By StatePoint

Even as chronic diseases like prediabetes and high blood pressure touch more and more Americans, physicians are urging patients to keep in mind that early detection is key, and that chronic disease can often be managed with lifestyle changes.

“To confront our increasing chronic disease burden, patients must be aware of their risk for type 2 diabetes and hypertension,” says Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “To prevent both of these chronic diseases, awareness and action are key.”

As part of the effort to empower Americans to confront chronic disease, the AMA offers the following guidance.

Prediabetes

While prediabetes — the precursor to type 2 diabetes — has serious health implications, people who are at risk can take steps to reverse the condition and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes like weight loss, healthy eating and increased physical activity. Unfortunately, not everyone is even aware they are at risk. Eighty-four million people in the U.S. are living with prediabetes, and of those that have it, 90 percent are unaware, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The AMA urges patients to find out their risk by taking a one-minute online test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. In addition to the risk test, the site contains other resources and links. Developed as part of a first-of-its-kind joint national prediabetes awareness campaign launched in 2016 by the AMA, Ad Council, CDC and the American Diabetes Association, the campaign has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans learn their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The campaign website also features lifestyle tips and links to CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, which connects visitors to a registry of CDC-recognized programs across the country.

Hypertension

“With nearly half of all adults in the U.S. now living with high blood pressure and at increased risk of heart attack and stroke, more Americans should be monitoring their blood pressure levels and taking quick action to get their high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control,” says Dr. McAneny.

Unfortunately, there are often no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” If left untreated, the condition damages the blood vessels and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and other serious conditions.

To help understand and manage your blood pressure numbers, visit LowerYourHBP.org, a site launched by the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, and the AMA in partnership with the Ad Council. The site helps raise awareness of the life-altering consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure and motivates people to work with their doctors on developing and committing to a treatment plan.

By being proactive and knowing your risks, you can take control of your health.

By StatePoint

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. and cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer — a cancer that develops on the back and sides of the throat, tonsils and base of the tongue — in middle-age men have tripled in the past three decades.

But did you know that vaccines can help reverse this trend? August is Immunization Awareness Month and a good opportunity to learn more.

“Nearly all sexually active men and women get exposed to HPV at some point in their lives,” says Dr. Tom Thomas, director, Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery and Transoral Robotic Surgery at Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center. “Symptoms may develop decades after you become infected, so it’s often impossible to know who transmitted the virus to you.”

You’re at higher risk for oral HPV if you:

• Haven’t been vaccinated against HPV

• Have had unprotected oral sex

• Have many sexual partners

• Have a sexual partner who has had many sexual partners

• Started having sex when you were 16 or younger

The good news is that when caught early, treatment for HPV-related throat cancer is often successful.

Symptoms include a lump on the neck that isn’t painful but doesn’t go away, a sore throat or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t go away after 3-4 weeks, unexplained weight loss and a change in voice.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. If you have a history of known HPV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases, see a head and neck expert.

“Even with no symptoms, you can pass HPV on to others, and you can get HPV from someone who doesn’t show any symptoms,” says Dr. James Wong, medical director, Leonard B. Kahn Head and Neck Cancer Institute at Morristown Medical Center.

As one of the leaders of the new Atlantic HPV Center, the country’s first center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, research and survivorship of HPV-associated cancers of the head and neck, Dr. Wong points out that understanding HPV and cancer can mean catching the disease early.

Unfortunately, experts say that persisting misconceptions associated with throat cancers caused by HPV create stigmas and fears and prevent many patients from having important conversations with loved ones and doctors.

“We need to overcome the embarrassment associated with throat cancer caused by HPV,” says Dr. Thomas. “Anyone who’s sexually active is at risk for getting HPV, even if you’ve had only one sexual partner.”

There are more than 150 types of HPV, but the HPV vaccine protects against both types 16 and 18, which cause the majority of cases of oropharyngeal cancer. More widespread use of the vaccine could lower the rate of high-risk HPV infection in men and women and consequently lower the rate of HPV-related cancer in both sexes. The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting the HPV vaccine for children at ages 11-12, before they are exposed to HPV, in order to protect them from certain cancers later in life. However, those who have already been infected can still get some protection from the vaccine, which is recommended for females aged 13 through 26 and males aged 13 through 21 who were not adequately immunized previously.

