Happy February everyone! It’s the month of Valentine’s Day, a day to be with loved ones and to celebrate with flowers, candlelight and candy. But, in honor of February which is also National Cancer Prevention Month, I’d like to expand on this tradition.
For in truth, one of the best things we can do for our loved ones is to remain healthy, vibrant and energetic. The gift of good health is our trump card. It’s the one thing that allows us to experience and enjoy all the other aspects of our life.
Accordingly, let’s take a few moments to review my five steps of cancer prevention. Not quite as much fun as eating chocolate perhaps, but vitally important in maintaining our good quality of life.
First, we must remember that out of all the cancers in the world, it has been estimated that one-third of those cancers can be prevented and another third can be detected early and treated successfully! So, let’s work to keep ourselves and our loved ones in these two-thirds by doing the following:
1) REMOVE IT: This, of course, refers to tobacco use. To ALL forms of tobacco use. Not just cigarette smoking, but also the elimination of cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco. The use of tobacco has been linked to several cancers and in the United States alone is believed to be responsible for one-third of all cancer deaths each year. Now, it’s not necessary to stop cold turkey. Be practical and start small. If you smoke cigarettes, begin by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily by one. Then, try reducing that number by two. And, so on. Small steps will take us where we want to be!
2) IMPROVE IT: Diet is so important not only for cancer prevention, but for our overall general health. Again, start small. Don’t bite off more than you can chew:) Perhaps try eating one more fruit or vegetable each day. Or try substituting a lean protein like fish or chicken once or twice a week in place of red meat. Or have a big glass of water instead of your usual soft drink. You will start to feel better and you’ll be better equipped to maintain a healthy weight. Again, step by step. Little changes in our daily routine will make a difference.
3) WORK IT: Exercise! This is such an important part of body and health maintenance. And, again, this doesn’t mean you should go out and start running three miles a day. This means you should just get up and just move! Walk in place for a few minutes the first day. Try to add another minute the next day. And, so on. If you can’t stand up or walk, try raising your arms above your head – or tap your hands on your knees. Move your head from side to side. Little movements add up. Indeed, fitness guru (and one of my personal idols) Denise Austin says that twelve minutes a day of movement is all a person needs to maintain health and weight. So, start with two minutes a day – and work your way up!
4) PROTECT IT: The most common cancer in the world is skin cancer. This includes basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma. What can you do? Simple. Cover up. Practice good sun sense. Always apply a sunscreen to exposed skin – even if you work indoors! Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses when outdoors. Try to stay out of the sun during the peak hours from 11:00AM and 2:00PM. These are easy steps you can incorporate into your daily life today!
5) INSPECT IT: Visit your dermatologist once every year. Have a Full Body Scan to detect any sign of skin cancer – no matter what your skin color may be. This is so important because most skin cancers are the result of past sun exposure – exposure that may go back to your childhood. AND ALWAYS undergo the proper screening procedures including mammograms, PAP smears, PSA tests, colonoscopies and anything else that your physician deems necessary for your individual needs and circumstances. And, of course, always check with your physician before making any lifestyle changes – no matter how small.
So start today! Right now! Little steps. One foot in front of the other. Make it a Valentine’s Day gift to yourself and your loved ones. No matter what your personal goal is, each day will become easier. And you, my friends, will be on the road to better health and cancer prevention!
Take The Course – And Take Charge!
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