Merritt Clubs Blog

Turning the tables on cancer can be accomplished by investing in a high-quality fitness program. Many people who have breast, cancer, mesothelioma or another type of cancer often experience financial dilemmas due to the high costs of medical bills and a decrease in work hours. However, fitness programs do not have to be expensive or difficult, in order for them to be effective in helping a cancer patient to regain control over his or her life.

How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Helping Cancer Patients?

Not only do nutritious fruits and vegetables provide amazing antioxidants which are known for boosting the immune system, great nutrition in a cancer patient’s life will also help to boost energy levels which will make it easier for the person to begin a regular workout routine. When a consistent workout schedule is developed, it is important for the individual to eat a diet that includes whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruit and meals that are loaded with vegetables. Beneficial vegetables include radishes, peppers, onions, kale, broccoli, spinach and carrots. Other helpful food items that will benefit a cancer patient include low-fat cheeses, small amounts of very lean meat and nuts that are rich in protein. The list of beneficial foods for cancer patients is very long, and will vary with the individual patient. Therefore, it is important to speak with your doctor to develop a nutrition plan appropriate for you.

Setting Up a Successful Exercise Routine

It is common for many people, whether they have an illness or not, to begin a fitness routine wholeheartedly and then drop it after a few weeks. This is primarily due to the fact that people often lose interest in a boring routine that consists of going through the same exercise motions each time they work out. By remaining flexible and embracing creativity, a person will stand a better chance of keeping a healthy workout schedule. Going golfing, swimming, yoga and signing up for dance classes are just a few ideas people can consider when they start thinking about possible exercise activities. In addition to these activities, step aerobics and running/walking are also exercises that will provide great benefits by reducing anxiety and boosting energy in a person who is fighting cancer.

The American Cancer Society published an online publication that provides good information for anyone who wants more information on how exercise can be a benefit to people who have cancer. The article lists benefits such as better balance, reduced amounts of pain and more energy. Each of these benefits plays a big part in improving comfort, self-esteem and energy.

Additionally, it is also important to speak with your doctor to ensure you are participating in beneficial physical activity that is not too rigorous for your condition. Similar to your nutrition plan, you want to make sure that it coincides with your current physical condition, diagnosis and treatment plan.

Written by: Melanie Bowen

Turning the tables on cancer can be accomplished by investing in a high-quality fitness program. Many people who have breast, cancer, mesothelioma or another type of cancer often experience financial dilemmas due to the high costs of medical bills and a decrease in work hours. However, fitness programs do not have to be expensive or difficult, in order for them to be effective in helping a cancer patient to regain control over his or her life.

How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Helping Cancer Patients?

Not only do nutritious fruits and vegetables provide amazing antioxidants which are known for boosting the immune system, great nutrition in a cancer patient’s life will also help to boost energy levels which will make it easier for the person to begin a regular workout routine. When a consistent workout schedule is developed, it is important for the individual to eat a diet that includes whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruit and meals that are loaded with vegetables. Beneficial vegetables include radishes, peppers, onions, kale, broccoli, spinach and carrots. Other helpful food items that will benefit a cancer patient include low-fat cheeses, small amounts of very lean meat and nuts that are rich in protein. The list of beneficial foods for cancer patients is very long, and will vary with the individual patient. Therefore, it is important to speak with your doctor to develop a nutrition plan appropriate for you.

Setting Up a Successful Exercise Routine

It is common for many people, whether they have an illness or not, to begin a fitness routine wholeheartedly and then drop it after a few weeks. This is primarily due to the fact that people often lose interest in a boring routine that consists of going through the same exercise motions each time they work out. By remaining flexible and embracing creativity, a person will stand a better chance of keeping a healthy workout schedule. Going golfing, swimming, yoga and signing up for dance classes are just a few ideas people can consider when they start thinking about possible exercise activities. In addition to these activities, step aerobics and running/walking are also exercises that will provide great benefits by reducing anxiety and boosting energy in a person who is fighting cancer.

The American Cancer Society published an online publication that provides good information for anyone who wants more information on how exercise can be a benefit to people who have cancer. The article lists benefits such as better balance, reduced amounts of pain and more energy. Each of these benefits plays a big part in improving comfort, self-esteem and energy.

Additionally, it is also important to speak with your doctor to ensure you are participating in beneficial physical activity that is not too rigorous for your condition. Similar to your nutrition plan, you want to make sure that it coincides with your current physical condition, diagnosis and treatment plan.

Written by: Melanie Bowen

Merritt Athletic Clubs offers a wide variety of summer camps at several different locations. Check out our camps so you can plan a summer filled with loads of activity, learning, and fun for your children!

