Cancer Risk Reduction - Does Lifestyle Matter

Cancer Risk Reduction & Lifestyle Changes

The thought of being diagnosed with cancer is enough to cause even the most brave hearted to be anxious. The younger we are the less likely we are to imagine that cancer poses much of a threat to us individually, but cancer is no respecter of person. It strikes the young as well as the old. What we do know however is that there are things we can do to decrease our risk of cancers.

One-third of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle choices. As with all diseases the choices we make can significantly increase or decrease our risks of getting them. A nutritious diet which includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and minimal to no animal products; daily physical activity; refraining from use of tobacco products and alcohol (alcohol consumption increases the risk of a handful of cancers); drinking five to eight glasses of water daily, and maintaining a healthy weight are beneficial for good health.

Yet another report by researchers from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund underscores the importance of these basic lifestyle principles, and encourages individuals at every level of society to be responsible for their health by making healthier choices and encouraging others to do the same.

Choosing to make a change is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. Implementing the change – whether including more fruits and vegetables in the diet, stop smoking, drinking more water – is the next step. Staying committed to change – making it a part of your daily practices will depend on how you value this change. The more importance you place on this change in terms of your health, quality of life, financial impact and family interactions the more likely you are to be successful.

Whatever change you wish to make, set your start date, share your goals with family or friends that are likely to be supportive and help to keep you on track. Start by making one change at a time. Trying to implement too many things at once may cause you to become overwhelmed and reduce your chance of success. As you successfully implement each change celebrate with something healthy.

Health is wealth. The money you save from medical expenses could go a long way in this economy.

Monica

for

Choose Health