Why You Should Move It, Move It

Why You Should Move It, Move It

P

We all know that staying physically active has many benefits for our health such as increased flexibility/balance/muscle strength, controlling weight, regulating blood pressure, digestion, improved mood, thinking, and sleep, just to name a few.

But did you know that getting regular exercise may also:

  • Help you live longer?
  • Ironically, reduce fatigue and increase your energy?
  • Reduce your risk for developing some types of cancers?
  • Reduce the risk of certain cancers recurring?
  • Ease some side effects of cancer treatment?

We have so many gadgets to inform us of what level of activity we are doing down to the minute on a daily basis. We even get “scolded” if we are not moving enough! When these gadgets first came out many thought that was exactly what they were – just gadgets.  Today, many feel these are lifesaving instruments. Use the great technology out there to your advantage and commit to getting fit!

Getting Started
Check in with your doctor for guidance on how to begin an exercise routine that’s right for you. If you have no health restrictions, gradually build up to 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity). Take it slow at first and if you miss a day just try again the next day.

Aim for a combo of cardio and strength training. (You can do strength training with or without weights)

Besides the obvious forms of exercise like walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, aerobics, activities like dancing, gardening (digging, raking), household chores (vacuuming, mopping, washing windows, sorry!) or actively playing with children can be just as effective.

If you can’t do full 30-minute sessions some days, break it up into 2 or 3 sessions of 10 or 15 minutes each. It all counts!

Make it easy and fun! Change it up and do a variety of activities you enjoy by yourself or with a safely-distanced buddy.

Crankin’ up the tunes while you work will actually make you move faster and with more intensity.

Join us in our 2020 Get Moving for Bag It Fundraiser, Oct. 16-25, for a variety of activities to get you motivated.

 

Learn More and Register Here!

Show yourself some love this month!

Show yourself some love this month!

Check in to see how you and those you love are doing to reduce the risk of cancer or a recurrence.  Here are some tips and resources to get you started.

 Healthy Lifestyle

  • Maintain your ideal weight
  • Physical activity
    • Walk, jog, dance, bike, swim – or whatever you like to do
    • Get up and move every hour
  • Diet
    • Eat lots of fresh vegetable and fruits of every color, whole grains, beans
    • Avoid sugar, processed meats, junk foods
    • Limit/eliminate alcohol intake
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products
  • Avoid risky behaviors

Healthcare

  • Have regular check-ups with your primary care physician
  • Maintain good overall health to avoid viruses and chronic infections that increase your cancer risk
  • Get cancer screenings and cancer vaccines recommended by your doctor

Harmful Exposures

  • Protect your skin from the UV rays from the sun. Use sunscreen and don’t use tanning booths
  • Steer clear of secondhand smoke and other environmental carcinogens

Want to know more? Check out these sites:

National Cancer Institute Prevent Cancer American Institute Cancer Research