Kombucha May Offer Many Vital Health Benefits

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you have probably heard something about kombucha. Maybe you’ve seen it on the shelves at the grocery store, gas station convenience stores, or in health food stores, but do you really know what kombucha is?

Kombucha is believed to have originated in China or Japan well over 2,000 years ago.  Considered to be an excellent probiotic, it is a living drink created by fermenting sweetened green or black tea with what is referred to as a SCOBY.  It has a colony of live bacteria and yeast that causes the fermentation process once the sugar is introduced.

During fermentation, the yeast converts the sugar in the sweetened tea to alcohol. The bacteria then converts the alcohol to organic acids.

After fermentation has been completed, the kombucha becomes a carbonated liquid. It now contains beneficial enzymes, B vitamins, probiotics, and high levels of lactic, gluconic, and acetic acids.

So not only are you getting the vital health benefits of green or black tea but now you’re getting beneficial probiotics as well. Here are six potential benefits of kombucha:

1. Kombucha Can Improve Gut Health
This fermented drink is loaded with not only antioxidants but also has high levels of probiotics. Probiotics are very much like the healthy bacteria found in the gut. Per Dr. Edward Hill from the North Mississippi Medical Center, “Probiotics are live microorganisms normally found in the intestines.”

So consuming probiotics will give your gut more healthy bacteria. This bacterium can be vital to many parts of your overall health including your digestion. The live probiotic cultures found in Kombucha help the gut repopulate with good bacteria.

2. Kombucha Can Aid in Disease Prevention
Every day we consume processed foods and chemicals that lead to oxidative stress and then inflammation. A study published in Food Microbiology in 2014 showed evidence that Kombucha contains powerful antioxidants that can assist in detoxing and prevent inflammation and illnesses. This detoxifying, inflammation reducing characteristic is the reason it can reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer.

3. Kombucha Helps Maintain Liver Health
Kombucha has antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage. A study published in 2011 demonstrated that the antioxidant-loaded kombucha reduced toxins in the liver. This indicates that this beverage may reduce inflammation of the liver and promote liver health.

4. Kombucha Can Help Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death and studies have shown that this fermented tea may help battle it. A study published in Pharmaceutical Biology in 2015, showed that kombucha helps reduce the levels of cholesterol associated with heart disease.

The study, which used rats, found that kombucha significantly improved two markers of heart disease, LDL and HDL, cholesterol within 30 days. It lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while increasing the good cholesterol (HDL).

5. Kombucha Contains Antioxidants
Much of kombuchas healthy benefits are more than likely due to the tea and the polyphenols it has. Polyphenols are phytochemicals that are found naturally in plants.

They play an essential role in your wellness and health. They act as strong antioxidants and decrease inflammation by fighting free radicals – the molecules that can damage your cells. The fermentation process of kombucha actually increases the level of polyphenols.

6. Kombucha May Help Protect Against Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, “Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues.”

A test-tube study published in 2008, found that kombucha aided in preventing the growth of cancer cells. A study done later in 2013, found that the fermented tea reduced the survival of cancer cells.

How Much Kombucha Should I Drink?
According to the Center for Disease Control, four ounces of kombucha three times a day is considered safe. No more than 12 ounces per day.  Start by drinking very small quantities and work your way up to larger amounts.

Are There Any Side Effects?
Because it is carbonated, some people experience bloating and digestive issues. Some brands also contain an excessive amount of sugar. People suffering from kidney disease, cancer or HIV can develop severe complications from drinking kombucha.
If you are concerned about starting a kombucha routine, contact your doctor or health provider for proper guidance.

How Do I Store My Kombucha?
Once you have returned from the grocery store, if it is not already packaged correctly, you’ll want to put it in a clear, glass container with a tight-fitting lid. The lid should not be made of any type of metal. Be sure to leave an inch at the top of the container to allow for the effects of carbonation.

Store it in the refrigerator and don’t shake the bottle as you run the risk of it exploding. When opening it, keep your entire hand over the lid to prevent it from popping off.

Bottoms up!!

