1/4/2010
Boost Immune System for a Healthy & Happy New Year

To develop a strong immune system, i.e. your natural defense to cancer, mental well-being is essential and within our control. Here are the best tips:

1. Maintain a positive mental outlook and develop high self-esteem.
2. Be grateful, remember 5 things to appreciate before going to sleep everyday.
3. Be willing to give and help others.
4. Have a sense of humor, even at stressful times or when you make mistakes.
5. Reduce stress via any techniques that work for you (e.g. exercise, meditation…).
6. Develop rich and warm relationships with family and friends.
7. Ensure adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night) and good rest.

1/11/2010
Make Fiber Your Cancer-Fighting Companion

Dietary fiber can protect against several forms of cancer including breast, stomach and colon cancer. While your body cannot digest it, fiber helps move food, eliminate waste and carcinogens.

Fiber is abundant in whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Here are 5 practical tips to get 30-35 grams per day as recommended:

1. Breakfast: Have oatmeal, high-fiber cereal or fiber-rich English Muffins.
2. Lunch: Eat plenty of veggies and beans, or use whole grain bread and vegetables for your sandwiches.
3. Dinner: Eat whole-wheat pasta, brown rice or potato with skin, plus veggies and olive oil.
4. Snack: No-salt popcorn, All-bran, Multi-grain crackers or high-fiber bars, plus fresh/dried fruits and seeds.
5. Drinks: Fruit/Veggie juice, low-fat yogurt or soy milk.

 

1/18/2010
Reduce Your Exposure to BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical, has been linked to breast, ovarian, prostate and brain cancer, not to mention other diseases/disorders. It’s not only from canned drinks and canned food, but also from various hidden sources. To reduce your exposure, remember top 5 safety tips:

1. Use glass bottles for babies, or BPA-free plastic bottles.
2. Microwave food in glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Use glass, stainless steel or porcelain containers, especially for hot food or liquids.
3. Unless BPA-free, avoid putting plastic containers in dishwasher or using harsh detergents.
4. Reduce the intake of canned foods, canned soft drinks.
5. Limit handling printed receipts at the gas station or from automated machines.

1/25/2010
Essential Techniques to Lose Weight

Each year countless New Year resolutions are made to lose weight. However, the majority of them are unsuccessful. There is no magic pill, period. We have 4 proven core tips:

1. The #1 “secret” is Discipline, because weight loss is a life time practice based on lifestyle choices, not fixed programs done in days or months.
2. Remember a simple formula: Calories in = Calories out.
3. Intake more proteins and less fat to ensure nutrient-rich calories.
4. Always be physically active; find various ways to exercise: walking, taking the stairs, biking, dancing, gardening, etc., and do it regularly.

2/1/2010
10 Ways to Ensure Protein-rich Food with Cancer-fighting Nutrients in Daily Diet

In conjunction with a low-sugar and low-calorie diet, higher protein intake can be beneficial for weight loss. Here are 10 ways of eating protein-rich food to help you control weight and reduce cancer risks:

1. Fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), excellent source of protein.
2. Tofu and other soy foods, excellent alternative to meat.
3. Beans
4. Nuts
5. Skim milk (not whole-milk, which contains high saturated fat).
6. Yogurt, low-fat
7. Cheese, low fat
8. Eggs
9. Less or no red meat nor processed meat.
10. A variety of foods, whole wheat breads, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Mix them up so you gain not only more proteins, but also healthy fibers, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

2/8/2010
Enjoy Chocolate and Reduce Cancer Risks

Chocolate is not only for lovers but good for your heart, plus a bonus — your cancer-fighting agent. Here are a few tips to make you get the most out of it.

1. Eat dark chocolate with ≥ 70% cocoa. Keep in mind, the higher the percentage of cocoa, the more flavonoids. It’s also less sweet.
2. Eat moderate amounts regularly. Suggested intake is 1-2 oz a day.
3. Check the ingredients. Chocolate is a calories-dense food, with fat, sugar, and possibly other ingredients added by the manufacturer. Choose wisely.
4. Integrate it into a healthy lifestyle, along with a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet and exercise.

