1. Create variety with interval training. Mixing up the workout with intervals of hard running at a fast speed, followed by recovery running at a slower pace relieves boredom and is also more beneficial for the body.
2. Walk or run on an incline. The treadmill allows you to mimic outdoor hills at variable inclines. Try increasing the incline every minute for 15 minutes followed by lowering the belt every two minutes for the second half of a 30 minute workout.
3. Don’t forget safety. Wear good-fitting running shoes, avoid using weights on the treadmill and don’t hold on to the machine.
4. Focus on the benefits of the treadmill. Treadmills allow you to control your own pace, track your mileage and focus on your form, breathing and visualization. Recognizing these advantages may help you develop a newfound appreciation for your treadmill workout.

Read the full Chicago Tribune article.

1. Products with SPFs below 15 must carry warnings that they only protect against sunburn and not skin aging or skin cancer.
2. Broad spectrum protection (those that block against damaging UVA and UVB rays) claims on sunscreens are now backed by testing.
3. The FDA now prohibits the labeling of sunscreen as “waterproof” or “sweat-proof”. Products can only say water-resistant and must indicate how often it should be reapplied if swimming or sweating.
4. Products must include additional measures for sun protection. Sunscreen will now carry labels stating they can lower one’s risk of skin cancer in combination with limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing and avoiding the sun during midday.

Overall, consumers should look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Read the full USA Today article.

Read the full LA Times article.

Regular exercise helps control weight and reduces the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and some types of cancer. According to the guidelines, adults should perform 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e. brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (i.e. jogging) as well as muscle-strengthening activities (i.e. lifting weights or doing push-ups) twice a week. The report also calls on local communities and workplaces to improve access to safe and convenient places, such as walking trails and sidewalks, to increase opportunities for adults to exercise.

Read the full CBS News article.

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Description:

Here’s a super-quick all-in-one-skillet breakfast to start your day, loaded with hash browns, spinach, egg and cheese.

Recipe Ingredients:

1. 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2. 1/2 cup frozen hash browns or precooked shredded potatoes (see Note)
3. 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach
4. 1 large egg
5. Pinch of salt
6. Pinch of freshly ground pepper
7. 2 tablespoons shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Recipe Steps:

1. Heat oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Layer hash browns and spinach into the pan. Crack egg on top and sprinkle with salt, pepper and cheese. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the hash browns are starting to brown on the bottom, the egg is set and the cheese is melted, 4 to 7 minutes.

Recipe Tips & Notes:

1. Ingredient note: Shredded cooked potatoes can be found in the refrigerated produce section or dairy section of most supermarkets.

Recipe Nutrition:

Per serving: 226 calories; 15 g fat (5 g sat, 7 g mono); 226 mg cholesterol; 12 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 13 g protein; 3 g fiber; 374 mg sodium; 352 mg potassium

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (191% daily value), Folate (35% dv), Calcium (23% dv), Iron (15% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat

Amgen started the BFC initiative in 2005 to promote awareness of a variety of cancer prevention and survivorship resources. The BFC is comprised of four cancer-related nonprofits, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community (CSC), Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). The BFC partners participate in the AToC race each year to distribute valuable resources and information at the Breakaway from Cancer booth and walk with cancer survivors and caregivers as part of the Breakaway Mile marches.

Prevent Cancer Foundation Staff, Cheryssa Jensen & Carolyn Schmidt travel w/ Breakaway from Cancer at the Amgen Tour of California

The AToC kicked off the race with festivities in Escondido, California on Friday, May 10. The day included an excellent gala celebration, a boa constrictor named Ruby from the San Diego Zoo and an introduction to all 16 teams competing in the race. Emcees Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, notable commentators for the Tour de France, introduced accomplished riders from around the globe including AToC winners, Tour de France finalists and Olympian medalists.

The first stage of the race began and ended in Escondido on Sunday where the cyclists competed in a 102.6 mile course containing an 11,132-feet elevation gain. The second stage’s course was even longer at 124.3 miles and ended in a steep climb toward the finish line in Palm Springs where it was a hot and dry 106 degrees. The eighth stage concludes the race on Sunday, May 19 in Santa Rosa. Follow this exciting tour at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com or on twitter @AmgenTourofCali or @BreakawayCancer.