By StatePoint

Have you ever wanted to ask your doctor a question but didn’t because you felt uncomfortable? Experts say that an impersonal relationship with your doctor could be preventing you from receiving the best care possible.

“Your doctors should feel like valued members of your family — and you a part of theirs. That’s how I operate in my practice and what I aim to foster in my patients,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, who brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new book dealing with this subject, “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor.”

Whether you have a new doctor or you’ve been at the same practice for years, your patient-doctor bond may be on faulty ground. But it doesn’t have to be, suggests Dr. Redcross. He believes that by establishing these four essential qualities in your patient-doctor relationships, you’ll pave the way to receiving better care:

• Trust. Trust is essential in any relationship, including the one with your doctor. There is no sharing without trust, and sharing is crucial when it comes to receiving the best possible care.

• Communication. No relationship can be sustained without open and honest communication on both sides, but developing healthy communication habits takes practice, effort and willingness.

• Respect. Respect is treating others with common courtesy, good social manners and appreciating each other’s humanity. This means respecting each other’s experience, knowledge and time.

• Empathy. Empathy is the ability to sense another person’s emotions and to be able to place yourself in his or her shoes, which is a valuable quality in a doctor. However, many physicians strive for a state of “concerned detachment,” which is the opposite of empathy. At the same time, patients can be more empathic, too, taking the time to consider everything their doctors may be dealing with on the day of their visit.

Building a great relationship with your doctor leads to practical benefits, says Dr. Redcross. In dealings with his own patients, he finds that great communication paves the way for better treatment.

“Recently, a patient of mine was dealing with muscle pain and we had a long conversation about different options. Initially, I recommended that she take traditional pain reliever with naproxen sodium every morning. However, by talking through all the options and what best fit her situation, including her overall medical history, preferences and more, we settled on using Arnica montana, a lower-risk plant-based pain reliever instead,” says Dr. Redcross. “Feeling comfortable enough with your doctor to challenge a suggestion and have a long and complete conversation is key. Unfortunately, such discussions between patients and doctors are rare.”

To learn more about the book, as well as about building better relationships with your doctors, visit, BondByDrRedcross.com.

At a time when doctor’s visits seem more routine and formulaic than ever before, experts say that receiving individualized care is possible, and it all starts with building strong relationships with your health care providers.

with Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Carrots and Currant Jam

By Hello Fresh

Cooking Time: 45 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 790 Calories

Ingredients:

• Carrots- 3
• Yukon Gold Potatoes- 24 oz
• Yellow Onion- 1
• Parsley- 1/4 oz
• White Bread- 2 slices
• Milk- 13.5 oz
• Ground Beef- 20 oz
• Nutmeg- 1 tsp
• Meatloaf Mix- 1 tbsp
• Flour- 2 tbsp
• Beef Stock Concentrate- 2
• Currant Jam- 4 tbsp

1  PREHEAT AND PREP.    Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to upper position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel carrots, then cut on a diagonal into ⅓-inch-thick coins; halve any large coins. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Halve and peel onion, then mince until you have ¼ cup (use the rest as you like). Finely chop parsley.

2  COOK VEGGIES     Toss carrots on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in oven for 15 minutes (we’ll add more to the sheet then). Meanwhile, place potatoes in a medium pot with a large pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to empty pot off heat.

3 SHAPE MEATLOAVES       Place bread and 3 tbsp milk in a medium bowl. Break up bread with your hands until pasty. Thoroughly mix in beef, 2 TBSP minced onion, half the parsley, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ TBSP meatloaf mix, salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into two 1-inch-tall loaves.

4  COOK MEATLOAVES      Heat a drizzle4 of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add meatloaves and cook until browned on surface but not yet cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Once carrots have roasted about 15 minutes, remove sheet from oven and give carrots a toss. Add meatloaves to same sheet and place in oven. Bake until meatloaves are cooked through and carrots are tender, about 15 minutes more.

