Cancer, Health, and Fitness
Staggering statistics:
Cancer surpassed cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the United States in 2008.
According to the American Cancer Society:
In 2009 an estimated 27,600 Arizona residents were diagnosed with cancer.
Nationally, more than 1,500 people per day are expected to die of cancer. That is like three 747 airplanes crashing into the ground every day.
16% of cancers in developed nations are caused by smoking
1/3 of all cancer deaths estimated to occur are related to nutritional and physical inactivity factors, including excess weight.
You can substantially modify your own cancer risk through exercise, making smart nutritional choices and controlling your body weight.
.Exercise As Cancer Prevention:
The American Cancer Society recommends adults engage in at moderate activity for at least 30 minutes or more on 5 or more days of the week. 45-60 minutes of intentional physical activity is preferable. Some examples of moderate activity include going for a walk, riding a bike at an easy pace and even golfing as long as you walk between holes. Choose enjoyable forms of exercise and set fitness goals to help make exercise a permanent part of your lifestyle.
Cancer and Nutrition:
Eating a well rounded diet will reduce your cancer risk. This includes at least five serving of fruit and vegetables per day and whole grains. One serving of fruit and vegetables is equivalent to a medium sized piece of fruit, ½ cup of cooked vegetables or ¾ cup of fruit juice. Limit your alcohol intake. The American Cancer Society recommends men have no more than two drinks per day and women limit their intake to one. One drink is considered 12 oz. of beer and 5 oz. wine.
Cancer and Body Weight
Excess weight is directly linked to many different cancers including breast and colon cancer. Weight can be controlled through exercise, diet choices and portion size.
A good weight goal is to aim for a BMI of 25 or less. Many different BMI calculators can be found online or you can ask one of the personal trainers at Performance Fitness for assistance in calculating your BMI.
Cancer Resources in Tucson
Arizona Cancer Center
One of 40 comprehensive cancer centers in the United States
American Cancer Society of Southern Arizona
1636 North Swan
Tucson, AZ 85712
520-321-7989
Better Than Ever
Running, walking, cycling program offered through the Arizona Cancer Center. Focus is on participation and fun while raising funds for research grants at the AZCC. Katherine Phillips, one of our personal trainers is a coach for Better Than Ever. Please contact her for more information.
