December News

Nearly half of all cancers could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. At the start of this year, we introduced our Five Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Reduce Cancer Risk. Before 2017 comes to a close, consider making it your new year’s resolution to follow these healthy habits.

1. Avoid tobacco.

• Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of cancer. Cigarette smoking, secondhand smoking and smokeless tobacco (mainly chewing tobacco and snuff) all increase your risk for many different types of cancer.

2. Stay safe in the sun.

• A fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Keep your skin safe by doing the following.
  
  
• Use sunscreen.
  
  
• Seek shade.
  
  
• Wear sun-protective clothing.
  
  
• Wear a hat.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses.
  
  
• Avoid indoor tanning.

3. Know your family history.

• Understanding your family’s health history will make you aware of potential health threats. You and your doctor can decide which screening tests you should undergo and when you should start having these tests done.

4. Get your cancer screenings regularly.

• Cancer screening tests increase the likelihood of finding certain cancers when they’re at an early stage and are easier to treat. Three to 35 percent of cancer-causing premature deaths could be avoided through cancer screening tests.

5. Maintain a healthy weight.

• Exercise
• Adults should get either two and a half hours of moderate-intensity activity or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week. Exercising can help lower your risk for 13 types of cancer.
  
  
• Diet – Eat the Rainbow
• Two-thirds of your meal should include plant-based foods while the remaining third should include animal protein. Eat the rainbow by incorporating a variety of colors in your fruit and vegetable selections.
  
  
• Get plenty of rest
• Lack of sleep can increase your cancer risk and reduce life expectancy. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night to give you strength and lower your cancer risk.
  
  
• Practice stress relief
• Stress can negatively affect your overall quality of life and can eventually lead to serious health conditions. Try practicing stress relief techniques such as deep breathing and yoga to help reduce your stress levels.