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Cancer, It’s Not A Natural Way To Die

Cancer is not a natural way to die.  I know that you might have thought it was, but that is only because of the incredible number of people who die violent deaths each year from one of the more than 100 known types of cancer.  The risk of developing cancer in males is almost 1 out of every 2.  According to the American Cancer Society, of the approximately 565,000  cancer deaths in 2008, about one third of those were caused by tobacco use, and another one third were the result of poor diet and eating habits, obesity, and lack of exercise.  If these behaviors were exchanged for a more healthy lifestyle, most of the suffering and death from cancer could be prevented.

Vigorous physical activity, otherwise known as the dreaded E word (exercise) is lacking in about 90% of American adults.  Also lacking is any attention to a sensible diet. Two thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese and this number only shows signs of increasing.  We are the fattest nation on earth and we continue to gorge ourselves on the flesh of innocent animals, and their by-products, French Fries, cheeseburgers, pizza, ice cream, cookies, cake, doughnuts, and Coca Cola, and watch helplessly as rates of cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, and numerous other infirmities continue to rise dramatically. 

It is no wonder that the health care debate continues to rage seemingly 24 hours per day.  We are the sickest nation on earth and we don’t have any way to pay for it.  The only time it seems Americans cling desperately to life is on their death bed.  We certainly don’t live as though premature death is even a possibility.  Statistics don’t lie but neither do they scare us much unless we or someone we love becomes one of them.

This is Breast cancer awareness month and as such it is a good time to acknowledge that our great country is in the throes of a major health crisis.  We are dying of cancer and heart disease, and experiencing new diseases with every pound we gain.  Our children are overweight or obese in record numbers and strangely enough we as a country don’t seem the least bit concerned.  We just order another Whopper with cheese and large fries and buy a bigger belt. 

I might be in the minority but in my eyes the American health crisis is a national tragedy.  As a nation we are lazy, fat, and sassy and it seems we kind of like it.  This article is not intended for those who refuse to acknowledge that we have a problem.  No one has ever made a positive change in their lives while being stuck on stupid.  In my own case I am sorry to admit that I have been a hard headed stubborn jack-ass in many different ways and on many different issues and it usually takes a minimum of a two by four to get me to see the light.  I say that because I want it to be clear that I am not personally mad at folks who still have not woken up and smelled the coffee.  I like to sleep late too.  But to all those who are in agreement that we need to make some changes, here are a few things we should stop doing and a few things we should start doing:

-We should stop eating all animal flesh and their by-products.  This might be the single most powerful thing we can do to stop the rise in rates of heart disease, cancers, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.  Moreover it would have a huge positive effect on our environment as great amounts of natural resources would be spared if we were not raising our animal friends for the purpose of slaughtering them and then eating them.  And of course it would put an end to unspeakable animal cruelty.  This alone ought to be reason enough.
-We should stop smoking.  I know this can be a daunting task, because I have been there and done that.  Nevertheless smoking is quite certainly going to kill you.
-We should limit our alcohol consumption.
-We should stay away from fried foods.
-We should greatly limit the ingestion of refined carbohydrates to include doughnuts, sweetened cereals and anything that contains high fructose corn syrup.
-We should switch to a plant-based diet, and eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day.  They should be a staple in every meal we eat as well as our snacks.
-We should eat whole grains instead of processed or refined grains and sugars.
-We should burn as many calories as we consume and maintain a healthy weight from the time of our youth to the time of our death.
-We should exercise a minimum of 30 minutes per day at least 5 days per week.
-We should try and reduce stress in our lives and smile and laugh more.  I am talking to myself here also since I have been known to stress over pretty meaningless things.
-We should drink more green tea.
-If we believe in a higher power we should pray.

Of course this list is not exhaustive but nevertheless it would be a great start to the healing of a nation.  I realize that this list of do’s and don’ts necessitates a great change in the way we think.  I for one know how difficult change can be.  But when you get right down to it what alternative do we have?  We are dying.  I understand that death is inevitable but that does not mean it is normal to die a premature violent death.  The statistics are pretty clear that in all likelihood a heart attack or some form of cancer is going to be the way you check out of this life if you don’t begin to adopt some of the above practices.  My personal belief is that the time of our death is in the Hands of God, but if we are good stewards of the only body we have we can at least make sure the way we die is natural.  Heart disease and cancer are not natural.  Don’t go out that way!

About the Author

I am passionate about health issues, and the state of the health of our wonderful America. I believe the American Diet is literally killing us and I believe that lobby money is the reason that we have been brainwashed into the shift from a plant based diet to an animal based diet. The result has been an unprecedented increase in heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancers of all varieties. I believe Americans are suffering from a lack of truthful information concerning our diets. I enjoy writing motivational articles that will help to correct the problem regarding this lack of information and also examine the prevailing misinformation in the light of truth.

Healthy Vegetarian Choices For Life
Dedicated to the advancement of informed choices that will benefit our health, our environment, and our animal friends.
Please visit my website at http://www.ourhealthforlife.com and look around awhile.  I would very much appreciate comments concerning your reaction to what I have written as well as any input that might aid me in the task of making my site more helpful.  I thank you in advance for your consideration.