Monday, May 7, 2012

Prolonged sitting increases cancer risk

Researchers have known for a long time that regular exercise reduces the risk of certain cancers. A new review of 200 studies has revealed even more about fighting cancer - aside from exercise, you also have to avoid prolonged periods of sitting. In fact, doing so could prevent nearly 100,000 cases of breast and colon cancer in the U.S. each year.

The breaks don't have to be long or elaborate. The American Institute for Cancer Research advises adults to take one- or two-minute "activity" breaks every hour. Other researchers suggest setting a timer to remind you to take breaks and walking around the room when you're on the phone.

People who exercised the most were 30% to 35% less likely to develop colon cancer than those who exercised least, and were 20% to 30% less likely to develop breast cancer.

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2010, prolonged sitting also increases the risk of dying from heart disease.

- Web MD article, 2012.

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