Aug 11
23
Shocking news about Jack Layton’s death
“Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” ~Jack Layton~
Yesterday Jack Layton, national leader of Canada’s official opposition party, passed away due to what seems to be an aggressive cancer. While little information has come out about exactly what cancer he had what is truly shocking is the speed at which it rendered a man who seemed extremely vibrant and healthy just a few months ago. Just months ago Jack Layton was at the pinnacle of his political career…. and now he’s gone within weeks. Shocking.
Have you had yourself checked out? One of the most important realizations that an individual can take from Jack Layton’s plight is that it literally could happen to anyone. These days just about anyone can get cancer. Some studies report 1 in every 2 people has the potential to have cancer by 2020. That’s just 8 years from now.
Scary? Many of us might know someone who has been touched by cancer and it’s becoming more and more prevalent in our society. My mother passed away from cancer just 2 years ago and it too was sudden … but there were signs something was wrong before it was diagnosed.
What can you do about cancer prevention in your own life and the lives of your loved ones? It can be easier than you think. There are many things that play a role in contracting cancer but there are some small lifestyle changes that can improve your odds dramatically.
Here are some things you can evaluate in your life today:
1. Are you able to avoid smoking AND Exposure to Smoking?
Smoking for both 1st hand and 2nd hand smokers is a very big cancer causing risk factor. Cigarette smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens which interrupt healthy cell development…. this leads to cancer.
2. Have you been screened lately?
Cancer screening tests are great at preventing cancer and detecting it if it’s already there. Can you book an appointment for yourself and ask your doctor about these screening tests today?
3. Do you know your personal and family medical history?
Some cancers are hereditary and if someone in your family has had cancer it becomes a risk factor for you. Cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary. Can you learn about your family medical history today? Together with your doctor you can develop a plan to minimize your chances of getting hereditary cancers.
Take some steps today to minimize your risks of getting cancer and you’ll be giving a great gift to yourself, your family, your friends, and your community. Take action today.
-Jason ‘ The Genie’ Mathews
Edmonton Personal Trainer
