Daily HealthBeat Tip

Healthier cells

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Chemotherapy and radiation are crucial weapons in helping women beat breast cancer. But treatments that kill cancer cells can also weaken other cells, such as the T cells that help to fight infection. The question is how to boost those immune cells. And a study supported by the National Institutes of Health indicates being physically active can help.

Researcher Andrea Mastro of Penn State had women who'd just finished treatment do some muscle-building and aerobic exercise. Not only did the women get stronger and more fit, they felt more positive about life � and they seemed to grow more infection-fighting T cells.

Mastro says it's a clear win for being active:

"From a mental point of view, an immune system point of view, and a physical point of view, I'd definitely recommend it. Just make sure that (you) get some help and some training to get started." (9 seconds)

HHS Healthbeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: September 6, 2005

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