Exercise intensity linked to lower cancer risk: British Journal of Sports Medicine

Objective: There is lack of evidence to show the role of exercise intensity in the prevention of cancer mortality since no previous studies have shown this relation. Thus, we assessed the relationship of leisure-time physical activity with cancer mortality.

Methods: Participants were from a population-based sample of 2560 men from Eastern Finland with no history of cancer at baseline. Physical activity was assessed using the 12-Month Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. During an average follow-up of 16.7 years, a total of 181 cancer related deaths occurred.

Results: An increase of 1.2 METs (one standard deviation in metabolic equivalents) in the mean intensity of leisure-time physical activity was related to a decrease (RR=0.85, 95 % CI 0.72 to 0.99) in cancer mortality mainly due to lung and gastrointestinal cancers, after adjustment for age, examination year, alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index, and energy, fibre and fat intake. Men with leisure-time physical activity of more than 5.2 METs (highest quartile) had a lower (RR=0.63, 95 % CI 0.40 to 0.99) cancer mortality compared with men whose mean intensity of physical activity was less than 3.7 METs (lowest quartile). The mean intensity of physical activity was related to the risk of cancer death among men who exercised at least 30 minutes per day on average.

Conclusions: This prospective study indicates that the mean intensity of leisure-time physical activity is inversely associated with the risk of premature death from cancer in men.

Intensity of leisure-time physical activity and cancer mortality in men, British Journal of Sports Medicine, July 2009

You're doing it wrong!

I know that you two train together but do you guys really have to get scanned together? As long as the two of you weigh less than 350 lbs I suppose it can't really hurt.

Big changes for Bodycomp

It’s been a while since I have last updated the blog. I apologize to you humble internet, for we all know there is nothing more tiresome than stale information and stagnant blogs. I have an excuse. I have several actually. Bodycomp has gone though a metamorphosis of sorts. I’m actually tempted to make phoenix analogies but I’d prefer not to jinx the DXA scanner into bursting into flames, especially not while one of you fine people is laying on top of it, getting scanned.
So Bodycomp is now a full time operation with a permanent address in downtown Vancouver. I’ve taken a leave from my job as a Nuclear Medicine tech at St. Paul’s hospital to go at it alone. Ruth has stepped away from Bodycomp to focus on improving her health personally, and Jordan Savory has joined Bodycomp to assist with scanning duties on Mondays.

Having an office downtown has changed the focus of our business significantly. It is now much easier for clients that work or live downtown to schedule an appointment throughout the day. I am going to miss providing scans up at Whistler at the health fair or setting up the trailer at one of the cycling races around town. We will also be doing less research studies as we are no longer able to visit the outer reaches of the Metro region.
However, I believe change happens for a reason. I’m looking forward to meeting more of the incredible athletes that train downtown and am also happy to meet their trainers, coaches and support staff. Vancouver is at a very exciting time is it’s existence, and I’m very happy to building Bodycomp with so many complimentary activities happening all around. I look forward to seeing you soon

Richmond Oval is incredible

I'm a little late to the party but that's fine by me. I had my first look at the new Richmond Oval yesterday and am blown away by the scale and style of the building.

I had read about the use of pine beetle damaged wood in the construction, but I didn't expect it to be so visually stunning. Wiki says it better than I can:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Olympic_Oval

Global TV has Bodycomp doing the body composition scans for their lifestyle challenge so we were scanning the second half of the participants. The first piece should air on Global on Feb 23rd. The second scan and change in muscle and fat measurements will come in June.