2/15/2010
Tomatoes’ Cancer Fighting Synergy

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant and cancer fighting substance. These food combinations make the protection more powerful:

Tomatoes + broccoli (or cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) = synergy of lycopene and sulforaphane. 
Tomatoes + dark green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach, collard greens) = synergy of lycopene and lutein.
Tomatoes + cancer fighting veggies + avocado; help your body absorb cancer fighting nutrients. Plus, avocados significantly lower blood cholesterol levels.

Phytochemicals (biologically active components in plant foods) suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets. So, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in salad, stir-fry, or as pizza toppings.

2/22/2010
Prostate-healthy “Practice 101”

 

Age, inheritance and race are beyond anyone’s control. Yet you can control the following protective factors:
 
1. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid animal fat and trans fat. No smoking either. A diet high in fat is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
2. Exercise, be physically active. 
3. Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight is just not good for your heart and body.
4. Control any inflammation (prostatitis) or growth. Visit your doctor if you experience any burning sensation when urinating, fever or frequent urination.
5. Early detection through regular checkups for preventative screenings, e.g. prostate specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE) is important.
6. Reduce stress and sleep well.

3/1/2010
7 Protective Tips in Asbestos’ Continuing Presence

Asbestos was once used to fireproof buildings. It has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. In some aging buildings, asbestos is creating a serious threat to public health, particularly cancer risks to both employees and visitors. Here are 6 tips to protect yourself from asbestos exposure.

1. Find out if your building has asbestos and at what level. 
2. Improve poor ventilation.
3. Repair a leaky roof, or problematic asbestos-coated ceiling tiles and walls.
4. Control flooding or water leaks with falling asbestos immediately.
5. Avoid asbestos-related hazardous working conditions.
6. Express your concerns to the employer.
7. If you experience any chest or abdominal pain accompanied by shortness of breath, weight loss or fever, visit your doctor soon.

Warning: Asbestos is still around!

 

 

 

 

3/8/2010
Two Philosophical Principles for Vitality and Cancer Prevention

“Life lies in movement”. “Life lies in quietness”. The former focuses on the external and physiological side, while the latter, the internal and psychological side. It isn’t as contradictory as it sounds. It is really about wholeness or mind-body connection -- an elegant combination of healthy living practices.

“Moving” tells us to stay physically active, exercise to promote blood flow and organ functions. Each right action, from diet to behavior, keeps the inside in motion. Meanwhile, modern life creates a lot of stress, which contributes to many illnesses including cancer. “Being quiet” guides us to find peace in our surroundings, in our mind and spirit. Consequently, relaxation, tranquility, gratitude, love and joy all help us achieve a sense of well-being.

3/15/2010
Where Do You Stand in Minimizing Cancer Risks?

 

Western diets and lifestyle have been linked to increased risk of various cancers, particularly cancer of breast, colon, prostate, and possibly pancreas, ovary, and endometrium.

Stay away from the following “too much” and “too little” for your cancer prevention:

• Too much fat (vs. Recommended total fat intake: 30% of calories)
• Too much salt (vs. Recommended sodium daily intake: 500-1800 mg )
• Too much red and processed meat
• Too much TV watching
• Too little exercise (vs. Recommended: at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
• Too little fiber (vs. Recommended daily intake: at least 30 grams)
• Too little fresh fruits and vegetables (vs. Recommended: at least 5 servings per day)

3/22/2010
Control Asthma and Reduce Lung Cancer Risk

Beautiful spring is approaching, so is the allergy challenging season when irritations range from coughing, sneezing, tearing to asthma. Research indicates that asthma may increase the risk of lung cancer and that of lung cancer mortality, even for nonsmokers.
Here are some step-by-step tips to help you keep asthma symptoms to a minimum:

1. Track your symptoms concerning when and where.
2. Monitor the trigger(s) and avoid or eliminate it if possible (e.g. pollen, mold, dust, dust mites, animal fur or dander).
3. Get an accurate diagnosis followed by a treatment plan with your doctor.
4. Take your medication religiously.
5. Improve your immune system and overall health. Avoid air pollutants and reduce stress.
6. Remember: Certain foods can be your asthma trigger(s) or intensifier(s).

For more information on controling indoor air, dust and chemicals, as well as tips of spring cleaning for health, check out our blog site.

