By Chelsey Bowermaster, Two Rivers YMCA

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Studies linking health, exercise and disease prevention continue to point to the benefits of exercise on both preventing cancer as well as its role in strengthening cancer survivors and improving their quality of life. Let’s Move Quad Cities Fitness blogger, Chelsey Bowermaster, discusses the Livestrong program at Quad Cities’ Area YMCA’s and the small steps we can all take to lead a more active life.

It’s time to celebrate and support women and men who have bravely fought breast cancer. The Quad Cities LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program helps survivors and their families in their journey during and after cancer treatments to reclaim health and well-being.

Does exercise REALLY help in prevention of cancer and re-occurrence?

The latest medical studies report: YES! The National Institute of Cancer states as it relates to breast cancer, “Because physical activity can modify menstrual cycle patterns and alter the production of ovarian hormones, it may reduce breast cancer risk.” In addition to breast cancer, exercise has also been linked to reduced risk in other cancers as well such as colon cancer.  This is great news for majority of us who have been impacted by the destructive effects of cancer and want to be as healthy as possible.

Where do we start?

Stacia Carroll, MS CES PFT, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and local LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA coach says, “Remember, active living is not magical, it is mathematical!  Plan activity, schedule the activity, engage in the activity and experience the results that come with active living.

“Choose exercise and physical activity that you enjoy.  It will be much easier to adhere to your exercise routine if you enjoy what you are doing.”

Examples of “active living” include:

•    Regular (3-5 times per week) 30-minute walks that are at a brisk pace
•    Setting goals and achieving them: (IE-Couch to 5K, increasing lifestyle activity, etc)
•    Choose to move instead of sitting: fold laundry standing instead of sitting; sit on a stability ball at work.
•    Make sure and get up from your desk at least one time per hour and stretch.
•    Join a local adult league or team.

Go PINK in October, create awareness and keep moving! If you’d like more information about breast cancer, prevention and exercises check out Susan G. Komen online exploring the benefits of exercise on breast health.

The first 5 blog readers to comment “LIVESTRONG YMCA” in the comment box will receive a special Two Rivers YMCA gift to help get you started or continue on your journey to wellness!

Meet Chelsey Bowermaster, Let’s Move Quad Cities Fitness Blogger. She has more than 7 years’ personal training experience and is the Healthy Lifestyles Director at the Two Rivers YMCA in Moline. You can read Chelsey’s bio and other blog posts by clicking here.