Join Cansa’s #IAmAndIWill lower my cancer risk theme
Cansa: It’s of great concern that research done in South Africa over the past 15 years indicates high levels of physical inactivity across the lifespan.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is urging all to choose to move, as part of its 365 Day Health Challenge initiated on World Cancer Day, furthering personal commitment to the #IAmAndIWill lower my cancer risk theme.
Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO said research indicated that regular physical activity in combination with smart food and drink choices can help lower the risk for cancer and non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
It’s of great concern that research done in South Africa over the past 15 years indicates high levels of physical inactivity across the lifespan.”
She added a recent study found that only 57 per cent of children aged 8 to 14 years were moderately active while 31 per cent did not meet the recommendation of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
“Physical activity levels tend to decrease with age, and this has been shown in other studies with adolescent and young adults, as well as older adults in South Africa. Even more concerning is the fact that physical inactivity has been associated with colon and breast cancers. In fact, physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.”
#StartWhereYouAre:
• Make the decision to get moving every day.
• Check with a registered healthcare practitioner before starting, especially if you’ve had a long period of physical inactivity or if you have an existing medical condition.
• Choose movement you enjoy and that gets your heart rate up.
• Choose a practical time to exercise daily, that fits in with your daily routine.
• Be on the lookout for opportunities for movement in your everyday life, like choosing to climb the stairs instead of taking the escalator or lift, or walking instead of driving, carrying your groceries instead of using a trolley, getting up and stretching regularly if you sit at a desk all day, doing your own gardening or housework, etc.
• Decide on the length of time and type of physical activity that matches your current fitness level, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of physical activity. Work your way slowly from mild, to moderate* and then vigorous* exercise (if you’re enjoying it and feeling strong). Your end goal should be 30 minutes of moderate* activity five times per week (adults) or 60 minutes moderate* to vigorous* activity daily (children/teens).
• If you find it difficult to be motivated to exercise on your own, ask friends, community members or colleagues to join you. Or join community events or clubs which involve physical activity, such as your local parkrun, Run Walk for Life, hiking, bowling, or dance club, etc
• Find ways to make physical activity a way of life for your family and a time to bond.