Story by Ellen Carleton, Independent Writer

The Magic of Mushrooms On Your Mental, Physical Performances

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Every athlete strives to get an edge over the competition and food is a powerful way to improve not only health but athletic performance. What you consume affects your immune system, inflammatory response, the ability to recover quickly and train harder, and how mentally sharp you feel.

We are told to eat a healthy diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, nuts, lean protein, clean carbohydrates, etc., but rarely is the tiny, nutrient-packed powerhouse, the mushroom, mentioned.

Often thought of as a vegetable, mushrooms are part of the fungi family. They are neither fruit nor vegetable. For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms were a vital part of traditional Chinese medicine because of their remarkable health-boosting powers. Their use in Western medicine has only started to increase over the past several decades.

Whether you eat them cooked or raw, here are six ways the mighty mushroom can impact your health and performance. The magical mushroom can:

1.    Increase Stamina and Endurance
By increasing the amount of time you are physically able to exercise, and at the level your body can tolerate during a workout, will help you achieve your goals faster.  Medicinal mushrooms aid in transporting oxygen flow from the lungs through the blood vessels to your muscles.  Cordyceps, Shitake, and Chaga mushrooms, for example, are known as the anti-aging mushroom because of their ability to transport oxygen more efficiently and to help produce ATP, the fuel our body runs on. In traditional Chinese medicine, they were believed to act as a vital stimulant and used to increase energy and decrease fatigue.

2.    Boost Metabolism
Mushrooms contain a considerable amount of vitamin B and vitamin D, which is what the body uses to convert glucose into fuel. They aid in metabolizing the fats and proteins in your diet.  Because of this, they help the body maintain a healthy and efficient metabolism. The most sought-after mushroom for boosting the metabolism is the Cordyceps mushroom.

3.    Reduce Inflammation
Mushrooms are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. They contain phenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine and other antioxidants that aid in reducing body-wide inflammation in athletes. By reducing swelling, recovery time will speed up, thus boosting your performance and overall stamina.  The mushrooms containing the highest levels of anti-inflammatory properties are Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shitake, and Oyster mushrooms.

4.    Increase Antioxidant Levels
Studies suggest that high levels of free radicals damage various structures of our body’s cells and reduce cellular turnover. Cellular damage increases the risk of developing many problems, including those that are associated with recovery and aging.  Fortunately, scientists have discovered that medicinal mushrooms can fight these free radicals that can drain your body of energy. For example, the medicinal mushroom, Cordyceps, referred to as the anti-aging mushroom can help endurance and stamina because it prompts the body to produce more ATP.

5.    Improve the Immune System
Athletes are more prone to having a compromised immune system. After a session of strenuous exercise, the athlete will enter a short period in which the immune system is weakened. They are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.  Several varieties of mushrooms have natural properties to help boost the immune system and help it ward off viral infections and diseases, such as the Maitake, Reishi, and the Turkey Tail mushroom. They contain beta-glucans which increase the immune system’s T-cell levels, which leads to lower inflammatory responses caused by stress or environmental factors.

6.    Enhance Mental Focus
For athletes who need to be mentally strong as well as physically strong when competing, some varieties of mushrooms fight against the decline in cognitive functions. The potassium and selenium found in mushrooms increase brain function because they increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain, thus stimulating neural activity.  Lion’s Mane and Maitake are a favorite, within the mushroom family, because of their neuroprotective properties.

Foraging for Mushrooms – Warning!
There are more than 135,000 species of mushrooms in the world. However, many species are not edible. Modern science is only familiar with approximately 10%, and only about 100 species are currently being studied for health benefits and medicinal purposes.

Most species are highly poisonous and not edible, yet they strongly resemble their edible counterparts. Eating the wrong mushroom can result in stomach pain, vomiting, and in some cases, death. So, if you are planning on foraging for mushrooms, it is strongly suggested that you consult with an expert for the proper guidance.  They can help you distinguish between what is safe and what is dangerous for consumption.

Article by Ellen Carleton
Independent Writer

Reading Is Vital To Your Child’s Learning

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Reading to your children can make a vital difference in their lives. Not only will you and your child bond and make memories over their favorite books, but you are also guiding them into a love of reading they will carry with them through adulthood. Reading is not only a source of entertainment; it is a way to expand the horizons of young minds.

