Everyone knows that exercise and physical movement is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. The health benefits are numerous, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, two kids and a busy career has gotten me stuck in a rut – or stuck in my chair. I’m more than a ‘few pounds’ ahead of where I think my heart would be the healthiest and I get way too little sleep. Even more unfortunate is that I am a staunch supporter in practicing what you preach. Physical inactivity and obesity are a factor in the development of many types of adult cancers (none pediatric are known as of now).
Studies have shown that people who are receiving cancer therapy do and feel better when they adhere to a light to moderate exercise program. The science on this aspect is just catching up in pediatrics and don’t worry – my guess is that it will show that the more active we can keep kids during therapy the better it is for many things. Anecdotally I see this a lot but it’s hard to decipher what is the chicken or the egg. Are the kids that are super active feeling better or do they feel better because they are active?
Anyway, my life is busy. The gym and class times don’t exactly work for my schedule any longer, so I’ve had to come up with a home fitness regimen. I also decided that I would make it a priority by doing it before I do any work or blogging in the evening. This has SEVERELY cut into my ‘after hours’ work and blog productivity – but it has to be done. It has to be done because I have to set an example for my children and for my patients.
