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MIND-BODY CONNECTION following treatment, according to Gilbert, is to consult your health care team. Your doctors, physical therapist, and others can help you determine which types of ac- tivities are appropriate for you and which ones you should avoid. For example, your doctor will need to evaluate whether your heart and lungs can tolerate the in- creased demands of exercise. Gilbert encourages individuals who may not be as active as Sarah and Bruce to set appropriate goals, beginning with a simple increase in any activity. For ex- ample, "Are you always looking for a bed or chair during your waking hours?" she asks. If so, simply finding something to do that keeps you out of that chair for more than 50 percent of the day is a healthy start. And you don't need a gym or special equipment; basic activities such as going out to get the mail, tak- ing the stairs rather than an elevator, or parking farther from your destination and walking the remaining distance will add movement to your day. Furthermore, physical activity need not be exhausting to be beneficial. Gilbert recommends a moderate level of exer- tion, which she describes as "somewhat hard, or around 65 percent of your maxi- mum heart rate." Other tips she gives for monitoring your activity level are to "stop when you feel like you could have done more" and to "never go past slight short- ness of breath." In other words, don't wear yourself out entirely and do make sure that you can talk during activity. MOVING FORWARD Given a real love for an active lifestyle and the profound sense of health and well- being that Sarah and Bruce found in exer- cise during their cancer journeys, exercise will undoubtedly remain an important part of their lives—something that con- nects them to their strongest, healthiest, and happiest selves. "Exercise and being active is a huge part of my life, and I am so grateful to be able to participate," Sarah explains. Bruce agrees, saying that due to all the good he's already enjoyed with an active lifestyle, "I want to continue to reap the benefits of exercise." No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results. A Trusted Provider of Home TPN for Over 30 Years Coram's Nourish Nutrition Support Program provides a customized care approach for home TPN and enteral patients. We are dedicated to providing high quality clinical care, nutrition expertise and personal support for nutrition consumers in the home. r #1 Home TPN Provider in the Country r Serving over 6,000 TPN Patients Each Year r Personal Support and Advocacy r In-home Training and Education r "DDFTT UP $MJOJDJBOT 8F/PVSJTI DPN r 22 cancer fighters thrive | summer 2012 8F/PVSJTI A service of cfthrive.com