February is Cancer Prevention Month.

According to the National Institute for Health, almost 1.9 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States, with nearly half of those being linked to preventable types of cancer.

Even having a genetic predisposition to certain familial cancers will benefit from preventative measures. Don’t think that just because you have the gene for a certain type of cancer that you will automatically be diagnosed with that cancer.

In some cases, if the gene isn’t “turned on” by certain negative lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, drinking, a sedentary lifestyle, or a poor diet, than you reduce your risk of that particular cancer.

Whether you have the genes for cancer or not, knowing that you can control your risk should make you all the more vigilant to take care of yourself and do everything you can to keep yourself as healthy as possible.

So what steps can you and your family take to prevent cancer this February?

1. Exercise most days of the week.

Exercise is the primary way to improve lymphatic flow in the body. A strong lymphatic system is imperative for immune function in fighting cancer.

There is no exact number of exercise time that will automatically reduce your risk of cancer, however the studies support between 3-5 hours per week of both moderate and intense activity to be the most beneficial. The main thing is to move!

2. Add a variety of colorful, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables into every meal.

Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits yield rich antioxidant and nutrient-dense superfoods in a variety of colors. These foods are necessary to provide cells the building blocks of a strong immune system. Add a serving to each meal to boost cancer-fighting vitamins and phytonutrients. Try:

Dark greens of kale, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli
Bright orange citrus and gold squash
And the rich deep reds and purples found in berries

3. Reduce excess calories and avoid sugar.

Excess consumption of sugar and calories can cause an increase in body mass. A high body mass is linked with and increased incidence of certain cancers like breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is just one way to help to prevent cancer.

Additionally, cancer cells, like all other cells, need fuel to duplicate. Some cancer cells prefer sugar as their fuel source, and this even includes foods like excessive carbohydrates and protein from oversized meals.

Stick to standard portion sizes- a palm size of protein, a thumb of fat, and a hearty fist full of colorful vegetables- to feed your body immune-boosting nutrients. Limit sugary drinks like sweetened tea, coffee, and sports drinks, desserts, sodas and juice.

Over the past 21 years, MOTIVFIT has helped hundreds of women (and men) to receive a clean bill of health from their doctors by showing them to how to adopt a lifestyle that builds a strong body to prevent disease.

If you're facing cancer or aiming to reduce your risk factors, take advantage of our 14 Day Free Trial to our Online Coaching Program and begin to nurture a resilient and vibrant body.