Today, I've learned some great news and I’m shouting it from the rooftops! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! According to new research, you can prevent cancer and lose weight: both at the same time! What’s more? It’s easy! Easy, that is, if you are willing to make just a few lifestyle adjustments (You are willing, aren't you?).

Here’s the skinny: In her new book titled: “The Body Restoration Plan,” Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton tells us, ingesting chemicals - the bad ones that cause cancer and illness – will also prevent weight loss. Yes, you've heard me correctly. And here’s just one reason the accusation makes perfect sense: If farmers are using hormones to plump up cattle for farming, this plumping up can wind up you-know-where!

What I’ll attempt to do in this article, then, is weave together both this newfound weight-loss information with the ongoing cancer prevention study of Dr. Samuel Epstein, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition (Check out his cancer report through the link in Step One, below). What follows are the preventative measures I've created with this insight. See if you can use this simple action plan in effort to adjust your lifestyle, keep you body free of toxins and induce or maintain weight loss.

Step One: Get Informed

The first step in your action plan: Inform yourself. Get the big picture. To stay on top of the latest research and prevention recommendations, visit the Cancer Prevention Coalition’s website. Check them out at: http://www.preventcancer.com

Here, you will also find the Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. “The How To Stop Cancer Before It Starts Campaign,” 66-page report. Dr. Epstein is the chairman for the Cancer Prevention Coalition and is dedicated to keeping the public informed on the latest issues.

Step Two: Police Your Job

It may take a little effort to keep your workplace honest and hazard free. Here are a couple ideas: If you are working in manufacturing, check with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Be sure your company complies with all anti-hazard requirements. Here’s their site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html Also, check out the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): http://www.osha.gov publications to be sure your company is in compliance.

All offices and workplaces (especially ones dealing with hazardous substances and volatile chemicals) should aim to create a safety group assembled of employees. If your company doesn’t have one, talk to your supervisor about forming a safety group. Demand excellence and safety in your workplace. Again, review the OSHA standards and aim to comply.

Also, if you are looking for a job, check out the company track record. Be sure to check up on any health issues or cancer incidences before you accept the position.

Step Three: Police Your Lifestyle

There are several, obvious ways to clean up your own atmosphere and make it safe from cancer causing agents. Here are just a couple lifestyle changes to pay closer attention to:

If you smoke: Quit, period! If you are finding it difficult to quit, however, employ some extra help. In many states non-smoking laws are helping but, if you’re still having a difficult kicking the habit, check out your local Smoke Enders. Log on to the Smoke Enders website to find a group nearest you: http://www.smokenders.com

If you are a drinker, use alcohol in moderation. Although there is no substantial proof that alcohol causes cancer, heavy drinking can increase your risk.

Step Four: Police Your Diet:

In the same way that moderate drinking is safer than indulging, be aware of your overuse of high fat and high calorie food sources.

Most sources suggest a diet low in fat and

Also, decrease large portions of dairy, red meat and animal fat. Replace them with protein sources from fish and poultry. For and excellent, preventative diet program check out “Eat To Beat Cancer,” by J. Robert Hatherill, Ph.D.

Finally, be aware of the water you are drinking. There are some great carbon filtration systems that can be attached to your water source or externally to filter your water. According to Elson M. Haas, M.D. in his book “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,” solid carbon block systems are superior.

Step Five: Police What You are Buying

When purchasing products for personal use, here are a few guidelines to consider: Drugs —- Read package inserts and check for any references to cancer. If you find something questionable, weigh your options; search for alternative methods.

Cosmetics —- Make every effort not to buy products with “Warning” messages. If the label says the safety of the product has not been determined, look for products which use natural ingredients and are free from synthetics.

Consumer Products -- Aim to avoid purchasing aerosol sprays; they will often cause you to inhale a higher than normal concentration of chemicals.

Pesticides -- If you use them, be aware that many pesticides are carcinogenic. Ask the retail store or company about biological friendly alternatives.

Cleaning agents -- Always check product labels. If there are “Warnings” listed, opt for something safer. Always check your shopping list against the current edition of the “Safe Shopper’s Bible,” written by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., before making your purchases.

Step Six: Police Your Family History & Other Sources of Exposure

Does you family have a history of cancer? Early detection methods will often prevent you from big trouble. For women: a yearly pap smear and pelvic exam will often detect early signs of uterine or cervical cancers. Also, aim for a monthly breast self-exam.

Men and women: Ask your doctor for recommendations on colon exams, and Men: ask your doctor for recommendations on PSA testing. Also, keep your eyes peeled for new preventative strategies and get as much information as you can about them.

Always check your skin for any odd looking lesions; make it a habit to take a quick overall scan of your body, frequently. Also, aim to avoid UV lamps and over exposure to the sun. As often as possible wear a sunscreen, Dr. Epstein suggests one containing para-aminobenzoic acid. And, if you work outside, be sure to wear zinc oxide on your lips and nose.

With just a few hours of time, and these few simple steps, you could be extending your life and maintaining your waistline, to boot. It’s well worth the effort! After all, in the words of Hippocrates himself, “Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.”

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References:
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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
online: http://www.cdc.gov.

Epstein, M.D., Samuel S. “The Politics Of Cancer Revisited,” 1998.

Haas, M.D., Elson M. “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,” 1992.

Hatherill, Ph.D., Robert J. “Eat To Beat Cancer,” 1998.

About The Author

Laura Turner is a writer and author. She publishes the bi-weekly New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Her latest book: Spiritual Fitness: The 7-Steps to Living Well is currently available. Learn more here: http://www.new-body-news.com/Spiritual_Fitness.htm.