Think PREVENTION!
Never a nice topic to talk about but one that should not be ignored: CANCER, it’s got to be one of the most feared words today. The likely hood of knowing someone that has not been affected in some way by caner either personally or with a family member or friend, is very slim.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that over 30% of cancers can be prevented and some organisations report this number to be even higher.
The need for a cure continues and is necessary however an equal amount of effort must be put on prevention. The WHO lists the following as the top 5 causes of cancer:
1. Tobacco use
2. Being Overweight
3. Low Fruit & Vegetable Intake
4. Physical Inactivity
5. Alcohol Use
This is SHOCKING! All of these causes are in your control. To think that simply eating more fruit and vegetables, exercising, cutting back on alcohol and not smoking could significantly decrease your chances of getting cancer. Here are a few suggestions and things to think about:
1. Tobacco Use - There is a lot of free support for people wishing to kick this habit. Addiction is never easy to overcome however with the various tools and forms of support it is possible.
2. Being Overweight or Obese – For many people this is a constant struggle. It’s crucial the weight is lost in a healthy and realistic way, crash diets will only make the problem worse. Adapt a balance of healthy eating and exercise and cut out all the foods that are causing the problem such as: processed foods, fast food, soft drinks, etc. Mostly remember: You need to eat to lose fat, it’s what you eat that’s important.
3. Low Fruit & Vegetable Intake – Where do you think vitamins and minerals come from? We have become so far removed from our food and the nutrients that it provides us with. Many people are quicker to reach for their multivitamins before they reach for an apple. To top it off there is evidence that taking isolated vitamins may actually cause more harm than good. Stick to the real thing and top up with fruit juices and concentrated fruit powders to fill the gap.
4. Physical Inactivity – Lack of time and laziness are more often the reason for people not taking part in a physical activity. Find something that you love to do. You’re a lot more likely to stick with a sport or activity that you like. There are all sorts of options: join a gym, running club, dancing lessons, martial arts…
5. Alcohol Use – We’re not saying don’t have it but cut back! One to two glasses of red wine (a week) can even be good for you but several doesn’t make it better.
There is a lot more to this horrific disease and it is true that many cancers can not be prevented or cured but if you can make a few changes to decrease your chances, then why not make them.
