The Daily Telegraph reports that exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer death, for women who work out are three times less likely to die of breast cancer, according to a new study. One way to start an exercise program is to start by walking.

Do you see your sneakers? Is the front door in sight? Put on those shoes and walk toward the door. See you out there. Walking.

A new study by University of South Carolina researchers indicates aerobically fit women are three times less likely to die of the disease than those who seldom exercise.

The latest addition to the growing evidence on the benefits of aerobic exercise is reported in the April issue of the scientific journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Researchers from USC’s Arnold School of Public Health studied 14,000 women who were given preventive medical exams and treadmill tests at the Cooper Clinic in Houston from 1970-2001. At the time of their exams, the women, ages 20 through 83, had no history of breast cancer.

Based on the treadmill tests, the women’s fitness was classified as low, moderate or high.

Researchers compared the fitness levels of the 68 women in the study group who had died of breast cancer through 2003.

Women in the study’s lowest fitness category were nearly three times more likely to die from breast cancer than women in the most fit group, said Dr. Steve Blair, a USC researcher and a past president of the American College of Sports Medicine.

To reach the moderate fitness category, women need to exercise about 150 minutes per week. High fitness translates to 300 minutes per week.

Finding a strong association between fitness, which can be improved by the relatively inexpensive lifestyle intervention of regular physical activity, such as walking, is exciting, Blair said.

Exercise should be a standard part of preventive treatment for a number of health problems, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

The new study also backed up previous findings that exercise helps control cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure and lessens the likelihood for diabetes and heart disease.

The numbers are staggering for women diagnosed each year with breast cancer. If exercise is a path to better living and decreasing the chances of cancer, then get walking. It’s not hard and at the same time, will shrink your waist line and expand your self confidence. Step it up and get high stepp’n on your way on the door.

MikeZ_walking is the other kind of exercise, the kind you can do everyday for life.

Please consult your physician before starting any exercise or weight loss program.
Your physician is your very best resource.