Fight cancer with exercise!

By Becca Lazinsk
Member of the Relay For Life New England College Leadership Team


More and more studies are underscoring the importance of exercise in helping to ward off diseases, including cancer. Each year, about 570,000 Americans die of cancer, and about one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying too much weight. Another third is linked to smoking.

Research has shown that the best way to lose unwanted pounds is to balance caloric intake with physical activity.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity 5 days a week or more. To get the most out of your diet, try to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day, choose whole grains over processed grains, and limit red meat.

American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers were among the first to hone in on the issue of excess weight and cancer risk. A 2003 ACS study of more than 900,000 men and women found the heaviest men had death rates from all cancers combined that were 52% higher than the rates among normal-weight men. The heaviest women had cancer death rates 62% higher than normal-weight women, the study found.

A program especially for women, who tend to put others' health above their own, has been created by the American Cancer Society. It is called Choose You. Here are some tips from Choose You about how to stay at the top of your game, no matter what the weather is like outside:

•    Put your workout clothes in the dryer for a few minutes before you go out into the cold. A toasty warm-up suit will help ease the transition from your cozy bed.

•    Mix up your routine. Doing the same old, tired workout won't keep you interested. Try a new class at the gym or a new workout video.

•    Drink water all day long to stay hydrated - it's easy to confuse hunger with thirst.

•    Build a support system of family, friends, co-workers, and/or neighbors. They can help encourage you when your motivation is low. You may also find it help to actually exercise with someone else.

•    Simple things make a difference, too: take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a 10-minute exercise break in between stretches of work, or wear a pedometer every day and watch your daily steps increase

The most important thing to keep in mind is that by choosing you, you are making your own personal health a priority—and taking a proactive role in the fight against cancer.

For more information on the ACS’s Choose You program, be sure to visit www.chooseyou.com today!