Before Breast Cancer awareness month comes to a close, I wanted to remind you of two programs we have for our on-going support of breast cancer awareness. First is our “Sessions for Survivors” program specifically for women diagnosed with or have survived a breast cancer diagnosis. More info on applying is available at www.boudoirforthecure.com
Additionally, I hold a quarterly “Boudoir for the Cure” fund-raising event where proceeds benefit the various breast cancer foundations. My next fund-raising event in Calgary is on January 25th, 2012. These boudoir sessions are offered at a reduced price. Anyone is welcome to participate and your entire session fee will be donated to cancer research. You can book a session for our next event here.
We also often do photos before masectomy surgeries, which is a great way to celebrate your natural body before breast cancer forever changes it. We offer a discount off our session fee for anyone undergoing breast cancer or other cancer related treatments.
The following article, written for our blog by David Haas of the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is about the benefits of fitness and eating healthy during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. “Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease.”
Recovering from Cancer through Exercise and Lifestyle
By: David Haas
A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many people, but there are several lifestyle changes that a patient can make to improve recovery. While chemotherapy and a medically supervised treatment program are essential for any cancer patient, diet and exercise can have a positive impact on healing times and quality of life.
An active lifestyle and exercise helps release endorphins, which work as natural painkillers in the body. During chemotherapy, many patients may experience systemic or generalized pain. Exercise can help reduce chronic pain, while improving patient health. There are many low impact exercises that cancer patients can do during treatment and recovery.
Most exercise results in an elevated heart rate and increased breathing rate. For some patients with cancers such as lung cancer or rare mesothelioma, fast breathing may be painful or impractical. Yoga can be an effective form of exercise for patients, as it concentrates on slow breathing and relaxation.
Yoga is a form of exercise where patients hold poses and practice relaxation. Yoga provides low impact movements that tone and exercise the entire body, without putting excessive strain on any individual tendons or joints. For patients who have been sedentary or bedridden, yoga can be a great way exercise the entire body in a safe and relaxing environment.
Swimming is a popular form of exercise therapy. Swimming requires the use of muscles across the entire body, and can range from low intensity to high intensity. Many swimming facilities have instructors trained in physical therapy, who can help cancer patients find the swimming exercises that best meet their individual needs.
Cycling or spin classes can also be a great option for many cancer patients. Spin classes allow cancer patients to experience rigorous cardiovascular exercise in a controlled environment. Many spin class instructors can tailor a class to meet each person’s individual needs, while allowing group exercise in a fun environment.
Exercise can also be as simple as walking. The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults spend at least 30 minutes a day walking, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Spending time outdoors can be a great way to beat depression, and an excellent way to meet new people. Maintaining a positive attitude is essential during any form of cancer treatment, and meeting new people can be a great way to improve attitude and mood.
Exercise can improve health, lower recovery times, and improve mood in many cancer patients. While medical treatment is necessary for many forms of cancer, lifestyle and diet can improve quality of life during recovery.
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