Physical inactivity or lack of exercise may dramatically increase risk of breast cancer, according to a new report published in the Dec 2008 issue of Cancer Causes and Control.
The report by Coyle Y.M at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX says exercise lowers estrogen levels that if high would cause a higher risk of breast cancer.
Coyle suggests that estrogen induces breast cancer by increasing breast epithelial cell proliferation, the metabolism of estrogen to genotoxic metabolites and the silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGS) that have been implicated in breast carcinogenesis.
Scientists believe about 30 percent of white people of European ancestry have this variant, including the Amish, and that may partly explain why so many people are overweight.
But fighting that fat factor may be easier in the Amish community’s 19th century rural lifestyle. They don’t use cars or modern appliances. Many of the men are farmers and carpenters, and the women, who are homemakers, often care for several children.
The researchers found that Amish people with the genetic variant were no more likely to be overweight than those who had the regular version of the gene — as long as they got three to four hours of moderate activity every day. That included things like brisk walking, housecleaning and gardening.
Walking on the treadmill can help stroke survivors by rewiring the brain and helping with unassisted mobility as well as improve cardio. While it hasn’t been determined whether the improvements to the brain functionality were caused by walking or if participants walked better because of increased brain functionality, walking on the treadmills seems to help stroke victims regain their brain and body functions. Anyone who has suffered a stroke and had their lives changed by new disabilities should be thrilled by the new avenue for treatment, that seems to even help long after their stroke.
Strokes are usually caused when the blood supply is either cut off or significantly reduced to the brain, cutting off the oxygen supply, which can leave those who survive paralyzed or significantly impaired and eventually lead to chronic disabilities. Physical rehabilitation and therapy is one aspect of treatment following a stroke.
If you watched the Olympics, you can’t help but be inspired by the athletes’ physical abilities. I’ve been trying to lift heavier weights, take extra time to stretch and jog with just a bit more speed. And judging by the crowd at the gym lately, I’m not the only one feeling motivated.
Exercise has the obvious benefits of helping you look and feel better. Make a habit of it, though, and you also could be doing something to improve your financial future.
