*This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
You may not know this about me, but cancer is very prominent in my family, specifically my mother’s side. It’s something I think about constantly with worry. My mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer when she was around her 40s and had to get a hysterectomy. At the time, I was pretty young. I didn’t really understand the gravity of the situation and how scary it must have been for her. Still, I helped pay bills and take care of her as best as I could.
Now, that I’m older, cancer prevention is something I take incredibly seriously. 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That is way too close to home for me! Today for National Cancer Prevention Month, we’re going to be talking about the ways I try to be as healthy as possible, and continue living a happy, fulfilling life. There’s so many things we can do to reduce the risk of cancer, and I want to share the ones I use!
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obesity are actually linked to an increased risk of many cancers.
I have been working really hard these past couple of months to lose some of the weight I have gained from my anxiety medication I was on and the lack of exercise/proper diet I adopted. I was becoming incredibly unhealthy. Eating nothing but junk food, excessive amounts of food, and sitting on the couch all the time. Now, I focus on eating the right amount of calories my body needs with nutrient-dense foods such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
I stopped drinking soda, and workout almost every single day. Sometimes it’s running, sometimes it’s Zumba! I always find a way to keep my body moving, strong, and fit!
Sun Safety
A few years ago, I really wanted to be tan. I am very fair and it used to make me self conscious because I’m Hispanic. I always thought I should be tan. So I started going to the tanning booths. I went three times and stopped because of how scared I was of getting cancer, and I’m so glad I was. Most skin cancers are from a direct result of the sun’s UV rays, so I try to seek shade and ALWAYS apply a 30+ SPF sunscreen when I leave the house in the Summertime.In addition to sunscreen, American Cancer Society recommends wearing a hat, sunglasses, and to seek the shade.
You can still enjoy the sun AND be protected from it!
Not Smoking
While smoking is clearly the strongest risk factor for lung cancer, it often interacts with other factors. I have a friend whose mother just passed from lung cancer. She was such an amazing woman and it hurts to think of what she had to go through. I have other family members who smoke that I worry about and I always encourage them to avoid tobacco or try to quit.
Screenings
Since my mother had ovarian cancer, I talked to my doctor and know it’s incredibly important for me to go for regular women’s health exams. Knowing your risk for cancer and finding out about the screenings that are right for you can help prevent certain cancers and help catch some early when they might be easier to treat. Check out the American Cancer Society’s full screening guidelines and for full tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle, visit the American Cancer Society’s healthy living page!
It’s so important for us to take care of our health so we can live a long, and happy life! This is just one of the ways we can do that! What are some ways you do it? Let me know in the comments below!
