Reimagining Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle medicine is a compelling, evidence-based solution to the existing healthcare challenges facing North America. The emphasis is placed on lifestyle intervention, and practical education of disease prevention.
The Canadian Cancer Society advocates for public policy, funds cancer research, and promotes cancer-prevention education. The Canadian Cancer Society sheds light on the unexpected cost of cancer — $290 per month on out-of-pocket costs by Canadians for expenses such as caregiver’s fees, medications, cancer patient appointments, and more. It is clear that a more preventative approach must be taken.
Reduce Cancer Risk, Adopt a “Health Culture”
Businesses can help reduce the risk of cancer among employees by empowering employees with health knowledge. It is time to focus on preventing cancer and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Business owners can make a big difference in promoting employee well-being by bringing healthy habits into mainstream office culture.
ACE Nutrition is a leading Canadian provider of corporate wellness programs committed to helping businesses thrive. This month, we're focusing on simple dietary changes that can significantly reduce cancer risk. These are: reducing red meat intake, increasing fibre consumption, and limiting high-heat cooking methods.
Reduce: Red and Processed Meats
As per the studies ↗, there is a proven link between high red meat consumption and colorectal cancer. Red meat includes: beef, pork, lamb, and goat. Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, ham, smoked meat, luncheon meat, and hot dogs are even more harmful.
To nudge employees towards healthier eating and lifestyle, take the lead. Offer healthier options in the cafeteria, and regularly promote plant-based options.
Encourage: Employees to Explore Healthier Options
- Limit red meat to 3 servings a week (each serving is 3 oz / 85 g. cooked).
- Swap half the meat in chili or stews with legumes like beans.
- Save processed meats for special occasions.
- Explore veggie burgers and chicken on pizza instead of pepperoni.
Boost Fibre Intake
Fibre promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight, both factors are linked to a lower cancer risk. Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are good sources of fibre.
Encourage: Employees to Increase Fibre Intake:
- Encourage employees to read food labels, aiming for 21-38 grams of fibre daily.
- Promote whole-grain options over refined grains like white bread.
- Suggest adding lentils to pasta dishes or soups.
- Highlight creative ways to add fibre, like sprinkling pumpkin seeds on salads.
Limit High-Heat Cooking Techniques
While barbequing is a summertime favorite, research suggests that cooking meat, poultry, and fish at high temperatures (frying, broiling, barbecuing) creates potentially cancer-causing chemicals.
Encourage: Healthier Cooking Methods:
- Advocate for marinating meats prior to cooking i.e., vinegar-based marinade.
- Promote low-and-slow cooking methods like crockpots.
- Highlight kabobs – smaller meat pieces cook faster, reducing risk of chemical formation.
- Encourage trimming fat and skin from poultry to minimize flare-ups while grilling.
- Choose to grill vegetables, veggie burgers, and even fruit slices!
Solutions: Tailored for Your Workplace Wellness
By incorporating these lifestyle changes your employees can feel proactive about their health, leading to a happier, healthier workforce. A comprehensive corporate wellness program with ACE Nutrition can empower your employees to make lasting healthy choices.
On-Site: Wellness Action Plan
Empowering your employees to take charge of their health is not just the right thing to do, it's a smart business decision. A positive impact on disease prevention results in lower health benefit costs. Remember, small changes can lead to big results. Take action and make a positive impact on the lives of your employees, not just today, but for years to come.
Health-Focused: Actionable Workplace Goals
- Week 1: Limit red meat offerings in cafeterias. Offer "Meatless Mondays" and highlight vegetarian options.
- Week 2: Offer healthy breakfast items in your cafeteria, featuring whole-grain cereals, fruits, and yogurt.
- Week 3: Celebrate with a "Fibre Fiesta" lunch, featuring delicious fibre-rich dishes like lentil soup, bean burritos, and vegetarian chili.
- Week 4: Stock vending machines with high-fiber snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole-grain bars.
There’s 16 grams fibre per one cup of lentils. Men need more fibre than women. 30 grams fibre/day is the sweet spot.
