What are some other benefits of activity during treatment?

Over time, our lifestyle has been gradually changing to reduce our need to be physically active.  Many people do little or no exercise during the day as a result of driving everywhere and being sedentary. Physical activity helps the body burn energy and, as a result, helps with weight loss or maintenance. Physical activity also helps preserve muscle mass which research has shown, can decline during cancer treatment. A loss of muscle mass will cause the body to burn less energy and as a consequence you might find you gain weight easily despite not eating more.

Some of the other benefits of physical activity include:

• Maintains bone strength;
• strengthens our muscles to support good posture, which reduces physical discomforts and joint damage;
• improves balance, reducing chance of injury by falling;
• improves our circulation and removal of toxins from the body;
• improves mental health and reduces depression; and
• helps improve the ability of the body to utilise insulin.

During your treatment you may find that you have little time to exercise. Think of ways you can incorporate small amounts of activity into your usual day. If possible, get up a little earlier in the morning and go for a gentle walk before leaving. You may also find that you have to walk 10 or so minutes to your appointments, so already you’ve made 25 minutes. Try to take every opportunity for movement, it all adds up.