Do Your Part During Cancer Prevention Month

It’s time to put up your purple ribbons with pride for February’s Cancer Prevention Month. Now is the time to make lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk of cancer.

We’ve got tips and advice so you can make positive changes to your overall health and protect yourself down the road.

Start With Your Plate

Pay attention to what you’re putting in your body because it affects more than just your waistline. Keep two-thirds of your plate filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. A plant-based diet is a good source of phytochemicals – a chemical compound that fights pathogens – that protects cells from cancer-causing damage.

Get Active

A healthy meal plan is only a piece of the puzzle, so you’ll need to complement your dietary efforts with regular exercise. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at risk of weight gain and obesity. Excess body fat releases levels of hormones that can promote cancerous growth. Studies suggest 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week to maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid Smoking And Drinking

Tobacco ingestion in any form – smoking, chewing, or second-hand – puts you at risk for developing lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix, or kidney cancers. Second-hand smoke is especially dangerous since the inhaled smoke is unfiltered.

Alcohol also contains carcinogens, and excessive consumption has been linked to breast, colorectum, and liver cancers, among others. Cut out alcohol altogether or limit your consumption to one drink for a day for women, and two for men.

Laze In The Shade

The sun is a great source of Vitamin D, but skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer. Luckily there are easy steps to take to protect yourself every day.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Find shade or wear a hat
• Cover up with bright, loose-fitting clothing to reflect the sun’s rays
• Avoid being in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the rays are the most intense

Embassy Healthcare offers nutrition services and bariatric services to keep you healthy and happy. To learn more about our communities and services, call us at 888-975-1379 or contact us online.