That's Fit

Now more than ever, we know that certain diseases can be stalled, even prevented, by a healthy lifestyle. There was a time when a cancer diagnosis, for example, could be traced to nothing concrete. Today, women who drink as little as one drink per day increase the odds they'll develop breast cancer. That's pretty concrete.

Times have changed. And now that we're in the know, we really must know how to live life so our future days are more of a guarantee. So here's a little cancer butt-kicking know-how for you, compliments of Men's Health magazine.

1. Drink Pomegranate Juice. It contains polyphenols, isoflavones, and ellagic acid. If this means nothing to you, that's OK. All you need to know is that this juice -- try 16 ounces per day -- bolsters your body's defenses and has been shown to inhibit cancer growth.

2. Eat Blueberries. They are packed with pterostilbene, a compound with cancer-fighting properties. Lots of antioxidants float around these little blue berries too.

3. Relax. Worriers are not as healthy as non-worriers. So try to spend as much time as possible in the present moment, and avoid the mental anguish that typically accompanies both past and future events.

4. Get Outside. Vitamin D is a potent cancer fighter and is necessary for the best functioning of the immune system. So let nature take its course and soak up the sun for about 15 minutes per day -- no sunscreen for this assignment -- and eat foods like sardines, salmon, and shiitake mushrooms. Supplements work too.

5. Avoid Smoke. There is no safe exposure to any form of smoke, even the second-hand variety -- although the greater the exposure, the higher the risk. If your state hasn't outlawed smoking in all workplaces, bars, and restaurants, then take matters into your own hands. Change locations, change professions, or help change the laws. You can start by visiting the Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights Web site at no-smoke.org.

And now the for the big one:

6. Exercise. It has the power to beat cancer. Even tiny doses of exercise has big benefits. Increase your frequency, duration, and intensity when you work out and your hard work will really pay off.