That's Fit

Just after it was announced that she's slated to appear alongside a bunch of celebrities on the September 5 telethon Stand Up To Cancer (broadcast simultaneously on CBS, NBC, and ABC), actress Christina Applegate shares that she has been diagnosed with the very disease she will stand up against: Cancer.

The 36-year-old Emmy-winning star of Samantha Who? has breast cancer, says her spokesperson. Thankfully, the disease was caught early during a doctor-ordered MRI, and Applegate is expected to make a full recovery. She is currently following the recommended treatment of her doctors.

The point of my telling you this is not merely to report on more celebrity news but to remind you that cancer is a real force in this world. It can happen to any one of us -- it's happened to me already. Sadly, there's a chance we have no control over whether or not we develop this disease. But, there's a also a chance we do. More and more, a healthy diet and exercise are linked to the prevention of cancer and it seems a no-brainer that we embrace the possibility that we can keep cancer at bay with smart lifestyle choices. That's why I chose a year ago to ditch sweets, red meat, alcohol, and loads of fats and calories. It's why I buy whole-wheat bread instead of the white stuff, why I minimize the purchase of packaged goods, why I work my butt off running, walking, swimming, biking, and more. I do it not only so I can fit into my size 6 jeans -- although I admit this is a nice side effect. I do it because first and foremost, I want a healthy body, one that sends a message to cancer that it is not a welcome visitor. Maybe my efforts will work. Maybe they won't. But I simply must give it my all. You should too.