Heart Health & Cancer Prevention
When we say cancer, who do you think of? Yourself, a friend, a relative? Who do you know who has had a heart attack? Maybe you think of yourself and a time when you battled one of these serious diseases. Most of us can name at least one person for each of those two serious illnesses.
We are asking because February is the American Heart Month. Traditionally, it is more than valentines and chocolates. It is the month where health professionals discuss heart health and cardiac disease prevention. This past Friday, February 7th, was National Wear Red Day, to bring attention to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women. Last Tuesday, February 4th, was World Cancer Day. A day set aside to promote cancer prevention and garner support for research.
When you look at what you can do to reduce our chances of heart disease and cancer, you start to see that heart health and cancer prevention have some things in common. While there are genetic components to both heart disease and cancer, the effects of both diseases can be improved or, at times, can be prevented with some of the same measures. As an example, according to a study published in the Scientific American nearly 50% of cancers are preventable.
From both the American Heart Association and the National Cancer Institute some of the areas where we have direct control of our health include the following list:
Diet – mom was on the right track when she encouraged you to eat more fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet includes less fats and more fruits and vegetables.
Exercise – American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes each week of moderate aerobic activity for the average adult.
Alcohol consumption – Experts recommend two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women.
Sun exposure – while we can’t prevent sun exposure, we can use sunscreen, and/or wear clothing with long sleeves and/or hats that reduces your exposure.
Use of tobacco products – the recommended amount of tobacco is NONE.
Obesity – The national Institutes of Health describe obesity as an accumulation of fatty deposits increases risk for adverse health outcomes. Most experts’ base diagnoses of obesity on a person’s body mass index (BMI), usually thought to cause adverse effects at around 30 or more. Some experts also understand that just basing obesity on a person’s BMI is not a complete assessment, although it can be an indicator of health concerns. If you don’t know your BMI, you can use this online calculator.
A healthy you is a safe you. And a safe you is a better worker. Give yourself a treat this Valentine’s Day by committing to being healthier.
Weekly Safety Challenge:
Who in your life has had a serious health challenge, maybe even a heart issue or cancer? What advice have they or would they give you about your health? Ask these questions in a group of friends and/or coworkers.
