Staying in the pink of condition

Exercise buffs in Northland want to push the healthy living message as both a preventive measure and a way to recover from cancer.

With pink being the colour of breast cancer awareness, participants and trainers at an Activ8 Northland bootcamp session at Mair Park wore pink yesterday to show they were taking action against the disease.

Activ8 personal trainer Nancy Rishworth said being fit and active in both mind and body was proven scientifically to help prevent, and recover from, cancer.

A client diagnosed with breast cancer opted for a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, rather than a full mastectomy. The woman supplemented her treatment with walking and light strength training, "and she's remained healthy for the last five years," Ms Rishworth said. Exercise was particularly important in breast cancer prevention, as the oestrogen in a woman's fat-stores promoted cancer receptors - so the less body fat, the lower risk of cancer.

NZ Breast Cancer Foundation collectors were out in Northland for Pink Ribbon Day yesterday, with some out again today as well.