Breast cancer: Health Department

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Breast cancer Health Department
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Modern technology has reduced the need for humans
to move. We drive instead of walk. We use
machines to perform heavy tasks for us.
Television, computers and video games keep us
inactive for long periods of the day.
3
These changes have come about over time, almost
without our being aware of them. We have grown
used to this reduced level of activity. Yet the
human body is designed for movement. Over
centuries, humans have evolved as active
hunter-gatherers, collecting food, fuel and
water, and working in physically demanding jobs.
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You may be aware that people who lead inactive
lives are more likely to suffer from health
problems, particularly heart disease.
However, new research provides evidence that
people who lead inactive lives are more likely to
suffer from breast cancer. This adds to what we
already know that family history is a risk factor
for breast cancer. Other than skin cancer, breast
cancer is the most common type of cancer among
women in Australia.
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So, a good way to reduce your risk of breast
cancer is by being physically active every day.
Put together 30 minutes of moderate-intensity
activity on most, preferably all, days. This
means physical activity that causes a slight but
noticeable increase in breathing and heart rate.
You can combine short sessions of 10-15 minutes
each. For example, take a brisk 15 minutes walk
and then spend 15 minutes mowing the lawn. Or
cycle to work and back, 15 minutes each way.
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Remember that physical inactivity can lead to
breast cancer that can cause disablement and
premature death. To reduce your risk, aim to do
at least 30 mins of moderate-intensity physical
activity most days. Its never too late to
increase your physical activity levels.
WA Health Department
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Heart disease Health Department
8
Modern technology has reduced the need for humans
to move. We drive instead of walk. We use
machines to perform heavy tasks for us.
Television, computers and video games keep us
inactive for long periods of the day.
9
These changes have come about over time, almost
without our being aware of them. We have grown
used to this reduced level of activity. Yet the
human body is designed for movement. Over
centuries, humans have evolved as active
hunter-gatherers, collecting food, fuel and
water, and working in physically demanding jobs.
10
You may be aware that people who lead inactive
lives are more likely to suffer from health
problems, particularly heart disease.
11
So, a good way to avoid heart problems is by
being physically active every day. Put together
30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on
most, preferably all, days. This means physical
activity that causes a slight but noticeable
increase in breathing and heart rate. You can
combine short sessions of 10-15 minutes each. For
example, take a brisk 15 minutes walk and then
spend 15 minutes mowing the lawn. Or cycle to
work and back, 15 minutes each way.
12
Remember that physical inactivity can lead to
heart disease that can cause disablement and
premature death. To reduce your risk, aim to do
at least 30 mins of moderate-intensity physical
activity most days. Its never too late to
increase your physical activity levels.
WA Health Department