The workplace is a natural place to start. It s where we spend most of our time and where we practice our worst eating habits. The slight increase is due to U. S. population growth particularly among older Americans, but obesity is considered a growing risk factor. In a special section on obesity, the report states that breast cancer among post-menopausal women is 50 percent higher for the obese. Among obese men, the risk of colon cancer is 40 percent higher.
Obesity is also a risk factor for uterine, cervix, ovary, gallbladder and prostate cancers.
Well campaign to get companies to eat wisely by offering menus that fit the employee cafeteria, board meetings or black-tie affairs, tips on how to stock healthy vending machines, and how to make meetings more active. The organization will also train companies to implement a 10-week employee wellness program, called Active for Life, that encourages physical activity projects during the workday and healthy living information sessions. According to the American Cancer Society s report, cancer will continue to be the second biggest cause of death in the country, exceeded only by heart disease. The percentage of obese adults increased from 14.5 percent to 22.5 percent in the 20-year period from 1974 1994. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.