5  MAKE GRAVY    Melt 1 tbsp butter in same pan over medium heat. Add remaining minced onion. Cook, tossing, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, until pasty, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in ½ cup water, followed by stock concentrate and ¼ cup milk (save rest for potatoes). Bring to a simmer, then whisk until thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (to taste). TIP: Add more water if too thick.

6  FINIAH AND SERVE.     Place pot with potatoes over low heat. Add ¼ cup milk and 1 TBSP butter. Mash until smooth. (TIP: Add more milk if stiff.) Season with salt and pepper. Divide potatoes and meatloaves between plates. Drizzle with gravy. Add carrots and jam to the side. Garnish with remaining parsley.

By StatePoint

Summer means BBQs, beach time and swimsuits, but it could also mean a change in eating habits and not necessarily for the better. Many people work hard throughout the winter in hopes of losing weight before summer, but when summer arrives, they abandon their healthy lifestyle and risk gaining weight.

“A healthy lifestyle is just that — a lifestyle — and can definitely be attainable all year long with the right tools,” says Mandi Knowles, dietitian for South Beach Diet.

With these simple slim down tips and tricks from Knowles, you can stay on the weight loss track and keep up your healthy routine this summer and beyond.

• Eat Before You Go Out: If you’re headed out for a big meal or party, don’t skip breakfast or your mid-morning snack. Eat plenty of nutritious, high-fiber foods all throughout the day. Pretend the day is just like any other, and you’ll be way less likely to over-indulge.

• Have Fruit for Dessert: Delicious fruit is in season, so trade that lemon meringue pie for some fresh cantaloupe or strawberries. Offer to make a fruit salad for potlucks, picnics and barbecues. Don’t forget fruit smoothies. Add fresh spinach or kale to your shake and you’ll fulfill a vegetable serving while satiating your sweet tooth.

• Stick to Your Routine: On vacations and weekends it’s easy to spiral away from good habits. To avoid a weight loss setback, try sticking to your weekday routine. Make good choices like eating a nutritious breakfast, getting some exercise and packing healthful snacks to fuel your day.

• Watch What You Drink: You don’t have to give up alcohol completely, but you should watch what you drink. Swap wine, beer and margaritas, which can be packed with sugar, for lighter drinks like vodka with sparkling water and a lime. Or ditch the alcohol all together and spice up water with fresh fruit.

• Lighten up Those BBQ Recipes: Pasta and potato salads are staples at many picnics, but they can also pack on excess calories, depending on how they are made. Use whole-grain pasta, olive oil, herbs and lemon juice to make pasta salad. Try sweet potatoes, turnips and Greek yogurt in potato salad. Use lean ground beef for burgers and skip the bun.

• Get Moving: Take advantage of the warm weather to get outside and move. Make time to take walks around the neighborhood, go for a swim, hike with friends or even do yoga in the park. You’ll feel better and your body will thank you.

More tips and information can be found on South Beach Diet’s blog, The Palm, at palm.southbeachdiet.com.

Even if you’re not at your goal weight, don’t let that stop you. By making smart choices this summer, you can live a healthier lifestyle and have the confidence to strut your stuff at the beach, pool and anywhere else the season takes you.

By StatePoint

Does your schedule, have you on-the-move? Check out these easy ways to healthfully keep hunger at bay, no matter where your busy life takes you, including at home!

Make Mini Meals

Instead of big heavy meals, think in smaller bites. Combine your favorite proteins, veggies, fruits and nuts into “snack style” meals that leave you satisfied, but not low on energy from just eating too much. Pick flavorful foods for lasting satisfaction.

Go Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet is renowned for being both delicious and healthful. So, skip the chips and take a culinary cue from this region of the world for smarter snacking.

Flavorful, low-calorie, and low-carb olives provide a great centerpiece to any snack. Look for super easy options like Pearls’ Olives to Go! Infused Olives, which come in portable cups with peel-back lids. Since there’s no liquid and no refrigeration needed, it’s an easy option to bring along to work, school, the gym or on trips. Great on their own, flavors include Sriracha, Taco and Italian Herb. For more information, visit Olives.com/pearls.