Below are ten reasons to make a little time each day to read to your children.

1. Language Skills
Language skills will vitally improve when you read aloud to your child. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are the four language skills, and if your child is read to every day, he or she will be well equipped to handle the challenges of school.

2. Vocabulary Skills
Vocabulary skills will also improve through hearing words and phrases that are not used in their everyday life. If your child has not yet started to read, pointing to the words while reading will give them a head start. Guide your children through the books and discuss the illustrations before reading
the text.

3. Empathy
Empathy can develop through reading. Children identify with characters, and can effortlessly feel the emotions the character is going through. Reading every day will help children identify with their own emotions and feelings as well as an ability to understand how other people think and feel.

4. Imagination
A child’s imagination can soar through reading. Being transported to other places, times, and spending time with remarkable characters can spark new ideas and creative thinking in your child. While I believe it is vital to let your children’s imagination skyrocket, it is also essential for them to understand the difference between fantasy and reality.

5. Bonding
Connect with your children through reading. A regular bedtime reading ritual will help you both relax from your busy day and enjoy a little cuddle time. Reading will also guide you and your child to increased communication.

6. Longer Attention Spans
Most young children have a relatively low attention span and living in a world of constant screen time doesn’t help. However, reading does assist in developing longer attention spans in younger children.  This will be of great benefit to them as they enter school.

7. Academic Performance
Children who read, or have been read to regularly, perform better in school. They have learned how sentences and phrases are supposed to sound, which gives them a head start in language structure. This aids your child in all subjects, not just language arts and English classes.

8. Concentration
Children who have been read to and who like to read can concentrate for more extended periods. This is a vital skill that will be needed throughout their academic career.

9. Eagerness to Learn
Reading teaches children about the world and assists them in finding topics they are interested in learning about. These topics of interest may lead to wanting to know more, therefore opening the door to more knowledge. Guide your children to different subjects, fiction, and non-fiction. A quick trip to the library may spark a new interest.

10. Cognitive Skills
Reading to your child teaches early thinking skills such as problem-solving, decision making, and remembering. Your child will have an easier time processing information with regular reading. It also has a positive effect on the growing brain, helps advance literacy skills, and is vital to attaining better comprehension skills.

Through your guidance, your children will benefit from reading, not only in the ways mentioned above but throughout their entire lifetime. Set your children up for success while enjoying the time you have with them as they grow. Reading is not only a good source of entertainment; it is an excellent way for a family to connect and build stronger relationships.

Article by Kristine Protopsaltis
Independent Writer

Mentors Provide Vital Guidance To Children

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It is vital for children to have good mentors in their life.

The above statement seems like it would be an undeniable fact, yet in our modern world, where everything happens at a fast pace and technology has taken such firm root, it is not a statement parents give much thought.

Parents from the younger generation, Millennials if you will (though I hate using that phrase) need more help than ever when it comes to raising their children. There are so many examples of co-parenting, (most good but some bad) and other types of family units that it is sometimes hard for children to get the vital counseling that they need from a mentor or role model.

Mentors fill so many roles for children that it is hard to come up with a complete list of all the ways they provide necessary guidance at an age where it is most needed. These vital relationships can last for years, even a lifetime for the right match of people, and here are just a couple of the ways that mentoring can help children grow into balanced and successful young adults.

Freedom of expression
A good mentor knows when to step in and when to step back.  Children do not want to be in situations where someone else is dictating all their choices.  Frankly, if someone is controlling their life, there is no opportunity for them to grow.

A good mentor plays the role of a supporter at times.  He or she is willing to let children make decisions, be they correct or incorrect (within reason) and to let them be themselves. This trust also results in a level of accomplishment for the mentor as with the right vital guidance children will succeed off their own choices and their freedom to make decisions.

Development of confidence
One trait that we commonly see in children and teens today is a sense of being withdrawn from life. Parents find it all too easy when a child at a young age is boisterous or inquisitive, to sit them in front of a tablet or TV for the evening. While there is undoubtedly a place for that in raising kids, there are so many good entertainment options out there that involve learning, and this can have a negative effect if used too often.

