Exercise for Cancer Patients

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090402-LIFE-904020335
Exercise for cancer patients
n Elisa Fraser 'Dream Time' gets a workout in York
By Rachel M. Collins
April 02, 2009 6:00 AM

Physical therapist Elisa Fraser knows first-hand that rest does not make cancer-related fatigue go away.

Having been diagnosed in 2003 with breast cancer herself, Fraser recounts vividly that year in which she had five surgeries, four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation.

"You don't feel like doing anything," she said. "And the longer you rest the less you feel like doing something."

That is a sentiment well-known by the 14 cancer patients, or cancer survivors, who can be found twice a week doing stretching and strengthening exercises in the Next Step class led by Fraser at York Hospital's Heart Health Institute in York, Maine.

"I call them my 'Dream Team,'" she said. "If ever there was a group of people who have every right to complain ...; none of them ever complain ...; ever ...; They are just awesome."

The group exercise class actually is designed to combat cancer-related fatigue — which is being recognized today with Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Day — by focusing on improving a person's flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance and balance.

After all, studies have shown exercise not only can reduce fatigue, it can improve well-being, functionality, bone density, assist an immune system and enhance mental function, Fraser noted.

But the proof is in the amazing stories told around the classroom by Fraser's "Dream Team."

For instance, when Don Simard first was diagnosed with multiple mylenoma he was at times bedridden.

But then he decided he would begin the journey to get in better shape so that he could be a viable candidate for a stem cell transplant.

Now in Fraser's class, he alternates between stretching exercises and some strength training, such as balancing on an exercise ball while doing bicep curls with small weights.

"This has changed me in a lot of ways," Simard said of the class, which he is supplementing with walking and physical therapy. "Coming into this class was like coming into one big family where we all have the same problems and are coming from the same place."

Phyllis Bachi, whose uterine cancer has required surgery and 24 chemotherapy treatments over an eight-month period, agreed.

"She (Fraser) has been able to make us each feel equal, even though we all have had different types of cancers and surgeries, we all feel equal," Bachi said. "It has helped me greatly."

During the class, while working out to tunes such as Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," participants do exercises with exercise balls and small weights, but they also take time to joke with each other and socialize.

"This class is incredible," said Bobbie Stephenson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer four months ago. "It's really been life-changing. It gives you a lot more energy and it makes you feel you can do some things."

It is clear, Fraser said, through the research and her experience personally and in this class, that exercise is a key to battling cancer-related fatigue.

Certainly she seems to be right. Not only is there a long waiting list for the class, but when Fraser announced that she was beginning a "Step Up" class for those who no longer were qualified by their insurance to stay in the beginner's class, immediately it had its minimum of nine students. Fraser said she also is considering adding a second section to the beginner's class, if possible.

"After you've had surgery and treatment you know exercise will help you heal, but you don't want to do it alone," said Ann McHugh, who had her cancer surgeries and radiation beginning last November. "You know you're all starting with limitations you have to overcome, but this way you do it with someone who has professional knowledge."

Fraser, with her boundless enthusiasm, is also someone who easily motivates the class participants not only to exercise, but to bond with each other.

"Psychologically it's a little bit difficult to recover from this," said George Schumacher, who was diagnosed with cancer a year ago last December. "You can't do things you did before. This is a big help to get you back on track."

Certainly Fraser said the class includes "people on all parts of the cancer journey."

"When you get a cancer diagnosis it seems like people always want to relate with someone who has had exactly what they had and they're still here," she said.

Think you or your group should be profiled in Get off the Couch? Contact Rachel Collins at Rcollinsme@aol.com.

Benefits of Mammogram Under Debate in Britain

Benefits of Mammogram Under Debate in Britain
New York Times - United States
By RONI CARYN RABIN The conventional wisdom about breast cancer screening is coming under sharp attack in Britain, and health officials there are taking ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/health/31mamm.html?ref=science

Fifteen Minutes Yoga

So now I am ready to start Yoga. How do I go about it. What should I do. When do I perform Yoga, morning or evening. Where do I do Yoga, inside, outside, noisy or quiet surroundings. All these questions must be clearly answered for a person starting to do Yoga.

Why am I doing Yoga, what is my goal, what shall I achieve after practicing for a month, two months, a year.

One can perform Yoga at a time that one is available, preferably in a quiet place, covered from above. There should not be food in the stomach, that means four hours after meals, or two hours after snacks. Early morning is a good time, sure, but most of us get up late and then rush through the morning essentials, grabbing a bite, and get to our place of work.

