
Thanks to the MD consult, I had the opportunity to see this
patient each week throughout his radiation and today was his last treatment
day. During our final meeting we talked about his appetite, weight, protein supplements…the
norm, and then at the very end with a huge smile on his face he said “where’s
that bell?” I was a little confused, but he explained that on the last day of
treatment their is a bell patients can ring so that the whole facility knows they
made it through. We said our good byes and a minute later I heard that bell and
tears immediately feel from my eyes, very,
very happy tears and thankful tears; thankful for the opportunity to meet
and counsel such a strong man, thankful for my health and the good health of my
family and friends. I do have to admit I was a little ashamed about how much
I take my good health for granted.
I share this story with you because each day I preach about
good health but not necessarily focus on the reasons why we must follow a balanced, healthy diet. We
are not just trying to get in our skinny jeans we are avoiding chronic, life
threatening diseases. More and more research is showing us the positives a
healthy diet can have on cancer prevention. According to the National Cancer
Institute, obesity (BMI >30.0) increases your risk for specific cancers (NCI). Right
now 63% of Americans are overweight or obese (CDC).
No one can make you get healthy, it is your choice. But, if you are reading
this right now and struggle with weight I highly encourage you to visit a
registered dietitian in your area. He or she can assess you and help build you
a plan to reduce your chances of cancer. Did you know it only takes about a 5%
weight loss to cut your risk in half? I challenge you to take a step today or
encourage someone you love to make a healthy lifestyle change.
I thank you all for reading; please email me with any
questions. God Bless!
Continue to read as I continue my mission: healthy disease
fighting Huggins!
Resources used:
National Cancer Institute
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
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