In the past, and by that I mean 20 years ago or so, children learned how to be social because there were basically no other options. If you wanted entertainment, then you had to build a friend group with similar likes and dislikes and go from there. Today, kids don’t have that, so confidence within the peer group can be challenging to achieve.

A mentor will help with this instantly with a human connection to the broader world.

Article by Steve Wright

All The Vital Information Needed For A Mortgage

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You want to buy a house, in the worst way, but you are not sure if you will qualify for a mortgage.

Here’s all the vital information you need to know to get started:

First, forget about everything everyone else told you and just pay attention to the facts.  Much has changed in the mortgage world since the crash of 2008, but the basics have not.  Mortgages are all about Income, Credit, and Assets. It is vital you’re “strong” on all three of those, and if you are, you will be fine. You’ll have busy work to do, but you will be fine.

A most common misconception is that if you are strong or exceptional on at least two of the three, that’s good enough. That was never really the case, exclusively, and it’s less the case today. I’ve seen borrowers with three or four times the value of the house in Liquid Assets get turned down due to low income or even sub-standard credit.

Second, up until 2007 or so, the industry was requiring less and less documentation every year.  That’s flipped completely now. Lenders take nothing for granted, and you have to be prepared to provide extensive documentation and explanations about everything related to the three vital components.

Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is more important to lenders than ever before. Let’s talk income first- if you are self-employed, you have to use after-deduction earnings, but if you are a W-2 wage-earner, the gross income is basically used “as is” from pay stubs/w2’s and/or tax returns. If you have a W-2 position with even a month’s worth of job history, you should be able to qualify. Conversely, self-employed people must have two years of tax returns to somehow demonstrated to lenders that the income is likely to continue and can be used in a DTI calculation.

Debt information is primarily gathered directly from credit reports. For credit cards, a “minimum” monthly payment is used as a monthly debit entry (does not matter if you pay the balance in full or not). Car leases and other reported mortgages being carried, not including a mortgage on a property that will be sold prior to settlement, are all added into the monthly debt metric.

Add your monthly debt and divide by the monthly income and you need to have a ratio of close to 30 percent to have a debt/income that will be acceptable to just about any lender and any mortgage program. As the ratio climbs above 40 towards 50, you should not give up, but you will probably qualify for far fewer premium (“best rate”) mortgage programs if any at all.

Finally, the likelihood of approval will also be impacted by the ever-dreaded credit score. The higher the debt ratio, the better the score must be (700 plus). With a strong ratio, and a significant down payment (over 10 or 20 percent), it still may be possible to get by with a score in the 600-650 range. Another misconception as it relates to Credit is that “score” is the be all and end all measurement. It’s not. If your score is over 700 but you have been late recently on a single mortgage payment, you could be denied.

On home purchases, it is true that the more someone puts down, the better the chances to qualify. However, anything over 25% down is probably not going to improve rate or qualifications – aside from the fact that the more down results in a lower monthly payment. You can get a mortgage with as little as 3% down.  However, you could be subject to mortgage insurance and won’t qualify for the best programs if you put down less than 20 percent.

In closing, don’t fight the Big Banks and Government Regulations. It does not matter how ridiculous some of the requirements may seem. The most likely applicants to qualify are strong-balanced Income, Credit, Asset profiles combined with a highly responsive, dutiful positive energy put forth until the process comes to a long-awaited close.

Remember, as frustrating as it can be at times, it is “their money” you are asking for, and you have to play by the Lender’s rules and the Government’s oversight.

Story by Michael Lubell

 

Vital Relationships Are Important On, Off The Field

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It is possible to win games and not like the people you are winning alongside. Shaq and Kobe were famous for their general dislike of one another, yet they combined well enough on the court to win three consecutive NBA Championships at the turn of the millennium (and almost add a fourth in 2004).

This level of success, though, is generally seen as a wild exception to the general rule that it is much, much easier, and much more enjoyable to be successful in the sporting arena while maintaining vital relationships with your teammates.

Winning

The most obvious way in which vital relationships help athletes is that it makes winning easier.

