30 Highly Questionable Disney Inspired Tattoos

15 Things Cancer Doctors Do to Avoid Cancer

These experts definitely practice what they preach. Here's how you can make these simple changes to prevent cancer too.

"I make sure treats are really treats and not everyday occurrences" 

"Eating too much sugar and junk food can cause fat to build up in your liver, which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer. It has been predicted that this non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will be the leading cause of liver cancer and the rate of liver cancer will increase significantly in a few years." —Homayoon Sanati, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Breast Cancer Center at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California     

"I keep my stress in check" 

"Your immune system needs to be in optimal condition to seek out and destroy cancer cells. Having a calm lifestyle will promote a stronger immune system. If your body is not preoccupied with the physical and emotional effects of life’s little battles, your immune system can better focus on healing and protecting you. One thing I practice and highly recommend is controlling your stress level, especially about things that are out of your control. There will always be legitimate reasons to be worrisome or angry. But if your anxiety will not fix the situation, then accept, adapt, and resolve things the best way you can." —Amy Lee, PhD, associate director for research and chair in basic science in cancer research at USC's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center 

"I eat a Mediterranean diet" 

"Multiple studies, including a recent randomized trial published in JAMA, suggest that the Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil can help prevent cancer. I try to follow this by eating a whole-foods plant-based diet that includes broccoli, turmeric, and garlic and limits refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated animal fats, and toxic chemicals, and pesticides." —Matthew McCurdy, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist at the Austin Cancer Center    

"I get regular check-ups too" 

"It's important to be proactive regarding surveillance for cancer. Many are curable or have a better outcome when caught early. In addition, do regular examinations on yourself at home and get to know your own body well. Any concerns? Bring them up with your doctor at your next check-up." —Justin Piasecki, MD, skin cancer surgeon    

"I get vaccinated" 

"Most people are unaware that certain viruses can cause cancer and that there are available vaccines specifically to prevent some cancers. I'm partnering with The Prevent Cancer Foundation for their campaign "Think About the Link" aimed at letting people know how important it is to get vaccinated for HPV (the virus that accounts for 70 percent of cervical cancers), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C." —Erich M. Sturgis, MD, a professor in the department of head and neck surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center    

"I maintain a healthy weight" 

"Obesity and overweight have been linked with many types of cancers. To make sure my weight stays under control, I prioritize exercise, get enough sleep, choose foods low in carcinogens, and balance family and work. I also get early detection screenings. These are things everyone can do because, at the end of the day, even though we are experts we are no different from you!" —Peter Shields, MD, deputy director and cancer prevention researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and lung oncologist with the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute    

"I go beyond sunscreen" 

"Sunscreen is a great first defense but it's not the only way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. I always wear a broad-rim hat and sunglasses with UV protection when I'm outdoors. In addition, I schedule my favorite sport, golf, to avoid playing during the sun’s peak hours." —Hubert Greenway, MD, skin cancer specialist at The Scripps Clinic in San Diego   

"I love to garden" 

"Reconnecting with nature is an effective way of maintaining a calm lifestyle and strengthening the immune system so it can better fight off cancer cells. I garden frequently—it’s an enjoyable, serene way to diffuse stress. Plus, regular exercise outdoors can also do wonders for reducing one's cancer risk and improving overall well-being. Not to mention all those cancer-fighting antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables!" —Amy Lee, MD    

"I exercise regularly" 

"People who are physically active live longer and have lower risks for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle have been implicated in cancer-causing deaths, including two of the most common cancers in the United States, breast and colon cancer." —Delphine J. Lee, MD, PhD, dermatologist and director of the Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research at John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California

"I never smoke, not even socially" 

"Tobacco products are very strongly linked to the development of a number of cancers, including those of the lung, head and neck, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, colon and rectum, among others. In fact, tobacco products account for at least 30 percent of all deaths from cancer and lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. So the practice of avoiding or quitting tobacco can dramatically reduce one’s risk of developing a cancer in their lifetime." —Jeffrey Vainshtein, MD, radiation oncologist at White Plains Hospital Center for Cancer Care  

