Howie has been an avid cyclist most of his adult life, with mileage equivalent to a few laps around the planet. But more remarkable is that he has done a good bit of that cycling with cancer – in fact, through six cases of lymphoma. 

Howie credits cancer therapies for surviving this odyssey but is quick to add that cycling has contributed, too. “Because of all the riding I do,” he says, “they’re able to hit me harder with chemo, with radiation, when they have to.”

Exercise oncologist Dr. Katie Schmitz (University of Pittsburgh) concurs. 

“Think about a little old lady, 85 years old, weighs 90 pounds soaking wet,” says Dr. Schmitz. “Then think about a regular cyclist – you are able to hit the one who has more muscle harder, which is treating the tumor better. “

Need to change gears on your commitment to exercise? Listen in for some inspiration from Cyclist for Life Howie. 

Original music by Ryan Adair Rooney

SHOW NOTES

Expert Guests:

Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH:

 UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Moving Through Cancer

Formerly: Penn State Cancer Institute

Articles of Interest:

Resources:

More at www.mybodyodyssey.com

Follow us on:

Twitter: @mybodyodyssey

Facebook: @mybodyodysseypod

Instagram: @mybodyodysseypodcast

Subscribe!