News Taffy

October is breast cancer awareness month. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and the various forms of cancer number two. Cancer and heart disease have more in common than that they kill thousands of people each year. You can help yourself prevent both using the same measures. That’s like a two for one sale!

First, know the warning signs of each disease. Anytime you notice something different, unusual or that concerns you about your body or the way you feel, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Catching diseases early leads to better outcomes.

Avoid smoking. You already know smoking causes cancer and heart disease so why are you still lighting up? Looking forward to feeling bad? Like hospital food? Rather spend your excess cash on medicine and doctor visits? Counting on an early death to avoid paying taxes?

Eat your fruits and vegetables. Why are you ignoring your mother’s advice? She was right, they are good for you in helping to prevent both diseases and a whole list of others.

Exercise! Our bodies were not meant to be still, they were meant to move. Get active and help your heart work more efficiently. Exercise also helps ward off certain cancers.

Know your family history. If your father, brother and two uncles died an early death from one of these diseases, you are at a high risk for developing them too. Keep a record of your family’s history so your children will have it as well.

Eat lean protein. Fatty, processed meats not only pack on the pounds but they can lead to cancer and clogged arteries. Fish, chicken and beans are much better forms of protein as long as they aren’t fried. Don’t drink too much.

A glass of red wine now and then may help your heart but that doesn’t mean a whole bottle every other night. The effects of too much alcohol on the body have been linked to both diseases.

Get screened. Get a mammogram or have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. Get other tests if your doctor feels them necessary.

If we took care of ourselves like we do our cars, we’d be much healthier. We wash, wax and vacuum our cars. We have the tires rotated and the oil changed. We wouldn’t dream of filling our tank with coca cola but use proper gasoline. Yet we won’t do the same for our bodies. We fill up on too much junk food, smoke and sit on our butt. No wonder we get sick and die young.

Yes, we all have to die some day from some thing. But before we pass from this life, we may suffer needlessly from our own doing. That first heart attack probably won’t kill you but you will begin a cycle of doctor visits, medicines and procedures in an effort to reclaim your health. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. What are you going to do?

Until next week,
Lisa