Fifty percent of all cancers can be prevented by things you can do. Take control of your health and improve the health of your family by following these recommendations. Doing so will help you and your family lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

1. DON’T SMOKE
- If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Smokers’ children are more likely to smoke.
- Don’t smoke in the house or car. Exposure to smoke raises your children’s risk for respiratory problems and lung cancer.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco.

2. WATCH YOUR WEIGHT
Limit the amount of time your children sit around the house playing video games or watching TV.
- Encourage healthy snacking on fruits and vegetables rather than soda and chips.

3. STAY ACTIVE
- Do physical activities with your children, beginning when they are very young.
- Encourage children to play outside, when safe, and participate in organized sports or other activities such as dancing or aerobics.

4. EAT HEALTHY
- Always have a bowl of fruit for children to snack on.
- When eating at fast food restaurants, encourage children to choose broiled chicken sandwiches rather than hamburgers.
- Make sandwiches using whole-wheat bread.

5. LIMIT ALCOHOL
- Don’t make alcohol an essential part of family gatherings.
- Discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse with children. A health care provider or school counselor can help.

6. PRACTICE SAFE SEX
- Discuss with your children the importance of practicing safe sex or sexual abstinence.

7. AVOID SUNBURN
- Make sure children are properly protected from the sun with hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunscreens (minimum SPF 30). Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, is caused by sunburns in childhood.
- Be a good example for your children to follow.

Discuss any questions you may have with your personal health care professional.

To evaluate your cancer risk, visit http://www.yourcancerrisk.com/.