Written by Karen Jung

There is a noted increase in cancer and obesity rates in children and adults in some countries.  Both cancer and heart disease have a significant negative impact on people’s health, families and the health care system.  Given current challenging economic times combined with financial constraints and limited resources, this is an opportune time to assess and monitor our daily lifestyle habits.

Some cancers and obesity are attributed to people eating too much of the wrong kinds of foods, consuming too much bad fats and sugar in their daily diet and not exercising enough.  Healthy eating and regular exercise require ongoing effort, commitment, support and leadership from parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and/or care providers. To live without cancer or heart disease, you need to first make the necessary lifestyle changes and then set a good example for others to follow.  Do it for yourself first and then do it for your loved ones next.

One of the first steps in adopting healthy eating and living habits is drinking at least eight to nine cups of water daily and maintaining a healthy body weight.  Water helps with digestion, gets rid of waste and keeps your bowels regular.  Eat lots of colourful fresh fruits and vegetables every day because it contains various vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that keep cells healthy, improve cholesterol levels, and protect against some cancers and heart disease.  A high-fibre and calcium-rich diet is also important as we age.  Fibre keeps you feeling fuller longer and helps to prevent bowel problems.   Calcium is vital to maintain strong bones and teeth and it prevents osteoporosis later in life.

To maintain a healthy body weight, try cutting sugar intake in food and beverages which can contribute to extra calories.  Also, reduce your sodium intake, including salt.  Too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure and a greater risk for heart disease and other health complications.  Choose treats that are trans fat free and look at the nutrition facts for calories, saturated fats and sugar content.  Don’t forget that fruit contains natural sugars.  In my new book, Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, there are many meals and snacks that are both cancer and heart-healthy.

Karen Jung is the author of Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.  Her recently published book has received numerous praises and positive reviews from prominent cancer and health organizations in Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.  With over 20 years of health care experience, she served for 12 years as Director of Human Resources in various large hospitals in British Columbia, Canada.

For more information on Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, visit http://www.granvilleislandpublishing.com/our_titles/cooking/#healthier_eating.  Books can be purchased through your local bookstores or with Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.

Copyright © 2009 Karen Jung.  All rights reserved.

Written by Karen Jung

Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of deaths in some countries.  As the population in countries grows and ages there is an increase in new cancer cases and related deaths.  What you eat and how much you eat can contribute to some cancers and heart disease.  Some cancers and heart disease can be prevented by healthier living and healthier eating choices.

You can choose to accept responsibility for your own health by doing the right thing and taking steps to reduce the risks of cancer or heart disease.  Some people are overweight because of poor diet, fast food and sedentary lifestyles.  Recent studies have shown a direct link between diet, obesity and lack of physical exercise, in addition to an increased risk of some cancers and heart disease for both men and women.

Your health is less at risk if you avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, eat healthier, be more physically active, use adequate sun protection, and follow up with your treating physician for regular check-ups and screening if necessary.

A low-fat diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, low-fat dairy and whole grain products.  To avoid high blood pressure and high cholesterol, you can reduce the amount of saturated fat and salt intake.

Physical activity and exercise can improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risks of heart disease.  Daily exercise is very good for your overall health because it improves circulation, strengthens bones, burns off fat and promotes better quality sleep.

When it comes to your health, avoid procrastination.  Detecting and treating cancer in the early stages can result in higher success rates with curability and quicker recovery.  Early intervention in treating heart disease may require some diet changes and increased exercise.  Advanced cases may involve the use of prescribed medications which can be costly, and possibly heart surgery with a reduced quality of life in future.  Both cancer and heart disease have a negative impact on your family and loved ones.

If you have a family history of cancer or heart disease or you are at risk due to genetics, it is even more crucial to take precautions and to take care of yourself by keeping active and fit and maintaining healthy eating habits.  You can still enjoy life with these important lifestyle changes.  For instance, moderation is the key when it comes to food treats on special occasions.  There are various simple meals that are both cancer and heart-friendly in my new book, Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.

Cancer and heart disease prevention and management makes ideal sense.  You choose - good health and enjoyment of quality of life or costly medical expenses and a reduced quality of life.  Do not leave your health at risk for the sake of your family, friends and loved ones.

Karen Jung is the author of Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.  Her recently published book has received numerous praises and positive reviews from prominent cancer and health organizations in Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.  With over 20 years of health care experience, she served for 12 years as Director of Human Resources in various large hospitals in British Columbia, Canada.

For more information on Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, visit http://www.granvilleislandpublishing.com/our_titles/cooking/#healthier_eating.  Books can be purchased through your local bookstores or with Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.

Copyright © 2009 Karen Jung.  All rights reserved.

Written by Karen Jung

For cancer survivors and people living with cancer, antioxidants have a beneficial role in cell repair.  Antioxidants can keep cells healthy and reduce the risk of cancer.  Foods and spices that are abundant in antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds are outlined in my new book, Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.

Your body needs balanced nutrients for the immune system and for cell repair.  It is very important to enjoy a variety of colourful foods daily from the four food groups which include vegetables and fruit, grain products, milk and alternatives, and meat and alternatives.  Healthier eating choices include a regular diet of orange and green-coloured fresh fruits and vegetables such as apricots, cantaloupe, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots and spinach.  Healthier food choices include nuts, oats, brown rice, low-fat dairy, salmon and some lean meats such as skinless chicken or turkey breasts.

