Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 36)

EATING GRILLED FOOD RISK LEVEL: 2 REASON: “While grilling meats at high temperatures creates compounds that have been shown to increase cancer risk in animals, it’s not clear the extent to which they do in humans,” says Colleen Doyle, M.S., R.D., director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society. “Some studies do suggest that people who eat a lot of grilled meats have higher rates of stomach, pancreatic, colorectal and breast cancer.” RECOMMENDATION: While the American Cancer Society doesn’t discourage grilling, it does offer the following tips: • Clean your grill often to remove charred debris. • Don’t burn meats. If you do, don’t eat those areas. • Precook meats in the microwave or oven so they don’t need to be on the grill as long. Doyle also suggests cutting back on red meats in favor of seafood and poultry, as eating red meat has been shown to increase the risk of prostate and colon cancers. SMOKING RISK LEVEL: 5 REASON: “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide,” says Ted Gansler, M.D., director of medical content for the American Cancer Society. “It’s responsible for one in five deaths in the U.S., 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths.” But you’re not necessarily in the clear if you aren’t a smoker. “Each year, about 3,000 If you don’t smoke, weight is the next most important risk factor for cancer. 36 SPRING 2 013 nonsmoking adults die of lung cancer due to the effects of secondhand smoke,” Gansler warns. RECOMMENDATION: If you’re a smoker, now is the time to quit. There are many tools to help you succeed. “Ask your physician for help,” Gansler suggests. “Get medication and support. Only a small percentage of people are successful in quitting on their first attempt. So be persistent; it may take several attempts.” If you live with a smoker, ask him or her to smoke outside and never near children. And when choosing hotels and restaurants, select smoke-free options. USING TANNING BEDS RISK LEVEL: 4 REASON: Studies show that people who use indoor tanning beds have a 17 percent increase in developing melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) than those who don’t, Gansler says. “And if you start using tanning beds before age 35, you face a 75 percent increased risk of melanoma.” RECOMMENDATION: “Whatever color you are, that’s the color you’re supposed to be,” Gansler says. “Don’t do something dangerous to change your appearance.” He suggests avoiding indoor tanning facilities. “And when outside, wear sunscreen [with an SPF of 15 or greater], sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.” USING ANTIPERSPIRANT RISK LEVEL: 1 REASON: There are no strong studies reporting a statistical link between cancer risk and antiperspirant use, according to the American Cancer Society. “This myth began because people thought deodorant blocked the body’s ability to eliminate toxins via perspiration … and the toxins backed up into the armpit and caused cancer,” Gansler says. “This is not true. In fact, a study that compared 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women without the disease found no relationship between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, deodorant use or underarm shaving.” RECOMMENDATION: Gansler maintains that the risk, if any, for the average person is low. But if you have specific concerns, many health food stores sell natural alternatives.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Your Bridge to Healthcare
A Night of Haunted Elegance
You’re the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
Diane Keaton
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
Learning to Be Healthy
Community Health
Business Black Belts
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center

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