Less than 24 hours apart, two of my friends lost their mothers to cancer this week.
Over the years five of my family and friends died from cancer. Like many of you, I know countless others who have been touched by this horrible disease and have lost loved ones to it.
The statistics* are scary:
• In 2010, 1,529,560 Americans died from cancer.
• Nearly one of every four deaths is because of cancer.
• More than 1,500 people in the U.S. die from cancer every day.
• 28% of all new cases are attributed to prostate and breast cancers.
• 29% male / 26% female deaths in 2010 were due to lung and bronchus cancer.
• 10,700 new cases of childhood cancer were estimated in 2010. About 1,340 children aged 0 – 14 were expected to die from cancer last year.
• The probability that we will develop an invasive cancer in our lifetimes is estimated at 44% in men, 38% in women.
• A little good news: The survival rate is 68%, up from 50% 35 years ago.
Early diagnosis and treatment is best, but prevention helps too. The American Cancer Society recommends we maintain a healthy weight, have an active lifestyle, eat healthy (lots of fruits and veggies), and limit alcohol intake. Let’s honor those who’ve lost their valiant battles to this deadly disease by making a commitment to take care of ourselves (i.e. stop smoking, eat right, wear sunscreen, go to the doctor [this is always the hardest], etc.). No more procrastination, the time for change is now. Cancer doesn’t wait. Why should we?
To K & J: May you find comfort in your family and friends and may happier memories carry you through this difficult time.
* Resources:
American Cancer Society
Cancer Facts & Figures 2010
Treatment & Support Staying Healthy
Honey Sunshine.
‘Happiness,’ ‘nature,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘health’ pop into mind.
After studying and working in marketing for almost a decade and a half, I’ve grown fairly jaded to brand messaging. Whether it’s coming from a noteworthy manufacturer or Washington’s political spin masters, successful marketing boils down to the people who can craft the most convincing message and sell it.
As a mom, I’m wary of the ads shoved down our kids’ throats in between cartoons, at the store, and even at school. If anyone is marketing anything to my kids, it should be me. Then again, when you have stubborn children, no amount of positive messaging will sway them.
Those of you with kids who are picky eaters know that getting kids to eat is all about presentation. The concepts ‘It’s good for you,’ ‘There are starving children in Africa,’ and ‘Just try it; you’ll like it’ are like super-glue on our kids’ lips the minute they’re uttered.
Honey Sunshine.
Two words spoken in an excited and energetic tone were all it took to get my four-year-old to try a healthy breakfast cereal. He knows honey is sweet and sunshine makes him happy. I didn’t have to explain what the food was, how it would benefit him, or why he couldn’t have cookies for breakfast instead. He even ended up asking for two extra bowlfuls of an adult cereal made from organic whole grains.
Honey Sunshine™ was able to do something I’ve been fighting four years to accomplish. They got my picky kid to eat without a fight.
Thanks, Kashi, for your brilliant marketing tactic. You just won yourself a repeat customer.
