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| home : how we can help : prevention, screening, & diagnostics : answers to cancer : diet & nutrition
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revises the Dietary Guidelines every five years. These guidelines form the basis for the US Department of Agriculture's food pyramid which is well know to most Americans. The most recent version of the guidelines were just released at the end of May 2000. They didn't modify the "Food Pyramid", but the new guidelines do emphasize physical activity in a way they never have before. United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala said, "These guidelines emphasize and highlight the importance of exercise in maintaining proper weight - especially since 10% of the pediatric population and 55% of the adult population are overweight.
Physical activity is also becoming a more widely researched and discussed topic in relation to cancer prevention. It is now well recognized that regular physical activity reduces risk of colon cancer and research also points to this being true for breast cancer as well. Certainly it won't be surprising if the same is true for other cancers as research progresses in the area of physical activity and cancer prevention. How much is enough activity to reduce risk? All the details aren't yet know in this area. The necessary intensity and duration of the physical activity to decrease risk are still being assessed. The current recommendation to lower cancer risk is the same physical activity recommendation as stated in the new Dietary Guidelines. There are many health benefits to regular physical activity. These benefits are stated in the new Dietary Guidelines document as listed below.
Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- Increases physical fitness
- Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
- Builds endurance and muscular strength
- Helps manage weight
- Lowers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and Type-2 diabetes
- Helps control blood pressure
- Promotes psychological well-being and self-esteem
- Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety
The Dietary Guidelines 2000 recommend:
For at least 30 minutes most days of the week, preferably daily, do any one of the activities listed below - or combine activities. Look for additional opportunities among other activities that you enjoy.
As part of your routine activities:
- Walk, wheel, or bike ride more, drive less.
- Walk up stairs instead of taking an elevator.
- Get off the bus a few stops early and walk or wheel the remaining distance.
- Mow the lawn with a push mower.
- Rake leaves.
- Garden.
- Push a stroller.
- Clean the house.
- Do exercises or pedal a stationary bike while watching television.
- Play actively with children.
- Take a brisk 10-minute walk or wheel in the morning, at lunch, and after dinner.
As part of your exercise or recreational routine:
- Walk, wheel or jog.
- Bicycle or use an arm pedal bicycle.
- Swim or do water aerobics.
- Play racket or wheelchair sports.
- Golf (pull cart or carry clubs).
- Canoe.
- Cross-country ski.
- Play basketball.
- Dance.
- Take part in an exercise program at work, home, school, or gym.
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