When it comes to dealing with cancer, many people believe that patients should take it easy and rest as much as they can. However, while proper rest is important, it is just as important for the patient to move their body and get some exercise. Whether they deal with a common cancer like breast cancer or a rare disease like mesothelioma, the benefits of fitness are hard to ignore, so long as their doctor deems it safe. It should be kept in mind that fitness does not cure cancer, and it should not be treated as such.

1. Increases Energy

Undergoing cancer treatment can leave a patient feeling tired and listless. They may not feel like doing anything at all, no matter what a task may entail. If they are taking part in fitness exercises, however, they may not experience as much fatigue. A good workout will rejuvenate the body, leaving it awake and refreshed. They will be able to get up and move around more, without the worry that they will wear out within moments.

2. Makes a Patient Feel As Though They Are In Control of Their Life

No matter what illness or problem a patient is dealing with, the chances are high that they do not feel that they are in control of their own body. While they may not be able to alter their medical procedures and what the doctor believes they should do, they can feel better about the situation. They will know that they can do certain things to improve their living situation, and they are not completely helpless. By taking on exercises, they can improve their body and mind. The American Cancer Society has health tips on their site that may be of interest.

3. Takes Away Some Nausea and Vomiting

A number of patients that go through chemotherapy in order to deal with their cancer find that exercise can help them deal with the side problems better. They do not feel as though they are going to pass out from feeling incredibly nauseous, and the urge to vomit is not as strong. For people that are afraid of nausea and do not want to deal with it at all, this is a benefit to keep in mind. Whether they are undergoing mesothelioma treatment or any other kind of treatment, exercise is an option.

Courtesy of Guest Blogger David Haas

Last week Christie was filmed by Brandon Ancil of CNN. The video and article by Stephanie Steinberg were released yesterday on CNN.com. We are quite proud of our video star and Brandon did an awesome job of capturing the creative portion of our field. Check it out!

Perhaps the most well known monocular actor, Peter Falk, has died at 83. He was most know for his role as the rumpled lieutenant Columbo.

Mr. Falk wore a prosthetic eye, resulting from an operation to remove a cancerous tumor when he was 3. The prosthesis gave all his characters a classical, peculiar squint. An actor most of his life, his later years were spent dabbling in art.

NY Times Article

The International Children’s Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia Network, ican’s 7th conference is just around the corner. This conference happens every two years to provide parents with guidance and support about this rare condition.

An exceptional part of the conference is the opportunity given to families to interact with other children who have the same medical condition. Given the rarity of this birth defect, which affects about 1 in 10,000 live births, those affected are often far removed from each other. These bi-annual conferences give families the opportunity to gather together, learn updates about the conditions, and share their triumphs and tribulations. Attendance and reviews of previous conferences prove that this opportunity for education and support is an invaluable one for these families, and provides a rare opportunity for them to truly feel part of a community.

This year, ican needs your help more than ever. With the economic downturn that we saw in the past two years, some parents find themselves with increased difficulty to fund such a trip. Ican has provided scholarships in the past to those parents in need, this year we would love to be able to bring more families together regardless of their economic condition. Please, take a minute to browse through our website, read the inspiring stories, and if possible help us make this conference a success by making a tax-deductible donation. Your generosity will change lives and give people hope.

Complete Event & Registration Details: http://www.anophthalmia.org/

Conference Highlights:
* Expert speakers
* Sibling sessions
* Parent workshops
* Childcare during activities
* Dinner banquet and entertainment
* …and more!

About the Boston Area:
Situated in the center of the exciting Boston Theater District and just one block from Boston Common, the Radisson offers guests a prime location in the heart of downtown Boston, MA. Hotel amenities include a Fitness Center, parking garage, Business Center, two restaurants and an indoor, heated pool. Only three miles from Logan Airport, Fenway Park, the Children’s Museum and within walking distance of some of the best attractions in Boston. The Radisson is one of the most convenient downtown Boston hotels for business and leisure travelers.

ican c/o Albert Einstein Medical Center, Genetics, Levy 2 West, 5501 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141 ican@anophthalmia.org