Cancer Control Month & Alcohol Awareness Month

April is the month when we fully welcome Spring, when the weather and the   energy shift, and nature supports new growth.  This can mean re-evaluating our thoughts, beliefs, and habits so we can make health-supporting choices.

Cancer Control Month highlights advances against cancer and  re- dedicates the nation to fighting this disease.  Concurrently, Alcohol Awareness Month offers communities an opportunity to raise awareness of the number one drug problem in America – one that is often overlooked in the focus on illegal drugs.  Alcohol can increase the risk of some cancers and lifestyle choices we make can mean the difference between activating a genetic pre-disposition to alcoholism and certain cancers, or not.

One simple change that can reduce cancer risk is to limit consumption of meat.  While a vegetarian diet may be ideal because of its emphasis on vegetables and fruits which are cancer protective, researchers say that diets which are rich in fruits and veggies can include small amounts of lean meat and poultry and still be cancer-protective.  Studies have found that diets high in red meat – beef, lamb, pork – are likely to increase colorectal cancer risk.  According to the American Institute for Cancer Research:

“Since research on red meat consumption began in the 1970s, scientists have found that diets high in red meat – beef, lam and port – are likely to increase colorectal cancer risk.  Two possible reasons for this are that bile acid levels in the colon increase when we eat foods with  high levels of saturated fat, as found in red meat, because it takes a longer time to digest and absorb.  Also, potentially harmful N-nitroso compounds form when we digest red meat.

Think of meat as a condiment rather than the centerpiece of the meal.  There are delicious vegetarian substitutes for ground meat.

Be aware when grilling that this can create carcinogens, especially if charring occurs.  To prevent this, the AICR  suggests marinating your meat without oil before cooking it, then wrapping it in foil, pierced, letting flavor in so while    protecting it from flames.

If alcohol has become a regular part of your lifestyle, you might feel unconcerned due to publicity touting its heart-protective features.  However, the same benefits can be gained from eating red grapes without the risk of impaired judgment, liver damage, driving hazards, and depression – not to   mention the empty calories that alcohol provides!  And remember, too, the combination of alcohol and cigarette smoke dramatically increases risks of esophageal cancer.

So, this spring use the support of Mother Nature to make changes that enhance your health.  And remember, physical activity reduces your risk of heart disease, many cancers, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and elevates mood – so get moving and put more “spring” into your step!