Do You Need More Reasons to Exercise? by Pamela A. Popper, Ph.D., N.D.
Scientists at the Alberta Cancer Board in Canada found that postmenopausal women who remain active have a lower risk of breast cancer. And, the more active the better. Women with the highest levels of activity were 30% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than those with the lowest activity levels. The association was not as strong with premenopausal women, but most people form their exercise habits early in life.
It is believed that the reason is reduced body fat that generally results from exercise, as well as immune stimulation. Increased body fat and weight are believed to be significant risks for breast cancer.
According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2001, obesity increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. However, even moderate activity can reduce the risk, even among seriously overweight individuals. According to the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Dominique Michaud of the National Cancer Institute, obese men had a 72% increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer, as compared to men and women who were lean. But men and women in the top 20% for moderate exercise had less than half the risk of pancreatic cancer of men and women in the bottom fifth.
In my experience, people are more resistant to beginning and maintaining an exercise program than almost any other aspect of lifestyle change. But doing so is so very important!
Audrey’s note: If figuring out how to exercise leaves you wanting to lie down, get in touch. I can take the mystery out of working out, and help you get started with an exercise program.