Opinion
Listen to your body to prevent and treat cancer
- Details
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15 Apr 2011
- Written by Tri-State Defender Newsroom
Dr. Timothy Moore |
Special to the Tri-State Defender
Don’t be surprised, but here in Spokane, Wash., where I’m assisting a medical doctor and his cancer patients at a 30-day health and wellness retreat, it’s snowing. Yes, I kid you not, it’s snowing. Did someone forget to tell the weatherman that it’s spring? Well, I guess being 2000 feet high above the town, you really wouldn’t expect anything different. But overall, it’s great.
Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, hot or cold, cancer will rear its ugly head when you least expect it. The debilitating disease affects a lot of individuals. And when you look at what the American Cancer Society says about the number of people who’ve died from this disease, it’s mind-blowing. For the amount of money spent on cancer research each year, though, you’d think we could find a solution to this madness.
As I’ve said before, cancer can be prevented – diabetes too. The Centers for Disease Control even says cancer and diabetes are preventable on its Web site. So, I asked a doctor for his expert opinion on why it is not possible for most cancer patients and diabetes patients to come off medication. Here’s the doctor’s answer: they’re not willing to make a lifestyle change in the type of food they consume.
We’ve all said at one time or another that a little bit won’t hurt. Well, if we’re talking about cancer, a little bit does hurt, if you fail to get treated for the disease in its early stage. When talking to a young educator from Texas at the retreat, he recounted his diagnosis and meandering journey from treatment to recovery. He said the cancer began in his groan area, but, as we do so often, he thought the pain would go away. Well, it didn’t; it got worse.
After two surgeries, the young man’s doctor explained what his chances would be if he elected not to receive more chemotherapy. He made a decision instead to try an alternative approach to fighting cancer. He chose to treat his cancer solely with nutrition, but against his doctor’s wishes of course. What got his attention, he said, was when he asked his doctor what would he do in his situation and the doctor said, “I’d do what you’re electing to do.”
Convinced that nutrition is key to overall good health, the educator said to the doctor, “When you look into the mirror at yourself, you’ll realize it’s your life and that no one understands your pain like you. You’re already in the grave if you don’t try an alternative approach.” This made me think about a story someone told me about their spouse. On their death bed, the gravely ill person said, “I know what’s on this side, but I’ve never been on the other side. So I’d just like to stay around a little longer.”
The educator said his breakthrough came when he decided to live for himself and not for his family, friends, co-workers and church folk. He was tired of trying to please people who really didn’t matter to him. He had to discover for himself his true purpose in life, and he made his choice.
There is one ironic thing: The educator never looked at nutrition as a way to restore his cancer-ravaged body. Now, he sees life differently – with more inner peace.
After arriving at the resort, I asked the educator what changes had he noticed most about himself. With tears in his eyes, he said, “The quality of life.” You see, the program is based on a few key components, and when they’re followed, you’ll begin to see some changes.
Are you willing to do health preventive work on your body? Or are you waiting for a sign or symptom?
It’s good to listen closely to your body, because you only have one. Think about it for a moment. We do spring and fall cleaning, but what about cleaning our mind, body, and spirit? Don’t wait to take control of your life. Start today to live your life and enjoy it.
(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit him on the Web sites at www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)
