Exercise Helps Body Prevent Disease, Heal Faster

Regular exercise is good for you for many reasons. In fact, physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It improves cardiovascular health, bone health, mental health and mood. It helps with diabetes management, improves brain function, and reduces risk of some cancers, including breast cancer.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month when we bring attention to the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.

Although deaths from breast cancer are in decline, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women. You might know someone in your immediate family or have a close friend diagnosed with breast cancer. The main risk factors are being a woman and getting older, with most breast cancers found in women ages 50 and older.

While you cannot change your age or your family history, there are several things you can change to benefit your health and reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.

• Get moving, and options are aplenty. Go for walks three to five days a week. Participate in water aerobics classes three to five days a week. Join a fitness center so you have access to many different types of exercise and activities.
• Eat your fruits and veggies like your mama told you! The more color, the better.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume.
• Put down those cigarettes.
• Schedule your annual mammogram along with other yearly screenings recommended by your doctor.

If you want to start exercising but don’t know how, or you want to change your current routine, make an appointment with one of our WK fitness instructors. Our dietitian, Julie Hartley, can help you make changes to your diet so you actually enjoy eating healthier foods. If you need help with that cigarette craving, get enrolled in the Tobacco Treatment Program. WK Fitness & Wellness Center staff are here to help you reduce risk factors and feel healthier.