Take 10~ Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help You Life Longer, Feel Better, and Look Good.... Golden Rule 1 part 2

Take 10~

Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help You

 Life Longer, Feel Better, and Look Good

by Leo R. Van Dolson, Ph.D., M.P.H.

 

The Cancer Plague Illustrates This Law

Although, at this writing, heart disease still is the number one killer in the United States, cancer is fast catching up and soon may be in first place. Experts in the United States have learned that at least 85 percent of cancer can be prevented by measures that help cut down on the known causes of this terrible plague. How does cancer hit the body? A single cell, triggered by a bit of radiation, a trace of toxic chemical, a virus or a random error in the transcription of the cell's genetic message begins, an abnormal patter of growth. It ay continue to proliferate wildly, forming a tumor that expands into healthy tissue, competing with normal cells for nutrition. Then it may slip away stealthily, extending finger-like probes into the bloodstream finally establishing a beachhead on healthy tissue where it begins to prosper at the expense of neighbor cells, dividing and forming new tumors. It tricks nearby cells into forming blood vessels that feed it and produces a spiny armor that kills marauding immune cells. Eventually it invades and destroys vital organs, incapacitating them and at times bringing death. This dread scenario occurs with increasing frequency. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 600,000 in the U.S. will die each year from cancer and even more new victims will come down with this disease. Does cancer sound like a plague? It is! But there also is GOOD NEWS! Most cancer is preventable. Why this is so can be seen when we look at its causes. 

 

1. Smoking~ Smoking accounts for about 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Those smoking two or more packs of cigarettes per day have mortality rates 15-25 times that of non-smokers.
2. Nutrition~ Risk for colon, breast, and uterine cancer increases in obese people. High-fat diets may contribute to the development of cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate.
3. Alcohol~ Oral cancers and cancers of the larynx, throat, esophagus, and liver occur more frequently among heavy drinkers of alcohol.
4. Estrogen~ Estrogen treatment to control menopausal symptoms may increase risk endometrial cancer.
5. Radiation~ Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation can increase cancer risk.
6. Sunlight~ Almost all of the more than 600,000 cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer diagnosed every year in the U.S. are considered to be sun-related.

Note that tobacco use and harmful diet account for about two-thirds of cancers. Most of the factors listed above are areas in which cancer can be prevented if we avoid cancer-triggers. Cancers greatest cause is know to be a poor diet which causes about 35 percent of all cancers. The American Cancer Society spells out five protective dietary factors:

 

1. Eat More Cabbage-family vegetables:

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Kale

Protects against:

Colorectal

Stomach

Respiratory Cancers

 

2. Add More High-Fiber Foods:

Whole grains

Fruits

Vegetables

Protects Against:

Colon Cancer

 

3. Choose Foods with Vitamin A:

Carrots

Peaches

Apricots

Squash

Broccoli

Protects Against:

Esophagus

Larynx

Lung Cancers

 

4. Choose Foods With Vitamin C:

Grapefruit

Cantaloupe

Oranges

Strawberries

Red and green peppers

Broccoli

Tomatoes

Protects Against:

Esophagus

Stomach cancers

 

5. Add Weight Control:

Exercise

Low fat

Low calorie diet

Protects Against:

Uterus

Gallbladder

Breast

Colon cancers

 

To summarize, a proper, well-balanced diet is one of the most important means of cutting down the risk of cancer. We need to adopt a low-fat, low cholesterol, low calorie, high-fiber diet that is rich in vitamins and phytochemicals.

 

We need to be aware of the 7 warning signals of cancer. If you notice any of these you should see your doctor right away.

 

CANCER'S 7 WARNING SIGNALS

1. Change in bowel or bladder habits
2. A sore that does not heal
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
6. Obvious change in wart or mole
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness

 

Considering the astronomical costs associated with cancer treatment, and ounce of prevention is worth thousands of pounds of cure. The more steps you take to prevent cancer, the more years will be added to your life and the more life will be added to your years. Taking control of lifestyle is key to feeling better and reducing cancer risk.

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I would like to add my own two cents to this post - I truly believe that a big factor in cancer is STRESS. And I think that another important way to help prevent cancer is to learn to trust in God more and more.

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6



 

I am going to be working on a study of trusting God and I may be sharing some of it with you all here on my blog.

 

Come back on Friday when we will finish up this chapter and have our Bible Study Guide for this chapter. I will see you then.