Top Bereavement Gift Ideas

Top 10 Ways to Avoid Cancer

We all would love to live forever and while nobody believes that is possible, we can certainly do things that improve our odds of living longer.  One of the diseases that can cut our lives short is cancer of many different forms.  While nobody can guarantee that you won’t get cancer there are some generally accepted ways to reduce the chances of getting cancer and they are:

1. Don’t Even Think About Cigarettes

According to the National Cancer Institute, 87 percent of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes is also the cause of most cancers of the bladder, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, and oral cavity. Cigarettes contain about 4,000 chemical agents and there are at least 60 substances in cigarette smoke that are known to cause cancer.

2. Be Aware of your Surroundings

Many of us do not realize that we are exposed to harmful chemicals on a daily basis. Construction workers inhale paint fumes, dust, and other harsh substances on the job. Iron foundry workers breathe in iron dust and other harmful elements while they work.  Oil workers breathe in gas fumes and other dangerous chemicals while they work. Even the average person is exposed to toxic substances in everyday life; they are in cleaning and personal hygiene products, car exhaust, and secondhand smoke.  Clearly we all have to make a living and live our daily lives, but think through what you are exposed to and how you can best protect yourself as you go about your daily routine.

3. Go Easy on the Alcohol Use

While studies show that drinking alcohol in moderation may be beneficial to your health, excessive alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of cancer of the liver, breast, mouth, esophagus, larynx, and pharynx.  So it is definitely the case with alcohol that you can really have too much of a generally good thing.

4. Incorporate Anti-oxidants into your Diet

Studies indicate that anti-oxidants may slow or prevent the development of cancer by protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Foods rich in anti-oxidants include:

• Fruits: Blueberries, kiwis, cranberries, pomegranates, grapes
• Vegetables: Kale, artichokes, spinach
• Nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds
• Spices: Cloves, cinnamon, oregano

5. Hit the Gym on a Regular Basis

Studies show that regular exercise can lower a person’s risk of developing of cancer. While researchers don’t know why individuals who regularly exercise have lower rates of cancer, they believe it may be because exercise helps to control body fat, stimulate the immune system, and alter the balance of certain hormones.  So this doesn’t mean go to the gym once per month as many wish.  The recommendation is to workout a minimum of 3 times per week for 30 minutes or more.

6. Be Sensitive to your Family’s Medical History

It is important to be aware of your family’s medical conditions and to relay this information to your physician. If your family has a history of certain cancers, your doctor may choose to screen you for the disease at a younger age or more often.  In many cases, cancer has been fatal because it wasn’t detected early enough.  Knowing and communicating your family history to your doctor could very well save your life (by extending it).

7. Go Regularly for Cancer Screenings

Talk to your doctor to find out how often you should schedule appointments and at what ages you will need to begin getting tested for certain cancers. For example, women age 40 and over should schedule a mammogram to screen for breast cancer every one to two years; doctors recommend that men undergo screening for prostate cancer by the age of 50.  Depending on your family medical history the recommendation will vary so we cannot stress that enough.

8. Go Easy on the Meats

Some studies have shown that frequent consumption of certain meats, specifically red and processed meats, increases the risk of certain cancers. Other studies have linked grilled and broiled meat to cancer because these methods of cooking meat produce HCAs (heterocyclic amines), cancer-causing compounds.  Again, we aren’t recommending to become a vegetarian, just to eat meat in moderation.  If you are on the Atkins diet or any other heavy protein diet make sure you look for other natural sources of protein.

9. One-a-Day Multi-Vitamin

Most men, women, and children do not get the daily recommended dose of vitamins and minerals. Taking a multi-vitamin geared for daily use makes it easy for you and your loved ones to stay healthy.  These are generally specific to age and gender so read the labels carefully and choose the vitamin that is right for you.

10. Consider Organic Food Options

Buying organic meats, eggs, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables means that your food does not contain any harmful pesticides or hormones. While organic products can be more expensive, they are better for your health and the environment.  While it is not always possible, your grocery store most likely offers you some organic alternatives so don’t be afraid to check them out.

Top 10 Bereavement Gifts

	Sympathy Peace Lily - Let the beauty of this arrangement calm the soul and lift spirits above the sadness that dampens their hearts. This is far and away the number one seller on our sites. If you don't know what plant to send, this is a well-respected choice.
	Lush Green Sympathy - Give a lush and lasting token of your sentiments with this splendid assortment of vibrant green and flowering plants set in a charming handmade basket. This is our second most popular choice and provide a wonderful lasting memorial.
	Sympathy Spathiphyllum - Robust and leafy, this botanical wonder is a versatile gift. It is fun or impossible to pronounce and definitely gives people something to take their minds off of their current situation.
	French Garden Sympathy - Capture the beauty of life with these flourishing greens. This is a nice arrangement that also includes some flowers to add a touch of color to the recipient's day. This is a great choice if you cannot decide between fresh flowers and a plant.
	Sympathy Chinese Evergreen - Show your support with this refined verdant number. This is sleek and very different. This could be just the plant that makes a difference in someone's life. It is different and it shows that you really put a lot of thought into your selection.
	Large Variegated Sympathy - Give the lasting gift of a variegated green plant set in a beautiful basket. This is a large plant that comes in a very nice basket that will provide a nice home for this plant as time passes. This is a great plant to remember this time by.
	With Sympathy - Send your condolences with a beautiful gift basket filled with wonderful comfort food. This basket includes a gift box of caramel clusters, gourmet cheese and crackers, zesty cheddar corn, dark chocolate coconut cremes, almond roca, Lindt truffle box, Chocolate wafers cookies, Bellagio hot cocoa,& Ghirardelli squares.
	Sympathy Azalea - Lush and lively, this flourishing plant is the perfect ornament for any room. This is the most flowery option in the top 10 list of plants sent for sympathy. If the person you are sending the flowers to loves flowers, this is the right arrangement.
	Pink Plant Sympathy - Distinctive and unique, this cheerful number is a statement of your care and refined taste. This is another great choice with a splash of color and quiet pleasure. This plant will be enjoyed.
	With Deepest Sympathy - Send our most highly regarded sympathy gift basket filled with an abundant selection of gourmet foods and gift items. Besides the wonderful selection of crackers, cheeses, chocolates and cookies, it contains a lovely gift boxed silk rose petal assortment, Damask designed pocket tissues, and a burgundy wine scented pillar candle.

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