Take charge

American Fitness, May-June, 2004

Cancer and chemotherapy are two terrifying words that can lead to a flood of questions, fears and feelings of helplessness. However, when faced with a cancer diagnosis, patients can immediately take one step towards recovery--exercise. "Research on the effects of exercise on cancer patients is relatively new. Some early studies indicate exercise can positively affect functional capacity during chemotherapy, improve bone marrow recovery, decrease complications during peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and decrease fatigue during chemotherapy," state the authors.

In Exercises for Chemotherapy Patients, (Hatherleigh Press; $14.95) Harry Raftopoulos, M.D., and Erin O'Driscoll, R.N., M.A., prescribe exercise as if it were a medication. "Given the right doses and adherence to an appropriate training program, one can realize many health benefits," the authors advise.

Understanding the importance of each patient's unique needs and special concerns, the authors explain how to create a personal program. "You can customize your program by changing three factors: frequency, intensity and time," explain the authors. An at-home exercise program developed by Raftopoulos and O'Driscoll includes seated chair exercises, standing rhythmic resistance exercises and strengthening floor exercises. They "also offer guidance on living with cancer, including discussions on fighting fatigue, proper nutrition, preparing for cancer treatment and coping with its side effects.

Exercises for Chemotherapy Patients is available wherever books are sold.