Reduce cancer risk with these five lifestyle changes
There is no single sure way to completely avoid cancer. However, there are several ways to reduce your chances of developing cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research reports than nearly half of the most common cancers in the United States could have been prevented by changing harmful every day habits. Here are five ways to reduce your cancer risk from the Mayo Clinic. These lifestyle changes not only reduce cancer risk but also help prevent several other ailments from heart disease to diabetes.
1. Think about what you eat
Take steps to eat healthier. Try to focus on fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods like whole grains and beans as much as possible. Limit your intake of red meat and processed meats. Look for foods with phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring plant chemicals that can affect the chemical processes inside our bodies in helpful ways. Research has shown that phytochemicals can stimulate our immune system, block substances from becoming carcinogens, slow the growth rate of cancer cells and reduce inflammation that can lead to cancer growth. Plant-based foods highest in phytochemicals are brightly colored like berries or watermelon or have a strong flavor like broccoli or cantaloupe.
2. Have an active lifestyle at a healthy weight
Keeping an eye on the scales can help lower the risk of breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney cancer. One of the best ways to keep control of your weight is to have an active lifestyle with at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You don’t need to do all 30 minutes at the same time. A brisk ten minute walk three times a day or two fifteen minute workouts a day will provide the same health benefits.
3. Use sun protection regularly
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and is also the most preventable. Not only should you use sunscreen, try to stay in the shade, cover up exposed skin in the sun and avoid the midday sun as much as possible. Don’t be fooled by tanning beds or sunlamps. They are just a harmful as the sun’s rays.
4. Visit the doctor regularly
Getting regular medical care helps with early cancer detection. Take the doctor’s advice and get the recommended screenings for colon, breast, cervix and skin cancer. When detected early, cancer is easier to treat.
5. Avoid tobacco use
Smoking cigars or cigarettes or using chewing tobacco puts you on the road to a cancer diagnosis. Smoking has been shown to cause cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidneys. Simply being around someone who smokes increase your cancer risk through secondhand smoke. If you smoke, your doctor can help with products and strategies to stop smoking.
When cancer strikes
Each day there are advances in fighting cancer. Cancer death rates in the United States decreased for 11 of the 16 most common cancers in men and for 13 of the 18 most common cancers in women, according to a 2017 report from the American Cancer Society.
Recovering after cancer surgery or a hospital stay for cancer treatment can be a challenging time. This is why many people wisely choose to recover where they can be assured of getting the most focused and attentive care they can receive. Glenview Terrace recently renovated its post-hospital transitional care wing so that it is updated and ready to provide you with the best post-hospital rehabilitation possible. This wing features a new rehabilitation gym and a comfortable lounge for guests to visit with family and friends. Other thoughtful improvements have been made to address the special needs of the post-hospital guests.
A stay at Glenview Terrace is all about recovering as quickly as possible in an elegant setting. Amenities include tastefully appointed rooms with bathrooms featuring deluxe walk-in showers. Thoughtful extras for short-term rehabilitation guests include morning coffee and newspaper delivery as well as concierge services. The attractive, landscaped grounds with a spacious patio and tranquil fountain also provide a calming environment for a time of recovery.
When it is time for outstanding care after a hospital stay, consider Glenview Terrace where the focus is always to help get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.