Double Whammy: Prevent Cancer and Lose Weight In One Fell Swoop

Today, I've learned some great news and I’m shouting it fromthe rooftops! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! According to new research, you can prevent cancer and lose weight: both at the same time!What’s more? It’s easy! Easy, that is, if you are willing tomake just a few lifestyle adjustments (You are willing, aren'tyou?).

Here’s the skinny: In her new book titled: “The Body RestorationPlan,” Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton tells us, ingesting chemicals- the bad ones that cause cancer and illness – will also preventweight loss. Yes, you've heard me correctly. And here’s justone reason the accusation makes perfect sense: If farmers are using hormones to plump up cattle for farming, this plumping upcan wind up you-know-where!

What I’ll attempt to do in this article, then, is weave togetherboth this newfound weight-loss information with the ongoing cancer prevention study of Dr. Samuel Epstein, Chairman of theCancer Prevention Coalition (Check out his cancer report throughthe link in Step One, below).

What follows are the preventative measures I've created with this insight. See if you can use this simple action plan in effort to adjust your lifestyle, keep you body free of toxinsand induce or maintain weight loss. 

Step One: Get Informed
The first step in your action plan: Inform yourself.  Get the big picture. To stay on top of the latest research and preventionrecommendations, visit the Cancer Prevention Coalition’s website.Check them out at: http://www.preventcancer.com

Here, you will also find the Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. “The How To Stop Cancer Before It Starts Campaign,” 66-page report. Dr. Epstein is the chairman for the Cancer Prevention Coalitionand is dedicated to keeping the public informed on the latest issues.

Step Two: Police Your Job
It may take a little effort to keep your workplace honest andhazard free. Here are a couple ideas: 

If you are working in manufacturing, check with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Be sureyour company complies with all anti-hazard requirements. Here’s their site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html 

Also, check out the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA): http://www.osha.gov publications to be sure your companyis in compliance.

All offices and workplaces (especially ones dealing with hazardous substances and volatile chemicals) should aim to create a safety group assembled of employees. If your companydoesn’t have one, talk to your supervisor about forming a safetygroup. Demand excellence and safety in your workplace. Again, review the OSHA standards and aim to comply.

Also, if you are looking for a job, check out the company track record. Be sure to check up on any health issues or cancer incidences before you accept the position.  

Step Three: Police Your Lifestyle
There are several, obvious ways to clean up your own atmosphereand make it safe from cancer causing agents. Here are just a couple lifestyle changes to pay closer attention to: 

If you smoke: Quit, period! If you are finding it difficult to quit, however, employ some extra help. In many statesnon-smoking laws are helping but, if you’re still having a difficult kicking the habit, check out your local Smoke Enders.Log on to the Smoke Enders website to find a group nearest you:http://www.smokenders.com

If you are a drinker, use alcohol in moderation. Although thereis no substantial proof that alcohol causes cancer, heavy drinking can increase your risk.

Step Four: Police Your Diet:
In the same way that moderate drinking is safer than indulging,be aware of your overuse of high fat and high calorie food sources.

Most sources suggest a diet low in fat and high in fiber toprotect your body against disease. Make small changes: aim to replace high sugar foods with increased portions of beans, grains, fruits and vegetables (Remember: rinse all fruits and vegetables before consumption).

Also, decrease large portions of dairy, red meat and animal fat.Replace them with protein sources from fish and poultry. For and excellent, preventative diet program check out “Eat To Beat Cancer,” by J. Robert Hatherill, Ph.D.

Finally, be aware of the water you are drinking. There are somegreat carbon filtration systems that can be attached to your water source or externally to filter your water. According toElson M. Haas, M.D. in his book “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,”solid carbon block systems are superior.

Step Five: Police What You are Buying
When purchasing products for personal use, here are a few guidelines to consider:  

Drugs—Read package inserts and check for any references to cancer. If you find something questionable, weigh your options; search for alternative methods.

Cosmetics—Make every effort not to buy products with “Warning”messages. If the label says the safety of the product has notbeen determined, look for products which use natural ingredientsand are free from synthetics.

Consumer Products-Aim to avoid purchasing aerosol sprays; they will often cause you to inhale a higher than normal concentrationof chemicals.

Pesticides-If you use them, be aware that many pesticides are carcinogenic. Ask the retail store or company about biologicalfriendly alternatives.

Cleaning agents-Always check product labels. If there are “Warnings” listed, opt for something safer. Always check yourshopping list against the current edition of the “Safe Shopper’sBible,” written by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., before making your purchases.

Step Six: Police Your Family History and Other Sources of Exposure

Does you family have a history of cancer? Early detection methodswill often prevent you from big trouble. For women: a yearly papsmear and pelvic exam will often detect early signs of uterine orcervical cancers. Also, aim for a monthly breast self-exam.

Men and women: Ask your doctor for recommendations on colon exams,and Men: ask your doctor for recommendations on PSA testing.Also, keep your eyes peeled for new preventative strategies and get as much information as you can about them.

Always check your skin for any odd looking lesions; make it a habit to take a quick overall scan of your body, frequently. Also, aim to avoid UV lamps and over exposure to the sun. As often as possible wear a sunscreen, Dr. Epstein suggests one containing para-aminobenzoic acid. And, if you work outside, be sure to wear zinc oxide on your lips and nose. 

With just a few hours of time, and these few simple steps, you could be extending your life and maintaining your waistline, toboot. It’s well worth the effort! After all, in the words of Hippocrates himself, “Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.”