Last December a large study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported there is a medicine that can reduce your chances of developing at least seven different kinds of cancer by up to 40%.
In other published research this medicine has been shown to also reduce cancer recurrence by up to 40% and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy during treatment for cancer.
Moreover, it is available free to insured or uninsured, individuals of any age, and reduces the risk of developing many other health issues including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
What is this miracle medication, you ask? It’s exercise. Yes, it turns out exercise really is the best medicine.
Recently the chair of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia stated, “If we could turn the benefits of exercise into a pill it would be demanded by patients, (and) prescribed by every cancer specialist … It would be seen as a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.”
Cancer is a complicated disease. You can do everything right and still develop it and other diseases; even the healthiest lifestyle might not completely protect you. But is there anyone who would not reduce their chances of illness if they could?
That exercise improves our health is not new information to most of us. Then why is it we don’t exercise regularly?
We have good intentions. This time of the year gym memberships soar and we see people out walking and running. Sadly, the enthusiasm is often gone by spring and most of us are back to our old behavior. It is obvious that simply telling people to exercise doesn’t work. I have been doing that in earnest myself for nearly 30 years.
So, why is it hard to stick with an exercise regimen?
There are many reasons but it’s often because it’s just one more thing we have to fit into an already busy day of commuting and errands. One proven way to fit exercise into our life is to bike, walk or take transit to fulfill our daily obligations. Incorporating exercise into our everyday life is the most sustainable plan.
A wide range of studies shows residents exercise more in communities where infrastructure supports active modes of transportation.
One meta-analysis of 28 studies reported that all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, mental health disorders and obesity were all reduced after a shift to more active modes of transportation. This is supported by many health organizations, including the evidence-based CDC.
Why don’t we use these more active modes of transportation in our daily routines?
Because it feels safer and is more convenient to drive. Numerous surveys and polls from different communities found the number one reason people don’t bicycle or walk more frequently is that they don’t feel safe. They’re afraid of being injured by a car.
Understandably, not everybody can bike, walk or take transit. This is an older community, and there are some who simply cannot. Here in Port Townsend there are safe and available places here and there, particularly on our great trail system, but to accomplish daily errands, people need continuous bike lanes and sidewalks. We need a connected network.
How do we fix this and make it easier for people to exercise?
Nationally, most funds spent on transportation are now used to accommodate cars. We need to reprioritize our federal, state and local public investments. The kind of changes we need don’t all happen quickly and are not all inexpensive, but some are quick, easy and cheap. We just have to help our elected officials understand that our health is a priority.
What we can do is support our government by being engaged. Write your federal and state representatives. Talk to your City Council and your County Commissioners. Encourage them to support infrastructure that makes us feel safe biking and walking. Improve transit so it is convenient.
Some of this work is already in process, but still there are opportunities to have your voice heard.
Get active; physically and politically. Your health might just depend on it.
(Rebecca Kimball ARNP has worked for the last seven years in the Jefferson Healthcare Oncology Clinic. Prior to that she worked for 15 years in primary care and 10 years in critical care.)
