Health Notes #4

Lifestyle for Preventing Cancer

Cancer is bad news. We now have a world wide epidemic of cancer. In the U.S.A. cancer is the number two killer, second only to cardiovascular diseases.

The good news is that much cancer can be prevented. Prevention is the key to the control of any disease. Cancer prevention involves avoiding, as far as possible, exposure to known carcinogenic agents and living a heal- thy lifestyle. Alcohol, tobacco, asbestos, coal tar products, certain viruses, and other agents may act as initiators or promoters of cancer.

Exercise, rest, a clean environment, fresh air, pure water, and sunshine -- all are important. They help to build healthy bodies and increase the efficiency of the immune system.

Diet-wise, excessive fats in the diet appear to be promoters of cancer. Excessive calories, and especially the concentrated calories of fat, have been shown to increase dramatically certain types of cancer such as, breast, colon, and prostate.

Another cancer mechanism related to fats is that obtained by charcoal-broiled steaks. It is estimated that eating one pound of charcoal-broiled steak is the cancer equivalent of smoking 200 cigarettes. Certain foods such as smoked meats are preserved by prolonged exposure to smoke. This is in the same category as the charcoal-broiled meats.

Foods that protect against cancer mean a life-style change in most cases, and may involve personal discipline. It includes starches, cereals, fruit and vegetables, and a limited amount of concentrated foods such as nuts and other seeds. Fiber, talked about in Health Notes #2 is also important. Above all in cancer prevention is a commitment to a personal lifestyle that helps to prevent cancer.

Set some goals for you and your family and gradually work towards them at the speed your family can handle. The Lord meant for us to be healthy and happy, at any age.

Dietary Guidelines for Reducing the Risk of Cancer

Eat more:

Fruits. They are rich in Vitamin C and in fiber, both of which fight cancer.

Vegetables. Dark green and yellow ones are very rich in Vitamin A. Members of the cabbage family also have anticancer properties -- cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli.

Whole Grains for vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fiber helps prevent bowel cancer.

Fruity Tips

Lemon Sauce - for a Fresh Fruit Salad

1 c. cold pineapple juice

pinch of salt

2 Tbs. cornstarch

1 Tbs. honey

2½ Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon rind

Blend all ingredients briefly on high. Pour into saucepan and cook on medium until thick and clear. Cool, then mix into your fresh fruit salad or serve over cake.

Fresh Fruit Muffins

1 c. finely chopped dates

1 c. coconut (opt.)

2 c. regular oats

3 c. blended fresh fruit of your choice

1 Tbs. vanilla

½ tsp. salt

1 c. whole wheat flour

¼ c. oil (optional)

1 c. oat flour *

(* Blend 1 c. oats in your blender until the consistency of flour.)

Mix all ingredients together well. Fill sprayed muffin tins so they are heaping as they will not rise.

Bake 350^o F. for about 50 minutes. Cool for 10 min. before removing.

Yield:12-1/3 c. muffins.

Remember: Courage is fear that has said it's prayers.