Researchers have known for some time that being overweight puts people at an increased risk of certain types of cancer. A recent report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) shows just how great that risk is.

The report, which looked at the relationship between cancer and risk factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excess weight, found that more than 100,000 cancers in the United States each year are linked to too much body fat. Approximately 17% of breast cancers are linked to carrying extra weight, AICR researchers estimated.

"The evidence is clear: If people sustain a normal body weight and remain physically active throughout life, it will have a major impact on cancer incidence," said Laurence N. Kolonel, MD, PhD, deputy director of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and a member of the expert panel who crunched the numbers.

American Cancer Society researchers were among the first to uncover the connection between being overweight and cancer risk. A 2003 Society study of more than 900,000 men and women found the heaviest men had death rates from all cancers combined that were 52% higher than the rates among normal-weight men. The heaviest women had cancer death rates 62% higher than normal-weight women, the study found.

Why does being overweight make a person more likely to get cancer? Several factors are thought to be at work, says Kolonel. Excess body fat appears to increase the amount of hormones like estrogen circulating in the body, and it can also disrupt how the body processes insulin. Both of those factors have been linked to an increased cancer risk. In addition, Kolonel says, "Being overweight creates low-grade inflammation in the body, and there's a lot of research going on right now that links chronic inflammation to cancer." Reducing your risk - Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to control your risk.

The American Cancer Society recommends balancing calorie intake with physical activity. Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day, choose whole grains over processed grains, and limit red meat. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity 5 days a week or more. Moderate activities include walking, skating, canoeing, or yoga - anything that makes you breathe as hard as you would on a brisk walk. Vigorous activities are those that make you breathe harder and break a sweat, like jogging, running, basketball, or cross-country skiing.

For help with eating right and getting active, check out the American Cancer Society's new online Web site at eatrightgetactive.org. The site has an online food journal so you can track what and how much you eat, and can help you set and track your progress on exercise and diet goals – like eating those 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

You may be surprised to learn that regular massage is an important part of the treatment plan for many chronic conditions, and even speeds healing after surgery.  Here are just six of the many ways massage can benefit you or someone you know.

Curb Carpal Tunnel - Carpal tunnel is a painful condition in which the median nerve that connects the forearm to the hand is pinched at the wrist.  Symptoms include burning, tingling or numbness in the palm, thumb and middle fingers, and difficulty forming a fist or gripping small objects.  A study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement reported that patients receiving regular massage had less pain, reduced symptoms and improved grip strength.

Fight Fibromyalgia - A chronic condition characterized by muscle pain, fatigue and tenderness, symptoms can be triggered by stress and lack of sleep.  Regular massage relieves stress and alleviates muscle pain, discomfort and spasms in fibromyalgia sufferers, and is one of the most effective complementary treatments according to the National Fibromyalgia Association.

Reduce Respiratory Illness - When muscles in the front and back of the upper body are tightened and shortened it restricts normal breathing.  Massage lengthens and relaxes these muscles, improving breathing capacity that can be reduced due to sinus conditions and allergies.  Massage also strengthens the immune system, reducing the likelihood of chronic respiratory illness.

Arrest Arthritis Pain  - Tissue between the bones that allows the joints to move easily, and when that tissue breaks down, the result is arthritis.  The muscles tighten to protect the area, which actually makes the condition more painful.  Regular massage loosens the muscles, works on the connective tissue, tendons and ligaments, and stimulates the production and retention of the natural lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, thereby reducing the pain caused by arthritis.

Lower High Blood Pressure - Millions of Americans have high blood pressure, leaving them vulnerable to heart attack and stroke.  Studies show that a consistent massage program can decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure.

Speed Post-Surgical - Healing Regular massage after surgery can help get you back on your feet by increasing circulation, relaxing muscles and improving joint movement and flexibility.  It’s even been found to promote tissue regeneration and reduce post-surgical adhesions and swelling.

Massage Envy therapists will customize your massage to meet your individual needs.  First time guests receive a one hour customized session for only $39 and discount packages are available.  That’s relief from chronic pain you can afford.  Visit MassageEnvy.com to find the clinic nearest you.

By Tina M. Gottlieb, D.C.

In this country we talk a lot about health care. If you think about it, most people don't practice health care. Instead, they practice sickness care by going to the doctor only when they have symptoms or when symptoms are so severe they can't stand them anymore. The problem is that many diseases can be asymptomatic for months or even years as they progress. You can feel fine, even though you are not.  

What type of care do you get? Do you receive health care? If so, you visit your primary doctor at least once a year and schedule preventative visits with your dentist, eye doctor and chiropractor. Preventative screenings along with regular exercise, good nutrition and enough sleep, along with being proactive about your health is all part of practicing health care. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover everything, it takes far less time and money to invest in prevention and wellness health care than to practice sickness care. Start thinking about your health care today. Talk to your doctor about what you could be doing to stay proactive about your wellness.

Dr. Tina Gottlieb is a chiropractor in Temecula.  She can be reached at (951) 699-5161. For more information, visit www.drtinachiropractic.com.