Walking could save your life (now I only need to start)

Did you know that there is a cheap and effective therapy to prevent breast cancer?-A Special Message from Dr. Karen

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I encourage women over forty to have a mammogram each year and all of you, men included, to examine your breasts monthly. Each year, about 200,000 women (and 1000 men) are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,000 women die of the disease. But we are learning ways to fight back.
Did you know that there is a cheap, effective therapy to prevent breast cancer that has no side effects and that this treatment also reduces the recurrence of disease among breast cancer survivors? It's true and you're already doing it. Exercise, such as walking, reduces the risk of developing cancers in general and recent studies have proven that moderate exercise prevents breast cancer.

While doctors aren't exactly sure how exercising reduces the risk of breast cancer, they do know that obesity is linked to cancer and that overweight women have higher levels of estrogen, a hormone that supports the growth of the most common type of breast cancer. We all know that exercise and eating fewer calories are the keys to weight loss, but women of all sizes and ages can reduce the risk of breast cancer by exercising.

In a variety of recent medical studies, we have learned that regular exercise started as young as twelve will reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 23%. Breast cancer survivors who walk or enjoy other moderate forms of exercising three to five hours per week are 50% less likely to die of breast cancer that those who are sedentary.
No matter your age, all women benefit from exercise and the more consistent you are, the more you gain in terms of protection. The most benefit results from a moderate- intensity activity such as brisk walking for thirty minutes a day, five days a week. That's a two mile walk with Leslie- something most of us can achieve or work up to.

There is good news regarding breast cancer. Early detection through self breast exams and yearly mammography saves lives and now, we have a simple, safe, and effective weapon against this deadly disease: exercise. I encourage each of you to keep walking - it could save your life. Remember, I believe in good health and believe in it for you!-Dr. Karen

Dr. Karen is a featured writer for our on-line Walk Club. To learn more about Breast Cancer and how we are "Changing Lives," please check out the Walk Club!






Support Breast Cancer Awareness!
Whether you or someone you know is dealing with Breast Cancer, we all can show our support! There's no better way to do so, while getting healthy at the same time, than participating in a 5K walk.
Participating in community and non-profit fundraising or awareness events is healthy physically, mentally and socially. You'll feel positive about what you're doing and the training regimen will give you long-term benefits.
It is important to train your body before jumping into the 5K. Check out Leslie's step by step 5K training instructions featured on http://www.guidepostsmag.com/ .This exclusive 28-day training program is easy to follow and will help you feel strong come race day!
Check it out now!

Become a Walk Club Member! Join the Walk Club and getWalk Away the Pounds BookFREE!