Boxing, walking help women stay healthy after breast surgery

Hong Kong Catherine Leung Lam Yuk-ying, 77, is staying healthy after a mastectomy thanks to boxing and walking 11,000 steps a day.

Catherine is small in stature, but can knock out men many times her size. Once a week, in her apartment in the Western district of Kowloon, she puts on boxing gloves and attends a training session with a trainer.

Catherine has understood the importance of leading a healthy and active life since 2019, when she underwent a double mastectomy, which was recommended by her doctor after abnormal cells were found that could potentially develop into cancer.

Catherine’s condition is called stage 0 cancer, which means the abnormal cells look like cancer under a microscope and are localized to where they formed and have not spread. These cells can become cancerous and spread to normal tissue if left untreated. Having a prophylactic double mastectomy was a big decision, but Catherine has no regrets.

To maintain her health after surgery, she exercises daily with discipline. In the morning, Catherine completes an hour-long boxing session and walks 11,000 steps, well above the recommended 10,000 steps a day to improve fitness and prevent chronic disease.

Experts have pointed out the many benefits of walking. Recent research from the University of Cambridge, UK, shows that walking 11 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and some cancers.

Catherine Leung Lam Yuk-ying poses with her favorite boxing gloves. Photo: Xiaomei Chen — Catherine Leung Lam Yuk-ying poses with her favorite boxing gloves. Photo: *Xiaomei Chen*

Last year, a study of 2,000 people found that taking 7,000 steps a day reduced the risk of death by 50% to 70% compared to those who took less. The average age of the study participants was 45, and they were followed for 11 years.

At 77, Catherine said she maintains a healthy daily routine, occasionally traveling . On her 70th birthday, she still played drums with her family. "I play drums, my husband plays guitar and sings. He loves Elvis," she said.

It is the joy of life and positive attitude that energizes and keeps Catherine's heart healthy and young. More and more research shows the benefits of social participation and activities on overall health. In early 2023, research from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University found that frequent social interaction can prolong life.

Catherine often boxed with her close friend Jesse Lau, 80. The pair met nearly 30 years ago in Sydney, after moving to Australia in the early 90s.

"In Australia, we had a great time. We met for dinner and played mahjong. It kept my mind clear," Catherine recalls.

Before boxing, the two also decided to do yoga together in the apartment, with an instructor. Catherine and Jesse did some stretching, then meditated and played mahjong for a few hours, then stopped and continued stretching.

Thuc Linh (According to SCMP )

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