Cancer survivors need to Take 5 to Exercise!

I drove to the upscale San Francisco Bay Club to attend a workshop for Certified Personal Fitness trainers who work with cancer patients and survivors. Because current treatment options expose body tissues to genetic alterations both during and after treatment, ACSM Cancer Exercise Specialists suggest that patients follow a professionally designed exercise program:

• immediately upon diagnosis
• during treatment
• consistently afterward.
  

Hosted by IMPACT director, Jane Clark and colleagues Regan Federic and Betty Smoot, these exercise science professionals demonstrated the increased need for flexibility and balance programs for those who undergo chemotherapy.

Mobility is the primary goal during treatment but maintaining range of motion and reducing disability become issues of concern afterward. So does balance.

"Chemo-brain" is a common side effect of chemotherapy as is vestibular dysfunction. A fuzzy brain and inner ear sensory problems plus weakening of your muscles puts a person at a marked increased risk of a fall.

A person needs to have a systematic approach to remaining balanced in order to remain safe throughout treatment. Recognizing these special needs becomes a compassion issue. Some people have it, some people don't. I do.

As a woman, breast cancer is always a concern.

As a health educator, I want to encourage preventative cancer screening to the maximum level.

As a fitness consultant, I strive to educate about and demonstrate effective movement patterns.

These SF Bay area health and fitness professionals recognize the need for consistent activity to prevent disability associated with cancer treatment options. I recognize the need for consistent movement to prevent the disability associated with growing older. Either way, it's up to you to do it! It's your choice! But let me help you:

Take 5 to Exercise every day. Get yours and start with your own personal trainer today.

The Balance Enhancement Specialist