Living Green and the Cancer Question...

If you knew for sure that doing "x, y and z" would make you (and your loved ones) bulletproof to cancer, would you make a change to do "x, y and z"? Even if it cost you more? More effort, more time, more money?

What started me thinking about this question is a radio telethon being done by WHUD for a local hospital, the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. They're sharing successes and the stories are both heart wrenching and heartwarming. To listen to the parents and children speak of their ordeals brings tears to my eyes. And it got me to thinking about "x, y and z."

Over the years it's been well documented that exercise decreases the risk of cancer and many other health concerns, yet many Americans are couch potatoes. It's also well documented that eating more fruits and vegetables AND avoiding pesticides and herbicides on our food is healthier for us, and the planet, yet many feel they can't afford the extra cost. HealthyChild.org, The Environmental Working Group and The National Institute of Health have shined a light on ingredients of concern, some linked to serious health issues, in many household cleaners, yet Americans still choose them over non-toxic green cleaners which are safer.

The reality is that no one knows exactly what causes cancer, especially in a child. And doing "x, y and z" won't Guarantee that you or someone in your family won't get the big C... but what if those simple changes were truly the answer to a big part of the puzzle?

I realize I'm making this all too simplistic and sadly families doing all the right things may still wind up with a member who gets cancer since there are things we simply have no control over, such as the air we breathe, the pesticides used on our neighbors lawn, or in the office we work... but what if getting a little more exercise, choosing toxin free foods, and clearing the toxic cleaners from your home are a big part of the answer?

It really can cost so little monetarliy. Exercise doesn't have to mean joining a gym, instead strap on a pedometer and go walk the track at your local high school. Try to get in 10,000 steps every day.

Choosing organic food does cost a bit more, but going green for cleaning can save you more than enough to make up for the added cost of healthier food, and the added health benefits, Priceless (even if your not bulletproof for cancer).

Best of Health,
Susan