The importance of weight control, physical activity, and dietary patterns in reducing cancer risk needs to be stressed to all. It is also important to note that 80% of all types of cancer occur after the age of 55 but, we also know that more aggressive cancers hit younger targets.
So how many times does someone have to tell us that we must choose foods and beverages that help us maintain a healthy weight and if we are not at that optimum weight, it is time to take the reigns and get back to basics by eating 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits. I can hear my mom as I write this, "you can't get up from the table till you finish your vegetables." And how about whole grains rather than refined grains?
There still remains the guidelines : limit intake of processed and red meats as well as limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Overweight and obesity are definitely associated with increased risk for developing many cancers. Bottom line you have got to balance what goes in to the amount of energy that goes out. There are some people that have conditions that effect this ratio and have difficulties maintaining weight or losing weight but the majority of us are in the category that we eat too much or eat the wrong things and we don't use up enough of what we did eat so the body stores it. Also- those of you skipping breakfast.. wrong idea! That just makes your body hold on even tighter to what little it has as a squirrel stores up for the winter, your body will do the same to protect itself for the long awaited next meal.
Last, I need to emphasize exercise, consistent exercise. Adutls should engage in at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Park further away from the store you need to go into, walk instead of ride, do the stairs instead of the elevator.... think of creative ways to get active not only for your body but also your mind.
Ok, last but not least, I am not perfect but each day I try and some days I do better than others. Promoting changes in my life will continue to take time but I feel better for having tried to improve. Do I backslide? Yes and you will probably catch me as I eat my popcorn at the movie but I am working on it and that is all anyone can really expect. So get up, get out, and look to better choices. Make it a great day! S
Cancer Facts and Figures 2009- ACS