3/29/2010
6 Tips to Reduce Salt Intake  

Healthy diet includes limiting salt intake. High sodium intake has been linked to increased risk of stomach cancer, in addition to high blood pressure. Here are 6 tips to control your salt intake:

1. Know daily sodium intake: no more than 2.4g. That is about 1 level teaspoon of salt (6g salt or 2.4g sodium).
2. Evaluate, and reduce if necessary, dietary salt sources. (e.g. salty foods/snacks, canned foods, TV dinners, restaurant meals, etc.)
3. Limit intake of processed foods (e.g. sausage).
4. If you eat out often, ask about salt in restaurant foods or request to omit salt.
5. Replace salt with flavor ingredients (e.g. garlic, chili, curry, or herbs).
6. Always balance your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

4/5/2010
Calcium Intake 101 

Calcium is an essential dietary mineral. Every cell and tissue in the body use it. Calcium intake can prevent osteoporosis and other diseases.

Although it is not clear whether higher calcium intake reduces cancer risks, some research suggests that high calcium intake may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Here are basics for adequate intake.  

1. Recommended daily amount: 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams (mg) for adults. If taking supplement, take it with meals.
2. Maximal consumption: 500mg of calcium or less each time. The body can only absorb ~600 mg of calcium at one time.
3. Food sources: milk, yogurt, cheese, and dark green vegetables; also in certain grains and nuts.
4. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
5. Not recommended: Use calcium supplements to reduce cancer risks.
6. Women’s bodies absorb more calcium during the last two trimesters of pregnancy and breastfeeding, so ensure enough intake.

4/12/2010  
Favonoids and Seasonal Vegetables

Flavonoids are important antioxidants that prevent cellular damage by free radicals and have anti-carcinogenic benefits. Here is a list of flavonoid-rich foods; some are spring seasonal veggies.

1. Apples, one of few foods rich in Quercetin. The flavonoid has been shown to reduce cancer risk and inflammation, and protect against other diseases. So, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” holds truth.
2. Berries including blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
3. Carrots
4. Celery, also an excellent source of dietary fiber.
5. Garlic
6. Plums and Prunes. Prunes also help achieve regularity in bowel movements
7. Spinach, Broccoli, and kale.
8. Tomatoes
9. Watercress
10. Avocado, a “good fat”.
11. Vidalia Onions, the type only available during spring.
12. Green tea
13. Chocolate with 70% coco

4/19/2010   
Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer

Studies have shown that the following several factors may raise a person's risk of stomach cancer (or gastric cancer).

1. A history of Helicobacter pylori infection
2. Diet containing a lot of smoked foods, salted fish and meat, and pickled vegetables.
3. Gender — seen more common in men than in women.
4. Aging — Most people diagnosed with stomach cancer are after 50s.
5. Cigarette smoking
6. Obesity
7. A family history of stomach cancer
8. Stomach lymphoma and/or inherited cancer syndromes

Although some of these cannot be controlled, others can, especially those related to lifestyle. 

 5/3/2010
Smokers' Formula 

 It’s time to quit smoking and the reason is simple — lighting a cigarette releases more than 50 known carcinogens into the air and into the lungs of smokers. Eliminating the exposure to those carcinogens can prevent many new cases of cancer.

Smoking or passive smoking → most common causative factor of several types of cancer.

Smoking + Pollutants == More Carcinogens and More cancer risks

Smoking + Asbestos inhalation == a Lethal Combination

Smoking + Consuming alcohol == a Deadly Combination

Smoking then Quit smoking → added life span

  5/18/2010
Tips for Drinking Water Safety

Drinking water safety is crucial to not only cancer prevention, but also good health. Commercial water bottles are convenient and considered “purified”. However, there is no quality testing results available, plus they are made from plastics. Leaching of chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates is common especially when the bottles sit in the sun or a car in the summer. Here are 4 tips for drinking water safety.

1. Make sure that your tap water is safe based on the results from public water monitoring sources.
2. Filter your tap water for drinking and cooking to ensure it’s safer.
3. Use stainless steel bottles if you carry water around with you.
4. Be aware of “BPA-Free” water bottles since some of them tested contain BPA.

