Site search
sponsored by
News
Sports
ENLARGE
Four relatively simple health factors can make a big impact on one's overall health, according to Community Cancer Center oncologist Randy Moore.
His experience with patients suggested that disease rates are lowered when people have never smoked, have a body mass index lower than 30, perform at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day and adhere to a healthy diet.
Then Moore read a landmark study by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. The study indicated that abiding by those four factors decreased the chance of developing diabetes by 93 percent and cancer by 36 percent. Those practices also decreased the risk of a heart attack by 95 percent and a stroke by half. Moore knew he had to share that knowledge with Douglas County.
He rounded up other heath care professionals — cancer center nutritionist Ally Gottfried, Douglas County Health Center spokesperson Marilyn Carter and diabetic dietitian JoCarol Driver — and created a series of Healthy Lifestyle Forums.
The forums follow each of the study's four healthy factors. Smoking cessation and body mass index forums have already been completed, with less than desirable attendance rates, Moore said.
“It is free. We want people to come. We try and make it worth their time, make it interactive,” Moore said.
He is unsure what is causing the lag in participation, but said he plans to continue as scheduled with seminars on nutrition and staying active. All of the forum's participants have agreed to repeat their presentations, possibly at a new time, date or venue.
The next two forums, on healthy diet and exercise, respectively, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 16 and April 20. Both will be held at the center at 2880 N.W. Stewart Parkway in Roseburg.
“Oh, we didn't stand a chance,” Gottfried joked when Moore told her their past seminars may have been conflicting with the “American Idol” broadcast.
Gottfried, who will speak at the next forum, said getting the proper amount of fruits and vegetables can eradicate 30 to 40 percent of cancers. Even if people can't get the recommended servings per day, it's important to eat as many per day as possible, she said.
“People have heard so much about smoking and how it has a huge impact, and it does, but we are kind of at a crossroads,” Moore said. “We have been making an impact on smoking cessation ... to where obesity has overtaken it. Physical activity is as important as smoking cessation. I don't think people realize it has such a huge impact on their life quality.”
Recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research include becoming lean without becoming underweight, being physically active, avoiding sugary drinks and energy-dense foods, eating a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and limiting red meat intake, alcoholic beverages and salt.
With recent studies ranking the county's health among the lowest in the state, conditions can only improve, Moore said. He and his colleagues are hoping their forums will help raise awareness and lead to a healthier community.
“Anytime you know you can help someone make healthier choices that help add years to their life, that is always a good feeling,” Moore said.
• You can reach reporter Heather Morse at 541-957-4208 or by e-mail at hmorse@nrtoday.com.
His experience with patients suggested that disease rates are lowered when people have never smoked, have a body mass index lower than 30, perform at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day and adhere to a healthy diet.
Then Moore read a landmark study by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. The study indicated that abiding by those four factors decreased the chance of developing diabetes by 93 percent and cancer by 36 percent. Those practices also decreased the risk of a heart attack by 95 percent and a stroke by half. Moore knew he had to share that knowledge with Douglas County.
He rounded up other heath care professionals — cancer center nutritionist Ally Gottfried, Douglas County Health Center spokesperson Marilyn Carter and diabetic dietitian JoCarol Driver — and created a series of Healthy Lifestyle Forums.
The forums follow each of the study's four healthy factors. Smoking cessation and body mass index forums have already been completed, with less than desirable attendance rates, Moore said.
“It is free. We want people to come. We try and make it worth their time, make it interactive,” Moore said.
He is unsure what is causing the lag in participation, but said he plans to continue as scheduled with seminars on nutrition and staying active. All of the forum's participants have agreed to repeat their presentations, possibly at a new time, date or venue.
The next two forums, on healthy diet and exercise, respectively, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 16 and April 20. Both will be held at the center at 2880 N.W. Stewart Parkway in Roseburg.
“Oh, we didn't stand a chance,” Gottfried joked when Moore told her their past seminars may have been conflicting with the “American Idol” broadcast.
Gottfried, who will speak at the next forum, said getting the proper amount of fruits and vegetables can eradicate 30 to 40 percent of cancers. Even if people can't get the recommended servings per day, it's important to eat as many per day as possible, she said.
“People have heard so much about smoking and how it has a huge impact, and it does, but we are kind of at a crossroads,” Moore said. “We have been making an impact on smoking cessation ... to where obesity has overtaken it. Physical activity is as important as smoking cessation. I don't think people realize it has such a huge impact on their life quality.”
Recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research include becoming lean without becoming underweight, being physically active, avoiding sugary drinks and energy-dense foods, eating a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and limiting red meat intake, alcoholic beverages and salt.
With recent studies ranking the county's health among the lowest in the state, conditions can only improve, Moore said. He and his colleagues are hoping their forums will help raise awareness and lead to a healthier community.
“Anytime you know you can help someone make healthier choices that help add years to their life, that is always a good feeling,” Moore said.
• You can reach reporter Heather Morse at 541-957-4208 or by e-mail at hmorse@nrtoday.com.
