May 2008

Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Tip: Prevent Skin from the Sun
Skin cancer is the most common and preventable cancer in the United States, affecting more than one million people each year. When detected early, skin cancer can be successfully treated.
Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Even on hazy days, no matter what your skin color. Overexposure to the sun is the cause of most skin cancers, including the most deadly type, melanoma. Be certain to protect your children’s skin as well as your own. Most damage occurs in childhood and adolescence when skin cells within all layers are still developing. –Source: Prevent Cancer Foundation, 2008
 

Better Sleep Month
Tip: Tips for Better Sleep
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle and ensuring the best night's rest:

• Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends.

• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.

• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.

• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.

• Use your bedroom only for sleep. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment.

•  Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.

• Exercise regularly. It is ideal to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.

• Avoid alcohol, nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products), and caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. These can lead to poor sleep, keep you awake or disrupt sleep later in the night.

Source: The Better Sleep Council, 2007
 

April 2008

Alcohol Awareness Month
Tip: Teens and Alcohol Don’t Mix
During April, talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking. Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of death and injury among teenagers. Alcohol is implicated in the deaths of some 85,000 Americans every year, making it the nation's third leading cause of preventable death after smoking and obesity. Experts say the number one deterrent to underage drinking is having parents who talk to their teens about the dangers. Source: The New York Times, 2008
 

Cancer Control Month
Tip: Reduce your risk of cancer with a proper diet and exercise
People who have a poor diet, do not have enough physical activity, or are overweight may be at increased risk of several types of cancer. For example, studies suggest that people whose diet is high in fat have an increased risk of cancers of the colon, uterus, and prostate. Lack of physical activity and being overweight are risk factors for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus. Having a healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce cancer risk. Doctors suggest the following:

• Eat well: A healthy diet includes plenty of foods that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This includes whole-grain breads and cereals and 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Also, a healthy diet means limiting foods high in fat (such as butter, whole milk, fried foods, and red meat).
   

• Be active and maintain a healthy weight: Physical activity can help control your weight and reduce body fat. Most scientists agree that it is a good idea for an adult to have moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days each week. Source: National Cancer Institute, 2008
   

Know Your Family History
Did you know that your family history might be one of the strongest influences on your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer? Even though you cannot change your genetic make up, knowing your family history can help you reduce your risk of developing health problems. People with a family history of disease may have the most to gain from lifestyles changes and screening tests.

Key features of family history that may increase risks are:

• Diseases that occur at an earlier age than expected (10 to 20 years before most people get the disease)
   

• Disease in more than one close relative
   

• Disease that does not usually affect a certain gender (for example, breast cancer in a male)
   

• Certain combinations of diseases within a family (for example, breast and ovarian cancer,
  or heart disease and diabetes).
  
  Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008