Cancer Prevention Starts with Healthy Habits

Cancer affects almost everyone whether it's a friend, family member, neighbor, classmate, co-worker, or you. But what if there were things we could do that could potentially help us protect ourselves and our families from cancer? There is no single magic superfood, drink, pill, supplement, or drug that does the trick–but eating healthy and being active from an early age is a great place to start!

Cancer prevention can start at home by teaching kids healthy habits. The sooner you start practicing these habits the easier it will be to continue them. If you are looking for a reason to start... February is Cancer Prevention Month but use these tips all year long:

Healthy Eating Tips for Kids:

• Let children serve themselves. It allows them to learn portion sizes.
• Keep trying! It may take up to 12 times to convince a child to try a new food.
• Cook with your kids and enjoy family dinner night.
• Kids who drink one or more sugary beverages per day have 55% greater odds of being overweight or obese. Serve water and low-fat or fat-free milk instead.

Healthy Activity Tips for Kids:

• Find creative ways for kids to be active for at least 60 minutes each day.
• Try an organized sport like soccer or a game of tag.
• Try push-ups, hanging on the monkey bars, or climbing a jungle gym.
• Limit inactivity such as screen time. Kids older than 2 should be restricted to no more than 2 hours a day and kids younger than 2 should have zero screen time.

It's a fact—kids with healthy habits are at lower risk for issues with obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and osteoarthritis later in life. Embrace a healthier lifestyle today!

For more visit: American Cancer Research Institute