Episode 120 - Heart Health & Cancer Prevention Month cover art

Episode 120 - Heart Health & Cancer Prevention Month

Episode 120 - Heart Health & Cancer Prevention Month

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month is observed in the United States every February. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about cancer prevention and encourage individuals to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing cancer. The federal government estimated that about 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) in 2025, and that more than 618,000 individuals died from their disease. About 40% of these cases can be attributed to preventable causes such as smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun, according to the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 (American Association for Cancer Research). Further, about 5.94 million cancer deaths were averted between 1975 to 2020 due to public health interventions regarding cancer prevention and screening. Nearly 39% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. But there is also good news—thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, about 70% of people now live at least five years after a diagnosis, a dramatic improvement from decades past. Focus on lifestyle changes to reduce risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and quitting tobacco The Importance of Cancer Screenings Routine screenings can detect cancer in its earliest stages, often before symptoms develop. Mammograms for breast cancer detection.Pap smears for cervical cancer screeningColonoscopy for colorectal cancer detection.Lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals HEART HEALTH MONTH Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., while stroke has moved up to No. 4, replacing COVID-19, which fell to No. 10, according to the update. Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than a quarter of all deaths in the U.S. in 2023, the most current year for which data is available. Cardiovascular diseases, including all types of heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. each year than the No. 2 and No. 3 causes — cancer and accidents — combined. Someone died of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds on average in 2023. Life’s Essential 8 In the United States, optimal Life’s Essential 8 scores could prevent up to 40% of annual all-cause and cardiovascular deaths among adults.A review of 59 studies from 2010 to 2022 found that people who had ideal cardiovascular health, as measured by Life’s Essential 8 had a 74% lower risk of cardiovascular events compared with those who had poor cardiovascular health.Better cardiovascular health was associated with younger brain age, slower cognitive decline, and reduced dementia risk. Life’s Essential 8 includes health behaviors Movement - Regular movement—walking, stretching, strength training—supports circulation and keeps the heart strong. Consistency matters more than intensity.Eat Better - Focus on whole foods—vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, quality protein—and reduce highly processed foods that strain the heart over time.Healthy Sleep - Rest is when the body repairs and restores, including the cardiovascular system.Manage WeightControl CholesterolManage Blood SugarManage Blood PressureListen to your body. Pay attention to changes, and don’t ignore warning signs. Palaniappan noted that few people adhere to those measures. Only 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. meets national physical activity guidelines, for example. Among 6- to 17-year-olds, only 1 in 5 is physically active for 60 minutes or more every day Here’s a link to an updated guide to the latest research on heart disease and stroke and is filled with crucial data for experts fighting those debilitating problems. “2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Heart health isn’t built in a single moment. It’s shaped by daily choices—how we move, how we eat, how we manage stress, and even how we rest. Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples, entrusted to our care. Honoring that stewardship includes caring well for our hearts. -------------------------------------- For more information about the hosts, please visit their websites and follow them on social media: Dr. Glenda Shepard - Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner/Certified Nutrition Coach/Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Intrinsic Coach https://www.triumphantwomancoaching.com/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/glenda.shepard1 Robin McCoy - Certified McIntyre Seal Team Six Coach and John Maxwell Team Trainer/Speaker/Coach https://www.thewellnessfactor.coach/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/RobinRMcCoy FB - https://www.facebook.com/robin.mccoy1 Produced by KB Podcasts
No reviews yet