A New Year! A New Fitness Program!

Written by Yvonne Bishop

Walking, we’ve all done it.  But did you know that this simple exercise reduces your risk of breast cancer?  Several studies have shown a positive association between regular exercise and reduced risk of certain types of cancer. Now, a study from the American Cancer Society has determined a link between walking and reduced breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (2013), involved 73,615 individuals participating in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort.  During the intervention, 4,760 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.  Using extended Cox regression, the researchers looked at recreational physical activity, walking, leisure-time sitting, estrogen receptor (ER) status and postmenopausal hormone (PMH) use.

At study completion, the researchers learned that the most active women had a 25% lower risk of breast cancer than the least active women.

“Forty-seven percent of women reported walking as their only recreational activity; among these women, a 14% lower risk was observed for > 7 hours / week relative to < 3 hours / week of walking,” explained the authors.

They noted that risk reductions held true regardless of BMI, weight gain, ER status, PMH use and sitting time.

“These results support an inverse association between physical activity and postmenopausal breast cancer that does not differ by ER status, BMI, weight gain or PMH use,” reported the authors.  “The findings of a lower risk associated with >7 hours / week of walking may be of public health interest.” - January 2014 IDEA Fitness Journal 

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Yvonne is the owner of Essence of Health located in Laguna Beach.  She graduated from the University of Alberta with her degree in Nutrition and Food Science.  Originally from Calgary, this Canadian brings with her over 23 years in the fitness industry working in both corporate and private arenas.  She is very passionate about health and loves sharing that passion with everyone around her. Yvonne's complimentary background in fitness AND nutrition enables her to bring the latest phenomenon's in the industry to her clients, making Essence of Health the most unique studio in Laguna.  Exercise and nutrition is a partnership and by addressing both you get the best results; KNOWLEDGE + ACTION = RESULTS.  Yvonne helps you transform your mindset, body, and life!