Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/621126
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 33 • Cancer: One-third of all Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. Early detection and a healthy diet can lead to favorable results. Routine tests such as colonoscopies, Pap smears, and mammograms can help with early detection and prevention. NUTRITION AND PREVENTION In recent years, poor nutrition has come to the forefront as a major cause of chronic disease. A proper diet is the best defense for protecting against disease and optimizing your health. Dietary changes can create strong effects on your health no matter how old you are. Healthy diet adjustments have also been shown to lower individual risk for developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A poor diet may lead to deficiencies that cause malnutrition, a weak immune system, skin problems, and other issues. While certain health screenings can detect the early onset of diseases, others can optimize your overall health. Some screenings, for example, can identify inflammation sources in the body. Certain foods can cause unnecessary inflammation, often the underlying trigger of chronic disease. By identifying and removing environmental factors from your diet, you can greatly reduce your risk. For individuals interested in maximizing their energy and vitality, a micronutrient screening is recommended. is test analyzes white blood cells to give us the most accurate reading of your body's deficiencies. Another new type of screening is genetic testing. With the advancement of biotech- nology, we can actually identify specific genes and understand how they affect your body's biochemistry. Genetic testing will provide you with insights into how your body processes sugars, fats, vitamins and minerals. By using highly studied specific genetic markers, we can kick cookie-cutter diets to the curb and start creating a personalized plan for reaching your health goals. Some great nutrition screenings offered by the WAC Wellness Center include: • Food sensitivity panel: Identifies foods that are causing inflammation in your body. • Micronutrient screening: Determines vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies in your body. • Genetic screening: Reveals your genetic profile and tells us how effectively your body metabolizes macronutrients, utilizes micronutrients, and responds to exercise. THRIVE IN 2016 It's time to put your health first and make sure you're primed for a fantastic year. Don't be satisfied with the absence of illness. Instead, find out what improvements your body could use and start implementing a plan for optimum well-being. Health screenings combined with professional counseling and proper lifestyle adjustments can revolutionize every year yet to come. " One of the best ways to be proactive about your health and prevent illness is to take advantage of health screenings. Much like routine car maintenance, screenings are a simple yet powerful step in preventing bigger problems." WAC Nutritionist Eric Chen is a registered dietetic technician. He has extensive experience designing personal nutrition plans that can optimize your health. Screenings at the WAC Some great nutrition screenings offered by the WAC Wellness Center include: Food sensitivity panel Identifies foods that are causing inflammation in your body. Micronutrient screening Determines vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies in your body. Genetic screening Reveals your genetic profile and tells us how effectively your body metabolizes macronutrients, utilizes micronutrients, and responds to exercise. For more info Contact WAC Nutritionist Eric Chen at 206.839.4782 or echen@wac.net. Or visit the 4th Floor Wellness Center.