  5/24/2010
R aise Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

 Pancreatic cancer is one of the rare and deadliest cancer types. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is largely unknown, but the following are known as risk factors:  

Age: The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age (most 50+).
Gender: Pancreatic cancer is more common in men than in women.
Race: In US, it’s more common in the African-American than in the white population.
Smoking: Smokers’ risk increases 2-3 fold.
Diet: Eating more meats and high fat foods may increase the risk, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce it.
Diabetes: Studies suggest that diabetics have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatitis:  Chronic inflammation of the pancreas has been linked to this cancer.
Environment: Carcinogens and pollutants in the environment facilitate it.
Family history: Pancreatic cancer is proportionally more common in Jewish families due to a particular inherited mutation.

  5/31/2010
S potlight for S       un Protection Foods

 Dietary antioxidants have known effects against cancers of prostate, breast, liver, lung and skin. Here we summarize a few of them:

1. Green tea: Research showed that its extracts (polyphenols) inhibit ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced skin carcino-genesis.
2. Apples, apple juice, and apple products: They prevent skin, breast and colon carcino-genesis in animal studies. Epidemiological data indicate that regular consumption (one or more apples a day) may reduce the risk for lung and colon cancer.
3. Colorful fruits and vegetables: They contain carotenoid antioxidants that fight free radical induced DNA damage.
4. Fish (like salmon and sardines) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can inhibit cancer-causing potential of UVR.
5. Vitamin D: It may provide protection against various cancers. When insufficient dietary intake (from milk, egg, etc) and lack of sun, supplement with 1000 IU vitamin D daily.

  6/7/2010
Chives — Your Cancer Prevention Agent

Chives belong to the Allium vegetables, which also include garlic, onions, scallions, and leeks. Here are their beneficial effects on cancer prevention:

1. Allium vegetables have a protective effect against cancer of the esophagus, stomach and prostate.
2. Chives, rich in flavonoid antioxidants, also contain the enzymes that activate macrophage and slow down cancer metastasis.  
3. Constipation is a common issue during cancer treatment. Chives can prevent constipation, reduce cancer-causing toxin retention in the gut, and hence prevent colon cancer.

How to make this wonderful addition a part of your cancer prevention diet? It can be:
- added flavor to tofu when frying;
- used as a garnish or ingredient for salad;
- served as an ingredient in soups, stews, or sauces.

Bonus: If you grow it in your backyard, you can benefit from gardening — getting fresh air and physical activity.

6/14/2010
Control the Summer Foe — Mold

Indoor mold is mostly found in damp locations. Poor ventilation is the primary cause; particularly in the summer months, air is humid, and the windows are closed to keep the air-conditioner running cool.

Mold has been known to harm our health when ingested or inhaled. It causes respiratory problems, especially for people with preexisting conditions. It has also been linked to cancer of testicles and breast. So, how to prevent it?

1. Keep the heating and air-conditioning systems functioning well.
2. Control the humidity if possible. Moisture leads to conditions that are favorable to mold, dust mites, bacteria and yeast.
3. Fix the damp sources/problems, such as bathrooms, basements, around windows, moistened ceilings or walls, wet carpets, and under the house, even leaky pipes.
4. Do not use carpet if the humid and damp conditions cannot be controlled.
5. If mold becomes a serious problem, seek professional help.

6/21/2010
Simple Substitutions for Cancer-fighting Nutrition and Benefits

1. Replace dark meat with white meat.
2. Replace fatty cuts of meat with lean ones.
3. Replace fats with olive oil or nuts.
4. Replace white rice with brown rice.
5. Replace sugar-rich disserts with fresh fruits.
6. Replace junk foods with vegetables.
7. Replace processed foods with fresh or frozen ones.
8. Replace salt with herbal seasoning.
9. Replace soft drinks with tea.
10. Replace artificial juices with water.

6/28/2010
Enjoy Apples' Health Benefits Including Cancer Prevention

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. The truth of this ancient wisdom comes with a new purpose. Eating more apples helps reduce your cancer risks. Why?

1. Apples are rich in quercetin and pectin, the antioxidants that many foods don’t have. Pectin can remove harmful bacteria from human gastrointestinal tract, hence destroy the enzymes required for colon cancer cell growth.
2. Apples contain phytochemicals -- mainly flavonoids and polyphenols, have potent anti-cancer properties, including anti-proliferative activities against cancer cells of human colon, breast, and liver.
3. Apples are also rich sources of many other nutrients, such as vitamin C and B, and fibers – an important component to help bowel movements.  

