Moderate Exercise Can Help Decrease Prostate Cancer Risk

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

Yes. We have come across yet another reason to exercise. A new study shows that moderate levels of exercise can help reduce the risk in developing prostate cancer in men. The findings, now available in the Journal of Urology, report that after looking at 190 men who completed biopsies to detect possible prostate cancer, those who regularly exercised were less likely to develop the disease. In addition, for those men who did have the cancer, those that reported as little as walking for an hour each week had less aggressive, faster-growing cancer [1].

Even if you hate exercising, moderate exercise is fairly simple to work into your daily routine. Looking for some easy ways to get your blood pumping? Try some of these ideas.

* Housework: Turn up the music and get cleaning! Dust, vacuum, mop, or clean windows at a brisk pace to burn some calories.

* Gardening: Mowing, weeding, and digging all count as ways to burn fat and calories.

* Play with your kids: Take your kids to the park perhaps and play Frisbee, football, or tag. This is a great way to bond with your kids, while also participating in some much needed exercise.

* Try a new sport: Now is the time to try out a new sport. Have you always wanted to learn how to play tennis? What about yoga or swimming? Check out your local community guides for classes or work out facilities that offer classes or personal training sessions.

* Get out on your lunch break: Sometimes it is easy to stay cooped up inside during your lunch break, catching up on e-mails or phone calls. Do yourself a favor, though. Take 15 or 20 minutes and go for a brisk walk or jog during your lunch break. It will not only invigorate you for the rest of your day, but will also help you get rid of excess calories you store up by being sedentary.

* Get some friends together: Make your moderate exercising a social event by going roller skating, ice skating, bicycling, or horseback riding.

* Enjoy nature: Set aside some time to get outside, enjoy the scenery, and take a hike. Hiking is not only a good way to explore the areas around you and see the beautiful landscape that surrounds you, but is also a good way to build muscle and keep you healthy and active.

You know exercise is good for you. So what are you waiting for? Now you have some tangible tips on how to get out there and live a thriving, active lifestyle.

Reference

[1] Moderate exercise may lower prostate cancer risk. Reuters. Accessed on the Web September 29, 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE58S5CL20090929