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Recorded on June 23rd, 2022

Event Summary

During this Adult AML Chapter Event, Linnley Sweeney, HealthTree's Fitness Director and Cancer Exercise Specialist, spoke with us all about physical activity for AML. Movement is helpful beyond keeping us strong physically. It can help you manage the stressful nature of an aggressive cancer, significantly benefiting your mental and emotional wellbeing. Linnley expalined the benefits of physical activity and how you can incorporate movement into your daily routine as an AML patient.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Major effects of chronic stress: decreased brain function, reduced ability to remember and retain information, increased inflammation, altered eating patterns (weight gain or weight loss), poorer sleep patterns
• High-level tips to manage stress: exercise, relaxation strategies, deep breathing, nourish your body, slow down, take breaks, make time for your hobbies, talk about your problems
• Exercise is the number one recommended way to manage stress. Things to keep in mind when performing and starting an exercise routine: always consult with your AML specialist before starting or changing your exercise program. Find out what you should avoid so you can determine what you can do. Work through some of your fatigue but don't overdo it. Don't forget to work on your flexibility and mobility. Start low and go slow!
• Guidelines for starting cardio: aim for at least two times per week. Low impact options include walking and swimming. Work up to 30 min of cardio but do what you CAN do. If that's 5 minutes, that is a success. Work up slowly as you are able over time. Try different cardio options to mix your exercise routine up.
• Guidelines for starting strength training: Aim 1-3 times per week depending on your limitations. Make sure you have a rest day in between your exercise days. Do not continue any exercise that causes pain or discomfort. Learn the difference between sharp pain and muscle fatigue. Strength training does not have to involve weights. Use your body weight and resistance bands.
• We all start from somewhere. What matters is that you keep going!
• Check out minutes 18-30 in the video as Linnley takes us through a variety of seated exercises.

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We hope to see you at future events.