Cancer Reduction
      These three steps can reduce cancer risk

There are cancer risks we can control. These are three things you can do.

1. See your doctor for a health review and summary of preventive tests that are recommended for your age group and sex. A colonoscopy, mammogram, or a PSA test could be recommended. Make an appointment to have tests. Be sure to keep it.

Get serious and follow the doctor's advice about general health issues such as weight control and diet.

2. Create a plan for exercise. If you don't exercise now, you only need 10 or 15 minutes a day to start. Make a point of putting activity into your life: walk up stairs; park farther away from work and the store; work in your yard. Get back to your favorite sport. Tennis and swimming are good choices.

3. Put cancer-fighting foods into your diet. Nutritionists at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans recommend: 

Apples. Eat one the usual way or put chunks in salads or slices in sandwiches.

Berries. Add them to smoothies or top your breakfast cereal with berries. Blueberries are highest in antioxidants. 

Artichokes. They have more antioxidants than other vegetables. Chop an artichoke heart into tomato sauce or a green salad.

Potatoes. Russets have the highest antioxidant count, but it's mostly in the skins. Eat them baked or into soups.

Oregano, cinnamon, and cloves. Spices that are high in antioxidants. 

Nuts. Pecans have the highest antioxidant count. Crush and add them to chicken or fish before baking.

Beans: Small red beans are best, but all dried beans fight free radicals.