Take this statement from a Patriots.com article written by Erik Scaiavino after a conversation with 12-year NFL (and Patriot) veteran Matthew Slater.

“At this time of year, when clubs are in the team-building mode, acquiring players via veteran free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft, there isn’t a lot of time to work on the field. The offseason training program began Monday here at Gillette Stadium, giving players like Slater, his returning friends on the roster, and the newcomers a chance to start forging their bond off the field. Slater emphasized that ‘relationships are vital’ to creating a winning environment, which the Patriots have enjoyed for the better part of nearly two decades.”

Slater knows how to win. He has three Super Bowl rings to prove that. He plays in a sport that is unique in its turnover and retention numbers, with a new crop of rookies joining the team in their offseason program ready to take the place of guys already on the team. Forging vital relationships in this scenario is important because it is the first step towards a bond that will make you play harder for your brothers on the field.

This will, in turn, lead to more wins on game day.

Losing

As crucial as these vital relationships are when winning, they are even more important when things are going badly, and a team is on a losing streak.

Such streaks happen at all levels of the game, from the professionals (see the Cleveland Browns before 2018) down through the amateur ranks and into rec league play. Some people are bad at losing, but one way to prevent those people from becoming a problem is to have created vital relationships with them so that they always have a teammate there to pick them up and help them focus on trying to win, as opposed to melting down in defeat.

Taking this one step further, these relationships are most vital when an athlete gets injured. When feeling despondent and vulnerable, knowing you have a relationship or two with teammates who will be there for you both at the initial point of injury, and throughout the rehab, is of incredible importance.

These are the relationships that matter in life and it is these relationships that make us want to wake up before dawn to lace up the cleats with our friends one more time.

Broaden Your Pet Horizon For These Miniature Friends

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There is no doubting that pets are a fun and integral part of many people’s lives.  We create and cultivate vital relationships with our pets, ones that last for years or even decades at a time.
While owning a dog or a cat can be great, specifically, a dog as cats are clearly insane in my opinion, wouldn’t it be a little more fun to broaden your pet-owning horizons?  Here are some pets that are a little more unique, a little more specialized, but that would be so much fun to own!

Miniature Goats
The argument against goats is that they smell bad and that they are kind of aggressive. While this can be true for some of the bigger breeds, miniature goats are a magnificent animal to create a vital relationship with.  Miniature goats that are bred for individual ownership hand no such issues. These pets are known to grow into loyal companions, with a playful and fun personality that is ideal for families with younger kids.  It is also impossible to be sad when a miniature goat (or really anything miniature) is around as these guys will spend their day bouncing all over the place in sudden fits of energy and excitement in a way that can only brighten the mood.

Chameleons
Reptiles, in general, can make for fun pets, but enough people are terrified of snakes that our legless friends are not always the best choice for a pet. This is especially true as snakes are actually illegal to own in certain counties and cities around the country.  Instead, go for a lizard of some kind, with the chameleon being among the coolest reptiles to own.  This is not a pet that is going to cuddle. It is one, however, that is fascinating in everything that it does. Maintenance here can be an issue, but anyone who has had a reptile in the past should step up their game to this color changing level.

Teacup Pigs
Back on the miniature train when it comes to vital relationships with pets, we have the teacup pig.  Regular pigs are pretty awesome and hilarious, but they can get to be a massive size. Teacup pigs, on the other hand, tend to stay around the size of a puppy for their entire lifespan.  Having one of these critters running around the house and snuffling about can take some work, but the upside here is enormous as they are affectionate, smart, and loyal pets.

Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are s fun pet if you are looking for something that is more loving than it has any right to be.  The sharp spines on the back of a hedgehog shouldn’t deter you from creating a vital relationship with this loving and affectionate type of pet.  They are calm, low maintenance, and seem to be happy just existing in the human space. One issue is that they are nocturnal and love attention, but if you can get over that problem then there are few better pets out there for those who want something a little different!

Article by Steve Wright

Best Dogs To Own Depends On You!

