Nutrition Corner

Mediterranean Diet May Help Boost Longevity in Cancer Survivors: Recent research indicates that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may significantly reduce mortality risks, particularly from cardiovascular diseases, in long-term cancer survivors. While experts suggest this diet could be beneficial during cancer treatment, personalized nutrition guidance from a dietitian is recommended for optimal health outcomes. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and limits red meat and processed foods, making it a potentially supportive dietary approach for cancer survivors.

Lemon Water Health Benefits: Staying hydrated is essential during the ongoing summer heat, with lemon water emerging as a popular and beneficial drink choice. Incorporating lemon water into your daily routine not only helps prevent dehydration but also provides additional health benefits, making it a refreshing alternative to plain water.

Recipe for The Day

Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe: Enjoy crispy stuffed mushrooms using your air fryer for a healthier twist on fried favorites. With no oil needed, this recipe promises a golden, crunchy texture in just 25 minutes of total preparation and cooking time.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

6 Lifestyle Interventions Could Help Prevent 4 out of 10 Cancer Cases

A recent study by the American Cancer Society, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, highlights that a significant portion of cancer diagnoses and deaths among adults aged 30 and older in the United States could be attributed to preventable risk factors.

These factors include cigarette smoking, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, UV radiation exposure, and physical inactivity.

According to the study, these modifiable risk factors contribute to four in 10 cancer cases and nearly half of all cancer-related deaths in this age group.

Cigarette smoking emerged as the primary risk factor, accounting for almost 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of cancer deaths.

The study underscores the importance of continued efforts to reduce smoking rates across all socioeconomic groups through comprehensive tobacco control policies and equitable interventions.

Despite progress in reducing smoking prevalence, disparities persist, necessitating broader implementation of cessation programs and supportive policies.

Following smoking, excess body weight, alcohol use, UV radiation exposure, and physical inactivity were identified as significant contributors to cancer risk.

The researchers emphasize the potential for substantial reductions in cancer burden through widespread adoption of preventive measures tailored to these risk factors.

They advocate for community-level interventions such as sun protection measures and promoting healthier lifestyles to mitigate these risks effectively, particularly in populations historically disadvantaged by these factors.

Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, emphasized the study's findings as crucial for shaping cancer prevention strategies and enhancing public awareness of modifiable risk factors.

Such efforts, he noted, could lead to significant reductions in cancer incidence and mortality through informed policy and individual behavior change initiatives.

New Science Shows How Exercise Affects Nearly Every Cell in the Body

Fitness experts caution that while exercise can aid weight loss and maintenance, people often overestimate calories burned during workouts, potentially undermining their weight management efforts.

For instance, a strenuous 30-minute cardio session might only burn 200 to 300 calories, easily offset by a single indulgent snack.

Glenn Gaesser, an exercise physiology professor at Arizona State University, underscores the swift reversal possible with dietary choices, contrasting minutes of exercise with the brief consumption of high-calorie foods.

Beyond calorie burn, regular physical activity yields extensive health benefits that extend beyond weight management.

According to Gaesser, exercise positively impacts numerous bodily functions and organs, promoting overall well-being.

This broader impact includes sharper cognitive function, reduced depression and anxiety, improved sleep, and strengthened bones and muscles. Moreover, exercise mitigates risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Despite the common perception that exercise alone should lead to weight loss, personal experiences like Nina McCollum's highlight its diverse benefits beyond weight reduction.

McCollum maintains an active lifestyle despite weight gain, focusing on strength, flexibility, and overall health.

Gaesser's research emphasizes that regular physical activity, regardless of weight loss outcomes, significantly enhances health and longevity.

This perspective underscores the importance of prioritizing physical activity for its multifaceted health benefits rather than solely as a means for weight management.

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