| All of us know someone who has had cancer. It | | | | - Avoid processed meats. |
| can be a frightening subject to think about. It is a | | | | These are just 3 of the measures that a person |
| very expensive subject as well. In the US, the | | | | can easily implement today. These choices work - |
| annual cost of cancer is $89 billion in direct medical | | | | the data is compelling. It is exciting to learn how |
| costs, and $130 billion in lost productivity. That is a | | | | much control we really do have over this |
| tremendous burden to employers. As of 2008, | | | | frightening, costly disease. |
| health insurance premiums had gone up 98% | | | | Businesses can foster better health habits among |
| since 2000 - that burdens employers as well as | | | | employees very easily. Education of the |
| their workers. | | | | workforce on the importance and effectiveness |
| The good news is that although cancer is scary | | | | of lifestyle measures is the key. This is a win-win |
| and expensive, it is also one of the most | | | | strategy for companies to embrace. Employees |
| preventable diseases. Of the 500,000 annual | | | | do not want to get cancer - they want to avoid |
| cancer deaths in the United States, 75% are | | | | it! And employers want their workforce to be at |
| linked to lifestyle factors. Smoking, nutrition, | | | | work, and productive. |
| exercise, and obesity are the most important | | | | The impact of this disease on individuals as well as |
| factors noted. These are all related to choices | | | | on corporate America is so great. As a cancer |
| that we make every day. Only 5-10% of cancers | | | | survivor, a business owner, and an RN, I find this |
| are directly linked to inherited genetic | | | | to be a most exciting prospect - we can reduce |
| abnormalities. | | | | the incidence of cancer by simply making different |
| There are so many simple, effective strategies | | | | choices each day. If we want to live full lives, and |
| that we can implement today to reduce risk: | | | | manage productive, cost effective companies, we |
| - Add more fruits and vegetables to the diet | | | | simply must understand and implement strategies |
| - Add 30 minutes per day of simple exercise | | | | that minimize the incidence of cancer. It can be |
| (such as walking) to one's daily routine | | | | done - that's the exciting part! |