A healthy lifestyle reduces cancer risk
50%. As many as 50% of cancer deaths could be avoided by making healthy lifestyle choices. 50%! That's huge. A recent American Cancer Society report states that, as we already knew, a healthy lifestyle can reduce cancer risk. But adding to that, the report states that 50% of deaths could be avoided. Good nutrition, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, keeping alcohol to a minimum, and getting the appropriate medical screenings (check with your doctor for specific recommendations) are all important in preserving your good health. More than 170,000 cancer deaths in the US are related to smoking; quitting may be the most important step you take to reduce your risk of cancer. Obesity is another prominent factor in cancer risk; it's the root of more than 180,000 US cancer deaths each year.
It's a generally accepted fact that women should quit smoking and drinking while pregnant. But it's helpful for dads-to-be to quit as well. Not necessarily because of second-hand smoke (though that's a danger as well), but mainly because when one partner continues the unhealthy habits it makes it all the harder for the other to quit. If dad continues to smoke and/or drink it's 
Quite a few years ago I wrote an article regarding the concept that 3 servings of low-fat dairy a day could help you lose weight. Then it was uncovered that the sponsor of the original study had ties to the dairy industry. Hmmm... makes you pause and think about how unbiased the study was, doesn't it? It's unfortunately the case with a lot of studies. Research is time consuming and expensive, so financial backing is necessary. Often, the finances come from an organization with a vested interest in the result. Any researcher worth his or her salt will perform an unbiased and accurate study regardless of the sponsor, however. And, if the sponsor wants accurate results, they should demand nothing less. Sometimes, however, the sponsorship of a study makes people question the results. 
Although I've written on 
There are many drugs these days geared toward helping smokers ditch the habit. Pills, patches and other methods are generating large profits for drugmakers while helping some (not all) quit smoking once and for all. Could this kind of magic be used to help heavy drinkers stop that activity as well?
The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recently gave a thumbs-up to Champix (varenicline), a twice-daily drug used to help smokers kick the habit. During a 12-week trial almost half of the smokers tested were 
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America Takes It Off: Weekly Weight Loss #2_thumbnail.gif){kind=icon}
America Takes It Off: Wedneday Weigh-In #2
These healthy foods cost less than a buck