Drink plenty of water daily for digestion purposes, to avoid dehydration and to keep your skin healthy in appearance.  Add fresh fruit and vegetables to your daily meals and snacks because it contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Add different grains to your meals.  Choose lower-fat cheeses.  Try low-fat yogurt or skim milk.  Consider legumes as a protein substitute for meat.  Use beans as an alternative to meat recipes.  Reduce your meat intake (especially red meat) weekly and add extra vegetables, a salad or non-cream based vegetable soup.  Enjoy eating one to two vegetarian meals weekly.

Patients undergoing aggressive cancer treatments may, at times, have difficulty eating certain foods for different reasons.  This change in eating habits and food preferences can be attributed to the side effects of cancer treatments including chemotherapy.  There is a wide selection of food choices with changing food tastes in my book.  For example, blueberry and spinach recipes have been successful with cancer patients from our experience.  In addition, many patient-tested recipes in my cookbook helped to prevent weight loss and nausea during chemotherapy treatments.

Karen Jung is the author of Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.  Her recently published book has received numerous praises and positive reviews from prominent cancer and health organizations in Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.  With over 20 years of health care experience, she served for 12 years as Director of Human Resources in various large hospitals in British Columbia, Canada.

For more information on Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, visit http://www.granvilleislandpublishing.com/our_titles/cooking/#healthier_eating.  Books can be purchased through your local bookstores or with Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.

Copyright © 2009 Karen Jung.  All rights reserved.

Written by Karen Jung

A proper diet is essential for patients undergoing cancer treatments, including chemotherapy.  A healthy diet helps you to withstand aggressive cancer treatments better and to prepare for the next cycle of chemotherapy treatments.  In addition, a good diet gives you the necessary physical strength to exercise during cancer treatments.  Drinking plenty of water daily helps to keep your body and skin looking healthy, too.

It is very important to enjoy a variety of foods daily from the four food groups:  vegetables and fruit, grain products, milk and alternatives, and meat and alternatives.  Eating properly, regularly and on time are crucial during cancer treatments.  A combination of smaller meals, larger meals and/or frequent snacks every day is vital.

During chemotherapy treatment an individual’s appetite and taste for certain foods changes.  Other common side effects of cancer treatments include nausea, weight loss and constipation.  A variety of meals to help maintain or increase weight is outlined in my new book, Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.  Weight gain can occur in some situations with the use of prescribed steroid medications or unavoidable reduced physical activities.  Lower-fat meal choices are also included.

Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells and damage healthy cells in the process, too.  Cancer-fighting and antioxidant-abundant foods for cell repair are included in many of my recipes.

During cancer treatments and post-treatment recovery when eating is more challenging, high-energy and high-protein foods are important in one’s diet.  High-fibre, potassium-rich and calcium-enriched foods are helpful during decreased physical activity days and to conquer the side effects of prescribed medications.  In my book, menu suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and snack ideas, including recommended recipes during and after cancer treatments, have proven to be very useful.

Karen Jung is the author of Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.  Her recently published book has received numerous praises and positive reviews from prominent cancer and health organizations in Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.  With over 20 years of health care experience, she served for 12 years as Director of Human Resources in various large hospitals in British Columbia, Canada.

For more information on Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, visit http://www.granvilleislandpublishing.com/our_titles/cooking/#healthier_eating.  Books can be purchased through your local bookstores or with Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.

Copyright © 2009 Karen Jung.  All rights reserved.

Written by Karen Jung

October is cancer awareness month in some countries.  It is an important time to remember cancer survivors, people who are battling cancer, and those who lost their battle to cancer.  Also, this can be a challenging time for primary caregivers who understand the pain and suffering of their loved ones during the cancer journey.

Many of us, over the years, know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or who cared for a loved one with cancer such as a family member or close friend.  It is a reminder that life is precious and our health can be at risk if we do not take care of ourselves properly.  This should be sufficient reason for us to do our individual part in taking reasonable steps to minimize the risk of cancer promotion and to live a healthy lifestyle.

To reduce the risk of cancer, try to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.  Instead, enjoy a proper and healthy diet by eating lots of colourful fresh fruits and vegetables daily and incorporating fibre, calcium and good protein into your daily meals.  Choose whole grain products, low-fat dairy, lean meat like fish or poultry, soy and nuts.  Avoid highly processed foods and battered and deep-fried foods which are high in sugar, fat and salt.  Physical fitness, exercise and regular check-ups with your treating physician are crucial to maintain an ideal body weight and to monitor any health concerns.

Planning meals in advance every week can save you time, money and stress.  Planning ahead allows you to eat well.  Cooking meals at home is a healthier choice because you can control the ingredients, amount and type of fats, sodium level and calorie intake.  By controlling your food intake, you have a direct impact on your cholesterol levels.  Preparing meals at home can be relatively simple, fun and affordable.  In my new book, Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, the large selection of easy-to-make recipes is practical for any busy household.

Karen Jung is the author of Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer.  Her recently published book has received numerous praises and positive reviews from prominent cancer and health organizations in Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.  With over 20 years of health care experience, she served for 12 years as Director of Human Resources in various large hospitals in British Columbia, Canada.

For more information on Healthier Eating and Living with Cancer, visit http://www.granvilleislandpublishing.com/our_titles/cooking/#healthier_eating.  Books can be purchased through your local bookstores or with Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.

Copyright © 2009 Karen Jung.  All rights reserved.