So, to keep cancer at bay, enjoy your apples! To maximize cancer prevention benefits, eat fresh ones with the skin.

7/5/2010
Beans—Nutrient-dense Food

Research shows that regularly consuming beans can help control weight, reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Eating beans 4 times weekly may prevent colon cancer.

Healthful nutrients in beans include:
1. An excellent source of protein — good alternatives to red meat.
2. Folate--an important B vitamin linked to lowering risk of colon cancer yet not produced by the human body.    
3. Calcium
4. Potassium
5. Dietary fibers
6. Complex carbohydrates
7. Phytochemicals or antioxidants

Other beneficial factors are low in fat, calories and sodium, and free of cholesterol. Plus, they are inexpensive.

Easy ways to include beans in your diet:  add them to soup or salad, serve them as a dish, or eat dried beans as a snack. 

7/12/2010
5 Easy Ways to Enjoy Summer Foods

By now you might know how fruits and vegetables can benefit your health, especially cancer prevention. There are a long list of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the summer, such as apples, peaches, cherries, strawberries, watermelon, pears, leafy green veggies, eggplant, bell peppers, and so on. Here are 5 easy ways to consume them in your daily diet. Think about:

1. Numbers - Eat a variety of types of fruits/veggies a day, several servings a day.
2. Color - Colorful salad is both healthy and appealing to your appetite.
3. Combinations - Incorporate veggies into a dish with fish or poultry, fruits into desserts.
4. Smoothies - Mix colorful fruits (fresh or frozen) with low-fat milk and yogurt.
5. New - Try a new fruit or veggie, and create a new dish.

7/19/2010
Do Not Overlook Oral Cancer

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth. It can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth. 70 - 80% of oral cancer cases are associated with smoking or tobacco use. Other risk factors include:

- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Poor dental and oral hygiene
- Chronic irritation, such as rough teeth, dentures, fillings, etc.
- Mouth ulcer or white plaque (leukoplakia)
- Infection with HPV (human papilloma virus)
- Gender – Men are twice as susceptible to oral cancer as women.

So, be aware of any changes inside the mouth and check with your dentist.

7/26/2010
Easy Ways to Have Fun and Exercise in Summer

Because of summer heat, working out at the gym might not be a welcome idea for some people. However, some activities are fun, beneficial and easily incorporated into family time. Here are 10 ways to do so:

Take advantage of the outdoors:
1. Swim
2. Walk
3. Bike
4. Play Frisbee
5. Hike
6. Try a new sport
7. Join a community sport

Indoors:
1. Yoga
2. Bowling
3. Dancing

The bottom line – Exercise is not just for weight loss. It can also promote brain function, lift your mood and relieve stress. So, enjoy the outdoors when the weather is warm and remember to stay hydrated.

8/2/2010
Aspartame — Warning and a Careful Look

Aspartame, an artificial or low-calorie sweetener, gained FDA approval in 1981 and is used in our everyday lives. There are more than 6,000 aspartame-containing products, the majority of which are foods and beverages along with supplements (e.g. chewable vitamins) and hygiene products (e.g. toothpaste). Are you among people who regularly consume aspartame? If so, you might check the following findings and rethink your intake.

1. Regular consumption of artificial sweeteners for 10 years or more is positively associated with urinary tract tumors in humans.
2. Aspartame significantly increases the risks of various tumors in rodents, with a doubled risk in subjects whose exposures begin during prenatal life.
3. Its neurological effects include headaches, insomnia, seizures, behavior disturbances, and even detrimental impact on neurological function.

Health implications of these studies signify that a sweet taste may silently bring a bitter payoff.

To learn more information on consumer products related health benefits and hazards, sign up for our monthly Newsletters and follow our blog.

8/9/2010
Top 5 Summer Health Priorities on Lowering Cancer Risks

1. Sun protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Seek more helpful tips from our website and blog.
2. Avoid tanning beds or sunlamps. The UV rays from them are as dangerous as the UV rays from the sun.
3. Control the use of insect repellants, insecticides and pesticides. They are used in all sorts of settings and contain some carcinogens, contributing to more pollutants in our environment.
4. Avoid alcohol abuse at summer parties. Alcohol consumption has been clearly linked to several types of cancer.
5. Reduce Soda consumption. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar, enough to cause various health problems. Particularly it has been linked to obesity, which contributes to cancer.

