"What You Can Do to Prevent Cancer and Why It Works?"

 

DITCH THE SMOKES: Every puff of tobacco is packed with 250 harmful chemicals. Nearly 70 of them cause cancer. And it's more than just lung cancer. Cigarettes are linked to 12 other kinds, including stomach, bladder, kidney, mouth, and throat. The sooner you stop, the better. Ask your doctor for advice on quit-smoking methods.

EAT MORE BROCCOLI: Fruits and veggies pack an anti-cancer punch because they're high in nutrients and fiber, and low in fat. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, watercress, or other cruciferous vegetables. They protect against DNA damage that can turn cells cancerous. Or eat colorful berries. Studies show they have cancer-fighting chemicals that ward off damage to cells.

TRIM A FEW POUNDS: Extra weight around your middle could add up to a greater chance of having cancer, especially of the breast, colon, uterus, pancreas, esophagus, and gallbladder. Researchers say one reason may be that fat cells release substances that encourage cancer cells to grow.

GO EASY ON ALCOHOL: Tip back too many martinis each day, and your odds of cancer go up. Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, breast, liver, esophagus, and others. The more you drink, the higher your risk. If you drink, do it in moderation. Women should stick to one drink a day, men up to two.

CUT BACK ON HOT DOGS: Think twice before you throw some on the grill. Studies show that processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausage, have chemicals called nitrites and nitrates that may be linked to cancer. And research suggests too much red meat like steak and burgers could be a long-term risk for colorectal cancer. Choose safer alternatives for your backyard cookout, like chicken breast or fish.

GET OFF THE COUCH: Do you spend too much time lounging around? Cancer prevention is one more reason to get moving. Exercise fights obesity and lowers levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin, which have been linked to cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise -- the kind that gets your heart pumping -- on most days of the week.

PUT ON SUNSCREEN: Baking in the sun might give you a healthy-looking glow, but under the surface, UV rays cause skin damage that could lead to cancer. Because you can burn in just 15 minutes, rub on sunscreen before you go outside. Pick a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply whenever you sweat or swim. And when you're out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses.

PRACTICE SAFER SEX: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren't your only worry during unprotected sex. Some of these infections also increase your odds of having cancer. About 70% of cervical cancers start with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Some types of hepatitis can cause liver cancer. To stay safe, use a latex condom every time you have sex.

GET VACCINATED: When it comes to vaccines, think beyond your annual flu shot. Some can protect against cancer, too. Certain HPV vaccines prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus. The time to get vaccinated is between ages 9 and 26. The hepatitis B vaccine wards off the virus that causes liver cancer. It's part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

AVOID TOXIC CHEMICALS: Chemicals called carcinogens damage DNA in your cells and raise your chance of having cancer if you touch, eat, or breathe them in. Asbestos, radon, and benzene are a few that some people come into contact with at work or home. Chemicals in weedkillers, plastics, and some home products may also be risky. You can't avoid every chemical, but know which ones are in products you use and switch to safer options if you can.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: You inherited more than your mother's eyes or your father's grin. They may also have shared their chances for having diseases like cancer. Some genes that parents pass down to their kids have flaws. They don't repair damaged DNA the way they should, which lets cells turn into cancer. Learn about your family's medical history and ask your doctor if a genetic test is a good idea for you.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH SCREENINGS: Screening tests catch cancer early -- sometimes even before it starts. A colonoscopy often finds polyps in the colon and rectum before they turn into cancer. The Pap test locates pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in a woman's cervix. Mammograms and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) look for early breast and lung cancers. Ask your doctor when to start getting these tests, and how often you need them.

TAKE MEDS IF YOU NEED THEM: Some drugs lower your odds of getting certain cancers. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifene (Evista) can reduce breast cancer risk but may have serious side effects. Aspirin may protect against colorectal and prostate cancers. Be wary, though, of supplements that promise to keep you cancer-free. Many haven't been proven, and some have side effects.

BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT HORMONE THERAPY: It can ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue, and protect your bones. But hormone therapy may raise your chances of breast cancer and make cancer harder to detect. Ask your doctor about your risks before you try this treatment.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY: Carol DerSarkissian, MD, WebMD, on February 10, 2021

SOURCES:

Pharmaceutical Research: "Cancer is a preventable disease that requires major lifestyle changes."

