February is National Cancer Prevention Month.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of cancer deaths in the United States is decreasing but approximately 38 percent of the population will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their lives. As part of its cancer awareness and prevention efforts, the Washington DC-based American Institute of Cancer Research emphasizes that up to one-third of the most common cancers in the US are preventable. Research shows that just 5 to 10 percent of cancer cases are attributed to genes. Lifestyle and environment likely triggered the remaining 90 to 95 percent.
Wigful Thinking Wig Studio wants to share a few tips to help you in your wellness journey. Most people are probably aware of things they should do to prevent cancer such as avoiding smoking, wearing sunscreen, and getting regular screenings for colon, breast and prostate cancer.
Here are five steps you can start taking now to increase your odds of remaining cancer-free. Many are surprisingly simple lifestyle choices.
- Keep moving – Add more activity, such as brisk walking, to your daily routine. Walking just 30 minutes at 3 mph 5 days per week can be enough to protect you. Get on your feet while talking on the phone, doing chores, or even watching television.
- Eat a rainbow – Eat a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The more colorful your plate is, the more likely it is packed with powerful cancer-fighting nutrients. Avoiding processed foods and salty foods are also beneficial.
- Be choosey about how you hydrate – Sipping enough H2O every day is essential to overall health, but it is important to make sure the water you drink is clean and safe. Using filtered water can help. Avoid sugary drinks and limit alcohol, if consumed at all.
- Select meat wisely – Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meats have been classified as a carcinogen. Limiting red meat consumption such as beef, pork and lamb and making more meals using poultry and fish are good choices. Create meatless dishes using beans or eggs instead to provide the protein your diet needs.
- De-stress – Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and potentially speed the development of tumors. Find ways to release the strains of daily life. Exercising, spending time with friends, hobbies, and music can all be ways to relax.
After treatment, cancer survivors should follow recommendations for cancer prevention from their medical caregivers.
Contact our awesome staff
The Wigful Thinking team is a family-owned passion since 2014. Caryl, the owner, is a two-time cancer survivor and understands the emotional toll on women when they lose hair and eyebrows. Contact us for a consultation if you are experiencing medical hair loss. Our talented and compassionate staff is here to help you with all of your wig needs.