When faced with a health crisis or injury, exercise is often the last thing on a patient's mind. However, research offers strong evidence that an appropriate exercise program can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, coronary heart disease patients and individuals suffering from other ailments.

In fact, according to a May 2000 article on cancer and exercise in the periodical "The Physician and Sports Medicine", exercise has well-documented links to physical, functional and psychosocial well-being in older persons with chronic diseases.

A review of more than a dozen studies performed during the last two decades concludes that exercise provides significant improvements in various quality-of-life outcomes, including increased muscle strength, weight maintenance, reduced fatigue, increased vigor, and decreased anxiety and depression.

Exercise has been prescribed as therapy for heart patients for many years with very positive outcomes. Today, patients include both aerobic and strength training in their personal programs, although it is highly recommended that they pursue exercise under the watchful eye of a physician and/or fitness trainer.

Even those suffering from non-life threatening ailments, such as lower back pain, can benefit from physical activity. Contrary to popular belief, bed rest can delay or complicate healing. Back expert Nicholas DiNublie, M.D., orthopedic consultant to the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, asserts that remaining as active as your discomfort will allow actually improves disc and cartilage condition by pumping fluid into the discs and improving their shock absorption.

Certainly patients embarking on exercise programs need the consent and guidance of their physicians, but it is an ideal way to feel better both physically and mentally. The following overhead press is an excellent strength training exercise for individuals recovering from breast surgery or anyone wishing to improve upper body strength.

Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your spine upright. Place your hands at shoulder level, palms facing each other. Slowly straighten your arms overhead, being careful to avoid any arch in your back.

Repeat five times and gradually increase the number of repetitions each time you perform the exercise. You can perform this exercise one arm at a time, and/or add light weights as you desire.

(c) 2000, Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise, Inc. Distributed by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate