In today’s society we are more likely to hear and discuss exercising on a daily basis, and that’s a good thing. Everyone should be active because it’s good for you.
But while I was sitting in the Student Health Center with a friend, I noticed something interesting on the televisions that show a constant reel of information and healthy tips. One of the slides said exercising reduces the risk of getting cancer by 30 percent.
It didn’t say, however, where the statistic was from or when it was gathered. And that intrigued me.
The slide also didn’t say what type of cancer would be reduced or in what age group, just that exercising reduces cancer by 30 percent altogether.
I’ve searched high and low on the Internet and couldn’t find the study that specifically said this. But I did find some really interesting studies that correlate to what the SHC was presenting.
In a 2012 study from UNC Chapel Hill, exercising reduced breast cancer by 30 percent. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute said exercising may reduce colon cancer by 40-50 percent. The NCI also said people are less likely to contract any form of cancer due to their work out regime.
After trying to contact the Wellness Program at the SHC and not getting any more information on the subject, I left feeling uneasy, having been told something but not knowing where it came from. And maybe it’s just the journalist in me, but I like to know where all my information comes from and where studies are conducted.
Granted, most of us don’t enjoy watching the never-ending reels of information. They are similar to the mind-numbing infomercials we watch when there’s absolutely nothing on the television. But the SHC is definitely promoting something good — even though it isn’t broadcasting its sources.
When students first come to campus, they are immediately brought to the Rec Center. Whether it’s a promotional deal or not, the University is advocating for healthy lifestyles and routines.
Those never-ending reels of information may not catch everyone’s attention, but they piqued my interest. They also furthered their claim by explaining why this is proven to be true. The following slide showed that a reduced number of fat cells prevent cancer cells from forming. And we all want that, right?
Most students say they exercise because they want to live a healthy, active lifestyle. The SHC’s claim further promotes wellness and activity, even without a labeled study with it.
