New Years Resolutions To Cancer-Proof Your Life!
Posted by Lynne Eldridge MD at 12/31/2007 4:25 AM 
Categories: New Years resolutions, Five to nine, houseplants, cancer prevention, Radon
Categories: New Years resolutions, Five to nine, houseplants, cancer prevention, Radon
10 New Years Resolutions To "Cancer-Proof" Your Life
Resolution 1: Have your home tested for radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Read our July 2007 blog entry to learn how to detect it.
Resolution 2: Make a "no-shoes" policy in your home.
Wearing shoes indoors can bring in carcinogens from asphalt and chemical lawn treatment. It also increases the need for carpet cleaning, and exposure to the chemicals in carpet shampoo.
Resolution 3: Buy a few houseplants.
Indoor air is ranked fourth in environmental causes of cancer. Houseplants can absorb many common household carcinogens. Good houseplant choices are described in our November 2007 blog entry.
Resolution 4: Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
People who consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day have only one-half the risk of developing cancer as those who eat one or two.
Resolution 5: Clean out your closets, physical and emotional.
Read labels on common household products and compare these with available carcinogen lists. A list of chemicals that are felt to cause cancer is now available. Emotional "toxins" can be dangerous as well. Anger damages the immune system and is a sign that you are being hurt or your needs are not being met. Address it.
Resolution 6: Discover a new, active hobby.
Many of us start a new year with clear resolve to exercise, but soon time constraints and achy muscles undo our good intentions. Brainstorm a new, or old, passion that requires physical activity, but helps you forget that you are exercising. Try dancing, rock-climbing, skating, tennis, even shopping - if it requires a hike.
Resolution 7: Find alternatives to fast food.
Those who eat at fast food establishments two or more times per week have twice the risk of obesity and diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes increase the risk of cancer. Plan ahead. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them for those days where there is just not time.
Resolution 8: Nurture your spiritual life.
Praying, practicing yoga, and attending religious services are all associated with a longer life expectancy.
Resolution 9: Use the bedroom for more than sleep.
Sex can pass on viruses that cause cancer, but may help prevent it as well! Studies have shown a lower incidence of breast cancer in both men and women with more active sex lives.
Resolution 10: Lights out. Get a good nights sleep
Both an adequate amount of sleep, and sleeping in total darkness, may lower the risk of developing cancer. See our November 2007 blog entry for all the details.
Happy New Year!!!
For further information on cancer prevention, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
Resolution 1: Have your home tested for radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Read our July 2007 blog entry to learn how to detect it.
Resolution 2: Make a "no-shoes" policy in your home.
Wearing shoes indoors can bring in carcinogens from asphalt and chemical lawn treatment. It also increases the need for carpet cleaning, and exposure to the chemicals in carpet shampoo.
Resolution 3: Buy a few houseplants.
Indoor air is ranked fourth in environmental causes of cancer. Houseplants can absorb many common household carcinogens. Good houseplant choices are described in our November 2007 blog entry.
Resolution 4: Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
People who consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day have only one-half the risk of developing cancer as those who eat one or two.
Resolution 5: Clean out your closets, physical and emotional.
Read labels on common household products and compare these with available carcinogen lists. A list of chemicals that are felt to cause cancer is now available. Emotional "toxins" can be dangerous as well. Anger damages the immune system and is a sign that you are being hurt or your needs are not being met. Address it.
Resolution 6: Discover a new, active hobby.
Many of us start a new year with clear resolve to exercise, but soon time constraints and achy muscles undo our good intentions. Brainstorm a new, or old, passion that requires physical activity, but helps you forget that you are exercising. Try dancing, rock-climbing, skating, tennis, even shopping - if it requires a hike.
Resolution 7: Find alternatives to fast food.
Those who eat at fast food establishments two or more times per week have twice the risk of obesity and diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes increase the risk of cancer. Plan ahead. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them for those days where there is just not time.
Resolution 8: Nurture your spiritual life.
Praying, practicing yoga, and attending religious services are all associated with a longer life expectancy.
Resolution 9: Use the bedroom for more than sleep.
Sex can pass on viruses that cause cancer, but may help prevent it as well! Studies have shown a lower incidence of breast cancer in both men and women with more active sex lives.
Resolution 10: Lights out. Get a good nights sleep
Both an adequate amount of sleep, and sleeping in total darkness, may lower the risk of developing cancer. See our November 2007 blog entry for all the details.
Happy New Year!!!
For further information on cancer prevention, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
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