Exercise important for cancer survivors
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-with-cancer-blog/MY01356
- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
Latest entries
- Difficult conversations about cancer can be empowering
June 15, 2013
- Quality of life issues key factor for cancer patients
June 8, 2013
- Anger and cancer — what to do with the difficult emotions
June 1, 2013
- Preventive mastectomy — a personal choice
May 25, 2013
- Share your story about living with cancer
May 18, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Living with cancer blog
-
June 22, 2010
Exercise important for cancer survivors
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
I love to walk every day. I usually walk outside so that I have a chance get some fresh air and check to see new wildflowers that are growing along the road and just take in the beauty around me. As I was thinking about writing this blog about exercise, I wondered; why is exercise so important to me?
When I'm walking, my mind is free to think about anything. Sometimes I think about work, other times it's relationships, my plans for the coming week, and on and on. I realized that walking is my way of meditating and working through stress. When I return from my walk; I feel energized, relaxed and happy.
Adding a little exercise to your day can make a big difference. As a cancer survivor it's important to take care of your physical and emotional health. Research has shown that adding moderate exercise to your routine can actually improve your physical health, reduce stress and improve quality of life. You may want to talk with your doctor, physical therapist or exercise specialist to outline a plan that's safe (especially if currently receiving treatment) and enjoyable to you.
Some ideas on how to add physical activity to your daily routine:
- Take a leisurely walk with your spouse, friend or neighbor.
- Listen to music and do gentle stretches.
- Look for classes in your community that offer gentle yoga, water aerobics, tai chi or dancing.
- Ask for support from a friend, exercising together is more fun.
- Set short-term goals at the beginning to get started. Don't worry so much about intensity; the idea is to keep active and stay motivated.
The key is to keep the activity simple and fun. Use this blog to share ideas on what has worked well for you.
14 comments posted
Share on:
14 comments posted