Along with the four BFC partners, the Prevent Cancer Foundation will be traveling with the Breakaway from Cancer tent, as part of the Lifestyle Festival, located near the end of each stage. If you’re in California come visit us at the Breakaway from Cancer tent to receive a variety of free resources and fun giveaways like sunglasses, key chains and frisbees! I applaud these amazing athletes and the inspiring cancer survivors who are working as a team to Stop Cancer Before it Starts!

In past years, I have given my mother jewelry, flowers and framed photos, but I believe this year’s gift will be her favorite. This Mother’s Day I am giving my mother a gift that could save lives. I am making a contribution to the Prevent Cancer Foundation in her honor memorializing the loved ones we have lost to cancer. I’m standing with the Prevent Cancer Foundation community to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!

You can also show your mom how much you love and appreciate her by celebrating Mother’s Day with fun and healthy activities you can do together that help reduce cancer risk. Some great ideas she’s sure to love are:

• Plant a garden. Gardening is a great way to bond with your mother and put your muscles to good use! Make the most out of your gardening experience by planting fruits and vegetables with cancer fighting antioxidants.
• Cook a healthy Mother’s Day meal. Give your mom the day off by preparing these delicious and nutritious recipes for either breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert: Breakfast Tacos, Banana-Berry Smoothies, Caramelized Onion Lasagna, or Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust.
• Train for a 5k race/walk. Get the whole family to sign up for an upcoming walk/run event and spend Mother’s day walking or running a trail together. The Prevent Cancer Foundation 5k Walk/Run on Sunday, September 29 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to saving lives at a family friendly gathering!
• Have a heart-to-heart talk about cancer screenings. Let your mom know how much she means to you by talking openly with her about getting life-saving breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screenings. Encourage her to talk to her doctor about the screenings she needs.
• Take a fun fitness class together. Find a group fitness program that you and your mom can both enjoy. There are many different activities available for those of all different fitness levels. Try something like water aerobics, rock climbing, yoga, zumba or crossfit to keep you and your mom fit and feeling good.
• Learn about your mom’s family health history. Mother’s Day is a great time to have a simple conversation about your family’s medical background of cancer and other diseases. To learn how this important step can could save or prolong your life or the lives of your family members, watch our recent webcast: Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know.

Your mom has taken care of you in so this Mother’s Day make sure she is taking care of herself, by staying active, eating healthy and getting regular cancer screenings. Join me in celebrating mothers for all that they do by making a donation in honor or in memory of your loved one; a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, colleague or friend.

Knowing your family health history can help you determine your family’s health risk and make preventive choices.

According to a health survey, only 1 in 3 adults say they have attempted to collect and record their family medical history. It’s important to your overall health, including cancer prevention, to know about your family’s health history. Knowing where to begin, understanding the importance of it and feeling comfortable with starting that conversation with your family are some of the challenges and questions we may face. To help guide us through this process the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in partnership with the National Broadcaster’s Association (NAB) and the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, will hold the organization’s first webcast: “Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know.”

The panel will be moderated by Dave Dubin, a three time cancer survivor and advocate for cancer screening and genetic testing. Panel members will consist of a diverse group of leading experts and advocates:

Anna Maria Izquierdo, Primary Care Physician and Executive Director of Care for Your Health

Beth N. Peshkin, MS, GCG, Associate Professor of Oncology and Senior Genetic Counselor at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Allyn Rose, Miss D.C., family medical history and cancer prevention advocate

The panel will cover a range of topics including:

• The importance of knowing one’s medical history
• How your family medical history can help reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases
• Strategies for learning about your medical history from family members
• Genetic testing and genetic counseling

Before and during the panel discussion, audience members are encouraged to tweet (@preventcancer) questions for the panelists to answer.

The free webcast will be streamed live online from the NAB’s offices and we hope you will be able to join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2 pm Eastern. We hope you will “tune in” for this lively, informative and life-saving discussion!

