June is an important month in the health calendar as it is Male Cancer Awareness Month and National Diabetes Week – serious illnesses that have a major impact on people’s lives.
While it is impossible to predict if a person is going to be affected by cancer or diabetes, there are benefits to living a fit and healthy lifestyle that can help prevent these serious illnesses and strengthen general wellbeing.
Male cancer awareness month
Charity Everyman organises male cancer awareness month every June to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of prostate and testicular cancer and raise money for ongoing research into these cancers.
Cancer is the UK’s biggest killer, affecting one in three people which, in turn, has an impact on their families and friends. Male cancer is still a taboo subject with many men feeling embarrassed about going to the doctors with prostate or testicular cancer, despite the serious risk to their health.
However, a study by Swedish scientists, published in the British Journal of Cancer, has found that men who exercise are less likely to die from cancer than those who don’t.
The seven-year study found men aged 45-79 who exercised for 30 minutes a day lowered their chance of dying from cancer by 33%.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "This study gives us a clear indication that men who exercise are less likely to die from cancer, and that they are more likely to survive the disease if they get it. It's encouraging to see research that helps us understand in more detail what steps men can take to reduce risk of cancer.”
Each year, Fitness Unlimited supports a local charity by raising funds through sports events. This year, the charity is Sheffield’s Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity. There is a 10k run through Graves Park on 11th July 2010 to help raise awareness and help raise funds.
Rachel Thorpe from Weston Park Cancer Charity said: “We are delighted that Fitness Unlimited has chosen our charity to support this year. We rely on the hard work of our fundraisers to help us provide specialist support and care to our patients.”
For more information on Weston Park Cancer charity visit http://www.cancerappeal.org.uk/
National Diabetes Week
National Diabetes week runs from June 13-19 and has been organised by Diabetes UK to raise awareness and funds for research.
Diabetes affects 2.6 million people in the UK. It is a life-long condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high - the body cannot use it properly because the person cannot produce enough insulin. The hormone that helps glucose enter the body’s cells where it is used for energy.
There are lots of benefits to regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle for people with diabetes. Exercise can help to improve the blood sugar control and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases as muscles that are working use up more glucose than those that are resting.
Active muscles mean the muscle cells are using up more sugar which keeps blood sugar levels low and helps to manage any issues with weight control. A healthy lifestyle will also reduce the risk of developing the long-term complications of diabetes such as heart attacks, strokes, limb amputations, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.
There are lots of benefits to regular exercise, even if you are living with a serious or chronic condition. An active life helps to improve existing health problems and lowers the risk of developing new ones in the future. As well as the physical benefits, it helps to build confidence and strength to fight complications when they arise.
If you are living with an illness or condition, it is always best to consult your GP or specialist before you start on any exercise programme and to take the advice of the trained fitness advisors at the gym or sports centre who are experienced in helping people of all ages and abilities to create an effective and suitable fitness programme.
While exercise is not the cure for cancer or diabetes, there is strong evidence to show that it has great benefits for the people whose lives are affected. This June, support Men’s Cancer Month and National Diabetes Week and think about the small changes you can make to stay healthy and happy for longer.