National Cancer Institute: "Harms of Cigarette Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting," "Alcohol and Cancer Risk," "Obesity and Cancer Risk," "HPV and Cancer," "Cancer Vaccines."

Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Former Smokers: What's Your Risk for Lung Cancer?"

The New England Journal of Medicine: "21st-Century Hazards of Smoking and Benefits of Cessation in the United States."

American Cancer Society: "Cruciferous Vegetables and Cancer Prevention," "Does body weight affect cancer risk?" "World Health Organization Says Processed Meat Causes Cancer," "Alcohol and Cancer," "Medicines to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk."

The American Institute for Cancer Research: "Berries Seem to Burst With Cancer Protection."

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: "WHO repport says eating processed meat is carcinogenic: Understanding the Findings."

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: "Trim Your Cancer Risk With Exercise."

Skin Cancer Foundation: "Sunscreen."

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: "Can a sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection (STD/STI) lead to cancer?"

CDC: "Chemicals, Cancer, and You," "What Should I Know About Screening?" "Cancer Screening Tests."

National Health Service: "Everyday chemicals may contribute to cancer," "Can vitamin and mineral supplements prevent cancer?"

Cancer Research UK: "Family history and inherited cancer genes."

MD Anderson Cancer Center: "Can a daily aspirin lower your cancer risk?"

Mayo Clinic: "Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?"

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

"Worst Habits for Belly Fat"

 

EATING WHILE DISTRACTED: Instead of scrolling through your smartphone while you snack, pay attention to your meals and savor the flavors. The more mindful you can be while eating, the less likely you are to overeat. Notice your food, chew with care, and be present in your body as you nosh. Your waist will thank you.

EATING TOO FAST: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that it’s full. If you’re cramming food in too quickly, you’ll keep eating past the point your body needs. Slow eaters take in fewer calories -- and prevent extra pounds.

GETTING POOR SLEEP: In one study, adults under 40 who slept less than 5 hours a night gained more belly fat than those who got more ZZZs. But if you’re sleep-deprived, don’t go overboard to correct it -- sleeping more than 8 hours a night can have the same gut-expanding effect.

EATING LATE: Give your digestive system time to do the work of burning off your meal by eating on the earlier side of the evening. The later you take in calories, the fewer hours your body has to use them up.

EATING WHITE BREAD: The refined grains in white bread and other processed foods are stripped of slow-digesting fiber, so your body digests it faster, raising your blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to weight gain. Choose whole-grain carbs instead.

DRINKING DIET SODA: You may think swapping full-sugar soda for the diet version would keep your calorie count low and therefore curb weight gain. But scientists say that’s not true at all: Aspartame, the artificial sweetener in many diet sodas, actually increases belly fat. Skip soda altogether and quench your thirst with water.

SKIPPING MEALS: Did you know opting out of breakfast makes you 4½ times more likely to be obese? Going without a meal slows down your metabolism, which makes it more probable you’ll overeat later on when you’re hungry.

EATING 'LOW-FAT' OR 'FAT-FREE' FOOD: It’s good to watch your fat intake, but foods that take out fat and sugar can often be higher in carbs. High-carb foods can raise your triglycerides, increase your insulin sensitivity, and increase fat in your midsection.

SMOKING: You already know smoking is terrible for health, but one of the many bad effects of smoking centers on your belly. The more you light up, the more fat you store in your stomach, as opposed to your hips and thighs.

EATING ON A BIG PLATE: Yep, it’s that simple: Put your food on a smaller plate (and use smaller utensils!) and trick your brain into thinking you’re eating more than you are. If you go for the huge platter, you’re more likely to finish it all and eat more than you need.

NOT MOVING ENOUGH: The science is certain: Physical activity is the key to health. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity movement every day, and your waistline will shrink (and your muscles will grow), even if your weight stays the same.

BEING STRESSED OUT: Stress releases a hormone called cortisol into your body. Higher cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, especially the visceral weight you hold in your belly. Practice regular relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to help keep calm and curb stress levels.

REVIEWED BY: Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD, on August 26, 2021

SOURCES:

PLOS One: “Association between Mindfulness and Weight Status in a General Population from the NutriNet-Santé Study.”

