NEWSLETTER
June 2023
Welcome to the Maina Foundation Newsletter!
Just Do It! Exercise and Cancer Prevention
By Manju Soni
Hi Friends,
It’s June and welcome to another edition of the Maina Foundation newsletter. And, in corporate-speak, it’s time for that dreaded mid-year review 🙂 In our case, the mid-year health review.
The most important question is whether you’ve had your screening tests and preventative treatments. The next most important question is—have you been eating healthy and working out. I have to be honest, I’m flunking my review, I had a very busy first half of this year and barely had time to work out. But… I’m trying to get back into it. I promise.
In this newsletter, I’m lacing up my sneakers and dusting off the cobwebs, to unravel the mysteries of the working out universe, one dumbbell at a time.
It turns out that breaking a sweat can actually help you ward off those unruly cancer cells. So, let’s dive in and uncover the reasons behind this powerful connection.
1. Supercharge your immunity
Believe it or not, your body is a marvelous fighting machine. And one of the most important weapons in your arsenal is your immune system. Within this system, killer cells are the main warriors against rogue cancer cells.
Science nerd alert – Watch this gorgeous video:
Killer T Cell: The Cancer Assassin by Cambridge University
So how do we boost our immune systems to keep them in fighting condition? A good diet and exercise of course. In this paper by Xu and Rogers from Penn State University, a number of studies show strong epidemiological evidence that physical activity strengthens the immune system’s surveillance capabilities, by increasing the number, the activation, and the ability to kill, of the body’s killer cells.
And the benefit is seen not only in preventing cancer, but also in the spread and ability to fight cancer in patients who already have it.
So, exercise is your secret weapon! Let’s suit up, grab your cape (or your favorite workout gear), and get ready to fight cancer like the superhero you are.
2. Sweating Out the Toxins
Did you know, when you work up a sweat, you’re not only burning calories but also releasing toxins through your pores. These toxins include harmful substances that could potentially trigger cancerous cell growth. By engaging in regular exercise, you’re giving your body a natural cleanse, flushing out those unwanted intruders and reducing your cancer risk. So, don’t be afraid to break a sweat—your body will thank you!
3. A Balancing Act for Hormones
Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our bodies. However, certain hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of developing cancer. The good news is that exercise can help regulate hormone levels and keep them in check. Physical activity has been shown to decrease the production of estrogen, a hormone linked to breast and uterine cancers. So, by staying active, you’re not only keeping your body fit but also creating a harmonious hormonal symphony that cancer cells can’t stand!
4. Kicking Inflammation to the Curb
Inflammation, the body’s response to injury or infection, is a double-edged sword. While acute inflammation is necessary for healing, chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health issues, including cancer. But fear not! Exercise comes to the rescue once again. Regular physical activity has been found to reduce chronic inflammation in the body, thereby lowering the risk of developing various types of cancer. It’s time to give inflammation the boot and get moving!
5. A Happier Mind, a Healthier Body
We can’t talk about exercise without mentioning its incredible impact on mental well-being. Exercise is a natural mood booster, releasing endorphins that bring about feelings of happiness and relaxation. But what does this have to do with cancer prevention? Well, studies have shown that chronic stress and negative emotions can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to cancer. By engaging in regular exercise, you’re not only keeping your mind happy but also fortifying your body’s defenses against cancer. It’s a win-win situation!
Remember, dear readers, prevention is key when it comes to cancer. So, lace up those sneakers, find an activity you enjoy, and let exercise be your ally in the fight against this formidable disease. Let’s show cancer who’s boss, one workout at a time.
News!
In some exciting news, Dr. Anitha Srinivasan, MD, MPH, FACS, Deputy Medical Director, Director of Perioperative Services, Director of the Breast Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Metropolitan, and a scientific advisor for Maina Foundation for the past ten years, was one of four leaders among 350 physicians across 35 states and 63 specialties named to Castle Connolly’s inaugural list of ‘Top Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Doctors‘ for their medical expertise and culturally-responsive care.
The physicians who made the list were all nominated by their peers and then evaluated for criteria including professional reputation, hospital appointments, and education.
Dr. Srinivasan also often visits Maina Foundation project sites when she visits India.
Maina Foundation has been supporting Health + Hospitals/ Metropolitan since 2019 with donations to benefit women from underserved communities get advanced diagnostics for cancer care.
Congratulations Dr. Srinivasan!!
More News!
Another piece of exciting news is we may be on the brink of the next big breakthrough in cancer — a vaccine that may boost the ability of the body’s killer cells to find and kill cancer cells. And some new vaccines in development use mRNA, which was developed for cancer but first used for COVID-19 vaccines.
Until next month friends—stay healthy, stay active, and do your preventative tests!
Thank you for reading!
Manju Soni (she/her) (pen name: M. J. Soni) is a former eye surgeon turned author. She is the author of Defying Apartheid, her debut nonfiction book that captures her experiences of being a young activist against apartheid. Her short fiction and essays has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Akashic Books, Apeiron Review and The Establishment. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Color and Sisters in Crime (National and Connecticut).
https://manjusoni.com | https://twitter.com/MJSoniWrites
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