by B.J. Armstrong

And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then heaven tries earth if it be in time,
And over it softly her warm ear lays;
Whether we look, or whether we listen,
We hear life murmur, or see it glisten. --- James Russell Lowell

When June comes, fruit blossoms have had their day. Spring ends and summer begins. The special flower for June is the rose. There are more

flowers during this month than any other time.
No matter what month it is, experts believe that you have the power to live a cancer-free life.

Beginning this June let us choose a lifestyle for cancer prevention.

According to the

American Cancer Society, balancing your diet could cut your cancer risk by 1/3. Start by eating mostly plant-based foods. Limit meats, fatty and sugary foods, and other empty calorie snacks. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain breads and cereal.

Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene. You'll get more cancer protection if you eat these raw or only lightly cooked. Tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelon appear to protect against cancers of the colon, stomach, lung, prostate, and throat.

This is not a complete list by no means. Dozens of foods contain antioxidants that ward off cancer. Don't forget the berries; strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and other fruits that are 'berry" good for you. Onions and garlic, along with green leafy vegetables are said to be good for lung cancer. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to spice up your meals. Fresh herbs are

generally more potent cancer fighters than dried. Cut back on red meats too. According to the American Cancer Society, high-fat diet increases your risk for colon, rectal, and prostate cancer.

You can cut your risk even more by exercising. Healthy eating combined with exercise will help control your weight. In addition to choosing healthier foods and exercising, no smoking and drinking may prevent up to 70% of all cancers.
A diet rich in green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peas are probably protective against some cancers. Some doctors may advise those with kidney

problems to avoid large quantities of leafy dark greens.

According to experts, most people get less than half the magnesium they need daily. The consequences could be dangerous. Studies have linked magnesium deficiency to increased cancer risk, especially esophageal cancer.

When you're in distress, saying a prayer can make you feel better. Researchers have found incredible evidence that people who are prayed for benefit, even when they don't realize they're being prayed for. Studies found an 11% reduction in scores of cancer patients in a prayer group compared with a group that wasn't prayed for.

People with cancer may especially benefit from a supportive family. Numerous studies have found that strong social support can lower your risk of cancer disease. People with supportive relationships also showed a lower increase in blood pressure. Researchers say these improvements to stress response translate into less stress on your heart, which enables a person to better able to cope with any cancer disease.

The best advise is to load up with information on cancer and see your doctor. Then start challenging the threat of cancer. You can cut your risk just by exercising. Healthy eating combined with exercise will help control your weight. If you are 20 to 30% over the ideal weight for your age, sex, and height, you are considered obese and that carries its own risks. Obese women are more likely to get cancer of the breast, uterus, ovary, and gallbladder. For obese men, it's colon and prostate cancer.

Health experts say that cancer prevention is in your hands. With the right tools, your body might be able to protect itself from cancer. The nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber in foods can help your body work smoothly, down to the last cell. And that's where it matters, because cancer starts when just one cell stops working properly. The best cancer fighters aren't contained in little pills but in choosing a life-style for cancer prevention. Start today to choose to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and protect yourself from any disease, beginning with cancer.

Not everything that is faced can be changed.
But nothing can be changed until it is faced.
.