VIEW CAMPS:

24 HR Canton | Eldersburg | Towson

Merritt Athletic Clubs offers a wide variety of summer camps at several different locations. Check out our camps so you can plan a summer filled with loads of activity, learning, and fun for your children!

VIEW CAMPS:

24 HR Canton | Eldersburg | Towson

Kids fitness has become a national conversation over the last decade. As childhood obesity grows, many parents are concerned about keeping kids active, and promoting good physical and mental health. Consider our top four tips for improving your kid's overall fitness level.

1. Be a role model. First, your children need to see you set a good fitness example. This doesn't mean you must run a marathon while pushing your toddler in a stroller. Simply promote an active lifestyle. Walk short distances instead of driving. Take regular walks or bike rides around your neighborhood. Encourage kids to walk themselves instead of riding in a stroller once they are old enough. When asked to participate in an activity, such as when your toddler brings you a ball, take the time to do it. Go to a local playground. Use the swings and slides yourself.
2. Provide alternatives. Exercise does not have to be structured or scheduled. Spontaneously have a family dance-off to your kid's favorite music. Throw a frisbee. Rollerskate, rollerblade or skateboard in a safe place. Play a game of hide and seek. Let your child choose the activity.
3. Stay active even when it's cold. Sometimes it's hard to keep an active pace when the weather is not ideal. However, puddle-jumping in rain boots or making snow angels in your snow suit can be a lot of fun. Explore summer destinations, such as the beach, in the winter. Find a local indoor swimming pool or play area. Merritt Clubs offer indoor swimming lessons starting at six months of age and an indoor play area for children to use while their parents are working out. Many team sports and extra curricular activities are offered through the winter, such as hockey, arena football or dance classes. Find out what's available in your area.
4. Emphasize the social benefits. Children do not often understand the health benefits of being fit. However, they do like being with their friends. Meet a group at the park, skating rink or other favorite spot. A group of researchers recently studied the effects of giving children peer mentors to promote physical activity. The study followed 800 children from 10 different schools. The results showed that students from the peer-mentored schools took 1,000 more steps per day and had better overall cardiovascular health. The students only participated in the peer-led activities once every two weeks. However, the social interaction was a catalyst for improved physical activity on a daily basis.

The benefits of keeping kids physically fit go way beyond fighting obesity. Experts agree being active improves their sleeping habits, posture, self-esteem, concentration, bone and muscle structure, balance, developmental skills, flexibility and social skills.

Merritt Athletic Clubs are focused on family health. Contact us to find out about the many amenities available to families.

Kids fitness has become a national conversation over the last decade. As childhood obesity grows, many parents are concerned about keeping kids active, and promoting good physical and mental health. Consider our top four tips for improving your kid's overall fitness level.

1. Be a role model. First, your children need to see you set a good fitness example. This doesn't mean you must run a marathon while pushing your toddler in a stroller. Simply promote an active lifestyle. Walk short distances instead of driving. Take regular walks or bike rides around your neighborhood. Encourage kids to walk themselves instead of riding in a stroller once they are old enough. When asked to participate in an activity, such as when your toddler brings you a ball, take the time to do it. Go to a local playground. Use the swings and slides yourself.
2. Provide alternatives. Exercise does not have to be structured or scheduled. Spontaneously have a family dance-off to your kid's favorite music. Throw a frisbee. Rollerskate, rollerblade or skateboard in a safe place. Play a game of hide and seek. Let your child choose the activity.
3. Stay active even when it's cold. Sometimes it's hard to keep an active pace when the weather is not ideal. However, puddle-jumping in rain boots or making snow angels in your snow suit can be a lot of fun. Explore summer destinations, such as the beach, in the winter. Find a local indoor swimming pool or play area. Merritt Clubs offer indoor swimming lessons starting at six months of age and an indoor play area for children to use while their parents are working out. Many team sports and extra curricular activities are offered through the winter, such as hockey, arena football or dance classes. Find out what's available in your area.
4. Emphasize the social benefits. Children do not often understand the health benefits of being fit. However, they do like being with their friends. Meet a group at the park, skating rink or other favorite spot. A group of researchers recently studied the effects of giving children peer mentors to promote physical activity. The study followed 800 children from 10 different schools. The results showed that students from the peer-mentored schools took 1,000 more steps per day and had better overall cardiovascular health. The students only participated in the peer-led activities once every two weeks. However, the social interaction was a catalyst for improved physical activity on a daily basis.

The benefits of keeping kids physically fit go way beyond fighting obesity. Experts agree being active improves their sleeping habits, posture, self-esteem, concentration, bone and muscle structure, balance, developmental skills, flexibility and social skills.

Merritt Athletic Clubs are focused on family health. Contact us to find out about the many amenities available to families.