A Blueprint to Beat Cancer
Yesterday, the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Fund released the newest edition of Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective. While this authoratative report is over 12,000 pages, the recommendations are summarized in 10 simple steps you can take. PositiveTip: Take this "Cancer Health Check" to compare your lifestyle with the new…
Read MoreGetting Cancer is More than Just Bad Luck
Cancer is not caused mainly by "bad luck." The authors of a recent paper based this conclusions on estimates of random cell mistakes (mutations) made during cell replication. While genetic mutations are involved in cancers, these may be caused by external and modifiable factors such as adopting a healthy lifestyle. PositiveTip: Clear evidence supports the value…
Read MoreHeart Attack Risk Linked to Emotions
A study of over 12,000 individuals who had experienced their first myocardial infarction (MI) found being emotionally upset and engaging in intense physical activity may trigger an MI. This case-crossover study demonstrated that compared to the control period, the risk increased 2.31 times for extreme physical exertion, 2.44 times for anger and emotional upset, and…
Read MoreOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
AICR estimates nearly 81,400 women--or one-third of US breast cancer cases could be prevented by 3 simple steps. Get to and stay at your healthy weight. Fit activity into your day--at least 30 minutes. Avoid alcohol--even small amounts increase risk. Download and print this infographic, then place it at your work, church, or club to help others…
Read MorePhysical Inactivity Leads to Higher Cancer Risk
More than a quarter of adults in America age 50+ reported no physical activity outside of work during the past month--that is about 31 million people at higher risk for obesity, heart disease, and cancer. The largest demographic of inactive people was in the South. The American Institute for Cancer Research reports too much body…
Read MoreProcessed Meats Classified as Cause of Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer released an evaluation of red and processed meat consumption that has created a small media frenzy. An international group of scientists, after a careful review of the accumulated data, has classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans based on sufficient evidence, and red meat as probably carcinogenic to humans based on limited evidence. …
Read MoreLifelong Cancer Prevention
You know healthy habits can reduce the risk of cancer and other health issues. Did you know the sooner those habits start, the greater the impact they will have? The American Institute for Cancer Research has many practical activities and tips to help you adopt a low-risk lifestyle for your home. Checkout this printable chart and place…
Read MoreVaping Seems to Lead to Smoking
Researchers following a group of high school students found using e-cigarettes significantly predicts future cigarette or other smokable tobacco product use. E-cigarette users were 4.27 times (P>0.001) more likely to use "combustible tobacco products" (cigarettes, tobacco hookah, and cigars) and 2.65 times (P>0.001) more likely to become cigarette smokers than those never using e-cigarettes. Vaping has tripled in U.S. middle and high school students in the last year! PositiveTip:…
Read MoreThe Need for Critical Evaluation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation aired an investigative documentary (later withdrawn) discussing the side-effects of statins. They reported an"increased risk of 50 percent" for diabetes, which would more accurately be described as a change from two people out of 200 with diabetes to three people out of 200. Researchers estimate an extra 28,000 Australians stopped taking these cholesterol-lowering meds after the documentary aired.…
Read MoreGood Advice for Cancer Survivors
A lot is known today about how food, diet and physical activity relate to the health of those who survive cancer. The American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) in partnership with the World Cancer Fund provides some very practical guidelines to reduce future risk. These include focusing on a mostly plant-based diet, avoiding even small amounts of…
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