8/16/2010
Eat More Green Leafy Veggies for Cancer Prevention

Dark green leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, spinach and collard greens) are an important part of heart-healthy and cancer-protective diet.

Check out our recent blog post — Green Leafy Vegetables Help Reduce Cancer Risks

To help you consume more dark green leafy vegetables and get most of nutrients, here are 4 tips:

1. Eat fresh: Add tender greens such as baby spinach or romaine lettuce in salads or sandwiches.
2. Steam: Tender greens (spinach) need only a minute or so, but tougher greens (kale, collard), 10-15 minutes.
3. Stir-fry: Cook bok choy with healthy ingredients like olive oil, garlic or onions.
4. Make soups: Add tougher greens along with other veggies or ingredients to your soups.

Pamphlets at local grocery stores and tasty recipes from cookbooks or online may provide more ideas for preparing these veggies.

8/23/2010
Raisins as an Integral Component of Healthy Diet

Grapes are a valuable source of phytonutrients esp. resveratrol. In addition to their known effect on improving overall human health, grapes and raisins – its dried form – have shown protective potential against devastating illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Raisins are a high-energy yet low fat food with natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber. Here are 6 tips to incorporate raisins into your diet:

1. Sprinkle over breakfast cereal.
2. Pack as a snack with nuts and seeds.
3. Add to yogurt.
4. Add to fruit, veggie or tuna salad. See Cancer-Protective Salad
5. Add to some baked food such as bread, muffins and cookies.
6. Fit in many recipes easily, e.g. an ingredient of poultry stuffing or soups or side dishes.

8/30/2010
A Simple and Health Beneficial Habit

Harmful bacteria cause infections or illnesses including cancer. They enter your body through the skin, respiratory or digestive tracts, or contact contamination. That’s why frequent and proper hand washing is a simple way that you can control to prevent many bacterial infections by not getting sick or spreading illness. Therefore,

1. Wash hands:

- before eating and preparing foods.

- after handling raw poultry or meat.

- after handling garbage, contaminated or soiled items.

- after using the toilet.

- after touching an animal or handling animal’s waste.

- before and after touching a sick or injured person.

2. Take a travel-size alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you, which is convenient to carry and doesn't require water.

3. Educate children to cultivate a good habit of hand washing before eating food after using the toilet.  

9/6/2010
Top 7 Ways Children Are Exposed to Toxins

Environmental toxins cause various health concerns including cancer, developmental and reproductive disorders in children. Children are far more vulnerable to toxins than adults. They are exposed through:

1.Toys or items they play and/or use.

2. Unhealthy and processed foods.

3. Contaminated air and water.

4. Ingesting the toxins by behaviors like chewing, putting non-food items or dirt into their mouths.

5. Plastic containers or bottles, plastic tableware and food wraps.

6. Toxins from house cleaners, pesticides and radon.

7. Passive or secondary smoking – About 40% of children in US are exposed to it at home

Identifying various sources of children’s exposure helps take preventative measures.

9/13/2010
Top 8 Ways to Protect Children from Exposure to Toxins

To prevent children today and tomorrow from paying the price for toxins, take these important measures:

1. Purchase the least hazardous items.

2. Feed kids with healthy, natural foods, not canned or processed ones.

3. Wash children’s hands before they eat and educate them too.

4. Test radon level, and replace artificial air fresheners with air purifier(s) as indoor necessity.

5. Use water filters.

6. Practice chemical-free cleaning as much as possible, store must-have chemicals in a secure place.

7. When in doubt when to keep or toss plastic products, check the number inside the universal recycling symbol and remember this chant “1, 2, 4 and 5, let the rest fly”, because the rest are harmful.

