Q: Does regular participation in aerobic exercise lower an individual's risk of developing cancer?

A: Exercise is widely accepted as beneficial to health, reducing the chance of heart disease and stroke. Regular exercise could also help prevent the development of cancer, and even help cancer sufferers make a more successful recovery. The combined results of 15 studies on physical activity at the University of Bristol found that regular exercise reduced the chance of developing bowel cancer by between 40% and 50%. Where exercise may not always directly have an effect, research suggests that exercise often modifies some of the risk factors associated with certain kinds of cancer. There is already evidence that obesity can increase the chance of developing breast cancer and those of the female reproductive system. In turn, regular exercise has been shown to help promote weight loss therefore removing this risk factor. To reduce their risk of cancer, and for general health, people should aim to engage in physical activity of at least moderate intensity, 3-5 times per week for 30 minutes. It is important to remember that as beneficial as exercise is, it will not offset the effects of a high-fat diet or smoking. Still, it can contribute, even indirectly, to a reduced risk of cancer and is an integral part of many cancer prevention and recovery programs.

Q: Will I lose body fat more efficiently by performing my aerobic workouts at a low, rather than a high, intensity?

A: While a larger percentage of fat calories are burned during low-intensity exercise, high-intensity exercise burns more total calories and you lose more weight and body fat when you expend more calories than you consume, not because you specifically burn fat (or anything else) when you exercise. Less intense exercise does have its benefits though. For example, many overweight people tend to find that lower-intensity exercise is more comfortable, and may therefore be more willing to engage in such workouts until they have begun to lose weight and their fitness levels have improved. The point to remember is that low-intensity workouts do, in fact, promote weight and fat loss. You just have to do them for a longer period of time. Low-intensity aerobic exercise, however, is not a better or more effective way to lose weight than more intense physical activity - the idea of a "fat-burning zone" is really a myth.

Q: I’m going to start cycling to and from work for extra exercise. What precautions should I take to avoid being involved in a biking accident?

A: I have personally been involved in a road cycling accident, so I am glad to hear you are putting thought into all additional precautions. Bright-colored clothing, reflective vests and bright flashing lights can help a great deal in making cyclists more visible so get kitted up before you start your new commute. Motorists frequently report not having seen a bike in time to avoid a collision - this may be because they are not paying enough attention, but it is your responsibility to be as visible as possible and ensure that you are always alert and aware of other vehicles on the road. Remember, cyclists have the same traffic rights and responsibilities as other motorists. You must travel with the flow of traffic, signal your intentions and obey all the laws of the road. Keep close to the left-hand curb to allow cars to pass, except when preparing to make a right-hand turn when you should move towards the middle of the road when it is safe to do so. The most common traffic violations committed by cyclists include failure to yield the right-of-way, traveling too fast for the road conditions, not obeying the traffic signs or signals, or making improper turns. If you stay aware of other traffic on the road and are always highly visible you will be taking all the necessary precautions and cycling to work will help to keep you fit and reduce commuter stress. However, in the unlikely event you do end up in a road cycling accident, the majority of cycling deaths and permanent disabilities are the result of severe head trauma you so please always wear a protective helmet. Good luck and enjoy your ride. Please insert your text here.