As a physician concerned with the significant impact of obesity health, it is my mission to encourage children and adults to take control of their own lifestyle choices.
I am a board member and the volunteer director of medical and scientific content for Less Cancer.
We owe it to ourselves, to our families, and to the future of America to improve the quality of our daily diets, and keep America healthy and lean.
Walking is a great way to exercise, and we can find ways to take additional steps each day by parking a car farther away from a destination, climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator, and walking during occasional breaks from sitting at a desk.
During the holiday season, try substituting a cranberry and club soda spritzer, or water with lemon or lime instead of an alcoholic beverage. You'll be saving calories, and reducing your cancer risk.
Imagine the progress that could be made by gathering together the world's scientists, engineers, physicians, oncologists, epidemiologists and more in a super-team effort to end cancer.
Imagine being able to predict and prevent cancer before it starts. If we gather the world's talent and expertise in a committed, targeted effort, great progress is possible.
Teaching young people about healthy lifestyles should include a conversation about cancer risk factors.
Taking the stairs instead of an elevator, walking to an appointment rather than taking a bus, subway or taxi, and spending times outdoors in warm and sunny weather are all easy ways to increase daily physical activity.
Cancer prevention requires awareness, determination and creativity.
What kind of a society will we see in 2025? I am hopeful that it will be a 'prevention-based society.'
In addition to reducing cancer risk, physical exercise helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other conditions. Physical activity is also a key factor in the prevention of overweight and obesity, both of which increase the risk of several cancers.
Whether we are adults or children, members of the media or medical community, government, industry, academia or cancer advocacy group, we can all contribute to a healthier environment, a stronger, more vibrant society, and ultimately, to a world where cancer is considered a preventable illness.
Exposure to harmful, cancer-causing chemicals in our personal care products, cosmetics, cleaning agents and foods is raising our risk for cancer.
As a physician, I recognize that we all have an opportunity to enhance our health, and reduce our cancer risk. That is why I became involved with Less Cancer, a not-for-profit organization founded by Bill Couzens that is dedicated to the reduction of cancer risk.
Growing up in a political family, I soon learned that what happens in our home, school, neighborhood and government has a profound effect on us all.
Parents should be sure to have their children vaccinated.
Alcohol raises the risk for cancer, and so drinking wine or hard liquor should be done in moderation, if at all.
A 'healthy diet' includes meals rich in whole grains, vegetables, nuts and fruits. Lean protein such as fish and chicken are recommended, and processed meats, such as bologna or cured ham and bacon, should be avoided.
Daily physical exercise for children is essential. Children can walk more, and spend time after school running, jumping rope, dancing and riding bikes.
