You have prostate cancer? Move as soon as you can!
We talked about the importance of exercising with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Why? If only to regain some power over your life, self-esteem and body image.
During prostate cancer treatment, it’s normal to not feel much like exercising, but it’s recommended by doctors to be as active as possible during your treatment and recovery. Regular physical activity has been shown to:
- Improve your mood and self-esteem, and reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost your energy and strength
- Stimulate your appetite
- Help you sleep
- Help you manage side effects like fatigue, nausea and constipation
Start slow
Something as simple as walking is a good start. Walking has very little risk, requires neither large spaces nor specialized equipment, can be practiced indoors and outdoors. In addition, walking is very functional, that is to say, it facilitates all other aspects of everyday life (shopping, etc.). As you feel more confident, increase how often, how fast or how far you walk.
Find your best time
Be active at the time of day when you have the most energy. If you can’t make it through one long session, break your activities up into several shorter ones separated by rests.
Share something new
If you’ve been putting off trying a new and different activity or hobby, now is the time to give it a try! Bring along a friend and share in the excitement of learning something new.
Make it part of your routine
The house still needs to be cleaned, the lawn still needs to be mowed, and the car still needs to be washed – these all count as exercise! Doing a little bit every day will help keep you productive and active.
Moving is good, but it’s not enough! To really feel better, you must also work on other risk factors: quitting smoking if you can, eating better, sleeping better, managing stress… And remember: It’s never too late to get started.
One, two, three … Go!
See also Nutrition and healthy body
Conference that might interest you (in French)
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2018
