March is one of my favorite months. It is the month of transition when the days are showing glimpses of spring with warmer weather, longer hours of daylight, crocus’ blooming in the yard and the songs of many birds in the morning as they sing their wake-up songs to us and each other. Seriously, my favorite part of March is not only that it is the month that my daughter was born but, I know it will be a long time till winter again~truly!! It is a magical time of year, one with many favorite holidays like St Paddy’s Day, International Women’s Day, and even Pi Day for all we geeks out there! 🙂
It is also Colon Cancer Awareness Month when we can pause and consider tuning up our eating habits to reduce our risk and our kids risk of Colon Cancer. This is helpful because Colon Cancer is the third most common cancer in the US and, is being diagnosed 50% more frequently in those less than 50 years old since the 1990’s. This is true not only for those of us in the US but in young people around the world! For many of us, there are relatives, friends or neighbors that we know who have developed colon cancer.
As we put on our Prevention Mindset, what do we do to reduce our risk, and especially our kids risk of developing Colon Cancer? I am sure you are doing some of these things already, but it is helpful to remember that most of our health habits were developed in young childhood. As parents, this is one of the best gifts that we can give to our children. When we role model and help our kids live the habits of healthy living when they are 2 and 3 years old, we are setting them up for an easier path towards maintaining those life affirming health habits throughout life!
The first thing we can do is assess our health habits to decide whether any of our health habits could be contributing to our risk of getting colon cancer. If you eat a primarily wholesome, colorful, plant-based diet that includes whole grains and is high in fiber, yet is low on processed foods or processed meats, sugar and salt, while limiting alcohol and staying away from any tobacco then you are off to a good start! If you get regular aerobic exercise 20-30 minutes at least 3-4 times per week then you are even better off and if all of this leads to a modest weight for your height, then give yourself a high five because you have reduced your risk considerably. Beyond that, start your screening at age 45 or 10 years before a first-degree relative developed the disease. In this way, you are giving yourself a good chance of living healthy and strong without colon cancer.
Of course, the most important way that we keep ourselves healthy for the long term is to surround ourselves in positive, loving and life-giving relationships that also live these positive health habits. In this way, we are supported, encouraged and surrounded by others that live out these good, better, best ways of staying healthy for the long run! And remember, don’t forget to smell the flowers along the way!
May you have a Loving, Joyful, Fun, and Magical March! To your good, better, best health through Intentional Wellness©™ Parenting-
Winning Every Living day through Love, Nutrition, Exercise, Serenity & Spirituality!