Journal of the American Dietetic Association: “Eating slowly led to decreases in energy intake within meals in healthy women.”

Harvard Medical School: “Taking aim at belly fat,” “Abdominal fat and what to do about it.”

Nutrition Reviews: “High-glycemic index foods, hunger, and obesity: is there a connection?”

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society: “Diet Soda Intake Is Associated with Long-Term Increases in Waist Circumference in a Biethnic Cohort of Older Adults: The San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging.”

American Journal of Epidemiology: “Energy Intake at Breakfast and Weight Change: Prospective Study of 6,764 Middle-aged Men and Women.”

University of Chicago Medical Center: “Is full-fat food better for you than low-fat or fat-free food?”

The Journal of Nutrition: “A Lower-Carbohydrate, Higher-Fat Diet Reduces Abdominal and Intermuscular Fat and Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.”

Obesity: “Eating Behavior and Obesity at Chinese Buffets.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Want to Lose the Belly Fat?”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

"How to Quiet Your Mind?"

 

BREATHE: We do this all the time, but to use your breathing to find stillness, be more careful and conscious about it. Pay attention to the rhythm. If you take short, quick breaths, try to move toward slower, deeper ones. Put your hand on your belly: You should feel it rise and expand as you draw air in and fall as you let it out. Shoot for about six breaths a minute.

WATCH FISH SWIM: People with home aquariums say they feel calmer, more relaxed, and less stressed when they gaze at their fish, and science backs it up. It isn't just the water, although that alone helps. A study using a tank hundreds of times larger found that the more types of marine life that were added, the happier people got. Heart rates and blood pressures dropped, too.

EXERCISE: Just 5 minutes of aerobic exercise, like a brisk walk, could start to calm your mind. It releases endorphins -- chemicals that make you feel good and can help improve your mood, focus, and sleep. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can give you a big dose of them in a short time. After warming up, alternate 20- to 30-second bursts of pushing yourself hard (like doing sprints, squats, or fast weightlifting) with equal amounts of rest.

LISTEN TO MUSIC: It literally calms the activity in your brain. Fewer neurons fire in your amygdala (the part of your brain that responds to fear), which may lead to fewer signals sent to other parts of your brain. Music is a good thing to try if you're distracted by pain. Listen closely, not just as background. The more you notice, the less you'll dwell on your other thoughts.

HELP SOMEONE: It lights up parts of your brain that make you feel pleasure and connection. Doing something nice for someone lowers stress and lessens feelings of loneliness. It may even boost your heart health and immune response. Fun fact: When you spend money on other people, your body releases more endorphins (the same chemicals from exercise) than when you spend on yourself.

GO OUTDOORS: Being in and around nature often makes people think more clearly and feel more relaxed and refreshed. Your brain doesn't have to work as hard in a greener environment. In one study, after 20 minutes in a park, children with ADHD were able to concentrate better. Spending time outside can also bring down your heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and even muscle tension.

PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION: Use the connection with your body to soothe your mind. Pick a body part -- foot, leg, mouth, eyes -- and tense it for a few seconds. Then release and relax for 10 seconds or so. Notice how that feels different. Switch to another part and keep going until you've done your whole body. This can also improve sleep and may even ease headaches and stomachaches.

HANG OUT WITH A DOG: Whether it's a member of your family or a therapy dog, a friendly pooch can make you feel less anxious, tense, confused, and restless. When you pet and play with them, it seems to lower levels of stress hormones. One reason could be that your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in bonding and trust. (Although not studied as much, cats can calm you, too.)

GUIDED IMAGERY: Think of a favorite spot, real or imagined, that makes you calm and happy: perhaps a beach at sunset, a comfy chair in front of a fireplace, or a stream in the forest. Focus on details. Can you smell pine needles, for example? See bubbles in the water? Hear the gurgle and splashing? There are audio recordings and apps that can help you through this process.

HATHA YOGA: This mix of challenging poses and controlled breathing helps you turn your awareness to being in the present moment instead of judging yourself and others. There's also evidence that a regular practice lessens anxiety and takes the edge off your natural stress response. Plus, it's exercise that builds your strength and flexibility. Go to a class, and you'll get the benefits of socializing with other people, too.

