Most of us are used to the typical client asking us to help them with the typical requests to:

"Lose Weight,"
"Firm and tone up"
"Improve the way their body looks"
"Gain muscle size and strength"
or some other variation of Body Composition goals.

However, we are seeing a growing number of clients interested in improving their health and longevity. People have become aware that their lifestyle choices may not lead them to the longer, happier, and healthier life they once planned.

Some of your clients may already be aware of the news reporting that cancer rates are increasing worldwide, and not only are the rates increasing, but cancer is now afflicting much younger age groups. The rate of cancer has increased significantly in the under-50 age groups, even among teenagers.

What are the reasons for this increase?

Experts have different opinions on why we are having increased cancer rates that include:

• increased overweight and obesity rates,
• smoking,
• alcohol use/abuse,
• recreational drug use/abuse,
• performance-enhancing drug (PED) use/abuse,
• overconsumption of processed foods and drinks,
• red meat,
• air pollution,
• toxins in the environment,
• social isolation during the Covid lockdowns,
• lack of exercise,
• increased diabetes rates (often associated with overweight/obesity),
  and other factors.

Smoking is the primary factor in 80-90% of lung cancer cases. Poor lifestyle choices are associated with 50% of colorectal cancer cases. Obesity is suspected to be the primary factor in endometrial cancer.

One potentially devastating cancer growing among our younger population is colorectal cancer. Please be advised that if you experience the following symptoms of colorectal cancer: abdominal pain, diarrhea, iron-deficient anemia, and rectal bleeding, please see your doctor immediately. It would be very wise to see your doctor any time you have rectal bleeding.

Cancer is a serious, scary, and devastating disease. You should talk to every one of your clients, regardless of their own personal training goals, to include a goal to improve your client’s health. Fitness goals, particularly Body Composition goals, can take many months to achieve, but health goals begin to improve immediately with your first personal training session!

WARNING: As of January 22, 2024, the FDA says it has received more than 20 reports of T-cell malignancies or cancer following CAR-T cell immunotherapy treatment. According to reporting by W. Bay First Alerts, the FDA is again sounding the alarm about the risk of secondary cancer caused by a form of immunotherapy, cancer treatment called CAR-T cell therapy. CAR-T is a blood cancer treatment. The FDA is now requiring manufacturers to add a warning to the CAR-prescribing information stating: Some T-Cell malignancies have occurred after certain immunotherapies, with hospitalizations and deaths in some cases.

If you, a loved one, or a client has been diagnosed with cancer, please inform them to discuss this with their oncologist.

NEWS ALERT: In BETTER news, on November 2, 2023, the National Cancer Institute reported the FDA has granted marketing authorization for a newly developed blood test that can detect inherited genetic changes to increased risk of developing certain cancers with greater than 99% accuracy (based on over 9,000 patients analyzed). Current research shows that up to 10% of cancers are thought to be caused by the genetic changes a child inherits from a parent. This test is very useful for patients with a family history of cancer, as it can identify if the patient is at greater risk due to inheriting the gene. Those inheriting the gene can take the appropriate screening tests, actions, medical interventions, and lifestyle changes to mitigate their risk of getting cancer.

NOTE: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" were wise words when Ben Franklin said those words 250 years ago, but they are just as wise today. Lifestyle is the key to prevention and I will give you some of those keys later in this article.

Inheriting a family history of cancer, or a gene leading to cancer, does not mean you will get cancer, but this new test may show you if you are at higher risk. If you are, you can talk to your doctor about your options.

Getting regular screening tests can find the cancer early and the earlier you find it and treat it, the greater your chances of survival. Some of the most popular screening tests are for breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancer. Lung cancer screenings are HIGHLY recommended for smokers.

PREVENTION:

According to the Dietary Guidelines for 2020-2025: "A healthy diet across the lifespan may reduce a person's risk of certain cancers, such as breast, colon, and rectal cancers."

According to the American Cancer Society, a healthy diet includes:

• foods high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
• vegetables, in a variety of colors
• fruits, especially whole fruits, in a variety of colors
• fiber-rich legumes, such as peas and beans
• whole grains

Equally important is their statement, "A healthy diet pattern limits or does not include processed meats, i.e., sausage, bacon, or lunch meats; red meats: beef, pork, and lamb; highly processed foods; refined grain products; sugar-sweetened beverages, i.e., soft drinks, fruit drinks, and sports drinks; alcohol."

It is highly recommended that everyone consumes substantial amounts of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants, including vitamins: A, C, and E, and many others.

NOTE: For those of you who want to skip the vegetables and use supplements instead, please be advised that the American Cancer Society has indicated that some studies have shown an INCREASED RISK of cancer from antioxidant supplement use!

"If GOD did not make it, YOU should not eat it!"

Research has shown drinking coffee may lower cancer risk, including endometrial, liver, throat, voice box, basal skin cells, and melanoma cancers.

NOTE: According to research published by the International Journal of Cancer, on March 20, 2019, drinking hot beverages above 149 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius) showed an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Many experts recommend eating 1-2.5 cups of fruits/day and 1-4 cups of vegetables/day.

Consume Whole Grains. Whole grains contain all parts of the kernel: bran, germ, and endosperm. Consuming 25-35 grams of fiber/day may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by 24%.

Beyond your exercise goals, you should discuss nutrition and lifestyle goals with every client. A great starting point is the recommendations recently published by the World Cancer Research Fund. The recommendations are listed below:

• Be a healthy weight
• Be physically active
• Eat a well-rounded diet
• Limit fast food
• Limit red meat and processed meats
• Cut down on sugary drinks
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet, don't rely on supplements
• If able, breastfeed your child
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid excessive sun exposure

I would like to add some additional recommendations that research seems to indicate may help prevent cancers as well as other diseases, disabilities, and dysfunctions:

• Avoid artificial ingredients, sweeteners, fats, sugars, etc.
• Avoid highly processed foods of all kinds.
• Avoid foods and drinks packaged in plastic.
• Avoid cleaning/hygiene products containing suspected toxic ingredients.
• Avoid fried foods.
• Exercise daily or at least MOST days of the week
• Exercise should include strength, cardiovascular, and flexibility training.
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Develop an effective stress management program.
• Stay hydrated (your urine clear/to nearly clear).
• Get an annual physical and cancer screening and other appropriate medical tests.

Can I promise you that following all these recommendations will prevent you, your clients, and your loved ones from ever getting cancer? Unfortunately, not. It can be very difficult to beat an individual’s genetics, family history, race, and other factors, but following these recommendations will greatly reduce your risk of getting cancer, and potentially other chronic diseases, disabilities, and dysfunctions.

As we begin February 2024, many of us have already lost our motivation for our New Year's Resolution. Who Cares? There is nothing magical about New Year's Day, except the importance we place on it. You can place greater importance on your health, your client’s health, and the health of everyone you love by recommitting to the Healthy Lifestyle TODAY!

Best regards,
Dr. Jim Bell
CEO, IFPA

_{©February 2024}