A Prescription for Healthy Living

Make today the day that you stomp out a habit that has been linked to many different types of cancers, including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix, and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to such cancers as oral, and pancreatic. Also, reports suggest that secondhand smoke can also increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. So, if you do not smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about developing a smoking cessation strategy. Quitting smoking today is one of the most important decisions you will ever make regarding your health.

You Are What You Eat

Although making healthy choices at the dinner table is not a sure thing when it comes to preventing certain types of cancer, it will help to considerably decrease the associated risks. Next time you are at the grocery store, consider the following rules of thumb when making your grocery selections:

• Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources such as whole grains and beans.
• Limit your intake of fat. Choose leaner cuts of meat and eliminate foods containing a high fat content. Diets that are high in fat tend to contain more calories, which increase a person’s risk of becoming overweight and/or obese.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. The risk of developing cancer of the breast, lung, colon, kidney and liver increases with the consistency and amount of alcohol you drink daily.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to reduce your risk of developing certain cancers such as colon, kidney, lung, prostate and breast. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, each day.

Limit Sun Exposure

Skin cancer is not only common, but is also the most preventable. To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, consider the following guidelines:

• Limit exposure to midday sun; the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you happen to be out during those hours, try to stay in the shade as much possible. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will also minimize your exposure to harmful ultra-violet rays. Cover areas of exposed skin. Choose bright and/or dark colored clothing rather than pastel or whites as these colors do not efficiently reflect harmful ultra-violet rays.
• Do not go without sunscreen. In fact, even if you wear makeup, be sure to apply sunscreen underneath your makeup.
• Avoid tanning beds like the plague. These beds are just as dangerous as natural sunlight.

Sun worship is so 1980! To get that sun-kissed glow go faux! Sunless tanners are a great option, and one that allows you to control the depth of your color. To optimize your self-tanned look, exfoliate the areas you plan to cover, so that you will have nice even coverage.

Immunize

Cancer prevention also includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of being immunized against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase a person’s risk of developing liver cancer. Infants are routinely immunized, but it is also recommended for adults who engage in risky behavior such as multiple sex partners, homosexual sex, and healthcare workers who may be exposed to infected body fluids or blood.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women who are under the age of 26, and were not vaccinated as an child.

Avoid Risky Behavior

Limit your number of sex partners. The more partners you have in a lifetime, the higher your risk of developing a sexually-transmitted disease such as HIV and AIDS. People who have either one of these disease are at a higher risk of developing such cancers as cervical, annual, penile, vulva and vaginal.

Do not share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user is like playing Russian roulette, and can lead to HIV, and hepatitis B and C, which can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Regular self-examinations as well as professional screening for various types of cancers such as skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast can increase your chances of early detection and successful treatment. Check with your doctor to see which cancer screenings you would most benefit from. Taking cancer prevention into your own hands can result in rewards that can last a lifetime.

Your 20s is a good time to begin an anti-aging skin care regimen, focusing primarily on prevention. At this stage in your life, you may still be dealing with periodic acne breakouts, so it is important to keep the number of products you use to a minimum in order to avoid further irritation to the skin. Choose products that contain mild ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that will infuse water into the skin without clogging your pores. Apply sunscreen to the skin after cleansing and prior to moisturizing.

The 30s

The 30s may bring in its own set of problems. For instance, melasma is a skin condition in which sun damage causes areas of brown discoloration. Choose products that are designed to brighten the skin as well as encourage cell turnover, such as retinol and alpha-hydroxy acid. Continue to use a mild cleanser. If you have oily skin, consider using a cleanser that doubles as an exfoliator. A sonic cleansing machine may help maximize results, as well as exfoliating once a week with a product containing glycolic or salicylic acid.

