Can Exercise Reduce Your Cancer Risk?
“Researchers have known for some time that regular physical activity can be helpful for maintaining good health. Research has also emphasized the importance of regular physical activity for cancer prevention and the reduction of cancer recurrence.
Previous research has suggested that our genes may predict our tendency to be physically active or sedentary. Using a method called Mendelian randomization, researchers in this study used the participants’ genetic information regarding activity level to predict risk of breast cancer and recurrence.
Women with genetic variants predisposing them to be more active were 41 percent less likely to develop invasive breast cancer, and this was the case largely regardless of menopausal status, tumor type, stage, or grade. The researchers feel they have strong evidence to suggest that increasing vigorous physical activity and reducing time spent sitting are likely to substantially reduce breast cancer risk. The use of Mendelian randomization provides more confidence that these results are related directly to physical activity as opposed to other factors, such as diet.
Any movement counts. Exercise may not be your ‘thing,’ and that’s okay—get creative about how you can move your body and it may feel more doable. Playing with your kids, dancing around your kitchen, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator are all tools to help reduce your amount of sitting time.
Do something you enjoy—or at least, something you don’t hate
Try SMART goals
Be kind to yourself. Rather than beating yourself up if you miss a day of exercise, try practicing a compassionate and understanding approach. Your body needs rest as well as activity and sometimes life just gets in the way. Focus on progress instead of perfection and you may find your goals a bit easier to meet.”
Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
How often do you exercise?
#Exercise #Cancer #Research
@comfortableNight4463
I exercise 3-5 times a week. I do belive that excersise can help both prevent and "cure" certain types of illnesses but there needs to be a moderation in the way we train and to make sure our body can handle it so it's not pushed beyond its limits and collapses with an injury. Sednetary life has been connected to various forms of serious illnesses, so I do belive a healthy moderation of excersise can do wonders
@professionalVision2624 Exactly! It's always great to incorporate some type of movement to your day. Working out 3-5 times is great, our body needs a few days to rest and recover. Thanks for sharing!
@comfortableNight4463
Thank you! Yes I think 3-5 days is ideal since we do need time to recover as much as we need consitency in what we do <3
@professionalVision2624 Exactly. Resting prevents injuries from overuse.
@comfortableNight4463
That's right! A lot of people do undervalue the benefit of resting and how it will actually make you stronger and healthier in the long run than doing too many work-outs too soon after the other, which leads to injuries and possible burn-out when our results stagnate due to not enough recovery and rest <3
@comfortableNight4463 Personally I have neglected my health in favor of gaining knowledge and working. I very recently decided to change that and start taking care of my physical health too. This includes exercising regularly, eating healthy and sleeping well. I already feel the impact on my mental and physical health! I regret forcing myself to study so much to the point that I was not taking care of myself and I wouldn't recommend it as it comes with many consequences. Anxiety and the lack of energy are the most regular problems someone would face and this has a negative impact on work and studies too at the end of the day... Always remember to do self-care as you are important and you deserve it! Thank you for the post!
@calmDew1576 Absolutely, It's very important to take care of our physical health as well as your mental health. I hope you can take it easy and try to get better sleep and are able to squeeze in a workout. I know life can get really busy but it's worth it to take care of your health for the future and the present. Thanks for sharing!
@comfortableNight4463
I use to exercise for an hour everyday in the morning before starting the day.
I definitely need to get back to doing that!
Thanks for the article night! <3💛💫
@innateJoy9602 I hope you do! Don't strain yourself, get back to it slowly and give yourself time to adjust. Thanks for sharing!
@comfortableNight4463
Yes! One of the main reasons I do it :) also I've come to have fun while doing it overtime!
@sunnyWriting4806 Same! I quite enjoy running now.