7 lifestyle choices to REDUCE YOUR CANCER RISK

Avoid tobacco

Not only does smoking cause between 80 and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, it also contributes to many other forms of the disease including cancers of the pancreas, liver, bladder, and cervix. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can reduce cancer risk.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity can lower estrogen levels, reduce levels of insulin in the blood, help a person lose weight, and reduce inflammation - all factors that contribute to the formation of cancer.

Eat healthy foods

Research has found certain minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals can produce anti-cancer effects. Many foods, namely fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can boost health and contribute to lower cancer risk.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol regularly increases the risk of cancers to the mouth, voice box and throat. Furthermore, alcohol consumption is a primary risk factor for liver cancer. By limiting alcohol consumption, individuals can reduce their cancer risk.

Be cautious of Hepatitis C

Individuals should avoid behaviors that put them at risk of contracting Hepatitis C, which causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C can be contracted by receiving a piercing or tattoo in an unsanitary environment, through injecting or inhaling illicit drugs, through unsafe sex, or if you are a healthcare worker exposed to infected blood through an accidental needle prick.

Apply sunscreen

Protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds, as skin cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease. Simply reducing exposure can help prevent skin cancers and other damage. This includes wearing wide-brimmed hats, applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing sun-protective clothing.

Get enough sleep

The importance of sleep to overall health is easily overlooked. Sleep deprivation can lead to harmful behaviors, such as overeating, drinking too much alcohol or being too tired to exercise, each of which increases cancer risk.

The old adage applies in many instances, as we are all capable of learning something new — regardless of our age.

We thought we’d reach out to the man behind ElderCollege, Director Lloyd Brown-John, who is a Professor Emeritus for the Department of Political Science at the University of Windsor, and ask some questions about ElderCollege.

What is ElderCollege and when did it begin?

ElderCollege exists to serve the “aged 55 & better” community with short, low-cost and diverse educational courses. ElderCollege offers courses in every community in Windsor, Essex and often in Kent County. The name was borrowed from then Capilano College in North Vancouver, B.C. ElderCollege first offered courses in Autumn 2011. ElderCollege operates from and under the auspices of, Canterbury College at the University of Windsor. Canterbury supports and hosts ElderCollege’s “world headquarters”. All courses are offered by volunteers and can cover almost any subject or topic.

Who can register and what is the cost involved?

Technically ElderCollege is designed for those who are retired or who are approaching retirement. Thus registration for courses which occurs twice a year (two semesters) is open to anybody seeking a little mind stimulation. There is an annual membership fee of $15 which does entitle members to enjoy some free courses. Otherwise, course fees, which have remained the same since 2011, run from $25 for a one session (two hours) course to $45 for longer multi-session courses. There is also a “Buffet Course option” which allows a person to register in up to 10 courses for $155.

What can people hope to learn and take away from ElderCollege?

Courses generally include a social component, that is a mid-session break for beverages, biscuits and conversation. Social interaction is vital for many seniors so one purpose of ElderCollege is to ensure an opportunity for social contact. Educationally, and as courses are so diverse from history to travel to hands on activities, much of what one takes away depends upon one’s interests and level of interest. Practical learning as well as interest learning – from how seniors may exercise to prevent falls to the history of the Spanish flu or the Mennonite community or running booze across the border. Learning is enriched by diversity of opportunity.

Are classes online, classroom or both?

Because of COVID, we were forced to employ Zoom as a platform for online courses. Some courses will continue to be delivered by persons in distant locations. For example, our current “Visit an Ontario Museum” series will be offered online as the only means available. Often we offer a course both in-class and online because we’ve attracted course attendees from across Ontario, Canada and the USA. We even had one course participant from Cairo, Egypt. We also have a capacity to live-stream courses although that is now rare due to our support personnel shortage. In-class courses are still preferred as is our printed course catalogue because there is comfort in socializing with others and in holding a real printed catalogue of courses in hand to read and think about.

What are some of the more unique courses that you’ve offered over the years?

Over our almost 14 years we’ve had some really fascinating courses including learning to canoe, searching for fossils, lawn bowling, bus tour courses to unique places in Elgin and Bruce counties and the USA, a history of the Spanish flu just before Covid, explorations of Pelee Island, how Leamington is governed, red wines of the southern hemisphere, making and serving pasta, discovering and exhuming the remains of Essex County’s first Jewish settler, the history of the Tepperman family, vanished villages of Essex County and what happens to your skin as you age. A couple of our courses were expanded into a booklet, “Digital Safety for the Non-Tech Savy”, a highly regarded and well received discussion of computer safety written for seniors. ElderCollege is always interested in those with hobbies, interests or professions which they may wish to share as a course for ElderCollege. We are always in search of persons willing to volunteer to offer a course that reflects their interests. Again, that scope includes every community in Essex and Kent counties.

How do we sign up?

Course registration is always open as long as there are still courses to be offered. Our Autumn 2023 semester registration will open in late September for courses through early December. Courses for the Autumn Semester 2023 will be listed both on our website eldercollege.ca and in our printed course catalogue. You can also register for courses by telephone or ask for a course catalogue when they are available by calling: ElderCollege’s program manager Catherine Fettes, 519253-3000 Extension 4901. Or drop Catherine an email: fettesc@uwindsor.ca. And after that, we’ll be working on new courses for Spring 2024.

Ideal part-time jobs for retirees

Many adults count down the days until retirement so they can enjoy more time for recreation, travel or whatever it is they aspire to do. However, some retirees find it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of working as they may miss the way problem-solving on the job stimulates the brain or the opportunities to socialize while working.

Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce.

Retail sales associate

Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory and helping customers select merchandise.

Consultant

Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. It’s a great way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time commitment, and many find they can make more per hour as a consultant than they did working full time.

School positions

Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. They’ll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.