Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention
Making healthy choices not only increases lifespan, quality of life and overall health, it also lowers health insurance costs. Health insurance in NJ is a must for all residents who want to live healthy and fulfilled lives. But it isn’t all about visiting a doctor. Making healthy choices is the responsibility of each individual. As cancer awareness month wraps up, we thought we would take a moment to discuss Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention, and how as individuals we can make the right choices to help lower our risks.
It is estimated that roughly one-third of the most common cancers in the United States could be prevented and this of course extends right to our own homes here in Bergen County. The best methods of Bergen County cancer prevention include healthy eating, staying active, and not smoking.
Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Lung Cancer Risk
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. An overwhelming majority of lung cancer cases are a result of cigarette smoking. According to cancer.gov, in 2014 alone Americans spent $11.9 billion dollars battling lung cancer. Even second hand smoke in the home or the workplace increases lung cancer risks by 20 – 30%. Many of the cancer-causing toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke are at even higher levels than the smoke inhaled directly from a cigarette. It is astounding how many cases of cancer could be prevented by avoiding cigarette smoke.
Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Skin Cancer Risk
We all love our trips down the shore in New Jersey and summer here in Bergen County are beautiful. With all the fun of summer, it is easy to forget about skin protection. Skin cancer is the #1 most common cancer in the US. Preventing skin cancer doesn’t mean you need to stay out of the sun completely. In fact, moderate time in the sun mixed with time in the shade, wearing hats and sunglasses, and of course sun screen are huge factors in skin cancer prevention.
Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle
Staying lean and maintaining a healthy body weight has been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of a cancer diagnosis. The World Cancer Research Fund has estimated that 20% of all cancer diagnosis in the US are related to being overweight, physically inactive, poor nutrition and alcohol consumption and therefore could be prevented by a healthy diet and regular exercise.
If we all take steps to avoiding the unhealthy choices that increase our risks of cancer and instead take the positive healthy steps to reduce these risks, we will enjoy longer, more fulfilled lives and reduce the costs involved in battling this terrible disease. Bergen County cancer prevention, and cancer prevention all over the country and world should be taken very seriously.