Desk Drawer Delights

Sitting for long hours takes its toll. Take a brisk walk every day for a healthier outcome. A little snack afterwards is a welcome

reward. Keep fruit, olives or a handful of nuts on-hand to avoid

that junk food vending machine down the hall!

100 Calories or Less is Best

Keep an eye on packaged food labels and be aware of the calorie count of your favorite snack items. For example, 10 large olives are only about 35 calories and a small apple is about 75 calories. A protein rich hard-boiled egg is about 80 calories and 10 almonds are 70 calories.

Having knowledge about your food gives you control and prevents later regrets. Look for products packaged in reasonable portions, such as the Pearls Olives to Go!. With several varieties weighing in at 35 calories per cup, this is a choice you can feel good about.

Boarding Passes

Air travel is now notoriously lacking in tasty onboard snacks, save for a few peanuts often drenched in sugar. Packing some satisfying snacks with good fats and proteins is the trick to battling inflight munchies. Olives, roasted seeds and nuts, crunchy carrot sticks and a few squares of cheese can be life savers.

Power to the Pantry

Being prepared applies here! Keeping your pantry and refrigerator stocked with the right foods is key to being a super-snacker, not a slacker snacker, and will help to satisfy cravings and curb weight gain. Don’t even allow the junk foods in the door!

A well-provisioned pantry should include seeds, nuts, dried fruits, olives in portioned cups and some lean jerky snacks. Stock the refrigerator with portion-controlled cheese snack squares and sticks, chilled sparkling water, fresh veggie slices, hard-boiled eggs and tofu squares.

With these tips, you’re ready to power-snack and stay fueled for whatever your day throws at you.

By StatePoint

Vacation season is here and it’s no surprise that what you eat can have an impact on your weight. In a study from the University of Georgia, 61 percent of the participants gained weight while on vacation, with an average gain of 0.7 pounds. Some even gained up to 7 pounds.

Making healthy choices, even while on vacation, can be as easy as one, two, three when you have the right tools. Courtney McCormick, Corporate Dietitian at Nutrisystem, shares foods that should be on your watch list and go-to list, and how alcohol can fit into your vacation and weight loss plan – yes, you read that right!

Foods on the Watch List

• Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter: There’s not a big difference in calories between reduced and full-fat varieties. In fact, full-fat peanut butter is chock full of monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. You can also look for natural peanut butter, which usually has less salt and sugar.

• Multigrain Bread: People who eat whole grains are at lower risk of certain chronic diseases. But read labels carefully. While the term “whole grain” is regulated, “multigrain,” “7-grain,” and “ancient grains” are just marketing terms.

• Granola: Yes, granola can deliver protein and healthy fats, but eat it sparingly. One cup can have up to 600 calories which is the same as a Big Mac. And that’s without milk!

• Sports Drinks: Red-flag number one: sugar is high on the ingredients list second only to water. Red-flag number two: there are two-and-a-half servings in each bottle, meaning you could be gulping down as much as 52.5 grams of sugar.

• Fast Food Salads: Some fast food salads can have more calories, fat and sodium than burgers because of add-ons like cheese, meat and heavy dressings.

Foods on the Go-To List

• Fruits and Veggies: No surprise here! Essential to a healthy diet, pack that cooler with them for a healthful snacking alternative.

• Nuts, Seeds and Popcorn: Healthy fats like nuts and seeds make great snacks and crunchy salad toppers. Walnuts may be best when it comes to cutting inflammation and cholesterol. Just watch your portions – a little goes a long way. And, plain air-popped popcorn is a good alternative to chips, delivering fiber, vitamins and minerals. Also, one cup contains only around 30 calories.

• Protein: Think eggs, chicken, lean steak, edamame, quinoa or protein shakes. Begin your day with protein and you’ll be off to a good start.

• Healthy Sandwiches: Ditch white bread and rolls for whole grains and sandwiches with veggies and hummus instead of cheese.

Room for Alcohol?

