At Moshen we’re all about moving! Some recent research in the movement category has made its way into book form that has piqued my interest. The book is called ‘Moving Through Cancer’ and it was written by exercise scientist, Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, whose personal experience is chronicled alongside explanations of current scientific literature. I’m a physical therapist and I have a pretty good grasp on the benefits of exercise; however, I was surprised to learn how extensively exercise has been researched with regard to cancer treatment, specifically within the last 10 years. The evidence is overwhelming – anyone facing a cancer diagnosis should be exercising.
If you have been through cancer, or if you know someone who has, this can be a daunting proposition, but the genius of Dr. Schmitz’s book is in making the daunting simple. In ‘Moving Through Cancer’ treatment is broken down into categories you may be familiar with – chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and surgery. Before, during, and after each of these treatments there is a prescribed, and very doable, set of activities that evidence shows will positively impact your treatment. The activities vary depending on your fitness level and stage of treatment, however, there are 5 things that apply throughout each phase.
First, you LOG your activity and symptoms on a chart or diary. Research indicates that there is psychological benefit in this crucial step. Next, you MOVE. This can be as simple as walking. The point is to get up off the couch and do something. Research is most compelling in this area. Study after study confirms that the number one side effect of cancer treatment, fatigue, is dramatically reduced with increases in activity. It’s counterintuitive, but true. When’s the last time a day spent in bed made anyone feel better? I was pleased to learn that the benefits of aerobic exercise can be realized at any point in your treatment. You don’t have to be a marathon runner by the time you start treatment to get the benefits. The point is to start as soon as possible and do what you can. LIFT, as in lifting weight, is the next part of the ‘Moving Through Cancer’ Program. This helps with building muscle mass that tends to be wiped out with cancer treatment.
The last two steps for each phase of treatment are EAT, as in a healthy diet with lots of protein, and SLEEP, as in try to get 7-8 hours a night. These steps make sense for anyone wishing to live a healthy life and the same is true for someone undergoing cancer treatment. The physical therapy world has been touting the benefits of moving through life for a long time. Now, thanks to Dr. Kathryn Schmitz and the work of her colleagues, we can say without a doubt that moving is the best way to help you get through cancer.
