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

Elevated Blood Sugar and Cancer - a connection?

I received this a while back from a friend I respect. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I share it with you...

"You put on a few extra pounds - especially around the middle. Your blood sugar goes up a bit. Is that a big deal? What's the worst that could happen?

Try cancer for starters!

When your blood sugar levels go up, your body produces more insulin and a protein called insulin-like growth factor to try and keep your blood sugar levels under
control. And both of those hormones stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

This has been known for years, but scientists have argued as to whether this was a real concern or just of theoretical interest.

Two recent studies - one in Korea and one in Sweden - have shown that this is a very real concern.

The Swedish study, published in the December 2009 issue of PLoS Medicine, followed 550,000 residents of Sweden, Norway and Austria for 10 years. It showed that high blood sugar levels increased the risk of cancer by 11% for women and 5% for men.

The cancers most affected by high blood sugar levels were cancers of the pancreas, gallbladder, liver and bladder - although the incidence of most other cancers was increased as well.

Interestingly, prostate cancer - the most common form of cancer in men - was not affected by high blood sugar levels. That explains why the effect of high blood
sugar on cancer incidence was lower in men than in women.

So what can you do if your blood sugar levels are starting to creep up? You probably know the answer already!

Weight control and exercise are the most important keys to keeping your blood sugar levels under control - although proper diet and appropriate supplementation are also important.

To Your Health!
Dr. S. G. Chaney"

Time to drop those extra pounds and get some exercise -- it's a recipe for good health for all of us.

Best of Health,
Susan

Think before buying that "PINK" product

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month... and those cute little pink ribbons are on a gazillion products.

You can purchase pink appliances as well as well as sneakers and fitness equipment that support Komen for the Cure.

Also sporting the pink ribbon are sugar laden cereals, cake mixes and frostings, paraben containing makeup and personal care products, and cookies loaded with saturated fat. Now I realize the Marlboro man isn't sporting a pink ribbon but are all things "pink" really good for our health, and shouldn't they be?

For me, those pink ribbons won't change how I shop. I'll purchase the products I regularly do, virtually none of which have a pink connection. Then in honor of the month I'll gladly make a donation to one of my favorite charities, Community Cares, a non-profit that benefits young women dealing with a health crisis - usually cancer.

And of course I'll continue to educate and advocate for safer products, because GREEN really does go with everything, and perhaps safer products will lead to less cancer...

Best of Health,
Susan

The Story of Cosmetics... and the toxins within many of them

The Story of Cosmetics video has just been released, and it shares information on the ugly truth about cosmetics and personal care products.

Have you read the ingredient label on your favorite mascara, shampoo or deodorant? Seriously, you need a degree in chemistry to figure out just what's in there!
Now to be fair, just because an ingredient sounds scary, doesn't mean it is, but some common ingredients in personal care products ARE linked to asthma, cancer, learning disabilities and male infertility. How can this be?

And how can a product marketed with the PINK RIBBON logo to fight breast cancer, contain ingredients LINKED to breast cancer? Because nobody, not even the FDA regulates ingredients in personal care products. In fact, since 1938, the FDA has banned only eight ingredients from being in them!

The video is enlightening, and after you watch it, I encourage you to purchase products from responsible companies who market products that are truly safe, that really work and that are actually green!

Oh, and please sign the petition asking Congress to pass the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. Isn't it time for all products to be safe?

Do you unknowingly have toxic products in your home?

This study may just be a wake up call...

Cancer Prevention Coalition Chairperson Samuel Epstein, M.D., and investigative journalist, David Steinman, compiled the "Dirty Dozen" from data on over 3,500 consumer products.

> Beef Frankfurters (Conventional)
> Whole Milk
> Talcum Powder (often labeled as "baby powder")
> Cover Girl Replenishing Natual Finish Make Up (Foundation)
> Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste
> Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna)
> Clairol Nice 'n Easy (Permanent Haircolor)
> Ajax Cleanser
> Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser
> Lysol Disinfectant Spray
> Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar
> Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer (another Monsanto "winner")

Change may not be easy and getting rid of your favorite whatever may be difficult, but for your health and the health of your family and our planet, visit your local health food store and try a substitute. Heck, you may just love that new toothpaste!