Participants of the University of Georgia study doubled their alcohol consumption during vacations, which contributed to weight gain. However, you don’t need to say no to alcohol altogether, just keep a few things in mind. Watch the added sugar of mixers and flavored liquors and choose light beers. Also, stick to drier wines, such as Merlot and Chardonnay, and opt for liquors like gin, vodka, rum, tequila, scotch and bourbon. And finally, remember to drink in moderation. One drink per day for women and two for men is best while on vacation.

For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem’s website, The Leaf.

Remember, vacation doesn’t need to hinder your weight loss efforts. Good choices can keep you on the weight loss track – on vacation and all year round!

By StatePoint

Fresh, local produce is in its prime, making now the perfect time to take part in the farm-to-table movement. Whether you join a community supported agriculture (CSA) group or shop at your local farmers’ market, it’s easy to taste the elevated flavor profile of just-picked fruits and veggies.

Make the most of the season with these tips for storing, cooking and savoring fresh produce.

Plan, Prioritize, Prepare

Plan what produce you will purchase ahead of time. Many farmers’ markets and CSAs distribute eNewsletters or flyers that highlight what’s available. You can also search for seasonality charts in your region to get an idea of what items are at their peak, and plan accordingly.

Once you’ve shopped, prioritize your goods. Use tender greens and any ripe fruits and veggies right away. Roots, bulbs and squash tend to last longer and can be saved for later in the week.

Next, properly store produce to help to extend its life. If fridge space is limited, consider cooking down greens by either partially boiling or sautéing prior to putting them away, depending on what recipes you’ve selected for those items.

Smoothies, Sauces, Soups

Smoothies are a delicious, easy way to pack a lot of produce and nutrition into a meal. And if you’re processing the toughest whole foods, like dark, leafy greens, be sure to use a high-powered blender such as the Ascent Series A3500, which offers five program settings, including one for smoothies. A recipe for the “Everything Smoothie,” which incorporates a wide variety of produce found at your farmers’ market, is available at vitamix.com.

Take advantage of tomato season, preparing pasta sauces to enjoy now or freeze for those months when they aren’t readily available from local growers. Try adding red and green bell peppers, and even carrot shavings, to boost the nutritional value of a veggie Bolognese.

Soups make use of veggies now and later. Warm weather calls for cool concoctions like gazpacho or cucumber dill soup. A cabbage soup that combines hearty potatoes, onions and carrots can be made for cool fall nights or stored in your freezer for winter.

Use it Up

Remember that nearly all parts of produce are usable. Vegetables like beets, carrots, kohlrabi and turnips have edible greens that make an excellent addition to morning smoothies or a nutrient-rich stir-fry. Compost any remaining scraps.

Don’t be afraid of bruises or dents. Greens with slightly wilted leaves can be blended with a bit of water and frozen in ice cube trays for future use in soups or smoothies. If you see a great deal on fruit like strawberries or cherries, buy them and combine with sugar and pectin for an easy freezer jam, or dry them out for on-the-go snacks.

Shopping for whole foods at farmers’ markets or joining a CSA is an opportunity to help local farmers and explore your culinary interests. The availability of specific fruits and vegetables ebbs and flows; capture each at its peak to enjoy the bounty throughout the year.

By StatePoint

More than half of Americans are planning to take a vacation this summer, according to a Bankrate survey. While these excursions are meant to be fun and relaxing, road trips and long flights can lead to health risks that you know about, like jet lag, and some you may not be familiar with, such as leg swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Experts advise travelers to take precautions for a healthy travel experience.

“Most people are familiar with jet lag, but even if you’re sitting in a car for a long time, you’re at risk for other conditions like edema, which can cause painful leg swelling,” says nationally renowned natural health physician and best-selling author, Dr. Fred Pescatore. “Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to avoid these issues.”

For a healthy, relaxing vacation, Dr. Pescatore is sharing his favorite travel tips.

Power Nap

Flying or driving to a new time zone can throw off your internal clock, causing jet lag and making it harder to sleep.

“Take 15 to 20-minute power naps if you’re heading to a different time zone. Quick naps when your body naturally feels tired offers you some rest, but won’t leave you wide awake at bedtime,” says Dr. Pescatore.

