I just read an article I want to tell you about.* Every few months Claremore Regional Hospital in Claremore, Oklahoma, sends out a free magazine. This time the article was about exercise and they listed several reasons why breaking a sweat is a good thing. The title was Break a Sweat to Reduce Your Cancer Risk! It said "Inactivity and a poor diet cause more than 180,000 U.S. cancer deaths each year." The American Cancer Society recommends getting 30 to 45 minutes of exercise 5 or more times a week. The article said people who exercise have a better working body. Unlike sedentary people, those who exercise have:

--a healthier body weight and lesser fat, especially around the abdomen
--better blood sugar control
--better hormone regulation
--faster digestion, which shortens the bowel's exposure to toxins

--better control of possible tumor growth
--better immune function, including more cells that attack and destroy infected cells
--fewer bouts of depression, which may improve immune function
--higher levels of antioxidants, which defend against cell and DNA damage

The article also said in general, research shows that people who exercise tended to be non-smokers and consume more nutritious foods.

Whew, I need to get outside and get in some running while we're having all this lovely spring weather!

*Health Quarterly, Claremore Regional Hospital, Spring 2006, page 3