Regular Exercise Linked to Lower Cancer Cases, Chronic Conditions
8/3/2022
Just five hours of moderate exercise a week could help ward off a cancer diagnosis and other chronic conditions, according to a recent sports medicine study.
The study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found correlating evidence between physical activity and lower rates of cancer and chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia.
“Incorporating regular physical activity into your everyday lifestyle can offer both immediate and lasting benefits to your overall health,” said Dr. Lucas Berghoff, a sports medicine physician with Lutheran Health Physicians. “Something as simple as a brisk walk, biking or even working in the yard can help improve your health and decrease the chances of developing a chronic condition like cancer.”
Using self-reported data from 600,000 U.S. adults, the observational study estimates over 46,000 cancer cases could be avoided each year through regular physical activity, finding lower rates of common cancers such as stomach, breast and colon in Americans 30 years or older who exercised 300 minutes – or about five hours – each week.
“The findings in this study help reinforce already well-known benefits physical activity has been found to have on the body’s overall immunity as well as managing weight and insulin levels,” Dr. Berghoff added. “And if joint, tendon or other physical pain is keeping someone from incorporating more activity into their daily routine, we can work to address those issues through sports medicine to ensure moderate physical activity is attainable.”
To find a physician and learn how to incorporate more physical activity into your lifestyle, visit LutheranHealthPhysicians.com or call (866) 546-4968.
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