Tag Archives: Healthy Lifestyle

Are You Heart and Breast/Prostate Healthy?

Heart, Breast & Prostate Health_CPDToday let’s talk about some KEY strategies for heart health and cancer prevention, i.e. the “kill two birds with one stone” approach.

Okay, first thing first. Take simple, small lifestyle actions day by day, which is what will help you win the battle of fighting cancer and heart disease. Rome wasn’t conquered in a day, and probably not in a week either.

To reduce risks of cancer, you need to incorporate lifestyle changes, as WHO’s message on the World Cancer Day 2010. These changes can also benefit your heart.

Here are 9 simple, healthy strategies:

1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. I know that ice cream is appetizing, but fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as foods low in saturated fat but high in fiber can serve as cancer-fighting and cholesterol-fighting agents.
2. Exercise regularly. Best suggestions are about 30 minutes a day. Find various ways to stay physically active, which will help you lower cholesterol, maintain healthy weight, and prevent cancer.
3. Maintain a healthy weight with a body mass index (BMI) lower than 30. Overweight and/or obesity increases your risks for heart disease and cancer. Need help? You can get a FREE diet profile here.
4. Stop cigarette smoking and avoid second-hand smoking. Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing an estimated 1 out of every 5 deaths each year, according to National Cancer Institute (NCI). Noticeably, research reveals a link between elevated CRP and obesity as well as smoking.
5. Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased risk of various types of cancer including breast, colorectal, mouth, esophagus, larynx, and liver cancer. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and heart failure.
6. Reduce inflammation and cancer-causing infection. Stay away from factors that make us susceptible to infection and inflammation, such as toxic chemicals, pollutants, stress, inadequate intake of nutrients, a diet high in sugar, fat and animal proteins. Strengthen your immune system.
7. Avoid or minimize your exposure to air pollutants. Air pollutants mediate inflammation, thereby contributing to cancer and a troubled heart. It’s difficult to control the air in our outdoor environment, but we can control the air in our homes. Pay attention to occupational hazards, take preventative measures in workplace too.
8. Relax! Reduce stress. Stress can weaken the immune system, trigger inflammation, subsequently leading to heart attack, stroke and cancer. Have a positive outlook and find your own “secret” stress reliever.
9. Know your numbers. Regular health checkup can help you monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Consult your physician on cancer screenings.

Finally, a Bonus for Valentine’s Day and chocolate lovers.

Substantial research suggests that flavonoid-rich food could help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer based on its anti-inflammatory effect. Cocoa is the richest source of flavonoids, but current processing reduces its content considerably. Dark chocolate is flavonoid-rich (with at least 70% cocoa). So, what’s the catch? In comparison, milk chocolate is sugar- and fat-rich. To learn a few quick tips on how to consume chocolate wisely, check out our “Tip of the Week“.

What’s your thought on fighting cancer and heart disease? If you like this post, please share it.

Photo credit: by CPD

Heart Health Goes Hand in Hand with Cancer Prevention

Yesterday, my friend and I were talking about the relation between heart disease and cancer, since his father has a history of both heart disease and colon cancer. After all, heart disease and cancer are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, actually much of the world too. And I was thinking about how to protect yourself from both heart disease and cancer at the same time. You know, it’s the “kill two birds with one stone” strategy.

Heart coronary artery saphenous vein graftsCancer_4253583419_f2fd5a7a24_mFirst, I had to ask myself, “What do heart disease and cancer have in common?

4. Heart disease and cancer all have a genetic factor. Well, that’s true, yet the genetic factor only affects small percentage of population, and is beyond our control.

3. Heart disease and cancer are associated with aging. While aging is inevitable, how you age inside and outside is really up to you nowadays.

Samagni digests the food completely and nourishes the body tissues will be well nourished and one is blessed with attractive complexion, glow, longevity, strength, good health, growth, enthusiasm, vitality and overall healthy development cheapest levitra of body and mind. I’ve even heard of an attack where a cracker slipped into the victims viagra 100mg no prescription site and then deleted everything – including the backup. For example: Weak Erection Erectile dysfunction Weakness viagra on line in male organ. That’s my open offer – call it a challenge if you like – to those manufacturers/sellers/proponents making some outlandish claims about T-boosting products. levitra no prescription 2. Heart disease and cancer have been linked to inflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the development of heart disease and cancer. The body produces elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in response to inflammation, and studies show that CRP, a marker of inflammation, is tied to risks of developing heart attack, stroke and cancer.

1. Heart disease and cancer are significantly influenced by poor lifestyle factors, including obesity, dietary, and other behavioral habits. Everybody knows that smoking can cause lung cancer, but not everybody is aware of smoking as a common causative factor of several other types of cancer. Many folks don’t know that smoking also damages your arteries — the pipelines of your life! Excess body fat contributes to ~100,000 cancer cases in U.S. each year, which we can control, we can prevent!

Are you heart-healthy and breast/prostate healthy?

Photo credits: Heart by Patrick.lynch; Cancer by GE Healthcare.

Do Flamingos Celebrate “Valentine’s Day”?

Heart formed by 2 Flamingos_Flickr and noted sitePerfectly captured by Kjunstorm, the heart is perfectly created by two beautiful flamingos dancing along the way. Whether the flamingos celebrate “Valentine’s Day” or not, the superb shot reveals that love is elegantly expressed and cherished in the animal kingdom.

While February makes many folks automatically think of “Valentine’s Day” or “Lovers’ Day,” or for some of you guys out there, “Football”, I’d like to share my thoughts about February here.