8. Time to quit smoking --- for your health, your loved ones and children.

9/20/2010
Top 10 Energy- and Immune-boosting Foods

When juggling a busy schedule, you need a lot of energy. Otherwise, you may feel tired, exhausted, and even irritable. Healthy foods provide you fuel for energy production. Here are 10 energy-boosting foods that benefit the immune system as well:

1. Whole Grains

2. Dairy products (e.g. milk and yogurt)

3. Salmon

4. Chicken

5. Eggs

6. Beans

7. Nuts and seeds – rich sources of various minerals for good health and energy.

8. Water – critical for your body functions.

9. Berriers. They are nutritious, delicious, along with high-water content.

10. A variety of fruits and vegetables (bananas, watermelon, mushrooms, etc.)

In short, a blend of healthy carbs, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants can revitalize your body.

9/27/2010
Risk Factors for Blood Cancer

Blood cancer or Leukemia is basically a group of diseases that attack the blood cells and bone marrow. Risk factors include:

1. Exposure to radiation, e.g. atomic bomb radiation

2. Exposure to toxic chemicals or carcinogens, e.g. benzene

3. Viruses ─ linked to some forms of leukemia

4. Family history

5. Certain genetic disorders or conditions ─ posting a greater risk.

6. Smoking, especially acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

7. Age ─ seen in children and adults, but 60-70% of cases are diagnosed in those age 50+.

8. A weakened immune system.

Preventing leukemia is still a challenge. However, living a healthy and positive lifestyle can offer protective benefits.

10/4/2010
Basics about Breast Cancer Prevention

October is national awareness month for Breast Cancer. Here are some basics about breast cancer that everybody needs to know.

1. Both men and women can get breast cancer.

2. Common symptoms are a lump in the breast, sometimes an area of lumpiness, which can be found through regular self examination. The lump is not always visible or painful, but can only be felt.

3. Other signs:

- Any change in the skin around the nipple or unexpected inversion of the nipple.

- Breast pain or discomfort

- Weight loss

- A lump in the underarm area or bone pain could indicate the cancer is spreading.

4. Individuals with family history of breast cancer, along with alcohol consumption, have a higher risk.

5. The most important factor in fighting breast cancer is catching it early – for timely treatment and close monitoring.

10/11/2010
Health-conscious on Everyday Chemicals

There is a proven association between some environmental chemicals and cancer risk. Unfortunately, many known toxic chemicals and suspected carcinogens remain unregulated for safety concerns.

To lower cancer risks, it’s really important to take a careful look at chemicals that we are using everyday. Some chemicals and toxins that women are exposed on a daily basis may increase their risk of breast cancer. Here are apparent sources:

- Household cleaners

- Pesticides

- Plastics with BPA

- Cosmetics

- Other personal care products, e.g. deodorants.

- Non-stick cookware  

- Stain-resistant furniture

- Foods – those grown with pesticides, growth hormones, or artificial fertilizers.

- Tobacco

10/18/2010
Do You Know Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Risk factors that we cannot control:

• Gender – being female

• Age – older than 60 years

• Genetics – inherited genes, e.g. common gene mutations on BRCA1 and BRCA2.

• A family history of breast cancer

• A personal history of previous breast cancer

• Race – White women have slightly higher risks.

• Dense breast tissue – higher risk of the cancer and harder for diagnosis

• Menstrual period – beginning your period before age 12, or menopause after age 55.

• Radiation treatment in early life.

Risk factors that we can control:

• Not having children or having them later in life

• Recent use of birth control pills

• Post-monopausal hormone therapy

• Not breast feeding

• Alcohol consumption

• Being overweight or obese

• Lack of exercise

10/25/2010
Environmental Toxins and Breast Cancer Risk

Environmental chemicals & toxins play an important role in breast cancer development. More than a dozen men who either served or grew up on the Marine base at Camp Lejeune, NC suffered from breast cancer, and the cause has been traced back to the contamination of the water supply there between 1957 and 1987.

Did you poison yourself slowly and daily by exposure to environmental toxins unnecessarily?

Breast cancer risk may be increased, in some cases doubled, by using household cleaning products or occupational exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals or mammary gland carcinogens (e.g. alkylphenolic compounds, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins).

11/1/2010
How to Control Weight Gain

Gaining weight is a health challenge, especially when one is aging, it seems difficult to control. Weight gain posts higher risks of many chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and various types of cancer. If you are already overweight, then preventing further weight gain is even more important.