If you are advised to get up at 5 AM and do Yoga, you may find it difficult. Whatever time is available to you, it is OK. You may use a mat, and be bare-foot. No belt and no accessories, like spectacles/watch on the body to distract or constrain. If the place is less noisy, it is better. Wear comfortable clothes. Your body should not be constrained. Indoors is better initially.

Sit down, say a little prayer with eyes closed.

If you got 15 minutes, start with a fifteen minute session. Do one or two systematic breathing exercises synchronising breath with body movements (total three minutes), and one relaxation exercise (three minutes)and five minutes of Pranayama say Anuloma -viloma, and 'sectional breathing'. This followed by a small prayer should take you 15 minutes.

What will you get, it will certainly be worth the time and effort. Relaxed body and rested mind to start with. Hopefully, much more....let's see.

Non violence starts with the body. Dont force the body (or the mind). Be kind to them. Slow and steady. Remember your body and your mind are friends. Treat them with respect. Be patient. Allow them some playfulness. Gently bring them around. Remember Robert Bruce, the king who got inspired by a spider.

Any questions (like what is a systematic breathing exercise), ask me 91 9999 49 57 42.

Why booze is bad for women

Why booze is bad for women

Times Online - UK

A new research study told us that just one small glass of wine a day was enough to significantly raise a woman's risk of breast cancer. ...

Go to the link below to read more on this topic.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/features/article5940695.ece

mind article from TOI

Story telling

Hello everyone out there:

I recently read an article in TOI center page. It says writing something every day is very therapeutic. Write in one place (note book) everyday. Don't think who is the audience, who will read it. Write for the sake of writing. Whatever, whatever..... is the theme. When you read such writings after sometime, you will be amazed. These writing-sessions help in healing. They bring out your inner turmoil and give a sense of relief.

Reading the stories which we read as a child, is another nice activity. Our fables, stories, myths, religious anecdotes all pack a lot of hidden meaning in them. Short and crisp, they can bring a smile to your lips. Think of small jokes, which can shake you out of your depression very quickly. Talking to your(or anyone else's) young children and telling them stories is fun for them and you. Mahabharata is a treasure house of stories. I will now relate to you one which is close to my heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Once, there was a Tapaswi. He was doing great Tapasya, sitting under a tree in a forest. Without moving, without eating, without talking, eyes closed, in meditation. Years paseed.

One day what happened. One crow from the tree had his 'dropping' on Tapaswi's head. Tapaswi got disturbed, and opened his eyes, looked at the crow in anger. The crow got burnt instantaneously, and fell to the ground. The Tapaswi got up. He was very hungry. He had not eaten for a very very long time. He went in search of food, and reached a village. He came to a door and rang the bell, a woman came out and looked at the person at the door. The Tapaswi said," I am hungry, give me food". She said,"Ok" and went in side. Meanwhile her farmer husband happened to come back from the fields. The woman got busy in helping him. He washed his face and hands, and sat down. The woman gave food to her husband.

While the woman was busy taking care of her husband, the Tapaswi got angry standing outside, waiting. He knocked at the door again. The woman came out of the house with food and an apology. The Tapaswi shouted at her, for her being late.

She very calmly replied,"I am not a crow!"

The Tapaswi touched her feet, his anger was gone. He realised that this Karmayogini standing in front of him has achieved a higher level just by doing her householder's duty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Om shantih shantih shantih.....

Quick Cancer Facts

Cancer affects everyone – the young and old, the rich and poor, men, women and children – and represents a tremendous burden on patients, families and societies. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, particularly in developing countries.

Yet, many of these deaths can be avoided. Over 30% of all cancers can be prevented. Others can be detected early, treated and cured. Even with late stage cancer, the suffering of patients can be relieved with good palliative care.

* Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide: it accounted for 7.9 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2007.
* Lung, stomach, liver, colon and breast cancer cause the most cancer deaths each year.
* The most frequent types of cancer differ between men and women.
* About 30% of cancer deaths can be prevented.
* Tobacco use is the single most important risk factor for cancer.
* Cancer arises from a change in one single cell. The change may be started by external agents and inherited genetic factors.
* About 72% of all cancer deaths in 2007 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
* Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 12 million deaths in 2030.

There are more than 100 types of cancers; any part of the body can be affected.

Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and oesophagus.

Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical.

All patients in need of pain relief could be helped if current knowledge about pain control and palliative care were applied.

More than 30% of cancer could be prevented, mainly by not using tobacco, having a healthy diet, being physically active and preventing infections that may cause cancer.

Ref:http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/cancer/en/index.html downloaded on 19.3.09