Reprinted from: Acefitness   by Michelle Zive on July 12, 2018What do bagged spinach, canned tuna, olive oil, granola bars and frozen burritos have in common? They all are processed foods. Yet, we have been inundated with warnings about the harmful effects of eating processed foods. In fact, these foods have been blamed for our nation’s obesity epidemic, high blood pressure rates and the rise of type 2 diabetes. Based on the examples above, however, you can see that processed foods are more than packaged ramen noodles, potato chips and drive-thru chicken nuggets.

Reprinted from:  MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoliday exercise: No Gym Required BY Laura Nathan-GarnerExercising won’t just help your body burn those extra holiday calories before they turn into extra body fat. It also helps curb stress, lower blood pressure and improve your mood, so you can actually enjoy the holidays.Forget the excuses for not exercising this holiday season. Even if you’re too busy for your usual workout, you can still get the 150 minutes of weekly moderate physical activity that help you to maintain a healthy weight and lower your cancer risks.

Reprinted from MAYO CLINC-Healthy LifestyleFitness training balances five elements of good health.

From the Mayo ClinicGet the most from your workouts by knowing how to gauge your exercise intensity.By Mayo Clinic StaffWhen you exercise, are you working hard or hardly working? Exercising at the correct intensity can help you get the most out of your physical activity — making sure you’re not pushing too hard or too little. Here’s a look at what exercise intensity means, and how to maximize your workout.Choosing your exercise intensityHow hard should you be exercising?

 The word “qi” in Chinese means “energy.” According to traditional Chinese philosophy, qi is a form of fundamental life energy that is found throughout the universe and is responsible for health and vitality. “Gong,” meanwhile, means “skill.” Qigong (the skill of attracting energy) is an ancient system of healing that combines postures, exercises (also known as “movements”), breathing techniques and meditation to improve and enhance the body’s supply of qi, and to increase one’s sense of well-being.History of QigongNo one knows exactly who invented qigong, or when it originated.

From The American Institute for Cancer ResearchMarch 26, 2019Wild Alaska Rockfish with Cauliflower Steaks, Turmeric and Curry ButterSponsored by Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)Enjoy this Wild Alaska Rockfish with Golden Cauliflower Steaks for a flavorful and creative presentation. The turmeric topping on the cauliflower contains curcuminoids which provide a warm, golden color. One of these compounds, curcumin, is studied for its role in cancer prevention. Cauliflower also boasts cancer-protective compounds called indoles and isothiocyanates.

The AICR/WCRF Third Expert Report found strong evidence, for the first time, that eating 90 grams (about 3 ounces) of whole-grain foods daily reduces risk for colorectal cancer by 17 percent. Research also showed that eating greater amounts reduced risk even further.Click here to download the pdf version of the 2018 Revised Version of the report.

Reprinted from Survivors’ TableBy Danielle PenickWe always hear about eating more produce and it’s a well known fact worth repeating, eating more fruits and vegetables helps with preventing chronic disease. But most of us are not eating enough, putting us more at risk for things like diabetes, high cholesterol, and even cancer. The Centers of Disease Control finds that only one in ten Americans are eating their recommended 5 servings a day. We know we should eat more, but many of us are overwhelmed with where to start. Do I have to change my entire way of eating?

By: Peterson, James A., Ph.D., FACSMWHAT IS IT? Laughter, typically, the response to humor, is a physical reaction in humans, consisting, as a rule, of rhythmical, often audible, contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. As such, laughter is part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping individuals clarify their intentions in social situations, as well as providing emotional context to their circumstances.THE BEST MEDICINE.

Reprinted from Springboard: Beyond CancerCancer and its treatment can be stressful—for you and your caregivers. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and sharpen your ability to focus.Mindfulness and relaxation are ways you can reduce stress and feel more peaceful.Mindfulness OverviewMindfulness is slowing down to pay attention to what’s going on right here, right now.