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Top ten cancer prevention tips to teach our kids NOW
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Active kids are a good thing!
I am a firm believer that kids learn by example. Children are little sponges and they are going to absorb what is happening around them. They will pick it all up, good or bad: from an active lifestyle to name calling to recycling to lying. If they see and live it, they will repeat it.
While none of us are perfect examples, we can strive to teach our kids the tools to live a healthier and hopefully, longer life. By example and discussion (and later lectures and/or articles if necessary) you can help them make lifestyle choices that will give them a better chance of avoiding illness and even cancer. Here are 10 proactive, basic steps:
1) Don't smoke period. Be sure to explain the effects of 2nd hand smoke as well.
2) Try to eat 5-9 servings of fruits & veggies a day. Add fruit to breakfast cereal, tomatoes to eggs, frozen grapes (over age 4) or orange slices for snacks: any place you can slip them in. Mix up some granola snack mix together, letting the kids pick the dried fruits they like best.
3) Make sure your kids understand the concept of a healthy weight. Inform them of the risk of being too thin and/or too heavy.
4.) Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, making sure they understand the correlation between alcohol use and cancer – as well as other problems. And while you are at it, make sure your kids understand the dangers of getting into a car after drinking or with a driver who has been drinking
5) Wear sunscreen (and hats with bills) whenever you are outside in the sun: even overcast days. Keep sunscreen in the car, diaper bag, purse – anywhere it will be available when needed.
6) Work on ways they can handle stress such as yoga, listening to music, drawing, exercise etc.
7) Eat less red meat and products made with nitrates as a family and the kids will hopefully follow the same pattern as they age.
8) Practice preventive medicine, including dental care such as proper brushing, flossing and seeing the dentist regularly. Teach kids about safe sex and if you have girls, make sure they get the HPV vaccine.
9) Be proactive and teach your children to be the same. Know your family history taking the extra steps (screenings, avoiding triggers) to help keep it at bay. Control your environment: use chemical free products, grow your own fruit and vegetables when possible and/or buy locally untreated products.
10) Get regular exercise as a family as well as encourage your kids to be as active as possible. If they are stuck inside and bored, put on Wii Fit or Wii Sports over regular video games
Links to related articles
• Want healthy kids? Tips on getting them to eat healthy on their own.
• Kid food choices – 5 unhealthy lunches to avoid!
• Healthy Kids - fun and easy healthy snacks kids will love!
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