Cancer Is No Answer. Fight It and Protect Yourself.

I have been telling you all about the various ways to help fight cancer and to remain cancer free. The problem, of course, seems that no matter what we do, exercise, eat healthy foods in small portions, meditate to unstress, and numerous other techniques to battle one of the worse human problems of all time, there is no 100% way to keep from getting cancer. People have gotten cancer before they were 10 -- and after they were 90. Even fit people in their 20s and 30s can get cancer.

There are ways to live that are known to reduce the risks of certain cancers (like not smoking to lower the risk of throat and lung cancer). Eat healthier foods, nosh on some fruits and veggies in between the T-bone and the rib eye. Make your own fresh foods more often than eating out at the fast food places (which are all too available).

Of course, it's a bit challenging, but you do actually feel better. Work your way up to it and don't necessarily jump right in, like: "For my first exercise, I have signed up for the New York Marathon." More realistically, jog around a block or two a few times a week, then build on that. And always ask your doctor's opinion before beginning any food and/or exercise programs.

As for a more pragmatic source of protection, remember that Aflac offers a specified cancer policy, which is very affordable and pays you cash -- over and above any other coverage that you may already have. Unfortunately, cancer hits without any discrimination. Aflac knows that this is a family's nightmare, and we all probably know someone close who has had cancer; I certainly do. You can use your own doctors, too! I would like to talk with you if you are interested, and, if you employ people, I can also be of assistance to you and your employees -- with no cost to the employer. Please contact me at 646-522-7912 or through this blog. Aflac policies help people in need every day. I use them myself. Stay healthy!

Kenn Schubach
Aflac New York
and Pennsylvania

Eat Well to Build Up Your Immunity and for Better Health

This spring, give yourself added protection from any cold or flu bugs going around, even some allergies. Eat more of these foods to build up your immunity. Keep in mind the suggested daily servings in the USDA's food pyramid above and note these suggestions from Healthy Eats:

1) Nuts. Snack on almonds, cashews, or walnuts, which are packed with vitamin E. This antioxidant helps kick those pesky free-radicals out of your body. Vitamin E also helps create antibodies that fight bacteria that make you sick. Other healthy vitamin E-rich foods are seeds and whole grains. Try salt-free, they're still yummy!

2) Citrus Fruits. The famous vitamin C helps fight infection and it's a good antioxidant to have — along with vitamin E. But there is more to citrus than just oranges and grapefruits — clementines, lemons, limes, and tangerines are all part of this family, and they’re usually found in most supermarkets all year long. Citrus not your thing? Try bell peppers — they have more vitamin C than an orange! Potatoes, tomatoes, and kiwis are also great sources of this helpful vitamin.

3) Shrimp. So you’ve heard shrimp has cholesterol, but it’s also extremely low in fat and contains the antioxidant selenium. Many foods have a combination of nutrients, and you need to weigh the “bad” with the “good.” Selenium is a mineral needed in small amounts and works to support a healthy immune system. Seafood and meat are great sources of it — yum!

4) Yogurt. The probiotics — or “good bacteria” found in yogurt and other foods — keep your digestive system up and running. According to research from the Journal of the American Dietetics Association, consuming foods with probiotics regularly may also help boost your immune system. Sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh are other food sources to try. Get out there and be adventurous.

5) Green Tea. The polyphenols in green tea act as potent antioxidants. Research suggests that catechins, a specific type of polyphenol, may stimulate the immune system cells and hinder disease-promoting compounds. Although you may detect a bitter taste, you can disguise it with a bit of honey. Adding milk is a no-no as it will bind to the polyphenols and stop their immunity benefits.

Immunity Downers. Eating high-fat foods and forgoing your daily fruits and veggies too often can also weaken the immune system. Smokers have an added disadvantage as smoking increases free-radicals, which definitely takes a toll on the immune system (another good reason to quit).

Your best bet is sticking with whole, natural foods.

Protect You and Your Family. The American Family Life Assurance Company, which you probably know as Aflac, has a number of affordable programs to help you and your family through the hard times in your lives. I can help you choose plans that would be a good fit for you, whether you wanted life insurance, or cancer or hospitalization policies. So please contact me by e-mail through this site or by phone: 646-522-7912. Adding Aflac will not affect any coverage that you have, but it will give you comfort knowing that if something happens, Aflac is there to pay you cash to make things a little easier.

Stay healthy!

Stimulating Your Health Care

The economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009 contains more than $140 billion in health care spending for Medicare, research, and insurance. It is designed mostly to ease the recession's effects on workers and also to boost long-held goals of improving the nation's health information infrastructure.

Most of the money is targeted to programs providing health coverage to low-income families or programs that help workers keep private coverage if they lose their jobs. But the new law also provides billions of dollars for medical research and incentives for doctors and hospitals to buy and use electronic medical records systems.

It also, for the first time, directly commits federal dollars to studies comparing medical treatments head-to-head. The hope is that the studies will tell policymakers, doctors, and insurance companies which treatments actually work best and which are the most cost-effective. For more information about the new administration and health care, visit the White House website.

We at Aflac also help thousands of families make it through tough times. Aflac is still the #1 supplemental insurance company in the world. We offer very affordable programs including Cancer, Hospitalization, Accident, Disability, and Life Insurance. Feel free to contact me to find out about coverage for you, your family, or your employees. Remember, if you are an employee in these hard financial times, ask about us at work.