"I keep my brain active" 

"As a neuro-oncologist, I'm well aware of how important it is to keep our brains active and alert at all ages. I do this with simple changes in day-to-day activities. Brushing my teeth with my non-dominant hand, for example, is an easy way to change my routine. Even a small change like this causes an increase in the level of connectivity between the neurons in the brain. Teaching yourself new things and challenging yourself on a daily basis will keep your brain healthy and resilient." —David Poulad, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon and partner at IGEA Brain & Spine, specializing in neuro-oncology    

"I get my 5 a day (and then some)" 

"I make sure to eat a wide variety of produce. According to the CDC, diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases." —Delphine Lee, MD 

"People underestimate the power of not just living a healthy life, but a happy one too. It is essential to lowering my risk of getting cancer and also my overall well-being to have balance in life. I work toward finding things that make me happy in all areas, whether it is in my work or during personal time. Reducing stress and taking time for things that give me joy are just as important as eating well and exercising." —David Poulad, MD

"I work little bits of exercise into my day" 

"In addition to my formal marathon training I add informal movements throughout the day like taking walking breaks at work and doing push-ups with my kids on my back at home. Many studies have shown that exercise reduces all causes of death, cancer incidence, and cancer deaths." —Matthew McCurdy, MD, PhD   Learn the many different cancers exercise can help prevent.

"I skip processed foods" 

"Clean eating can go a long way in managing your cancer risk. For me this primarily means avoiding of processed foods and excessive sugar. In addition I try to eat a diet high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. But the key is to always avoid processed foods." —Omar Llaguna, MD, a surgical oncologist at the Baptist Health Medical Surgery Group and an assistant professor of surgery at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Baptist Hospital of Miami   Next, learn 30 things you can do every day to prevent cancer.

12 “Healthy” Hygiene Habits That Are Actually Bad for You

Cleaning out your ears with Q-tips 

Some people swear on Q-Tips to dig out ear gunk, but medical experts will warn you not to try it. And for good reason—those seemingly harmless cotton swabs have caused countless catastrophes, from punctured eardrums and ear infections to even hearing loss. According to Brande Plotnick, MS, MBA, the ear canal doesn't even need to be "cleaned." Enough water enters the ear canal during showers to naturally slough away wax that has accumulated.  

Bubble baths/bath bombs 

Soaking in scented suds seems like the perfect way to unwind after a long day, but you may just find yourself with irritated skin and a nasty yeast infection. The fragrances and harsh detergents inside your favorite bath bombs can strip protective oils from the vagina and mess with the natural pH balance of the skin. Jen Gunter, MD, tells Safe Bee that bubble baths increase your odds for uncomfortable dryness, vaginal infections, and even bladder infections.  ]

Douching 

Gynos everywhere agree that douching isn't exactly recommended for your health. Wendie A. Howland, principal of Howland Health Consulting, tells Reader's Digestthat douching disturbs the normal pH and washes out beneficial bacteria, leading to an array of possible infections. A study from Environmental Health even found that douching products increase your exposure to harmful chemicals called phthalates, which can disrupt your hormones, increase your risk of chronic disease, and lead to reproductive problems down the line.  

Hand sanitizer 

If you're a habitual pumper, you may actually be doing more harm to your health than good. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that triclosan, a synthetic compound found in hand sanitizer, is a poor (and dangerous) replacement for soap and water. And worse, "Data suggests that long-term exposure to certain active ingredients used in hand sanitizer could pose health risks, such as bacterial resistance or hormonal effects." 

Air dryers 

Sure, air dryers are better for the planet than paper towels, but research from the Mayo Clinic shows that paper towels easily trump electric dryers when it comes to personal hygiene. Electric air dryers fail at wiping away the leftover bacteria after washing, and even worse, they can literally spread it to the entire room, creating a contagious mist that contains many types of fecal bacteria. This reach is pretty powerful—studies found a substantial number of airborne bacteria within a radius of approximately 2 meters from the user.