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

To Make Ahead: Cover and refrigerate cooked beets (Step 2) for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Recipe Description:

Tender mixed salad greens (mesclun) from the garden or farmers’ market along with baby beets, crispy and salty prosciutto and a creamy dressing make a fabulous salad.

Recipe Ingredients:

1. 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2. 4 very thin slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces)
3. 1 bunch beets (about 12 ounces), preferably baby-size, stems and greens removed
4. 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
5. 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8. 1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat buttermilk
9. 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
10. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
12. 14 cups mixed salad greens

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush 1/2 teaspoon oil over a large baking sheet. Cut prosciutto into 1- to 1 1/2-inch squares and place on the baking sheet. Brush the prosciutto with 1/2 teaspoon oil. Bake until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully transfer the prosciutto “chips” to a wire rack with a spatula. (If you leave them on the baking sheet, they won’t be as crisp.)
2. Meanwhile, place beets in a large saucepan with enough water to cover by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, 20 to 30 minutes. (If using larger beets, they will take up to 40 minutes.) Drain and let stand until cool enough to handle. Trim both ends of the beets and rub off the skins. Cut into wedges.
3. While the beets are cooking, combine onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, thyme, salt and pepper in a small saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the onion is very soft and caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes more. (If the onion begins to brown before it becomes very soft, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.) Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
4. Stir the onion, scraping up any browned bits. Set aside 1/4 cup and transfer the remaining onion to a food processor or blender. Add buttermilk, vinegar, mayonnaise and chives; puree until smooth.
5. Toss salad greens, the reserved 1/4 cup onion and the dressing in a large bowl. Divide among 6 plates. Top with the beets and prosciutto chips.

Recipe Nutrition:

Per serving: 134 calories; 7 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 12 mg cholesterol; 13 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber; 424 mg sodium; 601 mg potassium

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (71% daily value), Folate (51% dv), Vitamin C (43% dv), Potassium (17% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 1/2 fat

Community Grantee the American Indian Cancer Foundation hosts a Powwow on cancer prevention & early detection.

In recognition of National Minority Cancer Week, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is spotlighting our 2012 Community Grant Recipients who have made an impact in reducing cancer disparities with their innovative community-level programs. The Foundation’s Community Grants program supports organizations across the U.S. that focus on helping to prevent cancer or detect it early. Over the past six years the program has provided the resources needed to fund several projects that help improve cancer screening access, awareness and prevention education to Hispanics, African Americans, Alaska Natives and American Indians. The Foundation has supported many culturally appropriate activities and education at barbershops, powwows, health fairs, churches, sporting venues and through peer-to-peer outreach in order to reach ethnically, racially and medically underserved populations.

Learn how our Community Grants help address the tremendous cancer inequalities by providing funds and resources that help underserved communities Stop Cancer Before it Starts!:

• Powwow for Hope: Dancing for Life, Love & Hope. With support from the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the American Indian Cancer Foundation hosted their annual Powwow for Hope that brought together several tribal nations across the Midwest to honor cancer survivors and increase awareness and education among American Indian families.
  

  Women’s Resource Center, a Community Grantee, provides free screenings to low-income women w/ a mammogram mobile unit.

• Women’s Resource Center (WRC). Leveraging the Foundation grant along with community volunteers, the WRC was able to eliminate barriers to quality health care for many women of the Fort Collins, CO community. The WRC was able to provide at-risk and low-income women with free mammograms, cancer patient navigators and wellness education.
• Play it Sun Safe, Utah! With this education outreach, the Utah Department of Health’s Cancer Control Program aimed to educate coaches, youth and parents participating in local recreation soccer leagues on the dangers of the sun and the need for sun safety in order to reduce skin cancer risk. This Foundation funded grant project continues to provide skin cancer awareness outreach to many ethnic and low-income families in Utah.

The 2013 Community Grants program is now open and the application deadline is Friday April 19th, 2013. Click here to learn more about the Community Grants and read about previous grantees from across the country and their valuable cancer prevention and early detection projects.