I have been writing a lot about biking lately.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t let the fact that you don’t bike–or can’t bike very far–detour you from setting-up a daily exercise plan and sticking with it!
Whether you walk to the end of the block and back–or run marathons or bike cross country to help raise money and awareness to fight multiple myeloma–the important thing is to KEEP MOVING!
I understand how difficult it can be to take that first step. Bone pain, maybe? Arthritis? Fatigue caused by your chemo or after enduring a stem cell transplant? That first step is always the hardest!
That’s why it is so important to try and do something you enjoy as a way to stay active. My new interest in biking will help me exercise in a different way than I’m used to. It will help me break-up and hopefully add to my exercise routine.
Some people like to walk, run or bike the same familiar route. Others like a change of pace and to explore new things.
Whatever works for you, DO IT!
Last evening I spoke to a group of 50 nurses near my home here in Florida. One of the other speakers–oncology nurse Elizabeth Finley with Moffitt Cancer Center–reminded the audience several times how important it is to keep patients moving.
Interestingly enough, Elizabeth stressed the importance of making sure patients take their pain meds regularly. Because if they are in pain, they are less likely to stay active.
Elizabeth surprised me as she pointed-out how recent media reports condemning the use of oxycodone was negatively affecting patients.
Apparently, patients are relying on over-the-counter pain medications instead of taking more effective prescription pain killers. I will re-visit this important topic in detail later this week.
For now, the message is clear and simple: MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!
Feel good, keep smiling–and don’t forget to get up and exercise today! Pat
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