physical function by maintaining or increasing your range of motion, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. Physical exercise can also improve your quality of life, which is your overall satisfaction and well-being. Physical exercise can enhance your mood, self-esteem, confidence, and social interactions.
• Supporting your immune system and treatment response.
Mesothelioma can weaken your immune system, which is your body’s defense against infections and diseases. Physical exercise can help support your immune system by reducing inflammation, stress, and oxidative stress, which are factors that can damage your cells and tissues. Physical exercise can also help you respond better to your mesothelioma treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, by improving your blood flow, tissue oxygenation, and drug delivery. Physical exercise can also help you cope with the side effects of your treatments, such as nausea, pain, or neuropathy.
Best Types of Physical Exercise and Sports for Mesothelioma Patients
The best types of physical exercise and sports for mesothelioma patients are those that are low-impact, moderate-intensity, and enjoyable. Low-impact exercises are those that do not put too much stress or pressure on your joints, bones, or muscles. Moderate-intensity exercises are those that raise your heart rate and breathing, but not to the point where you cannot talk comfortably. Enjoyable exercises are those that you like and look forward to doing. Some examples of physical exercise and sports that meet these criteria are:
• Walking. Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of physical exercise.
You can walk anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace. Walking can improve your cardiovascular health, lung function, muscle strength, and bone density. Walking can also reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression. You can walk indoors or outdoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also vary your walking speed, distance, and terrain to challenge yourself and prevent boredom.
• Cycling.
Cycling is another low-impact and moderate-intensity exercise that can benefit mesothelioma patients. Cycling can improve your cardiovascular health, lung function, muscle strength, and balance. Cycling can also reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression. You can cycle indoors or outdoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also vary your cycling speed, distance, and resistance to challenge yourself and prevent boredom.
• Swimming.
Swimming is a low-impact and moderate-intensity exercise that can work your whole body. Swimming can improve your cardiovascular health, lung function, muscle strength, and flexibility. Swimming can also reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression. You can swim indoors or outdoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also vary your swimming stroke, speed, distance, and intensity to challenge yourself and prevent boredom.
• Yoga.
Yoga is a low-impact and moderate-intensity exercise that combines physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga can improve your physical function, quality of life, and mental health. Yoga can also support your immune system and treatment response. You can do yoga indoors or outdoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also choose from different styles, levels, and durations of yoga to suit your preferences and needs.
• Tai Chi.
Tai Chi is a low-impact and moderate-intensity exercise that involves slow and graceful movements, breathing techniques, and mental focus. Tai Chi can improve your physical function, quality of life, and mental health. Tai Chi can also support your immune system and treatment response. You can do Tai Chi indoors or outdoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also choose from different styles, levels, and durations of Tai Chi to suit your preferences and needs.
• Golf.
Golf is a low-impact and moderate-intensity sport that can benefit mesothelioma patients. Golf can improve your cardiovascular health, lung function, muscle strength, and balance. Golf can also reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression. You can play golf outdoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also vary your golf course, club, and handicap to challenge yourself and prevent boredom.
• Bowling.
Bowling is a low-impact and moderate-intensity sport that can benefit mesothelioma patients. Bowling can improve your cardiovascular health, lung function, muscle strength, and coordination. Bowling can also reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression. You can bowl indoors, alone or with others, and with or without music or podcasts. You can also vary your bowling lane, ball, and score to challenge yourself and prevent boredom.
Tips and Precautions for Doing Physical Exercise and Sports for Mesothelioma Patients
Before starting or changing your physical exercise or sports routine, you should consult your doctor and health care team. They can advise you on the best types, frequency, duration, and intensity of physical exercise and sports for your condition and goals. They can also monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Here are some general tips and precautions for doing physical exercise and sports for mesothelioma patients:
• Start slowly and gradually.
Do not overdo it or push yourself too hard. Start with low-intensity and short-duration exercises and sports, and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you feel more comfortable and confident. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 30 minutes for five days a week, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine
• Listen to your body and adjust your pace and frequency.
Pay attention to how you feel before, during, and after your physical exercise or sports. If you experience any pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or other symptoms, stop and rest. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. Do not exercise or play sports if you are sick, injured, or recovering from surgery or treatment. Take breaks and rest days as needed.
• Stay hydrated and well-nourished.
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your physical exercise or sports. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate you and affect your performance. Eat a balanced and healthy diet that provides you with enough calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Avoid fasting, skipping meals, or eating too much or too little, as they can affect your energy and metabolism.
• Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and equipment.
Choose clothing that is breathable, lightweight, and fits well. Avoid clothing that is too tight, too loose, or too heavy, as they can restrict your movement, cause chafing, or make you overheat. Wear shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and suitable for your activity. Avoid shoes that are too small, too big, or too worn out, as they can cause blisters, injuries, or falls. Use equipment that is safe, functional, and adjusted to your size and skill level. Avoid equipment that is broken, damaged, or outdated, as they can cause accidents or injuries.
• Avoid extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Choose a time and place for your physical exercise or sports that is comfortable and safe.
Mesobook of physical exercise or sports that is comfortable and safe.