26 August 2022
I once again am sharing information on the essential need for lifestyle changes as part of education in preventing the onset of cancer in citizens of the Solomon Islands,
I am on record as calling for more preventative education measures and for regular preventative screening interventions as an adjunct, but important part of local health services; measures that would reduce the incidences of diseases that currently are putting a strain on existing health facilities such as the NRH, adding to costs of medical services and at a time when preventative health advice could cut mortality rates and see more money for the NRH allowing for overseas medical transfers for the patients that particularly suffering from rheumatic heart disease, including many young children.
The PRC has promised to build a modern health facility to support local health provisioning and care, but in the longer term.
The need for preventative health advice and measures to compliment the local health services I see as urgent and it would be greatly advantageous for Solomon Islanders if Australia and New Zealand would see the value of such programmes, especially seeing to the funding screening programmes with equipment and centres made available for such vitally important services.
Quoting the article which promoted my letter today.
Ronda Fleck, MD
Only five hours a week of moderate exercise could help ward off a cancer diagnosis. A study published by Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found strong evidence correlating physical activity to lower rates of cancer and other chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Using self-reported data from 600,000 U.S. adults, the observational study estimates over 46,000 cancer cases could be avoided each year through regular physical activity. The study found lower rates of common cancers such as stomach, breast and colon in Americans 30-years or older who exercised 300 minutes, or five hours each week.
As a radiation oncologist I treat numerous patients battling cancer, and I wish there was more education about prevention. We need to let people know that there are lifestyle changes they can make that can prevent certain types of cancer. For instance, incorporating regular physical activity into your everyday lifestyle can offer immediate and lasting benefits to your overall health. Exercise as simple as brisk walking, biking or even cleaning the house can help improve your health and decrease the chances of developing a chronic condition like cancer.
The National Cancer Institute also reports strong evidence linking high levels of physical activity to lower risk of cancers thanks to the biological effects it has on the body. Exercise can help improve the immune system and help prevent obesity and high blood levels of insulin which are all risk factors for cancer.
Beyond exercise, there are other lifestyle changes that can help prevent cancer. Avoid tobacco and secondhand smoke to reduce the chance of developing lung or throat cancer. Consider limiting alcohol to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men to avoid cancers like liver and kidney. Reduce the risk of skin cancer by limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays. When outside, wear sunscreen and cover any exposed skin with clothing, hats and sunglasses.
To find a primary care provider who can help you learn more about making healthy lifestyle changes, visit www.PecosValleyDocs.com.
Carlsbad Medical Center is now offering a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. I encourage you to subscribe by visiting www.carlsbadmedicalcenter.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
End of quote.
Footnote.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Regular exercise linked to fewer cancer cases
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
