A healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of cancerIn Australia, 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer by the time they turn 85 and the number of new cases being diagnosed each year is on the rise. 1 In 2010, an estimated 114,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia. 2 While this is alarming, new research conducted by the Medical Journal of Australia has found that improvements to diet and exercise could reduce instances of cancer by almost 43,000 cases or 25% by the year 2025. 3 This research may not be particularly surprising, given there has been increasing evidence released in recent years confirming that we can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer by eating a balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables; undertaking regular physical activity; and, limiting the consumption of alcohol. These lifestyle recommendations for reducing cancer risks are also the perfect foundation for general health and well-being, so this should be enough of a reason to make some positive changes. However, with our increasingly busy lifestyles, it can seem difficult, time-consuming and often expensive to change our bad habits. Many people can't afford expensive gym memberships and don't have the time after a long day at work to cook a healthy meal. However, it needn't be so daunting! You can begin by making small changes. It could be as simple as taking a 30 minute brisk walk every day, replacing processed snacks with a piece of fruit or some carrots and celery and ensuring you have a few alcohol free days each week. The Cancer Council of Australia website has many helpful tips for leading a 'cancer smart' lifestyle. Cancer and the importance of life insuranceWhile we can do our best to lead a healthy lifestyle that reduces the likelihood of conditions like cancer, the prevalence of cancer highlights the importance of protecting the financial future of your loved ones in the case that you are no longer able to provide for them financially due to illness or death. A Critical Illness policy will give you the peace of mind of knowing your family can be taken care of. Critical Illness (sometimes referred to as Trauma Cover) pays a lump sum benefit if you suffer one of the specified major illnesses, which include cancer. Funds can be used to reduce debts, seek medical treatment or reduce or stop working. The last thing you want to be worrying about at a time like this is your finances! Providing future financial security for your family should not be an after thought. It is important to consider it while you are young and healthy, before you have any health scares and while there are still a range of options available to you. Allianz LifeCover Plus offers straight forward and affordable life insurance options and a simple online application process that can be completed in 12 minutes. Contact 1Cover today for a quote at http://www.1cover.com.au/life-insurance/. Important note:
1Cancer Council Australia Website, http://www.cancer.org.au |