The construction of military infrastructure depended heavily on asbestos-based materials. Due to this, army veterans experienced increased mesothelioma exposure risks from inhaling asbestos-based materials at installations. The standard treatment approaches for this condition either involve a surgical procedure or chemotherapy combined with radiation therapies. However, physical fitness equally matters because it supports resilience and symptom control, which leads to a better quality of life. Below are three ways veterans can maintain their independence and engage in physical activity during treatment.
1. Modifying Exercise Programs for Building Strength and Resilience
Exercise plays a key role for veterans undergoing mesothelioma treatment. It helps battle fatigue, maintain muscle mass, and boost brain power. However, treatment-based exercise programs need personalization for individual energy capacity and tolerance of side effects.
Low-impact activities like swimming, restorative yoga, or walking are wonderful starting points. They preserve cardiovascular health without causing joint stress. Weight-bearing exercises using bands and weights maintain strength in people exercising muscle loss because of their extended treatment period.
Collaboration with mesothelioma specialists is the secret to creating a safe, patient-tailored regimen. These experts can recommend adaptations based on treatment responses, such as deep breathing for post-surgery recovery or seated stretching to improve flexibility. Consistency trumps intensity. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can have a substantial effect. With a focus on manageable, patient-tailored physical activity, veterans can better manage issues associated with treatment without compromising overall health.
2. Prioritizing Nutrition to Support Treatment and Recovery
Recovery extends beyond treatment for cancer patients because the side effects from chemotherapy or radiation leave their bodies vulnerable. This makes nutritional support vital for healing. A dietary plan that includes antioxidants, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps bolster immunity, along with anti-inflammatory effects.
A recovery diet should include colorful berries with leafy greens as well as whole grains and fish such as salmon that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Your meals should exclude processed foods, along with high sugar and alcohol consumption, as they will intensify fatigue effects and compromise medication efficacy.
Veterans also need to stay hydrated, particularly when dealing with side effects like nausea. People facing eating challenges should eat smaller portions across multiple meals because it helps them handle food consumption more comfortably. The combination of small meals with protein shakes provides balanced nutrition. Registered dietitians who understand asbestos-related health issues can help. They can design meals that meet nutritional needs while being practical to manage for patients.
3. Embracing Mental Well-being as the Pillar of Physical Health
Diagnosis of mesothelioma is a demoralizing blow to a patient’s psychological well-being. Chronic stress and anxiety frequently result in lowered motivation to exercise, eat, or sleep. When these fundamental aspects of health are neglected, they can complicate the treatment process, potentially hindering recovery and overall resilience.
The incorporation of mental health techniques into daily activities is crucial for achieving holistic recovery. Veterans can learn to manage their pain levels and increase their emotional strength through techniques like mindfulness meditation, alongside guided imagery. Veterans can access safe settings through counselling programs and veteran-specific support groups to discuss their fears and share experiences with peers.
Physical activity also plays a dual role in both physical and mental recovery. For example, tai chi and nature walks link physical movement to relaxation practices, forming tranquility through fusion. During challenging periods, veterans can articulate their feelings via written journals, artistic endeavors, and musical compositions, offering ongoing self-expression and mental escape opportunities. Veterans should utilize the VA’s mental health resources and nonprofit cancer care groups to create a broad mesothelioma support network.
Endnote
Every military veteran facing asbestos-related health issues shows the same steadfast determination that defines their service in the armed forces. By utilizing tailored exercise routines and appropriate nutritional support alongside mental health care, veterans can achieve greater agency in their treatment journey. These approaches enable veterans to regain their health in challenging periods, allowing them to lead lives filled with purpose and energy.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
