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Exercise
and Cancer Prevention
Exercise has many proven health benefits, both for preventing
disease and promoting health and well-being. Physical activity
has been show to give us protection against the development
of colon cancer. Cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and
uterus also have been linked to exercise-related prevention.
The mechanisms by which physical activity may prevent cancer
are not clear. Exercise can help reduce obesity, which is
related to the cause of several cancers. It can also change
the body's hormone levels, which might also have a favorable
effect. Exercise, by speeding up metabolism, is generally
believed to speed up the passage of ingested foods through
the colon--thus reducing the time the colon mucosal lining
is in contact with possible carcinogens.
How much is enough exercise? A good place to start would
be to engage in physical activity for 30 minutes throughout
the day. If this is broken into ten-minute segments three
times a day, it might seem more attainable. Taking a ten-minute
walk on morning/afternoon breaks can be just as stimulating
as the caffeine in the coffee you skip. Get off the bus
a stop before your house and walk the remaining distance.
Park the car farther away than you need and walk to your
destination. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, starting
with one flight at a time. Add another flight each week,
until the stair walking becomes habit and seems effortless.
Exercise, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle are
choices we can make to improve how we look and how we feel
now and in the future.
Article Source: Yahoo Health
Article Author: N/A
Net Reference 106
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