September is prostate cancer awareness month in Australia. Did you know Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men affecting 1 in 6 Aussie men? And, while it is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, it is also very treatable and manageable when found early. Exercise and physical activity can play a vital role in preventing and assisting in the treatment of it! It may surprise you that only 17% of men are both sufficiently active and meeting the physical activity and muscle strengthening guidelines in Australia!
While there are a number of factors we cannot change like our age and genetics, there are many lifestyle factors we can definitely improve on that all impact our health, life expectancy and long term quality of life.
Meet Graeme. Graeme was diagnosed with prostate cancer around 3 year ago. He underwent a combination of treatments including surgery, radiation and ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy - hormone therapy). Graeme’s treating Doctors recommended he participate in a prehab program (prior to surgery) as well as a regular exercise program post-surgery to help minimise the side effects of treatment, improve his long term survival outcomes and maintain his quality of life. Graeme needed no encouragement. He was incredibly willing to participate in something that would improve his general health, minimise any cancer treatment side effects, and improve his quality of life and survival outcomes. For Graeme it was a no brainer, including exercise in his treatment program offered only positive outcomes. While Graeme had always been a reasonably active person, he was no gym goer. At 75 yrs of age he started at the gym twice/week in a cancer survivors exercise program, and 3yrs later Graeme is still a regular at the gym attending 2-3 days per week and walking 3-4 x per week alongside fishing, garden and other hobbies. “I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the gym. I started at the gym because I knew it was good for me, now I go because I really enjoy it and I like the way I feel afterwards. It gives me a sense of achievement and I know I’m doing something positive for my health. It has even improved my everyday activities”. Graeme said working with an exercise professional is what made it easy for him in the beginning. “I needed to work with someone I could trust who could show me what to do, how to use the equipment and how to get the most out of the exercises. I can feel the benefits and I’m so much stronger. I wouldn’t have gone to the gym without having the regular planned supervised sessions with the trainers. Now I feel like I know what to do and how much to do and I now catch up with an exercise physiologist on a semi regular basis to check in and update my exercise program when I feel I need to. Having an exercise professional who genuinely cared to guide me and show me what to do, was pivotal for me in staying committed and engaged in the exercise program.”
Exercise and physical activity can be daunting, and it's not all about going to the gym either. Not sure where to start? Want to know how to get the best out of your work out? Or want to know what exercise can do for you and your health issue/s? contact Toni 0402 883 230 or www.bodyrehab.net.au
To read more on men’s health and exercise check out the link below.
Exercise & Men’s Health eBook link
https://mailchi.mp/essa/exerciseandmenshealth