A Tsunami Of Cancer Heading Our Way

A Tsunami Of Cancer Heading Our Way

Alarming news this week about a predicted tsunami of cancer heading our way.  The reasons given are to do with lifestyle and being overweight, as well as environmental issues.  It seems that the so called ‘baby boomer’ generation fear most dying from cancer, or losing their memory from Alzheimer's as they age but should really be worrying about their growing waist lines, as the generation's obesity problem can cause serious health risks and take a toll on healthcare systems in the not-too-distant future.

Part of the problem is no surprise and it is a sedentary lifestyle. Most adults are advised to take vigorous exercise for 2 1/2 hours every week. We know that this can be achieved by doing simple activities four to five times a week like taking a brisk walk, signing up to a dance class, or other more or less vigorous activities.

However surveys show that the baby boomers on average only exercise enough to raise their heart rates around once every week, if that. A confessed thirty seven per cent don't strength-train at all and effectively miss out on a crucial activity that fights the muscle loss that comes as we age. This generation says that it prefers to walk. The problem is:  they do not walk enough.

Baby boomer's health risks from obesity include an increased risk for arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and undoubtedly contribute to the surge of treatment required once the boomers reach around 65 years of age.

A handy measure is the advice to keep your waist half, or less, than your height. For example: a woman who is 5-foot, 4-inches (which is 64-inches) should have a waist measurement of no more than 32-inches at the navel.

The oncoming tsunami of cancer doesn't have to include you, if you choose an active lifestyle. 

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Amanda Thomas

UK HEALTH RADIO