Have you seen a lot of red dresses and hats this February? Do you know what is behind this trend? The American Heart Association runs a major awareness campaign in February each year called “Go Red for Women,” encouraging people to wear red. The goal is to help prevent heart disease and stroke. But, why stop with heart disease and stroke prevention when motivating people to be healthy?
February is also cancer prevention month! Cancer prevention may not have the immediately recognizable red dress campaign, but the American Institute for Cancer Research in partnership with other health groups created the CANCER PREVENTION: TOGETHER WE CAN campaign. The campaign invites people to share the everyday actions they take to lower their cancer risk and to support one another online.
Join the campaign today and put healthy eating into action though any and all the following steps from the Can Prevent Action Planner:
- Swap refined grains with whole grains
- Pack a healthy lunch instead of eating out
- Try a new cancer-fighting vegetable or fruit (Use this list for inspiration.)
- Share a picture of your healthy meal on social media
- Fill your plate two-thirds with vegetables
- Try a new, healthy AICR recipe
- Stock your fridge with cancer fighting foods from this list
- Hide the sugary snacks
- Use a smaller plate to keep portions in check
- Swap soda and sweet tea for with water
- Keep healthy snacks on hand
- Read food labels
Still need motivation? About 1/3 of the most common cancers can be prevented. Just like the red dress reminds people to practice good heart health, find something that can remind you to practice good cancer prevention. Maybe it’s a photo with family and friends, colorful work-out clothes, or a sticky note reminder on your fridge. Share the steps you are taking to reduce your cancer risk and inspire others to improve their own health!
