5 TAKE-AWAY TIPS TO BEAT & DEFEAT CANCER

CANCER PROTECTION PUNCH LIST

Hi there Everyone and welcome to #Factual Friday. As we come to the end of April, we come to the end of NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL MONTH. So, it’s fitting to dedicate this week’s Blog to Cancer Prevention and 5 Great Take-Aways to Practice Every Day.

Now, we all know that we can’t protect ourselves completely from cancer. For example, we can’t change our genetic make-up. Our heredity is what it is. And, if a specific cancer runs in our family we always have a greater risk for developing that cancer as we age.

Similarly, we can’t change our ethnicity. We are born Asian, African American, Hispanic, Caucasian – or a combination of several different ethnic influences. And, we know that certain ethnicities run a greater risk for developing certain cancers.

Nor can we change our past exposure to pollution – or change the pesticides or chemicals or viruses to which we may have been exposed during our lifetime that could result in the development of cancer.

And, of course, we can’t eliminate solar radiation. We live in a world in which our atmosphere can greatly influence our risk for developing the three big skin cancers – basel cell, squamous cell and melanoma.

BUT – we can arm ourselves with INFORMATION and KNOWLEDGE. We can educate ourselves and exercise simple LIFESTYLE CHANGES that will go a long way in protecting us from cancers of every kind.

So, here is our CANCER PROTECTION PUNCH LIST—5 GREAT TAKE-AWAYS TO BEAT AND DEFEAT CANCER EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR:

• STOP IT! There is just no way around it. Tobacco use is bad for our health. In fact, one-third of all the cancers that occur each year could be prevented by eliminating the use of tobacco. And, we’re not just talking about smoking cigarettes. We also need to eliminate cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and second-hand smoke from another’s tobacco use. Tobacco is linked to the development of nearly every type of cancer and is the single biggest risk factor for developing this disease.
• IMPROVE IT! A good diet is essential for good health. We really are what we eat. So, what makes a good diet? Stick with one that’s low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and grains. Color also is good. Eat a variety of brightly colored foods – blueberries, strawberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, cherries and pumpkin. You get the idea. By making this simple lifestyle change we can eliminate another one-third of all cancers that affect people every year.
• WORK IT! Of course, exercise goes hand in hand with a proper diet. We need to move! But, it doesn’t have to be strenuous activity or involve hours spent in the gym each week. Get up and stretch. Do some yard work. Take a leisurely 15-minute walk. Vacuum the house. Just keep moving throughout the day. This will keep your immune system strong, your blood oxygenated and your digestion churning. All of which adds up to better health and a reduced risk for developing cancer.
• COVER IT! Skin cancer, including basel cell, squamous cell and melanoma is the most common cancer in the world. And, our skin is our largest organ – designed to protect every other organ. It is, therefore, essential to protect it from the damaging rays of the sun and the free radicals in the earth’s atmosphere. Make it a habit to use sunscreen on exposed skin every day – even if you work inside. Wear protective clothing. Always have a hat handy. And, don’t forget your sunglasses. These small measures will add up to a huge reduction in your risk for this cancer.
• INSPECT IT! And speaking of skin – ALWAYS have a full-body check EVERY YEAR. Make an appointment with your dermatologist. She or he will examine every inch of your skin – from your head to your toes. Your scalp. The soles of your feet. The back of your knees. And, it doesn’t matter what color your skin is. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. AND, in between your annual exam – if you notice any change in your skin such as redness, bumps, lumps, itchiness or a change in a mole – see your dermatologist immediately.

You see, it’s really not that complicated. These 5 SIMPLE TIPS may not sound particularly important but, adhering to them will help protect you from cancer and just may save your life.

By the year 2020, it has been estimated that 1 out of every 2 people will have or will have had cancer of some kind. It’s time to turn the table on this disease. And, always remember – the BEST DEFENSE is a STRONG OFFENSE. It’s time to be PRO-ACTIVE – not RE-ACTIVE.

After all – we are the Architects of our Lives – and the Guardians of our Health. Small steps lead to big changes. So, make it a priority!

Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!