Health Check: in terms of exercise, is walking enough?

[AussieNeil]

'Walking leads to a remarkable reduction in the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, arthritis, depression, anxiety and insomnia, and premature death from all causes' according to Megan Teychenne, Senior Lecturer, Physical Activity and Health and Clint Miller, Lecturer, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), both of School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University: theconversation.com/health-...

An analysis of studies on walking showed it improves aerobic fitness - which is technically the ability of the heart to get oxygen to our muscles and how effectively our muscles use that oxygen. But to be effective, walking needs to be of at least moderate intensity, which means an intensity where you’re able to notice your breathing but can carry on a conversation without noticeable pauses between words. For many, this is a brisk walk.

I'm slightly anaemic now due to my CLL and I've certainly noticed an improvement in my aerobic fitness from deliberately riding up hills - which are hard to find where I'm currently staying...

Neil

[Awksom]

I walk about 2 miles per day and it does help with tiredness and fatigue hits.

[Kwenda]

Cycling is easier on the knees.

ANY exercise that raises the heart rate should be good.

My cycle riding mostly off road on forest trails and I up a few hills for the exercise.

Dick

[CLLCalifornia-USA]

Walking my two yellow Labs keeps my heart pumping strong. They don't know a leisurely slow pace. I imagine they know what's best for me.☺️ Thanks, Sally (USA)

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Neil, for the first time in many days, I walked today--because of this posting. Been and still feeling punk from 2 bouts of antibiotic for an extraction that was mucho infected. I felt no pain from that tooth, but a cyst came up and that got me to a dentist.

The removal was done by a Periodontist and was an operation because the root had cracked and he had to add some bone-growth material.

Since I have a great fear of dentistry harking back to my early teens, I was grateful for both easier numbing AND IV sedation.

I have 4 more days of (20 days all together) antibiotic to take and hoping against hope all the infection gets whacked with that dosage.

Hope you are enjoying your vacation.

[Hidden]

Hi Aussieneil,

Before I needed treatment and my haemoglobin dropped I used to go to yoga three times week, ride my bike and go walking.

My treatment has brought the WBC count to around normal but I am not producing the oxygen carrying red blood cells and so I need frequent transfusions of erythrocyte concentrate to boost my haemoglobin close to 9.

Is the recommendation for vigorous walking and exercise is appropriate for people with CLL like me. I can manage 250 metres but then I have to sit down and slow done. I've come to the conclusion that it is best not to push myself because I become quickly exhausted and I assume that this is not beneficial for my body. My exercise is housework.

Am I wimping out?

Best wishes

Peter

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to Hidden]

With your haemoglobin count so low, you are doing well doing housework! I would expect that your previous efforts to stay fit are helping you now.

I'm not medically trained, so recommend that you ask your medical team what they recommend in your situation. I suspect that doing what you can, without overdoing it, in an effort to maintain your fitness is what would be recommended.

I'm sorry to hear you are still waiting for your bone marrow to recommence red blood cell manufacture and hope it won't be long before you again feel energetic without the need for transfusions.

Neil

[ygtgo]

" .... hills - which are hard to find where I'm currently staying ".

Come up to Scotland and pay me a visit and I'll take you to some beautiful walks ...

My wee town sits on two hills and a valley, with hills all around.

... Well, when I say 'take you' ... you'll be pushing my chair on wheels. You'll soon find out

how effectively your muscles use that oxygen !

ygtgo

[MsCLL CLL CURE Hero]

Apsolutly! Minimum four days a week.