News

April 7, 2010

Five Lifestyle Choices to Cut Your Risk of Cancer in Half

If you could do five things to cut your risk of getting cancer in half, would you?

Before you start thinking you're too busy, it's too hard, or it will cost you a lot of money, read on. These five simple lifestyle choices are:

• Get moving: An active life will help you feel better, keep your heart and lungs healthy and help you sleep better.
  
  
• Don't smoke: If you smoke, stop. It's just that simple. If you're a non-smoker, limit your exposure to second hand smoke.
  
  
• Eat healthy: Canada's Food Guide can provide you with information about how to do that.
  
  
• Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays: Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, put on a hat or ball cap and limit sun exposure.
  
  
• See your doctor: Regular check-ups can help with early detection of any health concern you may have. Early detection of cancer can save your life.

Prevention resources from CancerCare Manitoba for patients and families

Prevention resources from CancerCare Manitoba for health care professionals

Getting moving can be easy and fun!

Every action you take to get moving is better for your overall health and can reduce your risk of cancer. Here are fun, simple ways you can get active.

• Take your dog for a walk.
  
  
• Go for a swim.
  
  
• Ride your bike.
  
  
• Put on some music and dance.
  
  
• Do yard work like raking or working in the garden.
  
  
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

More tips on getting active

• Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living
  
  
• Shape Up: Be active and you can reduce your cancer risk!
  
  
• Winnipeg in motion
  
  
• Your Walking Workout
  
  
• HeartWalk Workout
  
  
• General Fit Facts
  
  
• Active Living at Work

You are what you eat

It's a fact. If you're eating junk food and lead a sedentary life, you won't feel or be healthy. Food is like gas for a car. If you're overwhelmed about how to use premium gas to fuel your body, consider these helpful hints:

• Read Canada's Food Guide.
  
  
• When you shop, stick to the perimeters of the grocery store where the produce, bakery and meat sections are. The centre of the grocery store is where the processed food is located; choose sparingly.
  
  
• Plan for healthy lunches and snacks. Cutting up fresh fruit and vegetables can save time and make sure you reach for healthier alternatives.
  
  
• Read food labels. Not sure how to decipher them? Click here.

Click here for more links to inspire and inform you about healthy eating