Cancer is rated as the No.1 health concern among Americans
according to a survey from the American Institute for
Cancer Research (AICR). Americans also believe cancer is
impossible to prevent and blame the disease on factors they
cannot control such as hormones in beef and pesticides on
food.
I find this fatalistic mindset upsetting. I know many who
have lived an intentional life of wellness and have
experienced health and long life. There is also ample
research that links cancer risk to things we can control ,
such as diet, physical activity and weight gain.
The World Cancer Research Fund and (AICR) issued an
encouraging report titled: Food, Nutrition, Physical
Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global
Perspective. A few of their findings:
1. Excess body fat increases the risk of many forms of
cancer including pancreas, colon, kidney, endometrium, and
postmemopausal breast cancer. The report urges us to limit
our intake of processed foods especially those high in
sugar and fat and low in fiber. We are urged to consume
five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily and
involve ourselves in physical activity at least 30 minutes
daily.
2. Red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer:
Researchers recommend limiting consumption to 18 onces
(cooked) per week. I say is better to reduce red meat
consumption to less than 18 onces per. month and continue
reducing the amount until you are rarely consuming red
meat. Researchers say beyond the 18 ounces every 1.7 ounces
or red meat you consume daily increases your cancer risk by
15 percent. Process meats such as ham, bacon, sausage, and
lunch meat are highly discouraged and for every 1.7 ounces
of processed meat consumed per day you increase your risk
of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. This is not on the
front page of your local newspaper because of the money
behind the meat. We must take this seriously if we expect
to stay healthy and improve the health of our country. Pass
this on to your neighbors send this web site around to
others you care about.
3. Alcohol is linked to many cancers as well in both men
and women. Because small amounts of alcohol can protect
against heart disease, the panel decided to recommend
limiting rather than avoiding consumption. I find there are
plenty of other beneficial fruits and vegetables that we do
not have to include the risk of regular alcohol consumption
in order to protect our hearts.
These are a few of the many things we all have control
over. Start today improving your dietary choices and
experience a life of long health and options. We are not
guaranteed much in life but this report and many other have
shown you can make lifestyle choices that will reduce your
risk.
I will agree these choices require personal commitment and
follow threw that require dedication. Everyone is not
committed to the work until the diagnosis is brought down.
I have talked to many individuals diagnosed with cancer and
they all say they knew they could have made better choices
but just did not do it.
Today if you do not have cancer or some other degenerative
disease such as heart disease, liver disease or hardening
of the arteries you have options and you are still in
control. Knowing how you should live is only one step in
the process. Having a reason to live comes before
knowledge so your first step is your personal reason.
I wanted to be healthy and raise healthy children 30 years
ago when I choose to commit to life long health. I wanted
to feel good and free to live a long life of joy and
contribution. That is how I am wired. How are you wired?
What motivates you? What would you like to do?
I read all that was available at the time and went out
searching for answers to health and wellness. This
knowledge is not new it is easier to find these days so why
do we have so many falling to disease?
Find your motivation, define your course, make a commitment
and then find a supportive group of friends to take the
journey with. There are health supportive groups is most
cities and on line forums as well. Fight the fight, run
the race, stay the course. A life of health and wellness
is necessary if you want any other pleasures of life.
----------------------------------------------------
If you look around, you will see everywhere there are
support systems to equip you in your quest for health and
wellness. I want this article to motivate and inspire you
in the direction of health and personal power. I know if
you have physical health it is more likely you will have
spiritual and emotional health as well. Start today! Get
health.
No comments:
Post a Comment