While New Year’s resolutions to commit to a healthy lifestyle can improve weight and fitness, they can also have a huge impact on your long-term health. Introducing these healthy habits to your daily routine can significantly lower your risks of cancer diagnosis and have lasting benefits to overall health.
- Get Active – Maintaining a fitness routine is important for lowering cancer risk as well as risks for heart disease and diabetes. According to the American Cancer Society, the latest exercise recommendation for adults is 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week to maintain a healthy weight.
- Change your diet – Maintaining a clean diet is an essential part of improving health and lowering your risk of cancer and other diseases. Start by identifying foods you typically consume on a daily or weekly basis. Gradually begin cutting out those that are high in fat, sugar and calories and replace with more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can use this basic grocery list as an easy jump-start for stocking a healthy kitchen. Be sure to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
- Don’t use tobacco – Cancer isn’t the only disease attributed to tobacco use, other lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel diseases also pose risks to tobacco users. The best way to avoid these is to not use tobacco products at all and avoid harmful secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking can be difficult for many, but it’s never too late to try. The American Cancer Society has many online tips and guides to help you make this long-term lifestyle change.
- Talk to your doctor – Don’t wait until there’s a problem. If your family has a history of cancer diagnoses, the best way to reduce your risk of disease is to take early detection seriously and be proactive about scheduling regular visits to your doctor.
Our center wishes you and your family a Happy New Year!
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.