Relaxing in the shower 

There's nothing like lingering in a long, hot shower, especially first thing in the morning. But is it good for your skin? Alan J. Parks, MD, founder of DermWarehouse, tells Healthy Way that hot showers strip protective oils from your skin, so you should always keep them as short as you can. Better yet, take them at night—hot showers are actually most beneficial at night, according to science. The cooling process that happens afterward slows down the body's metabolic activities (like digestion, breathing, and heart rate), making for an easier sleep transition. You'll also want to avoid these other showering mistakes.

Washing your hair every day 

While most of us have been conditioned (pun intended) to rinse and repeat ad infinitum, your locks may be paying a toll. Washing your hair on a daily basis strips away the natural oils that the hair needs, leading to dry, brittle locks, even if you have oily hair. 

Moisturizing too much 

If you have dry, itchy skin, it seems natural to want to slather on the lotion every chance you get. But this may not always be the smartest alternative. According to the experts at Garnier, applying excessive moisturizer at night can create a tolerance, which trains the skin to produce less natural emollient, making it even drier in the long run. This results in a vicious cycle where your skin is no longer producing necessary nutrients, which only causes you to moisturize more. To prevent the problem, apply just a thin coat of moisturizer or try using an oil-free balm instead. 

Brushing your teeth right after a meal 

Sticklers for oral hygiene may make a dash for the toothbrush after every meal, but that's a mistake. That's because certain foods, especially those containing citric acid, can weaken tooth enamel, and brushing too soon after eating damages the enamel in its already weakened state. Mayo Clinic recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after a meal so saliva can neutralize the acid in your mouth and strengthen the enamel on those chompers. Always be sure to avoid these other mistakes when it comes to brushing your teeth.

Exfoliating too much 

You may feel like you're taking extra good care of your skin with frequent scrubs, but in reality, you could be damaging your epidermis (the outermost layer of your face), stripping the pores of their much-needed barrier against the environment. According to Dermatology Alliance, your glands produce more oil to compensate, and as the skin fluctuates between too dry and too oily, it gets stuck in a cycle of imbalance. Ditch the scrub and switch to chemical exfoliants that are free of parabens and safe to use on a weekly basis.

Sneezing into your hand 

Covering your sneeze with your hand is better than sneezing into the abyss, right? Nope. Using your hands and subsequently touching food, money, or other people is a clear recipe for contagion. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most serious respiratory illnesses are spread by touching objects with contaminated hands. For the sake of everyone around you, politely sneeze into your elbow.  

Spritzing fragrance in underwear 

Although most people have enough sense not to spray perfume directly into the nether regions, you might try deodorizing your underwear instead. The truth is that anything chemical near the genitals can interfere with your natural pH, and it's likely you'll be stuck with a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infection (which ironically, all end up causing worse smells than what you started with). Do yourself a favor and let your self-cleaning vagina do the work—it knows what it's doing.

9 Biggest Unsolved Mysteries About the Human Body

Why do we have fingerprints? 

We all know that our fingerprints are so unique that no two people have the same ones, not even identical twins. But why do humans have these swirly patterns on their fingers in the first place? For many years, scientists thought they were there to help human fingers grip things... but it turns out, fingerprints actually allow less of our skin to come into contact with objects than perfectly smooth fingertips would. So they have nothing to do with gripping. While there are a few theories about the evolutionary purposes of these unique patterns, including that they protect our fingers or provide touch sensitivity, scientists haven't been able to figure out a definitive explanation.  

Why do we have an appendix? 

As an organ that causes many people lots of pain and whose removal has absolutely no effect on our bodies, the appendix seems to be more trouble than it's worth. For many years, scientists, all the way back to Charles Darwin, were in agreement that, while a plant-eating human ancestor needed an appendix for digestion, it was only left over from evolution and had no real function for modern humans. However, another theory has become more and more popular in the scientific community lately, postulating that the tube-like organ actually houses and protects a host of good bacteria. We'll have to wait and see if this theory is proven and the appendix gets its groove back.  

