As I mentioned last week, the folks at the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter have reported that there are many factors under your control when it comes to preventing cancer. Begin by affirming daily, “I enjoy perfect health in body, mind and spirit.” Then add fuel to this intention with these nine practices:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products such as smokeless tobacco.
- Maintain a healthy weight; body fat is linked to increased cancer risk and chronic inflammation, another condition connected with cancer.
- Engage in physical activity most, if not all, days of the week – it’s never too late to start!
- Eat a healthy diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (in that order) and minimizing red meat, pork and salt-preserved foods.
- Drink alcohol in moderation if at all (1 drink for women, 2 for men per day).
- Minimize high-heat cooking of meat, fish and poultry; this includes grilling and pan-frying.
- Minimize sun exposure and use sunscreen as the instructions indicate; most people under-apply and then fail to reapply.
- Limit exposure to radiation from medical testing; discuss the pros, cons, and alternatives for all testing with your doctor.
- Minimize your exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution; I’m sorry that wood burning, candles, air fresheners, and incense are among the worst culprits!
Source: UC Berkeley WellnessLetter Special Supplement Preventing Cancer