Life Stories - A Visit to the Cancer Center

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do, say, and think.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Late last year I had my annual physical. Something I have learned is a necessity as I get older.

Now you can look at the annual physical as a way to monitor what may be going wrong in your body or as a way to get feedback as to what you are doing right.

So the results from the blood tests indicated some numbers that were a bit higher than normal for red blood cells. So as a precaution my doctor referred me to a hematologist, a blood specialist.

That’s the background for the story I’m about to share, but not the point of this story.

The doctor I was referred to has his office in a Cancer Center. I had never been to a Cancer Center before.

In spite of the sunny windows and the plants, the kind and caring people who work there, and the desire to create a positive space for some very sick patients... the atmosphere was one that made me feel depressed. As I looked around the waiting room, sometimes I would make eye contact with another person.

I saw fear and even despair in some of those eyes. At one point I had to hold back a tear. Unfortunately, I’m ashamed to say I don’t know how or I didn’t have the courage to share a compassionate word or touch with these suffering people. I wish I did.

Too many of us has been touched by this disease. Either personally, or family and friends have been affected.

And I’m not implying the doctors are not doing their best. Both of my parents and my sister are still alive and well thanks to modern treatments.

Initially this was going to be a post about the importance of a good diet and regular exercise. In a way it still is. Experts tell us that up to 70% of the diseases that compromise our heath and diseases that cut our lives short, can be eliminated with better life choices.

It’s so hard to make those better choices with all the conflicting information in the mainstream media.

A good example of this right now, is every news program reminding people to get flu shots when it’s almost a complete mismatch with the strain of flu making people sick. The flu shot doesn’t work all that well.

There is now adequate scientific evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of a Plant Based Whole Foods Diet in preventing and even allowing our bodies to heal many of the diseases that make us sick. Where is the media coverage?

There are studies that prove the necessity for people of all ages get enough exercise. It can be as simple as a long walk. Where is the media coverage?

How much is enough?

It looks like 45 to 60 minutes, 6 days a week is the proper dosage. If that sounds like too much to most people, consider the alternative. Check the research if you are not convinced. Just 45 minutes of daily exercise reduces your risk of dying by 22%. Even 15 minutes will reduce your risk by 14%.

We must find the time to do the things that keep us healthy. Choosing a healthy diet and exercise should be a priority. It’s no guarantee, but I’ll do what it takes to put the odds in my favor. So should you.

If you don’t, sickness and disability will steal your time and maybe even your life.

If you need some motivation, I suggest you visit a Cancer Center. Have a seat and look around at the patients. You will come away with a new perspective.

Resources:

Nutrition Facts
Forks Over Knives
“How Not To Die” by Dr. Gregor
Dr. John McDougall
T. Colin Campbell
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
“Younger Next Year” by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge M.D.