Why do we have a dominant hand? 

We're so used to having a dominant hand, and identifying people as "righties" or "lefties," that we probably take it for granted. But when you really think about it, the fact that we have one hand with significantly better functionality than the other seems a bit odd. Given everything we know about evolution and "survival of the fittest," why haven't we evolved to have two totally adept hands? It's one of the biggest human body mysteries out there. Of course, there are some people who can use both hands with equal skill.  

Why do we yawn?  

We've been yawning since we were in the womb, and yet scientists still have yet to find an explanation for why we do it. While there’s no shortage of theories, the true reason for yawning remains a mystery. One theory suggests that we yawn to regulate the temperature of our brains, since sleep deprivation or boredom can cause our brain temperature to drop. Another suggests that we yawn to give our bodies a jolt, since our heart rates tend to increase and our eye muscles tense up after we yawn. Maybe both are true. 

Why do we have blood types? 

Like the appendix, humans’ different blood types provide clues to our evolutionary history. Different blood types have varying abilities to fight off different infections, and scientists believe that they began evolving around 20 million years ago in human ancestors and other apes. “Combined with natural selection for certain blood types against certain infections, [evolution] produced the marvelous diversity of the human blood types that we see and recognize in this era,” explains Dr. Mohammad Mobayed of ProMedica Hematology/Oncology Associates. But what scientists don’t know is why. “No definitive theory or theories [explains] why blood types differ among humans,” says Dr. Mobayed.  

Why do we dream? 

"Humans spend nearly a third of their lives asleep, yet science has still very little understanding of how and why we dream," says Caleb Backe, a Health and Wellness Expert for Maple Holistics. We know that dreaming occurs during REM sleep and that our heart rates increase when we dream, but we're unsure about what purpose dreaming serves. A popular theory suggests that dreaming is how your brain sorts through the memories of the day, deciding which ones are valuable and which are irrelevant. Other scientists, though, believe that dreaming actually serves no real function and that it's just what our unconscious mind does when untethered by our awake selves.

Why do we have viruses inside our bodies? 

Convinced that the only living thing in your body is, well, you? Think again. Humans possess so many microbes inside (and on) their bodies that they actually account for a few pounds of our body weight. Plenty of them have good reasons to be there—they aid our digestion, they heal our cuts, or they battle illness. The majority, though, are viruses whose purposes we're completely clueless about. Meet some of the microbes that live in and on our bodies.

Why are other primates so much stronger than us?

  

In many ways, human bodies are extremely similar to those of other primates like chimps; they have very similar muscle structures. Despite that, though, our closest primate relatives are around 1.35 times stronger than we are. We developed more slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are less powerful muscle fibers, than other primates. However, these muscle fibers do allow humans to have greater endurance than other primates; they enabled early human behaviors like hunting and foraging. Today, they're the reason a human can run a marathon while a monkey can't. But despite all those human perks, the strength disparity is still significant enough to baffle scientists. 

Why is laughter contagious? 

Yes, laughter is contagious, and not just metaphorically so. Scientists have found that powerful emotions can actually cause the brain activity of different people to sync up. "Studies show that [laughter] is linked to being social creatures. In fact, psychologists have found that humans are nearly 30 times more likely to laugh when in social situations," explains Backe. "The current theory suggests that laughter is contagious because humans are empathetic beings." Our brains release endorphins when we laugh, and these chemicals cause us to feel safe and at ease. So while we may not know exactly why our laughter is infectious, one thing we do know is that it feels good.  

These Underrated Vegetables Are Way Healthier Than You Realize

A stern warning from the doctor about the need to eat more produce hasn’t done much to improve American eating habits. Only 8.9% of adults in the U.S. are eating the recommended amount of vegetables, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most Americans barely make it past one serving a day.

