What do Ken Burns and Valerie Simpson have in common? They are both highly accomplished, creative and articulate individuals. They have also lost a parent a parent to cancer at a young age, and each of them has been profoundly influenced by that loss. Ken and Valerie share their stories in the PBS one-hour special program entitled, “A World Without Cancer: The Real Promise of Prevention,” which airs nationally at the end of November, 2016.
Scientific research tells us that over fifty percent of all cancer is preventable, and that is the good news that empowers us all to reduce our risk for cancer. “A World Without Cancer” on PBS describes in detail what we can do to reduce our risk for cancer, as well as diabetes and heart disease. Highly acclaimed experts offer us up-to-date information on all the ways in which we can live healthier lives.
Eating well is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
The fall season brings Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. Sharing meals with family and friends are a key element of this joyful time of the year. We are faced with an abundance of food, and can easily gain extra pounds as a result.
As much as the holiday season challenges us with additional calories, it also provides us with an opportunity to make more informed food choices, and to live healthier lives.
Healthy eating is not difficult to achieve.
A World Without Cancer shows us how a diet rich in plants, meaning vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds is the basis for longevity and a reduction of risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Eat lean protein, including fish and poultry, and limiting or avoiding red meat and full fat dairy products. Processed foods, including processed meats, such as bacon, should be avoided.
Drinking water to quench thirst instead of sugar-sweetened beverages is important for weight control, and overall health. Avoiding sugar-sweetened desserts, snacks and cereal is another goal of a healthy diet.
Drinking alcohol raises the risk of least six cancers, including breast, colorectal, stomach, liver, mouth and throat, and esophageal.
During the holiday season, try substituting a cranberry and club soda spritzer, or water with lemon or lime instead of an alcoholic beverage. You’ll be saving calories, and reducing your cancer risk.
Being physically active every day is also very important for the reduction of cancer risk. Walking is a great way to exercise, and we can find ways to take additional steps each day by parking a car farther away from a destination, climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator, and walking during occasional breaks from sitting at a desk. Combining cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility exercises is also important for overall physical fitness.
What do stress and sleep have to do with cancer? A World Without Cancer on PBS sheds light on these subjects and presents helpful tips on how to manage stress and get enough sleep.
Did you know that the personal care products and cosmetics you use may contain harmful chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other diseases? A World Without Cancer tells us how to identify these chemicals, and avoid using the products that contain them.
As the holiday season unfolds, make a commitment to adopt a healthier lifestyle. A World Without Cancer on PBS will encourage you to enhance your health, and reduce your risk for cancer and other diseases.
To find out when this program will be available in your area, visit aptonline.org.