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Sunday, March 14, 2010                 Français
You are here: RCP Programs/Services »   Preventive Oncology and Screening »   Cancer Prevention »   Physical Activity

Physical Activity
Get Active!

To be healthy we need to be active, yet many of us are still not on the move!

The evidence that increasing physical activity will decrease your risk of breast and colorectal cancer is convincing, and there is probable evidence of a decrease in prostate and endometrial cancers. Regular physical activity can also decrease your risk for many other chronic disease conditions besides cancer and is important in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. Experts recommend being physically active 30 to 60 minutes a day, most days of the week.
Cancer Facts and Targets
In 2005 in North East Ontario 53.6% of adults (18+) were active or moderately active. In the same year in Ontario 51.1% of adults were active or moderately active.
 
The Cancer 2020 target is that 90% of Ontarians will participate in moderate to vigorous activity on most days of the week.
 
Trend:  The rate of physical activity in North East Ontario adults is increasing.
What You Can Do
  • Everyone benefits from being active, but if you haven’t been physically active in a while, or have health problems, talk to your health care provider before starting a new exercise program.
  • For most of us, getting started is the hardest part. Start by setting realistic goals – physical activity doesn’t have to be hard to be healthy.
  • Build activities like walking into your daily routine – as you progress, add more time or more effort to your routine. By three months of regular activity, you’ll notice a difference.
  • Try to make it fun instead of an obligation – join a class with a friend or take the family ice skating. Children and teens need physical activities too – start and encourage healthy habits that will last a lifetime!
 For more information about getting active, see Links and Resources.
 

   
Links and Resources
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