Choose You Blog

We know smoking isn’t a smart health decision, but did you know that nicotine, a drug found naturally in tobacco, is as addictive as heroin or cocaine? No wonder quitting smoking is so hard! Nicotine is not only physically addictive; smokers also become emotionally dependent on the drug over time. Quitting takes commitment and support, but stopping smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer and celebrate more birthdays. Consider the short- and long-term benefits of quitting:

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.  
• 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.  
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.  
• 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection. 
• 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.  
• 5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.  
• 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a person who continues smoking. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease, too.  
• 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker’s.  

We’re launching a new movement on May 4 that will help women take steps to quit smoking and much more! In the meantime, add this blog to your RSS feed or Google Reader, and check back often to learn more.

Like most women, you probably have a long to-do list. Returning phone calls, shopping for birthday gifts, and managing the schedules of family members are probably just a few items you try to check off each day. But your list might be missing something very important: getting your cancer screenings.

Why are health checks so important? Following recommended cancer screening guidelines based on your age, gender, and family history is the most important thing you can do to reduce your cancer risk and stay well. Certain cancer tests can identify precancerous changes that need further evaluation, or find cancer in earlier stages, when the disease is easier to treat.

We’re launching a new movement on May 4 that will help you find time to make cancer screenings a priority and much more! In the meantime, add this blog to your RSS feed or Google Reader, and check back often to learn more.

Finding time to fit in fitness can be tough with juggling work, kids, and simply keeping our households running. But did you know that exercising can actually boost your energy, lower your stress, and even help reduce your cancer risk? No matter what kind of activity you choose, the important thing is to get moving. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity 5 or more days per week.  And you don’t have to join a gym to get active. Here are some simple lifestyle choices that can help you fit fitness into your already jam-packed days:

• Use stairs rather than an elevator.
• Walk or bike to your destination.
• Exercise at lunch with your colleagues, family, or friends.
• Take a 10-minute break at work to stretch or go on a quick walk.
• Walk to visit coworkers instead of sending an email.
• Go dancing with your spouse, partner, or friends.
• Plan active vacations rather than driving-only trips.
• Wear a pedometer every day and watch your daily steps increase.
• Join a sports team.
• Use a stationary bicycle or treadmill while watching TV.

We’re launching a new movement May 4 that will help you fit in fitness and much more! In the meantime, add this blog to your RSS feed or Google Reader, and check back often to learn more.

Looking to live healthier today? Making smarter food choices is one of the simplest ways to jump-start a healthy lifestyle. Take control of your eating habits, whether you’re eating out or preparing your own meals.

At restaurants, make sure you know what you’re getting. Ask how dishes are prepared, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want: grilled or steamed foods, with sauces on the side and extra veggies, are always a smarter choice. Steer clear of dishes described as “creamy,” “cheesy,” “fried,” “sautéed” or “buttered” – these usually contain hidden calories.

When you’re at home, you’re in control of what you eat, but still look for healthy, fresh choices. Make sure you’re getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day by adding these foods to the meals you already eat:

• Add a sliced banana to your morning cereal, or wash down your oatmeal with a glass of 100% fruit juice.
• Snack on applesauce, baby carrots or ¼ cup of fresh fruit to stay energized through your morning.
• Load a pita or wrap with fresh veggies, try a vegetable soup or add a small side salad with low-fat dressing to your lunch.
• Heat canned or frozen veggies for a quick dinner side dish, or enjoy raw or cooked vegetables with your meal.
• Enjoy a sweet treat for dessert – add ½ cup of berries, peaches or other fruit to low-fat frozen yogurt.

Don’t forget – the movement launches May 4! In the meantime, add this blog to your RSS feed or Google Reader, or check back here again to learn a little more.

Women: there are 116 million of us in the United States. We know that one in three will get cancer in her lifetime. We’re everywhere, but who are women really?

We’re moms, caregivers, shoppers, social networkers and businesswomen. And, for the most part, we’re the decision-makers: we make 80% of household purchasing decisions, and we serve as the “Chief Medical Officer” of our family, managing health-related choices and information.

Every one of us – from a single 26-year-old blogger in Manhattan to a 53-year-old teacher in Ohio – takes care of someone else. Maybe it’s your spouse or parent, your niece or boyfriend. It could be your best friend having a rough week, or your ailing next-door neighbor. It could even be a pet. Regardless of who it is, as women, we tend to put the needs of others above our own.

On top of this, we’re busier than ever. Our days are full from start to finish with a myriad of to-dos, lists and obligations. Somehow, we manage to stay connected: we average 171 contacts across e-mail, social networks and cell phone address books; and we typically have 12 devices in our homes (cell phone, computer, TV, etc.) to keep us in the know. But the craziness of life is taking a toll on our health, and it’s time to take action.

Don’t forget – the movement launches May 4! In the meantime, add this blog to your RSS feed or Google Reader, or check back here regularly to learn a little more.

Welcome! Thank you for visiting this site to learn more about Choose You, the American Cancer Society’s exciting new program that focuses on healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce cancer risk. The program officially launches on Tuesday, May 4.

We can’t share all the details yet, but this new movement will give you the information and inspiration to Choose You and live well today to stay well tomorrow. Until May 4, we’ll be posting healthy living tips, quick quizzes and fun information to provide a taste of what’s to come.

So get ready to be inspired to make smarter choices and live healthier starting May 4. In the meantime, add this blog to your RSS feed or Google Reader, or check back here regularly until we launch to learn a little more!