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This is the week I have been dreading: week two of my Lenten experiment.
As I believe I have mentioned, cancer is a plague on society. It is, unfortunately, I am learning, one that in far too many cases is preventable. Seventy percent of cancers can be attributed to lifestyle factors, one of those being physical activity.
In the US, overweight and obesity contribute to 14% to 20% of all cancer deaths. That's a staggering number. It's also the biggest challenge for someone like me. I am not obese but I am overweight (just ask the annoying little scale on the Wii Fit who lets out a startled 'oh' every time I try to weigh myself). I am not a naturally active person. I'm far more likely to want to curl up with a good book than head out for a nice walk or a bike ride.
The nutrition changes I have been making all this past week are one thing. I like food and I like trying new things so a little less red meat is not going to cause any great hardship. Forcing myself to be active and achieve the 30 minutes of activity a day the American Cancer Society recommends is a big change for me. I have been trying to get more active but it is something I periodically try for a while and then let drop until I make myself try again a few months later.
What is most important to me is that I find a way to change this and set a better example for my kids. The Dudes want to get outside and run around when they can, though I suspect the Little Dude suffers from nasty allergies that limit his outdoor enjoyment, but I just don't get them out there enough. There is always something else seemingly more important. Other than her weekly social jaunts to the gym, The Girl too needs to be practically forced into physical activity. A sedentary life is not what I want for my children and my biggest challenge will be finding a way to change that.
I have to say... I am at a bit of a loss as to how to accomplish that.
As I believe I have mentioned, cancer is a plague on society. It is, unfortunately, I am learning, one that in far too many cases is preventable. Seventy percent of cancers can be attributed to lifestyle factors, one of those being physical activity.
In the US, overweight and obesity contribute to 14% to 20% of all cancer deaths. That's a staggering number. It's also the biggest challenge for someone like me. I am not obese but I am overweight (just ask the annoying little scale on the Wii Fit who lets out a startled 'oh' every time I try to weigh myself). I am not a naturally active person. I'm far more likely to want to curl up with a good book than head out for a nice walk or a bike ride.
The nutrition changes I have been making all this past week are one thing. I like food and I like trying new things so a little less red meat is not going to cause any great hardship. Forcing myself to be active and achieve the 30 minutes of activity a day the American Cancer Society recommends is a big change for me. I have been trying to get more active but it is something I periodically try for a while and then let drop until I make myself try again a few months later.
What is most important to me is that I find a way to change this and set a better example for my kids. The Dudes want to get outside and run around when they can, though I suspect the Little Dude suffers from nasty allergies that limit his outdoor enjoyment, but I just don't get them out there enough. There is always something else seemingly more important. Other than her weekly social jaunts to the gym, The Girl too needs to be practically forced into physical activity. A sedentary life is not what I want for my children and my biggest challenge will be finding a way to change that.
I have to say... I am at a bit of a loss as to how to accomplish that.