Love and be loved. Flowers, pinkies, candy, gifts, gourmet dinners, and romance are all wonderful things around for your loved one, or for yourself if you are single, on Valentine’s Day. This is a time of showing special love, and more important, showing appreciation. Love and appreciation are the best gifts with a long lasting effect. Flamingos forming heart_Flickr

Love is more than just romance. Every day I think of my father, who passed away last summer. His legacy is about kindness and love. He had so much love, not only for my family, but also for others, for what he was doing and for life. The Chinese New Year is approaching, yet this year is going to be tough for my family. I’m passionate about my new endeavor to prevent cancer, and also have cancer friends to care for. And yes I, too, plan on enjoying the festivities of Super Bowl Sunday, accompanied with Super Snow — the winter blizzard 2010 in DC area!

Love your heart and enjoy chocolate! Circle “Your Heart” day on your calendar. Never ignore your own heart health. Fortunately, chocolate is not only for lovers but good for heart too, as scientific studies show that chocolate (dark chocolate >70% cacao) is rich in flavonoids antioxidants. But don’t eat too much!

May your February and your 2010 be filled with LOVE!

What’s your thought? What’s your favorite memory or experience of the month?

Image Credit: also Flickr

 

10 Simple Things You Can Do to Get Back on Track

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Are you falling off the wagon? Whether it’s a “New Year’s Resolution”, a “Weight Loss Diet”, or a “Fitness Program,” you are not alone. Do you want to get back on track and reach your goal? If you are serious about it, you can do it. Here are 10 ways to help you reconnect with your New Year’s Resolution or health program, and gain your momentum back.

1. Believe in yourself. It’s about your mindset. Attitude is small thing that makes a big difference. You have your goal, and you can achieve it. Remember it’s a journey, and set-backs are just challenges along the way. The main thing is, don’t give up. As a Japanese proverb says, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” All you have to do now is to get back up, dust yourself off, and move forward again.

2. Acknowledge your setbacks, and realize it’s normal. Don’t feel bad or practice self-sabotage, and don’t use excuses either, because none of them help. Laugh at yourself, or at me. Hey, I fell off from my blog wagon! Now I’m back on it, typing away.

3. Re-visit and revise your written goal. First, a written goal is a must. It’s so simple and has proven to be so powerful. A goal without being written is simply a wish. If you have written it, great! But don’t forget, you’re not writing it on a stone tablet. Re-examine your goal to see if it is realistic and the steps toward it attainable. If not, revise it.

4. Take action. Start today. Starting is not always easy, but in the end, your actions will be rewarded. Just by driving to the gym you will be more likely to hop on that treadmill; one step will lead to more, and you’ll feel great as your brain releases endorphins. Just remember: Small steps count, even if it’s just a walk to the local grocery store or around the neighborhood. Movement brings joy.

5. Dig for the causes of falling off, target it with solutions. What exactly holds you back? Time? Overloaded work? Boredom? Laziness? Be honest with yourself, be reasonable, and take responsibility.

6. Set a time for it, no matter how long or how short, whenever it is. By scheduling time, you make it priority. Then meet your “appointment”. This is not only about self-discipline but also a solution to “finding time.” By not having a schedule, it’s easier to fall into the excuse-trap of “I have no time for it”? No time for your goal? Well, squeeze 10 minutes, if not more, from your daily life.
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7. Make a switch, change your routines. Sometimes people stop or get stuck simply because of boredom or repetition, or worse, lack of progress. A change can bring excitement, momentum, and even results. Challenge yourself to do something completely different.

8. Have fun! If you dread the idea of working in the gym or eating something you aren’t enjoying, just don’t do it. Create a variety of ways to achieve your goal, whether it’s diet or exercise. You’ll be amazed with the results. For example, try a new recipe, do 5 minutes of squat-jumps, or put on some energetic music to cheer you up while exercising. Alternatively, learn something new.

9. Find connections, get support. Whether it’s a family member or friend, a fitness buddy, a club, or online resources (forums, blogs, favorite sites), you have someone to share experience and get inspiration. At least, you have me here on your journey.

10. Reward yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back or a treat for the progress you make.

In closing, by practicing any of these 10 strategies, you can keep moving forward and achieve your goal!

What else would you add to the list to share your experience and help others?

Photo credit: mckaysavag

Cancer Prevention: Simple Healthy Lifestyle Helps

Have you lost a loved one or a friend to cancer? Do you know estimated 1,479,350 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in US last year? Do you know more than 7 millions of people die of cancer each year worldwide? Accumulating scientific evidence indicates that more than one-third of cancer death can be prevented just by lifestyle changes to have healthy weight, healthy diet and become physically active. Then the question is: how to achieve it?

Cancer is not a single disease and doesn’t grow out of control overnight. It cannot be prevented by one-day event for a few times a year. Cancer prevention is a life journey of practicing healthy lifestyle day by day, small steps counts. It starts showing it s result after cheap cheap viagra 36 hours of intake. Besides common sense, there get free levitra are also Net safety tools that you can employ to keep your friends and family safe. Do not take this drug for erectile dysfunction if you believe you might have erectile buy cialis professional http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/1482459178_add_file_5.pdf dysfunction, very first step is to consult your doctor. Apart from this there are several generic levitra online view my page disorders which could arise exclusively in men or in women. I’m here to help you with simple, small lifestyle modifications to gain long-term health benefits, while you still enjoy life and fulfill your dreams. Having cancer is devastating. Let’s prevent it!