Chapter L. PROFIT from all this BC prevention information - Are you an 'action Jackson' or a 'Lazy Susan'? 'Lazy Susans' may have 'chemo' and baldness (but more likely heart attacks) in their futures. If you are an 'action Jackson', then you need an action plan. Since any smart plan has to be individualized, I can only provide some general ideas that are likely 'keepers': 1. Today, make 3 photocopies of BC preventing foods ('D1'); tape one copy to the 'frig', fold one copy for your purse and hold the third in reserve. 2. Tomorrow, buy a good cookbook that emphasizes healthy foods and healthy food preparation and cooking; it should mention that steaming is a healthy cooking method. The following are good cookbooks: The Airola Diet and Cookbook (Paavo Airola, ND) Dining in the Raw (Rita Romano) Eating Alive (Jonn Matsen, ND, Jeanne-Marie Martin) Vegetarian Cooking for People With Allergies (Raphael Rettner) Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites from the Moosewood Collective !! The book Return to the Joy of Health (Zoltan Rona, MD, MSc) is mostly about restoring and maintaining health but it has an excellent recipe section by Jeanne-Marie Martin (ie. this is a two-in-one book). 3. This week: start using that new cookbook; a majority of your food should still be fresh and raw; everything you eat should taste good if not yummy. If you are not exercising now, schedule a medical exam so that your doctor can evaluate your fitness for starting a program of vigorous exercise. Pick a physical activity that is enjoyable ( at least not distasteful ), that will not stress your joints (e.g.s. the stress of jogging on concrete or tennis on a hard court), and is aerobic. Very gradually ease into a consistent exercise routine; avoiding injury is paramount, so do not start out exercising 'like gangbusters'. 4. If you do not have a good 'general practitioner' now, find one (see Advanced Topics). Ask your 'G.P.' what supplements you should be taking. Bring to her your 'Diet Sheet' (section M), showing everything you ate/drank over the last seven days and ask her what diet changes she recommends; also, what vitamin/ mineral supplements you should take. WARNING Do not make any changes affecting your health without first consulting with a trusted medical professional. copyright Brent Rooney ( [email protected] )