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Cancer Prevention Tips

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This Sunday marks National Cancer Survivors Day, a celebration of survivors, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed and a gathering of support for families.

Prior to actually getting a diagnosis, the real question sitting in one’s mind is prevention. How can I defend myself from it? How much of it is out of my hands?

As proactive beings, it’s tough to realize there are some things we’re powerless over. From the environment around us, to our own genetic makeup, when it comes to cancer we can’t always cover every base.

However, this doesn’t mean we should throw in the towel. Similar to Motivo’s own driving force to reinvent the walker, we want to do all we can to thwart off potential inhibitors to our life.

So, here are a few simple things you can do TODAY to take control back. Not necessarily create a cancer prevention guarantee, but at least to stack the odds in your favor for overall increased health and wellness.

Eat the rainbow.

The color of your food can say a lot about its nutritional value. Try to base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources such as nuts, whole grains and beans. Focusing on fresh produce and eating a colorful diet can ensure you’re getting as many vitamins and minerals as possible.

This color-coded chart can help you pick the most nutritious produce.

Get moving.

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day. Moderate exercise such as brisk walking for two hours a week can cut your risk of breast cancer by 18%. You can also try a little yoga to get your body moving first thing in the morning. You’ll feel more energetic and alert all day long. If 30 minutes is intimidating, start with blocks of 10 or 15 minutes at a time and build yourself up to more.

Watch for our Active Actions series on Facebookfor more tips.

Avoid sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of six teaspoons (25 grams) of sugar per day for women, and nine teaspoons (37 grams) per day for men. Sugary drinks can be extremely high in calories increasing the potential of being overweight. It’s also important to read food labels and look for hidden sugars. If sugar is the first ingredient, steer clear. Sugar may also be disguised as fructose, lactose, sucrose, maltose, glucose and dextrose.

On the flip side, natural sugars such as agave nectar, honey and maple syrup have antioxidants that can protect your body from disease. Remember, everything in moderation.

 

In what ways do you take care of your health and wellness?  

We’d love to hear from you in the comments or on Facebook + Twitter.

References:

http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/everyday-cancer-prevention-tips

http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-topics/prevention-and-screening/food/cancersugar.html

Note: Motivo, makers of the Tour, the walker reinvented, does not provide medical advice. The information on this blog and site is general information for educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for any specific medical needs.