Your participation in Relay For Life is only the beginning of what you can do. The Fight Back ceremony continues even after Relay ends. Here are a few ways you and your loved onces can make an impact:
1 - Join the Cancer Action Network!
Advocacy is one of the ways the American Cancer Society is fighting back. Defeating cancer is as much as matter of public policy as scientific discovery. Every day, elected officials make decisions that affect the lives of more than 11 million cancer patients and survivors, their families and caregivers, and all those at risk for developing cancer. Find out how you can join the growing number of people who are making a difference in the fight against cancer by working with local, state, and federal governments. (Source) This year alone, Congress passed a budget for 2011 that included sizable cuts to cancer programs...not quite as deep as they had considered, but deep enough. You can read more about the cuts here.
2 - Be healthy!
Sure, we all want to look our best, and sometimes we just want to fit into that bathing suit, dress or pants from last year. But, did you know that a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of cancer? The ACS recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 5 times a week for adults and 60 minutes 5 times a week for children. You should also maintain a healthy weight throughout your life, eat a healthy diet with emphasis on plant sources (eat your colors!), and limit your intake of alcoholic beverages (at most, one a day for women, two a day for men). (Source)
3 - Quit smoking!
We've all heard the negatives of smoking (makes your clothing and hair smell, gives you premature wrinkles, stains your teeth). And let's not forget the graphic pictures from different anti-smoking campaigns. But did you know smoking increases your risk of cancer other than lung cancer? We're talking many types of oral cancer, cancer of the sinuses, and even pancreatic cancer. Besides, quitting means you have extra money to donate to your local Relay event! =) If you or someone you know wants to quit and needs help, here is a guide to help along the way.
**Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 13th at 6:15 PM at St. Basil's Chapel in Bridgewater. Hope to see you there!**
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.
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