Summer is a favorite season for many. Warm weather equals more time spent outdoors, more social activities like barbecues and picnics, and much needed vacations. It is also prime time to prevent cancer! These summertime cancer prevention tips will help reduce your risk while you safely enjoy the warm and sunny season.
1. Lather on the sunscreen and apply it correctly.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The good news is that it is also the most preventable type of cancer. Applying sunscreen correctly is an effective way to prevent skin cancer. The problem is that many people are applying it incorrectly, either putting on too little or not soon enough before going outdoors.2. Get moving!
Experts say that regular exercise is the key to preventing many types of cancer. Warm weather allows us to spend more time being active outdoors, instead of being cooped up in the gym. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling are all excellent ways to get an effective workout while enjoying summer weather. Don't forget the sunscreen!3. Visit your local farmer's market for fresh fruit and veggies.
Listen to Mom and eat those veggies! Fresh fruit and vegetables are essential for a cancer prevention diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green veggies and orange and yellow fruits and veggies are your best bet.4. Stay out of the sun during peak times.
Staying out of the sun during peak hours is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. The sun's peak hours are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to avoid the sun during that time.5. Pass on that last call for alcohol.
Warmer weather means some of us will be going to more parties and night clubs that offer alcohol. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drink per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.6. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke.
More people will be dining outside at restaurants, which means smokers will most likely be lighting up after a meal. Consider eating inside to avoid secondhand smoke exposure.If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit! There is not one single health benefit of smoking, but the human body is somewhat forgiving and you will begin to reap the benefits of being a non-smoker just minutes after kicking the habit.