GET CREATIVE: Activities like coloring books, knitting, scrapbooking, and pottery offer an escape for a busy mind. Simple, repetitive actions, especially -- like kneading dough -- can help you redirect your thoughts and tune out the chatter in your head. Let your inner child play! The key is to enjoy the process and not worry so much about the result.

TAKE A BREAK: When you find your mind racing full-speed or spiraling down a rabbit hole, change your focus: stretch, daydream, walk around, get a snack, or chat with a friend. Take at least 5 minutes to recharge and reset. You'll be more centered and clear-headed. If you're going to be working intently, set a timer or use an app to remind you to stop every 90 minutes or so.

DIG IN THE DIRT: It's not just the great outdoors and the exercise at work here. The soil itself has microorganisms that might help you focus and lift your mood. Gardeners are less depressed and anxious, and they feel more connected to their communities.

BIOFEEDBACK: This technique teaches you to control your reactions to stress. Working with a therapist, you're hooked up to a computer that shows your brainwaves. You could track your heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing, too. This lets you see in real time what happens when you're triggered and when you try to counteract it. Over time, you'll figure out how to calm your body's response on your own.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY: Stephanie S. Gardner, MD, WebMD on November 04, 2020

SOURCES:

Mindful: "A 5-Minute Breathing Meditation To Cultivate Mindfulness."

Cleveland Clinic: "Exercise: Mind-Body Exercises & Heart Health," "3 Reasons Adult Coloring Can Actually Relax Your Brain."

Seleni: "How can I stop my racing thoughts?"

National Sleep Foundation: "Relaxation Exercises for Falling Asleep."

Psychological Reports: "Benefits, Problems, and Characteristics of Home Aquarium Owners."

Anthrozoös: "Effect of aquariums on electroconvulsive therapy patients."

Marriage & Family Review: "Health, Aquariums, and the Non-Institutionalized Elderly."

BBC: "Aquariums 'deliver significant health benefits.' "

Journal of Environmental Psychology: "Blue space: The importance of water for preference, affect, and restorativeness ratings of natural and built scenes."

WallaceJNichols.org: "The Cognitive Benefits of Being by Water."

Environment and Behavior: "Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being: A Preliminary Examination of Dose-Response Effects in an Aquarium Setting."

Anxiety and Depression Association of America: "Exercise for Stress and Anxiety."

Mental Health Foundation: "Physical activity and mental health," "Altruism and wellbeing."

American Council on Exercise: "8 Reasons HIIT Workouts are So Effective."

PLOS ONE: "Twelve Weeks of Sprint Interval Training Improves Indices of Cardiometabolic Health Similar to Traditional Endurance Training despite a Five-Fold Lower Exercise Volume and Time Commitment."

American Journal of Public Health: "The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature."

The Dana Foundation: "The Amygdala: The Body’s Alarm Circuit."

British Journal of General Practice: "Music: a better alternative than pain?"

Mind: "How could relaxation help me?"

MentalHelp.net: "Socialization And Altruistic Acts As Stress Relief."

Berkeley Wellness: "The Benefits of Giving."

Ecotherapy -- the green agenda for mental health, Mind, 2007.

Peacock, J. The mental health benefits of green exercise activities and green care, Mind week report, February 2007.

Frontiers in Psychology: "The great outdoors? Exploring the mental health benefits of natural environments," "Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin."

Journal of Attention Disorders: "Children With Attention Deficits Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park."

University of Minnesota, Taking Charge of your Health & Wellbeing: "How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?"

Heart.org: "Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Stress and Anxiety."

AnxietyCanada: "How to do Progressive Muscle Relaxation."

Hormone Health Network: "What is Oxytocin?"

DIVERSEability: "Cats Make Great Therapy Animals."

Anxiety Canada Youth: "Visualizations: Mental Vacations."

Harvard Health Publishing: "Yoga -- Benefits Beyond the Mat," "Yoga for anxiety and depression."

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: "Yoga: In Depth," "Relaxation Techniques for Health."

Mayo Clinic: "Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms."

Harvard Business Review: "Quick and Easy Ways to Quiet Your Mind."

National Wildlife Federation: "It’s in the dirt! Bacteria in soil may make us happier, smarter."

Preventive Medicine Reports: "Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis."

Journal of Health Psychology: "Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress."

Mental Health in Family Medicine: "Biofeedback in medicine: who, when, why and how?"

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.