Jonny Goldstein’s American Colon: Walking Can Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer & Exercise Boosts Survival 50%

Jonny became hyper aware of his body when his health took a turn. His doctor helped him understand that he shouldn’t be avoiding physical activity while recovering from cancer, and that walking would help his body to heal faster.

Self portrait by Jonny Goldstein

While Jonny Goldstein- artist, writer, and art educator from New York City- was recovering from surgery related to his colon cancer diagnosis, his oncologist asked about his exercise habits. “I still had this tube in me, and this bulb it was draining into that was, like, a safety-pinned device inside of my pants,” Jonny explained. “I'm taking it very easy. I just want to heal up, I don't want to mess anything up.” His doctor’s response? “You should be walking three miles a day.”

In episode 9 of Movement: the Science of the Self, host Elizabeth Pongo chats with Jonny, who is currently working on his graphic novel, American Colon, after surviving colon cancer.

A panel from Jonny Goldstein’s graphic novel American Colon

Being able to actually do things and get moving helped Jonny feel more like himself again. He attributes movement with helping him recover stronger, and encourages others that even if they have physical limitations, they can still do something to exercise.

Tune in to hear Jonny’s important story, and learn how vital walking and overall exercise are to health.