Active lifestyle can prevent, fight cancer

Researchers have found a connection between a lack of physical activity and the progression of cancer. One-third of cancer deaths are a result of this inactivity and poor diet.
Over the years physicians have adopted a new phrase, telling patients, "Do something physical" instead of "Take it easy."
The physiological way in which physical exercise prevents or enhances a patient's livelihood is by an elimination of toxins from the body through improved circulation. Hormone levels are more balanced, and the immune system is boosted with even moderate activity.
A program incorporating cardiovascular, strength training and some flexibility exercises seems to be the best prescription for cancer survivors.
Extreme fatigue can be combated by the cardiovascular training, and muscle deterioration is reduced with resistance training.
As recent as April 14, studies confirmed positive effects from physical fitness on cancer patients' quality of life. Depression was minimal for patients that exercised during treatment and after.
Making a point to become more active than you are now can have tremendous health benefits. Moderate exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week or a more vigorous routine for three days is most beneficial.
Not only does an active lifestyle prevent this disease and its spread, but it mimics a "wonder drug" for current cancer patients!
On Friday, Flowood has Relay for Life, an event to recognize cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Fundraising teams come together and do many laps around the track to show there admiration and support for cancer victims.

Tips From Children's Gym Emphasize the Importance of Helping Children Develop Healthy Habits

The Little Gym Suggests Three "Parenting Resolutions" for the New Year.Each New Year is a new opportunity for people to focus on making positive changes in their lifestyle, exercise and diet habits. For families, there is another reason to make and stick with these types of healthy resolutions: the choices that parents and caregivers make have a direct effect on their children's current and future health, too. The Little Gym thinks it's important to help children develop healthy habits and enjoy an active lifestyle at an early age. To help families keep the focus on health in the New Year, Bob Bingham, President and CEO of The Little Gym International, proposes three "Parenting Resolutions" for 2012: 1. Encourage physical activity. Physical activity provides countless benefits, but it's a healthy habit that children need to develop early so that it becomes a natural part of their lifestyle as they grow. 2. Establish healthy eating habits. Keep healthy, appealing snacks on hand and set an example for your children with your own food choices. Plan low fat meals that follow the government's MyPlate guidelines and involve your children in meal planning and shopping. This allows families to reinforce their children's healthy food choices and helps children discover new foods and flavors. 3. Focus on your child's positive behaviors. Like adults, children respond to favorable comments and adopt behaviors that gain them attention. Try to get in the habit of catching your children "at their best." Providing encouragement for good behavior or for participating in sports or other physical activities is a great way to motivate children to maintain good habits. "We know that children are more engaged when they're excited about what they're doing," said Bingham. "Our innovative programs introduce children to physical activities that are both fun and fitness-inspired. Discovering and mastering new skills in a fun and positive way at The Little Gym helps build a foundation for a fit and healthy lifestyle." The Little Gym introduces children ages 4 months to 12 years to physical activity through a curriculum-based program. Each week, lessons focus on developing specific physical, emotional and life skills, creating a well-rounded learning experience. Children achieve success at their own pace in a fun, caring and non-competitive environment. As children develop coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility, they are also developing their listening, social and cognitive capacities. The Little Gym is now enrolling children for the second half of the 2011-2012 Season. For more information about The Little Gym, please visit www.TheLittleGym.com . About The Little Gym The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The very first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept.

Poor mental health harming productivity, says OECD

One in five workers suffer from a mental illness such as depression or anxiety and these conditions increasingly affect productivity in the workplace as many struggle to cope, a report by the OECD said on Monday. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development found people with mental illness are often off sick from work, and between 30 and 50 percent of all new disability benefit claims in OECD nations are now due to poor mental health. Policymakers need to find new ways to tackle the social and economic problem of mental illness, the report said, as trigger factors, such as stress at work, are likely to increase. "Increasing job insecurity and pressure in today's workplaces could drive a rise in mental health problems in the years ahead," it said. "The share of workers exposed to work-related stress, or job strain, has increased in the past decade all across the OECD. And in the current economic climate, more and more people are worried about their job security." Depression alone is already a major cause of death, disability and economic burden worldwide and the World Health Organization predicts that by 2020 it will be the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease across all ages. Two studies published in September and October found that up to 40 percent of Europeans suffer from mental and neurological illnesses each year, and the annual cost of brain disorders is almost 800 billion euros. The OECD's report, entitled "Sick on the Job? Myths and Realities about Mental Health at Work" found that most people with a mental disorder are in work, with employment rates of between 55 percent and 70 percent -- about 10 to 15 percentage points lower than for people without a disorder. But people with mental illness are two to three times as likely to be unemployed as people with no mental health problems. This gap represents a economic major loss, the report said. "Most common mental disorders can get better, and the employment chances be improved, with adequate treatment," the OECD said. But it said health systems in most countries were narrowly focused on treating people with severe disorders such as schizophrenia, who account for only a quarter of all sufferers. "Taking more common disorders more seriously would boost the chances for people to stay in, or return to, work," the OECD said, adding that around 50 percent of people with severe mental disorders and more than 70 percent of those with moderate illness currently get no treatment at all. The OECD urged policymakers to focus on providing good working conditions which help employees reduce and manage stress, to introduce systematic monitoring of sick leave, and to help employers reduce workplace conflict and avoid unnecessary dismissal caused by mental health problems.