Join the fight against cancer with Relay For Life of Woodbury 2009

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more that 3.5 million people every year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and remember loved ones lost.

It also empowers individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that takes too much from too many.

The planning committee for the 2009 Relay For Life of Woodbury will meet Thursday, Feb 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Woodbury United Methodist church. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to attend.

This year’s Relay will take place Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, from 6 p.m. until 9 a.m. All activities and camping will take place at Ojibway Park grounds and the WAA building.

For more information, contact co-chair Mary LaPrairie at (651) 730-4349 or jbmslaps@yahoo.com. Visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/woodburymn.

Launch your 2009 personal commitment to fight cancer by learning more about the American Cancer Society Great American Health Check.

Resolve to lower your cancer risk

The typical New Year’s resolutions we make at this time of year — to eat healthier, exercise more and quit smoking — could also be categorized under one important resolution: Reduce your risk of cancer.

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Health Check is here to help you keep your resolutions – and enjoy a healthier lifestyle — with personalized online tools to help you set goals and track your progress.

At www.cancer.org/Great Americans, the Health Check will get you started with specific recommendations based on the information you provide.

There is strong scientific evidence that healthy eating — including five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day — along with regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity, above usual activities, on five or more days of the week), are essential to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce cancer risk.

Regular screenings by a health care professional can lead to early detection and removal of precancerous growths, as well as the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage, when they are most treatable.

At least half of all new cancer cases are cancer types that can be prevented or detected earlier by screening.

The Health Check can give a quick overview of recommended screening tests through a simple online assessment. Easy-to-use and confidential, this interactive tool allows you to enter your age, gender, height, weight, dietary habits, physical activity levels and alcohol and tobacco use for yourself or a loved one.

The tool in turn provides recommendations for screenings, diet, physical activity, and tobacco cessation to help lower your risk for certain cancers, and a health action plan that you can print and share with your doctor or email to a loved one.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org/GreatAmericans today or call 1-800-227-2345.

Tags: news, woodbury, relay, li e, cancer, meeting