Easy Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk

Hi all! I hope you are staying warm! While planning on what to write in this week’s blog, I was feeling a little out of sorts as I missed my early morning workout. But, as I turned on the television, I knew that it happened for a reason. Dr. Taz Bhatia, MD, Integrative Health Expert and Prevention Magazine’s Contributing Editor, was on “Live with Kelly and Michael”, talking about cancer prevention. And since this topic has become my life’s mission, I knew I had to share her information with you.

The first thing Dr. Bhatia said is that 70% of cancers are modifiable or preventable by lifestyle, diet or environmental factors.  This was definitely music to my ears, as it confirms my belief that we don’t need to be victims of our genetic makeup, and with the right tools, we can take control over our health and prevent disease.

 Here are some of her tips:

·   Stop topping your gas tank.  When gasoline spills over, the chemical, Benzine may be inhaled, increasing cancer risk.

·   Skip the dry cleaners.  Exposes you to a chemical called Perc, which has been linked to Bladder, Kidney and Lung Cancer as well as Leukemia.

·   Wear red and blue fabrics when out in the sun as they block UV light more than other colors. 

·   Home filtered tap water may be better than many bottled waters. Store in glass containers or steel instead of plastic containing BPA.

·   When grilling meats, sprinkle rosemary and thyme on top. This reduces the levels of HCA, a carcinogen induced by grilling and charring meat.

·   Eat dark leafy greens. Contains chlorophyll, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

·   Buy the following organic, as they have the highest pesticide residue: strawberries, apples, blueberries, celery and peaches.

·   Manage your weight for long-term health. Obesity has been shown to increase cancer risk in women by 20% and men by 14%.  Gaining even 10 pounds after the age of 30 increases cancer risk.

·   Avoid unnecessary CT scans. They emit a much higher dose of radiation than x-rays. Consider an MRI or Ultrasound instead.

I hope you learned something new! If you are looking for someone to take the confusion out of what it takes to remain healthy, vibrant and cancer-free, please visit my website at www.revivewellness for more information.

Hayley Dubin, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach, is the founder of reVIVE wellness.  She is a mentor and health coach to cancer survivors as well as individuals with a strong family history of cancer.  She teaches her clients how to create a cancer resistant body so they can let go go the fear and live their best, healthiest lives.