To prevent cancer, doctors recommend that you avoid smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and eating preservatives and artificial sweeteners. And there is a growing body of scientific evidence that physical activity and exercise can be used as a primary prevention against cancer.
In the past, people being treated for a chronic illness, like cancer, were often told by their doctors to rest, conserve their energy and reduce their physical activity. Recent research has shown that exercise is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment but it can improve your function and quality of life.
The last two weeks have been dedicated to the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of blood clots. This column is specifically for the health and wellness of the long distance traveler.
Physical activity, specifically aerobic exercise, is a scientifically proven useful tool for preventing and easing depression symptoms. Studies in the British Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Exercise and Sports Science found that depression scores were significantly reduced in groups that engaged in aerobic running, jogging or walking programs, 30-45 minutes 3-5 days per week for 10-12 weeks when compared to a control group and a psychotherapy counseling group.
Patrick McKenna, Editor for The Times-Tribune recently sent me copy of a press release regarding a warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the prevalence of arthritis will increase significantly by 2030.
Eating disorders among athletes is not uncommon, especially in the female athlete. This is the third of three columns on this topic. Athletes with eating disorders need referral to a health care professional.
Eating disorders are becoming epidemic in athletes. This is the second of three columns addressing this topic.
Over the past several years I have worked with many young female athletes that have suffered from injuries often associated with low body fat and poor bone density such as repeated stress fractures. In certain sports such as running and gymnastics this can be devastating. One thought that comes to mind is whether or not the young female athlete may also have an eating disorder.
Exercise is a critical component of diabetes management. Studies show that pre-diabetics and type 2 diabetics can prevent or reverse their condition through diet and exercise. However, it is important that you do not jump into an extreme diet or exercise program without proper professional medical advice.
Diabetes is disease in which the hormone insulin is not adequately produced or used by the body. Insulin is needed for cells to take up glucose after it is broken down from sugars, starches and other food that we eat. When working properly, this provides the fuel necessary for activities of daily living. While the exact cause is not completely understood, genetics is known to play a big role. However, environmental factors such as obesity and inactivity have been found to play a big role.