The 40s

In your 40s, you may start to notice an increase in the appearance of, as well as number of, fine lines and wrinkles on your face. The 40s is typically known as the perimenopausal period; therefore, estrogen levels will begin to taper off, resulting in increased dryness. Keep skin moisturized in the morning and evening times with collagen-building ingredients such as peptides. Mild peels and laser treatments are also excellent ways to even out the complexion.

The 50s

In your 50s, the biggest skin issue you will face is the loss of collagen and sagging skin. In addition to products containing retinols, peptides, and powerful moisturizers, you might consider asking your dermatologist whether laser treatments are a viable option for your skin type. These procedures are non-invasive and can make the biggest impact on the skin. Skin tightening treatments such as Thermage CPT can also lift, tighten, and contour the skin on your face, the delicate skin around your eyes, as well as the skin on your arms and legs. Patients who use this product have reported a 10% increase in the tightness of their skin, while maximum tightening results were achieved after using the product for at least six months.

It is never too late to turn back the hands of time. If you are a sun-worshiper, take into consideration that you may look great now, but the real damage caused by harsh ultra-violet rays will really only begin to show twenty years down the road. Continual sun exposure when we are young can age us 10-15 years when we are older.

Advances are being made daily in terms of science and medicine. The products we have today were not available to our moms and grandmothers. When caring for our skin today, it is vital to select products that contain moisturizing properties as well as peptides, caffeine, antioxidants, and retinol. These ingredients will encourage collagen production, and also reduce the production of harmful enzymes that can speed up the aging process.

Conduct a thorough examination of your feet each morning, paying particular attention to any new blisters, areas of redness or inflammation, cuts, or toenail problems. Use a handheld magnifying makeup mirror for an up-close peek at the soles of your feet. If you notice anything unusual, contact your endocrinologist and inform him of your findings.

Soak Them Dogs

Soak your feet in lukewarm water. Pay attention to the water temperature, as water should not be too hot. Clean your feet at least once a day. Pour a mild cleanser onto a washcloth or bath sponge, and gently clean your feet. Do not scrub. Gently pat or blot your feet until they are completely dry. Make sure to get in between your toes.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

And when you’re finished, moisturize them some more. It is important to keep the tops and soles of your feet from becoming dry or cracked. Cracked skin on your feet can be quite painful, and may even turn into an infection. Avoid rubbing moisturizer in between your toes as this is where most fungal infections occur.

Manicure Those Hooves

Keep toenails cut relatively short, but not too short, as doing so could potentially result in an ingrown nail. Cut nails straight across, and then file sharp edges to keep them from scratching other toes, or from becoming snagged on socks or stockings. If you have trouble doing this yourself, make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your nails taken care of in their office rather than having them done at a nail salon.

Clean Socks and Stockings

Be careful when selecting socks. You may not have ever even considered the type of socks you purchase, but it is important to try on your socks to make sure that the elastic on the calves is not too tight, as this could interfere with your circulation. Additionally, avoid bulky sport socks as they can be especially irritating to the skin on your feet.

Keep Your Tootsies Warm

Keep your feet warm at night by wearing socks to bed. Do not use a heating pad or any other method, as you may injure the delicate skin on your feet. If socks feel too confining at night, use an extra blanket.

Don’t Skimp On Shoes

You can’t put your best foot forward if it is stuffed like a sausage into an ill-fitting shoe. Always try on your shoes before purchasing them. Test them out by walking up and down the aisle at the store. Be sure to try the shoes on while wearing the type of stocking or sock you plan to wear with them on a consistent basis. Furthermore, be sure there is nothing hiding inside the shoe to avoid any potential injuries to the feet.

Keep Those Puppies Warm and Dry

Be sure to invest in a pair of rain and snow boots rather than expose your feet to inclement weather conditions. Keeping your feet warm and dry, especially during the cold and rainy season, is a great way to keep your feet in tip-top condition.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

Never go shoeless, even inside your own home. Yes, that sounds like a drag, especially during the summer, but like Mom always said, it is better to be safe than sorry!

Following these few tips is a good way to keep your feet uninjured and in good health.