Did you know that there are many mental and social benefits of exercise in addition to the physical benefits? As a carer, it can be hard to schedule new activities into your week, but being active will help both of you.
The Benefits
Exercise for both the person with cancer and their carer has been linked to the following positive outcomes:
- Less depression
- Less carer stress
- Increased fitness
- Feelings of general well-being
- Better physical function
- Increased energy levels
- Improved psycho-social function (mental and social wellbeing)
- Improved sleep quality
Regular physical activity is considered part of standard practice by the national society that influences cancer care in Australia – Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA)
This video from Dr Coyne and Ms Coyne shares the benefits of exercise to reduce stress:
What about exercise for persons with brain cancer?
Research has shown that people with brain cancer and their carers can benefit from specialised exercise programs which include both the person with cancer and their carer. Benefits of regular physical activity include:
- Improved balance and physical fitness.
- Improved well-being and a sense of doing something fun together.
- Increased social support for the carer when they attend a specialised cancer exercise program (such as the “Life Now” program).
- Maintaining a healthy weight, particularly for people on dexamethasone.
- Maintaining healthy bones, also important for people on dexamethasone.
- Better sleep quality.
What Exercise Can We Do?
Suitable activities for persons with brain cancer can be suggested by health professionals with specialist exercise knowledge. These include:
PLEASE NOTE:
- Consideration of exercise safety for an individual should be assessed by a health professional with knowledge of cancer, prior to exercise commencement.
- Services provided by accredited exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are eligible for subsidies through Medicare and private health insurers.
- Effective exercise prescriptions can be delivered across a variety of settings including hospital, cancer treatment centres, community and home-based (i.e. self-managed)
However, here are some possible ideas to build activity into your day. Just be careful to consider your capabilities and your safety (e.g. shoes, sun safety, directions, notify others of your plans)
- Walk-in your neighbourhood where possible (e.g. to the park, to the corner shop, walk your dog)
- Gentle water activities in a supervised setting (lifesavers/first aid staff) and use flotation devices (e.g. kickboard, pool noodle) if helpful
- Gardening or mowing
- Take the stairs instead of a lift
- Look for gentle activities offered in your community such as Tai Chi or yoga
- Set up an activity station at home (e.g. table tennis, basketball hoop, carpet bowls, totem tennis)
There are various community organisations and resources that support people with cancer and their carers to get healthy and active.
See resources in your state by clicking here.
“I sometimes feel stuck inside when I’m looking after Kirra. At those times I may push her wheelchair outside so she can sit in the shade while I garden. I only have to weed a patch of the garden and I feel better.
Sometimes I go for a walk with my friends after we play bridge too. It helps to walk and talk.”