Which vegetables should you eat? The next time you hit the grocery store, think about picking up some of these underrated vegetables.

1. Carrots 

The vibrant orange hue should give you a clue as to how great this veggie is. The color indicates high levels of carotenoids, powerful compounds that research has linked to a reduced risk of some types of cancer and eye disease. Other veggies in the same color spectrum have similar nutritional benefits, but Eat This, Not That! pointed out carrots are probably the easiest to prepare.

2. Bok choy  

A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, bok choy doesn’t get very much attention here in the States. Consider it your secret weapon because, according to Livestrong.com, 1 cup contains only 10 calories, but gives you a good dose of fiber and vitamins A and C. Studies indicate eating cruciferous veggies may also help prevent certain types of cancer. And bok choy is a complete bargain compared to its pricier vegetable siblings.

3. Parsley 

Parsley is sort of the forgotten herb. It’s usually used as a pasta garnish while cilantro, basil, and mint steal the spotlight. But this B vitamin has long been touted as an important nutrient for pregnant women, and the benefits don’t stop there. One 2012 meta-analysis published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found sufficient folate intake could reduce the risk of heart disease. And according to Reader’s Digest, you can eat 2 full cups for just 35 calories.

4. Onions 

Onions can do a world of good for your health. A recent study from the British Journal of Nutrition found regular doses of onion skin extract helped lower blood pressure for adults with hypertension. The key player is likely quercetin, a type of antioxidant that’s also found in tea and berries. Onions are also pretty smart for those watching their weight. WebMD reports an entire allium is just 63 calories and also contains loads of vitamin C.

5. Watercress 

Very few people buy watercress at the grocery store. When they do, it’s usually just for some sort of garnish. What this green lacks in popularity, it makes up for in nutritional value. Self Nutrition Data shows the calorie count is almost negligible and it’s a great source of vitamins and other nutrients, including lutein, a potent antioxidant.

6. Potatoes 

When they’re not fried in grease or smothered in sour cream, potatoes are nutritional powerhouses. According to Mother Nature Network, one medium potato is about 100 calories and contains plenty of vitamins C and B6, plus more potassium than a banana.

7. Frozen peas 

Think fresh is always best? Think again. When any type of produce is picked, it immediately starts losing nutritional value. Peas are particularly finicky and lose their nutrients a lot faster than sturdier vegetables.

8. Celery 

According to the USDA’s nutrient database, 1 cup of chopped celery stalks is only 16 calories and provides you with a decent amount of vitamin A and folate. Most notably, though, celery is an excellent source of vitamin K, a key nutrient for bone and blood health. If that’s not enough to convince you to chow down, consider the boost it could give your sex life. Men’s Health says celery is loaded with pheromones, chemicals that get both you and ladies in the mood.

9. Cabbage 

One of the biggest bargains in the supermarket, cabbage doesn’t get much attention aside from the occasional slaw. According to Verywell, 1 cup of chopped, raw cabbage will only cost you 22 calories and you’ll get a good dose of fiber and vitamin C. Cabbage is also a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes kale and cauliflower. These veggies all contain substances called glucosinolates. According to the National Cancer Institute, they break down into a number of compounds that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer.

10. Radishes 

This water-packed veggie offers more than just a spicy kick for your salad. WebMD says a full cup contains 19 calories plus a good amount of vitamin C and fiber. Radishes are also filled with phytosterols, a type of compound that can help lower cholesterol, according to Cleveland Clinic.

11. Broccoli 

It’s a known fact that broccoli is healthy, but it’s actually one of the most nutritionally dense foods on Earth. It’s rich in a sulfur-containing plant compound known as glucosinolate, as well as sulforaphane, a by-product of glucosinolate that it has been shown to help prevent cancer. It’s also loaded with nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate.

12. Ginger  

Technically, ginger is considered a vegetable — and it’s one of the best ones you can put in your body. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in treating inflammation disorders like lupus and arthritis. It is also well-known for its anti-nausea benefits, and it may even decrease blood sugar in diabetics.