Take Fitness Breaks

Cramped up in a car or plane for long periods of time can cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the lower legs, known as edema, which is a major risk factor for developing a potentially life-threatening blood clot known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Each year, as many as 900,000 Americans are affected by DVT, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and studies published in Minerva Medica show that 10 percent of long-haul air passengers are at risk. Dr. Pescatore recommends taking frequent breaks to walk around and stretch in order to avoid these conditions. At rest stops, take a walk and when flying, stand up and stretch in the aisle when possible.

Try a Natural Supplement

A new peer-reviewed clinical study shows that supplementing with the natural super-antioxidant, Pycnogenol (pronounced pic-noj-en-all), can help reduce edema and relieve jet lag symptoms during long-haul travel.

“This research is exciting news for those looking for a safe, effective healthy travel option,” Dr. Pescatore says.

Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients on the market, with decades of studies showing its benefits for a variety of health applications. It’s available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit pycnogenol.com.

As you prepare for your summer travel, remember these tips for a healthy vacation.

By StatePoint

Warm, sunny weather doesn’t mean the risk for catching a cold disappears. Unfortunately, colds can happen at any time of year and can really ruin much anticipated summer plans.

To stay healthy and help beat the common cold this summer season, consider these tips from Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, a New York City-based physician and health and wellness expert:

• Maintain good sleep hygiene. Are these long summer evenings tempting you to burn the candle at both ends? Don’t give in! Maintaining good sleep habits can ultimately help keep your immune system in check. Adults should sleep at least seven to nine hours every night to achieve improved health outcomes. If you uphold a good sleep routine, it will enable you to sleep well throughout the night and obtain the recommended amount needed for stronger immunity. Remember that sleep deprivation weakens your immune system and increases the likelihood of picking up infections.

• Keep moving. It’s essential to integrate some form of exercise into your daily life. Beyond benefits like improved cardiovascular health and weight maintenance, those adhering to regular exercise regimens tend to be healthier overall and may potentially experience fewer colds yearly. Indeed, routine physical activity helps to boost your immune system. Luckily, the summer is the perfect time to keep moving, but remember to stay hydrated in the heat.

• Eat right. Back-to-back BBQ parties? What you eat really matters. Avoid the tempting junk food and highly processed food that can negatively impact your health. Also, never underestimate the benefits of sticking to a well-balanced nutrient- and antioxidant-rich diet in general. Your diet should include vitamin-rich cruciferous vegetables, fresh fruit, fish containing omega 3 fatty acids and other superfoods that can boost your immune system and help you recover faster in times of illness.

• Fight the cold. If you do experience a summer cold, seek out an over-the-counter solution that helps you fight through your symptoms, such as Mucinex DM, which offers the convenience of not having to retake medication every four hours. It is a bilayer tablet that has one layer that releases quickly and another layer that provides extended release that lasts for 12 hours. Stock up on it year-round to be prepared for the next time cough and chest congestion symptoms hit.

Find out more health tips on how to combat the common cold at Mucinex.com.

Don’t take summer colds lightly! A few smart strategies can help boost your wellness and allow you to enjoy a healthier season on the go.

By StatePoint

Getting outdoors this summer? Keep in mind that weather patterns can be extreme at this time of year, introducing new safety hazards. Get weather-ready in the following ways.

Prepare for the Heat

When planning a day outdoors, most people pack items such as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. However, summer heat can be dangerous if you’re not prepared, so consider the following: make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is in good working order well before a trip, have a rain umbrella on hand to shield you from the sun, as well as frozen water bottles and instant cold packs that can help cool you down quickly. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of water on hand when traveling with pets, and be sure to keep them out of unattended cars where temperatures can quickly reach fatal levels.

Know What’s Coming

Before heading to the pool or packing that picnic lunch, check the weather report to make smart decisions about where the day will carry you. For 24/7 access to accurate weather information, you can keep the world’s largest, fastest-growing and most trusted provider of weather forecasts and warnings at your fingertips with the AccuWeather app for your mobile device.

Available on iOS and Android, the app can help users prepare for intense heat, lightning, beach hazards and flooding prior to summer travel, events and activities. It also provides access to educational resources on the health impacts of different weather events, including safety tips and resources, personalized weather preparedness plans, detailed checklists and more.

