Spiritual

Thanksgiving? No, ThanksLIVING!

What is one of the worst habits, the one that causes disappointment, conflict, loss and dis-ease of every kind? I have recorded many cancer patients’ responses to that question. The answers range from laziness to blasphemy against God. Some speculated the worst was procrastination. Others thought it to be criticism. All good choices.

But the absolute worst habit is ingratitude—the lack of thankfulness and appreciation, our poor return for blessings and kindness received.

“I’m too tired.”

“It’s not fun.”

“I don’t have the time.”

“My legs look ugly in gym shorts.”

“The weather’s bad.”

You’ve heard them. We’ve all used them. They are excuses for people who don’t want to exercise. But even the very best of integrated cancer care will not be maximized without regular exercise. Think of it as a mandatory requirement.

In 2005, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study on physical activity and survival after a cancer diagnosis. The study found that exercising just one hour per week could lower the risk of recurrence by approximately 20 percent.

One of the components in healing from cancer that we recommend is exercise. Studies have shown that virtually any kind of physical activity will help cancer patients and survivors.

In particular, yoga has been lauded by a number of experts to be a gentle, yet effective, form of exercise to help heal the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga can be tailored to your body’s specific needs, without undue exertion or stress on your body.

A recent article in US News and World Report cited a study by Dr.