Cancer prevention starts with simple, everyday habits that can make a big difference. For Calgary families, adopting a few healthy practices can help lower cancer risk & promote long-term wellness. In this blog, we share 5 easy yet impactful habits to integrate into your daily life, including maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, protecting your skin from UV rays, avoiding tobacco & limiting alcohol, & keeping up with regular health screenings. These small steps can lead to lasting health benefits for you & your loved ones. Ready to take control of your family’s health? Read on to learn how these everyday habits can support cancer prevention & create a healthier future for your family in Calgary! Call us for more information.
Cancer is a concern for many families, and while genetics can play a role in cancer risk, everyday habits and lifestyle choices have a significant impact on prevention. For Calgary families, taking proactive steps toward healthier living can reduce cancer risks and promote overall well-being. Let’s explore five simple yet effective habits that families in Calgary can adopt to support cancer prevention.
One of the most powerful ways to lower cancer risk is through proper nutrition. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential for maintaining a healthy body and immune system. By incorporating a variety of colorful, plant-based foods into your family’s meals, you provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, a key factor in cancer prevention.
For Calgary families, local farmers’ markets offer fresh, seasonal produce that can be included in meals. Choose vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and carrots, which are known for their cancer-fighting properties. Berries, nuts, and seeds are also great snack options that are rich in vitamins and fiber. Avoid processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can lead to obesity, a known risk factor for cancer. Instead, focus on home-cooked meals where you have control over ingredients and portion sizes.
Staying active is not only important for maintaining a healthy weight but also plays a direct role in reducing cancer risk. Physical activity helps regulate hormones, improves digestion, and supports a strong immune system, all of which contribute to cancer prevention.
In Calgary, the abundance of parks, hiking trails, and recreation centers makes it easy for families to stay active together. Whether it’s a family walk in Fish Creek Park, a bike ride along the Bow River, or simply playing outdoor games, incorporating movement into your family’s daily routine can make a big difference. Experts recommend aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Encourage children to participate in sports or active play, setting the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it remains common. Calgary’s high altitude and sunny weather can increase the risk of skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Protecting your skin—and your family’s—should be a daily habit, regardless of the season.
Ensure your family applies a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially during outdoor activities. For added protection, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing when spending time outdoors. Calgary winters may feel cold, but snow reflects UV rays, so sunscreen is still necessary during outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing. Teaching children to practice sun safety early can help prevent skin cancer later in life.
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer, particularly lung cancer. For Calgary families, avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke is critical in preventing cancer. If someone in the family smokes, seeking support to quit is one of the best ways to protect the entire household. There are numerous local resources in Calgary, such as Alberta Health Services' quit-smoking programs, that provide assistance.
In addition to avoiding tobacco, it’s important to limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use has been linked to several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. While occasional drinking in moderation may not seem harmful, developing healthier alternatives to unwind or socialize is a smarter choice for cancer prevention. For example, swapping out alcoholic drinks for sparkling water or herbal teas can be both refreshing and health-conscious.
While adopting healthy habits is crucial, early detection through regular screenings can save lives. Cancer screenings can identify potential issues before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment and a better prognosis. For Calgary families, being proactive about routine medical checkups and age-appropriate cancer screenings is a key component of cancer prevention.
Discuss with your healthcare provider the types of screenings that may be appropriate for your family members, depending on age, gender, and family history. For example, mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks are some common screenings that can detect cancer early. Alberta’s healthcare system provides resources and reminders for many of these important screenings. Be sure to stay up to date with vaccinations as well, particularly the HPV vaccine, which helps protect against certain types of cancer.
By adopting these five everyday habits, Calgary families can take meaningful steps toward reducing their cancer risk and improving overall health. Prioritizing a balanced diet, staying physically active, protecting skin from the sun, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, and scheduling regular health screenings are all practices that can make a difference. While no one can eliminate the risk of cancer entirely, these proactive measures can empower families to lead healthier, happier lives.
Cancer prevention starts with small changes. By making these habits a part of your family’s daily routine, you are investing in the long-term health and well-being of your loved ones. Encourage one another, make healthy choices together, and reach out to local resources when needed. In Calgary, there is a supportive community ready to help every family take the next step toward cancer prevention and healthier living. Call our clinic if you have further questions about cancer prevention.
Common screenings include mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the right screenings for your age and health history.
Yes, Calgary’s sunny weather and high altitude increase UV exposure, making sun protection essential for preventing skin cancer.
Maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, protecting your skin from UV rays, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting regular cancer screenings are key habits for cancer prevention. Call us if you have any questions!
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