Helpful year-round, the app can be particularly informative in summer, with its wealth of tips and resources on topics like avoiding rip tides, staying safe in extreme heat and preparing for tropical storms. To access these resources and download the app, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.

Don’t Be Bugged

Take precautions against bug bites, particularly mosquitoes, which can be carriers of the Zika virus. Experts are warning that those located in or traveling to the southern United States should take precautions to guard against the disease, especially if you are already or planning on getting pregnant.

Be sure your backyard is drained of standing water. Use citronella candles to ward off bugs. Apply insect repellent on hikes and other times you’re in buggy areas, and if possible, avoid skin exposure during dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

If you’re looking to travel this summer, check out AccuWeather’s first-of-its-kind Mosquito Zika Risk Index in advance, which gives users an easy way to view the likelihood of mosquito infestations that could lead to greater risk of contracting the Zika virus within the contiguous U.S. This new interactive Index, available now on AccuWeather.com, as well as the AccuWeather app on iOS and Android, showcases a week-by-week risk index for the next seven weeks that can help you make more informed decisions to stay out of harm’s way.

With a little preparation, you can make the most of the summer and your travel plans by dodging common weather risks and hazards.

By StatePoint

New cancer cases and deaths are both predicted to rise over the next two decades, according to the latest World Cancer Report. Despite billions of dollars of investment in research, survival gains for the most common forms of cancer are still measured in additional months of life, not years.

Can cancer be cured? Some experts say the answer is yes, but that it will require reversing course on the way it’s researched and treated.

“Integrative medicine may allow us to win the war on cancer if done intelligently,” says Sylvie Beljanski, author of the new breakthrough book “Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure,” which reveals the discoveries of her late father’s suppressed research — Dr. Mirko Beljanski, a biologist-biochemist at the Pasteur Institute who spent over 40 years studying the environmental impact on DNA replication and transcription.

“When my father started to rethink the origin of cancer and to develop molecules able to selectively block cancerous cell multiplication without killing healthy cells, he ran into major opposition,” remarks Beljanski. “The conventional oncology community ostracized him, despite the fact that his theories were aimed at complementing chemotherapy and radiation, not replacing them.”

Beljanski, founder of The Beljanski Foundation (www.beljanski.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering her father’s research, says that in order to beat cancer, the following ideas and processes need to be adopted:

• Patent Law Review. There is a need for powerful drugs, but there is also a need for a gentler, holistic approach. Under the current status quo, pharmaceutical companies are rewarded for creating synthetic and highly toxic drugs when elements of nature could be used safely and effectively in many instances, say experts.

• Funding for Alternative Science Research. “My father had the idea that if nature came up with carcinogens, nature had also come up with anti-carcinogens. He discovered two of them: the bark of a tree from the Amazon rainforest and an extract from a bush in West Africa. Research confirmed their efficacy on a large array of cancers and their ability to work in synergy with chemotherapy,” says Beljanski.

• Law Reform. Law reform that would allow legitimate dietary supplements to promote and highlight their benefits would help educate consumers. Furthermore, insurance companies should cover supplements, she urges.

• Government Audit. The government should conduct an audit of its success and failures in funding cancer prevention and treatment research.

• Data Sharing. “As long as pharmaceutical companies’ quest for innovation is solely driven by intellectual property rights, they will keep failing in the war on cancer,” says Beljanski, who advocates for a shared, centralized database and open collaboration from the best scientists, doctors and researchers.

• Prevention and Education. In the long-run, the smartest approach is prevention. Citizens must continue to become informed, active consumers, taking the initiative to read labels, avoid junk food and addictive substances, relieve stress, exercise and eat balanced meals. “The mind-body connection is strong and individuals have the power to create a healthier life for themselves,” says Beljanski.

More information on cancer and Beljanski’s new book, is available at winingthewaroncancer.com. All of the author’s proceeds are being donated to help fund anticancer research.

While the war on cancer will be long and hard-fought, experts say that a shifted approach to prevention, treatment and research will ultimately mean lives saved.