Here are practical tips to help you control weight gain:

1.      Be selective on what to eat, nutritional and healthy foods are mandatory. 

2.      Be aware of when to eat and when not to do so (e.g. a big dinner before bed can put more weight on you).

3.      Be physically active, get moving, since exercise and more physical activities help your body burn more calories.

4.      Weigh yourself on a regular basis to monitor changes.

5.      Evaluate your strategies and keep your self-motivation.

11/15/2010
How to Raise Awareness of Your Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint. It can arise from problems within any of the back components (e.g. bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks) and outside them. There are many causes of back pain. Our focus here is to help you get timely diagnosis and treatment, because sometimes back pain can signal a serious medical problem including cancer. So, never neglect your back pain, especially when:

-          Your pain is heavily pressing, intense, constant, or persisting.

-          There is no obvious cause (e.g. injury or existing conditions).

-          It is accompanied by other symptoms, such as breathing difficulty, bowel movement change, or bladder problems.

-          You experience unexplained weight loss.

-          You have history of cancer, drug or alcohol abuse, or osteoporosis.

If you notice the above signs, contact your doctor immediately. 

11/22/2010
Key to Having a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving

Many different things go into having a healthy Thanksgiving Holiday and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consequently reducing cancer risks. Here are the top 5:

1.      Start with eating right.

- Do not purchase a turkey that has been injected with butter or juices.

- Limit high-fat menus.

- Use low-fat cooking methods.

- Eat more vegetables and fruits, have more green side dishes (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans).

- Reduce salt and sugar intake.

- Do not over-eat.

2.      Avoid holiday weight gain.

3.      Exercise, enjoy physical activities.

4.      Get enough sleep.

5.      Reduce stress and relax.

12/06/2010
How to Reduce Holiday Stress

With holiday busy schedules and multi-responsibilities, one can easily be stressed out. Since stress can translate into negative changes in the body, we help you win control over stress with these 8 best tips:

1.      Remember keywords -- Prioritize, Be realistic, and Simplify (PBS). Use them to plan ahead.

2.      Relax, easy does it. Holidays are not time for perfection, so do what you can.

3.      Tap the resources within your family and from neighbors and friends.

4.      Practice stress-relieving techniques. From breathing deeply, meditation, listening to soothing music, to massage and exercise, whatever works for you.

5.      Be budget-wise. Spend money within your means to avoid “New Year Depression” on debt.

6.      Take care of your body, and get enough sleep.

7.      Laughter is an effective medicine.

8.      Make the holiday season a time of Family, Friends and Fun! This is the most important tip of all!

12/13/2010
Simple Healthy Substitutions for Holiday Foods

Holiday meals and festive snacks are mostly high in fat, sugar and salt. However, many of them can easily be replaced with nutritious yet tasty alternatives for cancer prevention benefits. Here are top 12 tips:

1. Replace dark meat with white meat.

2. Replace greasy dishes with vegetables.

3. Replace fats with olive oil and nuts.

4. Replace white rice with brown rice.

5. Replace white bread with whole wheat bread.

6. Replace chips with whole wheat/grain crackers.

7. Replace cheese dip with veggie/berry avocado mixed dip.

8. Replace salt with herbal seasoning.

9. Replace salty or candied nuts with spiced nuts.

10. Replace sugar-rich desserts with fresh fruits.

11. Replace alcohol with tea.

12. Replace artificial juices or soft drinks with water.

Bonus: Replace white, milk chocolate with dark chocolate.

12/20/2010
Give a Gift for Good Health

Christmas is a time of gift giving in addition to family gathering, celebrations, and parties. If you still search for a gift, something for health would be a perfect gift that nobody will ever return! Here are a list of ideas:

-  Healthy recipe books

-  Health club membership or pass

-  Something for gardening or tools for working in the yard

-  Something to help one keep regular physical activity

-  Exercise equipment (as simple as a jump rope)

-  Something for skin protection

-  E-Cloth for chemical-free cleaning

-  Something to help staying away from tobacco

-  Certificate for early detection, especially for those at a cancer risk but don’t have health insurance.

You’ve got the idea. The key is to show your care for loved ones’ or friends’ health.

12/27/2010
Top 5 Cancer Prevention Guidelines

1.      Quit smoking.

2.      Limit alcohol intake.

3.      Keep physically active.

4.      Maintain a healthy weight.

5.      Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

It’s time for New Year Resolutions again. However, to reap the results, determination and action are the keys.