A little over a month ago, I put up a post about the link between eating right and exercising to beat cancer. Of all my posts so far, it is the one I have received the most emails from. Certainly cancer is no laughing matter, but once in a while there is positive news about this serious and often fatal disease. And when there is, it compels me to cover it as a topic.

This is one of those times... and in this case it's specifically colon cancer (also referred to as colorectal cancer), which is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

AGAIN, the good news is that such simple measures as regular physical activity and healthy diet can drastically reduce the incidence, recurrence, and death from this type of cancer.

This message is even more pertinent now because, as March approaches, we recognize it as the Colon Cancer Awareness Month. So our focus will be on the pro-active prevention of this disease.

Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by as much as 30 to 40 percent as compared to those who are sedentary. If that’s not compelling evidence that will make people get off the couch and start moving, I don’t know what is.

How does exercise help stave off colon cancer, which claims an estimated 50,000 lives a year?

The exact mechanism is not yet known, but we do know that the risk of developing this type of cancer increases if:

• you are physically inactive,
• you are obese, and
• you eat a diet high in red or processed meat, refined grains, and saturated fats.

So it’s only logical that if you eliminate all those risk factors and replace them with exercise and a good nutrition plan consisting of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, you will be doing yourself a huge favor, health-wise.

Besides physical fitness and healthy diet (as well as giving up smoking), doctors also recommend that people over 50 be screened for colon cancer.

Studies show that if everyone in that age group had regular screening tests, at least 30 percent of deaths from this disease could be avoided.

I would be doing exercise an injustice if I didn't point out the that a regular workout routine helps keep other medical conditions at bay, as well. Exercise has been proven very beneficial in preventing other forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. The list of diseases that can be avoided or treated with exercise and a healthy lifestyle is long.

Exercise is a very beautiful thing!

And, you don’t have to be an athlete or exercise at an overly strenuous level to boost your immunity to colon cancer and other diseases. A mix of 1) strength, 2) cardio/endurance, and 3) flexibility training for at least half an hour five days a week will work wonders. That’s one message we should all keep in mind this coming March... and the other 11 months of the year.

I invite anyone who lives in or near the Brookfield, CT area that is interested in getting set up with a strength, cardio, and flexibility program to come in for a free constultation. You can contact me through my website or in the comment box below.