October 13, 2009

CANCER PREVENTION


Cancer is a disease that damages your DNA and causes your cells to grow in a rapid and out of control way. This growth eventually leads to the formation of a cancerous (malignant) tumour which can then spread to other areas of the body. It is not know exactly what triggers cancerous growths. In this article I will be expanding on this topic by providing you with three top cancer prevention tips.

QUIT SMOKING:- Cigarette smoke contains over 70 carcinogens (substances that are known to cause cancer). Inhaling cigarette smoke transports these carcinogens to your lungs. These carcinogens can then travel from your lungs to other areas of your body through the blood and the lymphatic system. Therefore, by not smoking and avoiding smoky atmospheres you can significantly reduce your cancer risk. Second hand smoking is far more dangerous than if you smoke yourself. The side stream smoke you inhale is way more toxic than the smoke the smoker inhales with his every puff. Do you know that a synonym for passive is long-suffering? If you are married to a smoker, you are a long-suffering smoker!

EAT A HEALTHY FOODS:- Research suggests that eating a diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals can help prevent cancer. Vitamins and minerals contain a selection of powerful anti-oxidants that can help protect your DNA from damage. Fibre helps your body properly absorb the vitamins and minerals that are in the foods you eat. Therefore, one top tip for preventing cancer is to eat lots of fresh, natural fruits and vegetables which are a rich source of all the above.

PROTECT FROM UV RADIATION:- Do you love getting a tan? Do you think a tan is sexy or healthy? Sorry to disappoint you but a tan is neither sexy nor healthy. When your skin tans, it's your skin's natural defense against the radiation you are subjecting yourself to. Using a broad-spectrum sunblock is one of the effective ways to prevent cancer of the skin. UV radiation not causes only skin cancer, mind you. It also damages your eyes and may cause cataracts.
Remember the old saying "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure?" As I read and learned more, I realized that there is a need for everyone to know what these cancer prevention strategies are because a single cure will never be found for cancer as it is a disease of more than a hundred types.

LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS:- Stress is part of our daily life. It's something you can't avoid. Stress may lead to cancer because it suppresses the immune activities of your immune system. It is extremely important that you know how to deal with stress. Learn to not to sweat the small stuff and let go of events, people or anything that you can't change.

There are still a lot to of things to be learnt about cancer. However, as you can see from this article there are things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of contracting this disease. By avoiding cigarette smoke, improving your diet can hopefully avoid cancer completely.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.


October 12, 2009

Ways To Prevent Osteoporosis During Menopause


Women, during menopause, might be lack of estrogen. This causes bones to lose calcium and become weaker, putting them at risk for severe bone loss or osteoporosis. A lack of estrogen also increases risk of heart disease.

Osteoporosis causes bones to lose mass and density. As the bones become porous and brittle, the chance of fracture is greatly increased. Often there are no symptoms and a person only discovers that they have osteoporosis when they suffer a fracture.

However, there are steps you can do to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease, such as:

1. Get enough calcium to keep your bones strong. Before menopause, you need about 1,000 mg of calcium per day. After menopause, you need 1,500 mg per day. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Try weight-bearing exercises, like walking, and running.

2. Eat healthy by including plenty of whole grain products, vegetables, and fruits in your diet. Choose a diet low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

4. Control your blood pressure.

5. If you have diabetes, control and monitor your blood sugar levels.

6. Lower your cholesterol to the right level.

7. Dont Smoke if you smoke, try to quit.

8. If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink per day.

So, if you think that your menopause has begun, it is important for you to pay attention to the eight essential ways to prevent osteoporosis.