In Family Practice News, researchers from the University of Calgary reported on a study to determine if exercise might reduce symptoms of depression in cancer survivors.

The researchers studied 32 cancer patients with established clinical depression with a mean age of 59 years.

They were randomly assigned to follow either a home-based exercise program, a supervised exercise program, or usual care.

Both the home-based and the supervised exercise programs produced significant reductions in depressive scores after 12 weeks. The control group was found to have an increase in their depressive scores.

Exercise should be part of everyone’s daily activities. It is a better antidepressant than any medication.

I encourage all my patients to exercise. Walking is a wonderful activity that provides multiple health benefits. If you are not fit, start slow and build up gradually.