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Dogs are known to be man’s best friend for so many reasons that include loyalty, friendship, and trust. There is more to getting a dog because there are different breeds of dog with different attributes and characteristics. Thus, it is always advisable to obtain vital guidance about the different dog breeds before getting one. Getting the right information will help in choosing the best dog for you.  Below are some of the numerous dogs you could own:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:  This is a meek and gentle breed.  This particular dog has great love and affection for kids. It is a perfect pet for children because of its loyalty and entertainment. As friendly as it is, it also likes playing and snuggling on the lap to receive cuddles.  Cavalier King Charles spaniels could be the best option for families with little children.

Beagle:  One of the most energetic breeds of dogs are the Beagles.  Beagles are very strong and smart which makes them a perfect dog for a walk.  They like to show how strong they are by tumbling and jumping around so it’s vital you have some open space in your home.  They are good companions because they are always ready to entertain.

Labrador Retriever:   When talking about the most popular and versatile dogs on earth, Labrador Retriever is a breed to mention.  Labrador is a patient breed.  Yet, it plays a lot. Labrador is also a very smart breed.  If you are looking for a companion that will never leave your side but always entertain you, then you should go for this breed.

Poodle:  This breed is considered as a unique breed.  This is because of its variation in size that includes standard miniature and tom.  They are mostly referred to as precious or fussy because of their beautiful look.  They love getting involved in family activities like games, exercises, etc. They have a low-shedding fur which makes their maintenance quite easy.

Bichon Frise:  Bichon Frise is a breed that has little body and very curly low-shedding fur.  It is a very happy breed that plays a lot.  However, it doesn’t need a lot of exercise in its daily life which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or families that are less active.

Boxer:  Boxer is a very sociable breed.  It is very active, humorous and very notably energetic at its young age.  As an energetic breed, it needs a lot of exercises which makes it a perfect partner for a walker, jogger or runner.  A boxer can be a good choice if you are looking for a dog that can entertain you with it funny behaviors that include associating with people.

Shih Tzu:  Shih Tzu is a gentle breed.  It is not very active and energetic but will never leave your side.  It loves comfort and cuddles which makes it the best option for people who like mild, cute and snuggle loving dogs.  Shih Tzu will not only entertain you but will exhibit maximum loyalty.

Border terrier:  Border terrier is a breed that has a very humorous and gentle character.  It has a very funny look and can adapt to any condition easily, thus, making it a suitable dog for everybody.  They do get involve with both indoor and outdoor games and long walks easily.  It is good to own Border terrier because of its activeness and ability to survive in different conditions.

Hungarian Vizsla:  Hungarian vizsla is another energetic breed.  It is smart and strong.  It is a great hunter and fast runner.  As you can tell, this dog likes a lot of outdoor exercises and games.  It also likes clinging to people who are very familiar to it which makes it the best option for lovers of clingy dogs.  Get a Hungarian vizsla for your sports activities.

Crossbreeds:  Crossbreeds are also known as mixed breeds, they are cross breed off springs of two different breeds.  Usually, they are always energetic and easy to train, and they refer outdoor activities and need a lot of exercises especially at their young age.  It is good to own crossbreeds because of their stunningly beautiful look of the mixed breeds.  Here are some of the most popular mixed breeds:
Pitsy – Pit Bull and Husky
Golden Husky – Gold Retriever and Husky
Corgipoo – Toy Poodle and Corgi
Basset Pei – Basset Hound and Shar Pei
Schorgi – Sheltie and Corgi
German Chow – German Shepherd and Chow Chow
Schnoodle – Schnauzer and Poodle
Bullpug – English Bulldog and Pug

All these are useful dogs that you can own, but it must be noted that each has its characteristics and uses.  Therefore, you should know what you are looking for by obtaining useful and vital guidance about the different breeds of dogs before choosing a dog.

Exercise, Diet, Screenings Lessen Risk of Cancer

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According to the National Institute of Health, certain lifestyle choices can lessen the chances in individual has of developing cancer. However, even though most Americans know that choices such as quitting smoking, protecting skin from sun damage, eating a healthy diet, exercising more, and getting the recommended screenings reduce the risk of cancer, following this vital guidance can often be difficult.  Although targeted treatments for cancer have improved survival rates, and there are more breakthroughs on the horizon, the best option for most of us is still prevention.

