CANSA invites you to continue with its 365 Day Health Challenge by encouraging you to choose to MOVE!

Did you know?

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

Research indicates that regular physical activity in combination with smart food and drink choices can help lower the risk for cancer, in particular for colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers, and non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Read media release…

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Physical activity forms an integral part of energy balance. Energy balance means that you will maintain a healthy body weight if you take in the same amount of energy (diet) as you use (burn off).

If you take in more energy than you spend, you will gain weight. Physical inactivity has a role to play in weight management and may indirectly lead to obesity related cancers (which make up 40 % of all cancers diagnosed). Inactivity and obesity also contribute to increasing health care costs.

Choose to Move! Infographic

South African’s have got to Move It, Move It!

Research done in South Africa over the past 15 years indicates high levels of physical inactivity across the lifespan.

A recent study found that only 57 % of children aged 8 – 14 years were moderately active while 31 % did not meet the recommendation of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood, and parents / guardians should take responsibility to ensure that children are physically active and are making smart choices with regards to food and drink.

So choose to move - associate physical activity with the green “Walk” traffic light for pedestrians, to keep the importance of this top of mind.

#StartWhereYouAre:

• Make the decision to get moving every day.
• Check with a registered healthcare practitioner before starting, especially if you’ve had a long period of physical inactivity or if you have an existing medical condition.
• Choose movement you enjoy and that gets your heart rate up.
• Choose a practical time to exercise daily, that fits in with your daily routine.
• Be on the lookout for opportunities for movement in your everyday life, like choosing to climb the stairs instead of taking the escalator or lift, or walking instead of driving, carrying your groceries instead of using a trolley, getting up and stretching regularly if you sit at a desk all day, doing your own gardening or house work, etc.
• Decide on the length of time and type of physical activity that matches your current fitness level, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of physical activity. Work your way slowly from mild, to moderate* and then vigorous* exercise (if you’re enjoying it and feeling strong). Your end goal should be 30 minutes of moderate* activity five times per week (adults) or 60 minutes moderate* to vigorous* activity daily (children / teens).
• If you find it difficult to be motivated to exercise on your own, ask friends, community members or colleagues to join you. Or join community events or clubs which involve physical activity, such as your local parkrun, Run Walk for Life, hiking, bowling, or dance club, etc
• Find ways to make physical activity a way of life for your family and a time to bond.

* Examples of moderate activity include: brisk walking; slow cycling and gardening, while examples of vigorous activity include fast running or cycling; competitive sports, etc.

Get Moving:

Register now! Events in May 2019: Fit4Good Planet Fitness Cancer Challenge is an initiative developed in partnership CANSA and Planet Fitness Gyms. It involves a corporate and peer-to-peer fundraising event with popular fitness activities. Workplaces and corporates can participate in the Fit4Good Planet Fitness Cancer Challenge and enter teams to run or cycle...

Find out more our CANSA Active Programme which helps raise awareness about leading a balanced lifestyle, being physically active / playing sport safely in the sun, as well as providing education on being cancer-aware by encouraging smart diet and lifestyle choices.

You CAN do this!

#IAmAndIWill  #ChooseToMove
#LowerCancerRisk  #CANSAactive