Healthline

AMERICANS WHO do not smoke, eat a healthy diet and are physically active may be able to reduce their risk of cancer by more than one-third.

For a more personal calculation, individuals can visit the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention's Web site and take easy, interactive tests for estimating and lowering one's risk for the 12 most common cancers in the United States. The tests are at www.hsph.harvard.edu/cancer/ycr/index.html. They use calculations developed after experts reviewed scientific evidence for two years to determine which factors have the strongest association with cancer.

After filling out one of the questionnaires, individuals are presented with a colored bar graph showing their status. Results can be manipulated to see how risks change if behavior changes.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES for arthritis is the subject of a one-day seminar and luncheon March 29 in Tampa.

The event is the first of a series of Arthritis Foundation seminars titled "Taking Control." Speeches and discussions will be presented from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Guest Suites, 3050 N Rocky Point Drive W. Dr. Andrew Klipper will give a speech titled "In Search of a Miracle" at the luncheon. Other topics will include acupuncture, herbs and supplements, massage, biofeedback and coordinating alternative therapies and traditional medicine without "driving your doctor crazy."

Tickets are $25. There are discounts for Arthritis Foundation members. Preregistration is required by calling toll-free 1-800-850-9455.

BLOOD CHOLESTEROL levels typically increase as a person ages, so follow your doctor's advice on when to get your cholesterol numbers checked. Unhealthy levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

You've got the numbers? Here's what they mean, according to the American Heart Association:

Total number: Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable, 200 to 239 is borderline high and 240 or more is high and risky.

HDL: High-density lipoproteins are your good cholesterol. (Think "H" for happy, the heart association says.) The higher the number, the better for your health. An HDL of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective, 49 to 59 is intermediate and less than 40 is a risk factor for heart disease.

LDL: Low-density lipoproteins are the bad cholesterol. (Think "L" for lousy.) The lower the number, the better. An LDL of less than 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100 to 129 is near optimal, 130 to 159 is borderline high, 160 to 189 is high, and 190 and above is very high.

Medical experts say that the best ways to increase HDL and lower LDL without medications are diet and exercise. Limit saturated fats, eat high-fiber, vitamin-packed foods, and lose excess pounds.

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