Skin Cancer Affects 1 In 5 Americans
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  The two most common types of skin cancer, call basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable.  Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is much more dangerous.

By now, most people know the use of sunscreen is vital when they are going to be outdoors, even for short period of time.  However, not all screens are created equally.  For maximum protection, oncologists recommend a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater, regardless of skin color or ethnicity.  Other vital guidance includes avoiding tanning beds or sunlamps and examining your skin, head to toe, every month for any changes. You should also have a dermatologist, or your primary care physician examine your skin annually.

Smoking and Cancer
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer.  It is estimated that in the United States, smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer; smokers are 15 to 20% more likely to get lung cancer than non-smokers. Tobacco products such as cigars or plates also increase the risk for lung cancer, as well as throat and mouth cancer.  Even smokeless tobacco has been proven to increase the risk of oral cancer, throat cancer, stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Another Reason To Stop Smoking
Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US.  This year, it is estimated nearly 15,000 people will die from the disease. But here’s a real shocker; people who smoke are four times as prone to the malignancy as non-smokers – especially women.  About half of all bladder cancer cases in women age 50 and older or now traceable to smoking. In addition, current smokers are four times as likely to develop bladder cancer as people who have never smoked.

The Role of Diet In Preventing Cancer
Although no particular food or diet product can prevent cancer, there is growing evidence that diet can play a significant role in some types of cancer. For example, studies have found a higher incidence of prostate cancer in men whose diet are high in fats, particular animal fats and low in vegetables.  Likewise, 30 to 40% of certain types of breast cancer have been linked to what we eat, especially if your diet is a contributing factor to obesity.  It is vital to have a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains and low in animal fat, processed foods and sugar, that can boost your immune system to help fight diseases such as cancer.

Reduce Cancer Risk With Healthy Choices
Each year, over half a million Americans die of cancer; the startling news is that about 1/3 to 1/2 of these deaths are linked to lifestyle choices and, potentially, could’ve been prevented. Start reducing your risk of cancer by following this vital guidance for your life:
– Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life.
– Be physically active on a regular basis.
– Make healthy food choices with a focus on plant-based foods.
– Stop smoking or better yet, never start.
– Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
– Get recommended screenings such as colonoscopies, Pap smears and mammograms.
– Let your doctor know if there is a family history of cancer.

For more information, contact the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute.

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ASI
Bankers
Elements Property Insurance Co. American Traditions Modern USA Heritage Avatar Cypress United Universal Property & Casualty Florida Peninsula Edison Federated National Homeowner’s Choice Citizens Commercial/Professional Carriers Include Allstate Philadelphia Insurance Co. Bankers Federated National Ascendant Underwriters Cypress Summit FUBA FWCJUA AMWINS Grenada Hull & Company Appalachian All Risks Shelly, Middlebrook Mcneil Clearwater Underwriters Halcyon Regency Swett & Crawford Bass Underwriters IB Green Tapco Life Carriers Include Allianz Life Allianz Preferred American Equity American General Life & Accident Ins. Co. American General Life Ins. Co. American National Ins. Co. American National Ins. Co. of NY Assurity Life Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co. of NY AXA Equitable Life Ins. Co. Banner Brighthouse Life Insurance Co. Brighthouse Life Insurance Co. of NY Fidelity & Guaranty Life Gerber Life Insurance Co. Global Atlantic Great American Life Integrity Life John Hancock Life Ins. Co. John Hancock Life Ins. Co. of NY Lincoln National Life Ins. Co. Lloyds of London MassMutual Minnesota Life Ins. Co. Nationwide Life North American for Life & Health OneAmerica Oxford Life Ins. Co. Pacific Life Ins. Pan American Life Principal Life Ins. Co. – NY only Principal National Life Ins. Co. Protective Life Ins. Co. Prudential Life Reliance Standard Sentinel Security Life Standard Ins. Co. Symetra Life Ins. Co. Transamerica United of Omaha United States Life Ins. Co. in the City of NY William Penn Zurich American Life Ins. Co.