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Excercise and Cancer Prevention
Moderate exercise is always a good idea. Exercise and cancer prevention is an even better idea, as it can help prevent the onset or recurrence of colon cancer. This is the time to get serious about lifestyle changes, to put exercise, wholesome food and positive thoughts into your life.
The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or more minutes at least five days per week for effective cancer prevention, and after treatment.
Several studies support the relationship between exercise and the decrease in colon cancer. One Harvard clinical study of 17,000 patients, ages 30-79, shows that people who exercise regularly significantly decrease their risk of developing colon cancer.
High Survival Rates
There's even more research supporting exercise and cancer prevention. An important study at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shows almost 50 percent higher survival rates for colon cancer for people who work out. The most recent study results, released in February 2009, show that active people are 24 percent less likely to develop colon cancer than less active people.
Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, is the lead author in the Dana-Farber study. He said: "To reduce the chances that colon cancer will return after treatment, as well as for overall health reasons, regular exercise is a good option for survivors to consider. As with any exercise program, people should check with their doctor before increasing their degree of physical activity."
Activity Suggestions
Exercise and cancer prevention can be as simple as working in your yard, doing manual labor and housework.
Walking
You can do it at the gym on a treadmill, on a track in the park or in your neighborhood. To make the time more enjoyable, use headphones, take the dog, or go with a friend or loved one. Do you think you could add in two sessions of 15 minutes - just taking a walk or going up and down stairs? How about a 15-minute walk and 15 minutes of bending and stretching while straightening up the house?
Dancing
Dancing is a great form of exercise. You can practice dancing at home, take a class or go to a club with a friend or loved one.
Rollerblading
Kids are not the only ones who enjoy rollerblading; adults can easily join in the fun. If in-line skates seem too hard, you can always rollerskate.
Swimming
Swimming is great exercise. It works your muscles as well as your cardiovascular system. You can swim in the privacy of your own backyard or visit a gym or the YMCA.
Cycling
Dust off your bike and go for a ride around the neighborhood. Or jump on a stationary bike at home or in the gym and while riding, listen to some music or watch TV.
Join a Team Sport
There are plenty of team sports going on year-round. You can play softball, soccer, volleyball or hockey. To find a team, look to the local recreation center, while businesses often have leagues or teams they sponsor. Just ask around.
Set Goals
Set moderate goals for yourself and try not to overdo it. Exercise and cancer prevention is something we all can do.. Enjoy yourself and remember to consult your physician before you begin any exercise program.
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