Health News__
Exercise, diet, smoking,
key in colon cancer risk
....People who want to reduce their risk of colon cancer may want to start exercising more and cutting down on red meat and alcohol, a new research review suggests.
....Such measures -- along with not smoking -- may be key lifestyle choices in preventing the cancer, according to the analysis, which looked at more than 100 previous studies on colon cancer risk factors.
....Overall, researchers found, high intake of red and processed meats, smoking, obesity and diabetes were all linked to a 20 percent increase in the risk of colorectal cancer. In contrast, people who exercised the most had a 20 percent lower risk of the disease than their sedentary counterparts.
....Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to obesity, and both can be prevented or managed through a healthy diet and physical activity -- further highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices in colon cancer risk, the researchers report in the International Journal of Cancer.
....As important as diet and exercise were, drinking habits emerged as the most significant lifestyle factor, according to the report. Compared with adults who were light drinkers or teetotalers, those who averaged a drink a day or more had a 60 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer across the studies.
....Colorectal cancer is a disease of lifestyle and that modifying inappropriate behaviors, such as reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and losing weight has the potential to substantially reduce a person's risk of the disease.
....A 2007 report from the World Cancer Research Fund concluded that there was "convincing" evidence that obesity and high intake of red meat and alcohol contribute to colon cancer. Studies on smoking and diabetes have been less consistent, however, and they acknowledge in the current study that many behaviors -- such as smoking, drinking alcohol, physical inactivity, and eating a diet high in meat -- tend to occur together, making the effect of each individual behavior difficult to measure.
....The current findings, the researchers write, suggest that smoking and diabetes are as important in colon cancer risk as obesity and red meat consumption.
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.....Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused
by the influenza virus. There are several strains of the
virus that can be spread around the world, with
November to April being the principal flu season in
Canada. Coughing and sneezing are ways that the
influenza virus can spread through droplets, by someone
who has the flu. Exposure to these droplets through the
nose, mouth or eyes, or touching these areas after contact
with contaminated surfaces and hands, are potential
avenues by which a person can become infected. The
symptoms of influenza include headache, chills, cough,
fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny
nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms commonly seen in
children.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently during
the day, and especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if you are unable to
wash your hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after
you use it.
• Avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes,
nose or mouth.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Be physically active and manage your stress.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you
are sick, stay home from work or school, and limit
contact with others to avoid spreading the infection.
• Use immune-boosting nutrients and botanicals such
as vitamin C, zinc, probiotics, vitamin D, selenium,
and echinacea.
• Influenza vaccine, also known as a flu shot, can help
prevent you from getting sick with influenza or from
spreading it to others. In British Columbia, the vaccine
is available in October or early November. It is best to
try to get the influenza vaccine early to allow your
body enough time – about two weeks – to build
immunity before the influenza season starts. However,
the vaccine can offer protection if given at any time
during the season.
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