Doctors do not know what causes brain cancer in most cases, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk. Knowing these factors can help you identify your risk and potential symptoms, and get regular checkups. The main risk factors for brain cancer include age, exposure to radiation, a family history of brain tumors, and currently having cancer that could metastasize (spread) to your brain from another area of your body. The brain, like the liver and lungs, has a lot of blood vessels. If a "seed" of cancer travels from elsewhere in the body, the chances of it settling in these areas with many blood vessels is higher. This is why having cancer elsewhere in your body puts you at elevated risk. Any person, from children to the elderly, can develop brain cancer; however, your risk for the disease increases the older you get. Recognizing this and being aware of your body may help you to seek a medical opinion if you notice any symptoms of brain cancer. Some brain tumors and cancer, such as brainstem gliomas and astrocytomas, are almost exclusively present in children. Keep a detailed record of your family's medical history, including cases of cancer and tumors. If you have a family history of brain tumors or certain genetic syndromes that increase risk for brain cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer of the brain or surrounding areas. Understanding your family medical history of brain cancer can identify potential symptoms and treatment options. It's always wise to keep a personal record of your family's medical history and to have one at your doctor's office. Only 5 10% of all cancers are hereditary. A family history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and Turcot syndrome may make you more susceptible to brain cancer. Different types of radiation can increase your risk of developing brain cancer. Limiting your exposure to radiation may help you prevent developing the disease. Ionizing radiation, which is present in some radiation therapies for cancer or atomic bombs, increases your risk of brain cancer. You may not be able to limit your exposure to ionizing radiation if you are undergoing treatment for another cancer. The likelihood of being exposed through an atomic bomb or nuclear meltdown is low. Ultraviolet radiation, which the sun emits, can also increase your risk for brain cancer. Wearing sunscreen and a head cover and limiting sun exposure may decrease your risk. People are often exposed to more common forms of radiation including electromagnetic fields or radiofrequency radiation. Although some people believe that these types of radiation cause brain cancer, there is no evidence linking them to brain tumors. Studies have not linked radiation from power lines, cell phones, smartphones, or microwaves to brain cancer. Stay abreast of research on radiation exposure, which may help identify your risk factors. There is some evidence that nutritional habits during fetal development, childhood and into adulthood may decrease your risk of developing brain cancer. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and lowering cholesterol may help you prevent brain cancer. If your mother ate fruits and vegetables during her pregnancy and/or gave them to you as a part of your diet during childhood, you may be at a lower risk of developing brain cancer. Continuing to eat a diet rich in different fruits and vegetables may keep your risk for brain cancer lower. Lowering your cholesterol and limiting how much fatty food you eat may minimize your risk for brain cancer. Aim to exercise most days of the week. Doing cardiovascular exercise can help you stay healthy and may minimize your risk of developing brain cancer. Aim to walk 10,000 steps a day, which translates to walking about 5 miles (or 8 km) per day. Wearing a pedometer can help you make sure you're taking enough steps per day. You can do any type of cardio training to maintain your health. Beyond walking, consider running, swimming, rowing, or biking.

Summary: Be aware of your risk. Recognize your risk increases with age. Ask about your family's medical history. Limit exposure to radiation. Understand what kinds of radiation do not cause brain cancer. Change your eating and nutritional habits. Exercise regularly.

This is a great shoulder conditioning workout as long as you use a cloth in a circular motion. Do this for at least 30 minutes to work your shoulders and arms and burn approximately 150 calories. Instead of sitting on your knees and leaning forward, you can stand straight and squat, trying to stay balanced. Apply your cleaning product, brush the toilet and wipe clean. Just like sweeping the floor, you should flex your stomach and oblique muscles and keep your back straight. Pull as far away as possible and squat, rather than bend, to pick up the leaves. This activity can be extended to other garden activities, such as mowing the lawn, flower planting, composting or general gardening. These activities, when done for at least 1/2 hour, will result in burning between 150 and 190 calories. Try to keep your back straight, as many people can end up with lower back strain. Moving furniture in good form, by bending your knees and straightening your back, is a form of weightlifting. Move each piece of furniture slightly and vacuum behind and replace it again. Use large sweeping motions and smaller motions. Reach up high with your vacuum extension. Vacuuming a house can burn approximately 80 calories, where moving furniture can burn over 200 calories. Use a knee pad or do deep squats while you reach the corners with a cleaning product and a brush. Mopping the floors burns just a portion of the 190 calories you can burn by hand-cleaning 1 floor. Grab a sponge, some mild liquid detergent, water and a bucket and wash all areas of the car. Use long sweeping motions to get hard to reach places and squat down to clean tires and the running board. Cleaning your car by hand can burn approximately 150 calories and work your arms, core muscles, and legs. Fill a bathtub with water, laundry detergent and dirty clothes. Rub the clothes against themselves and each other for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse the clothes twice in fresh water and squeeze to dry. For more delicate items, allow them to hang and drip dry or lay flat. Be careful not to lean too far into the bathtub, as that can put extra strain on your back. Make sure your core muscles are flexed the entire time and you will be getting an excellent core workout. Cleaning upholstery and curtains by hand can also have the same effect. This may only need to be done monthly or yearly.
Summary: Wash the windows inside and out. Do a deep squat as you clean your toilet. Rake your yard for at least 30 minutes. Move your furniture each time you plan to vacuum the house. Squeeze in your abdominal and buttock muscles as you vacuum. Scrub your floors each week by hand. Wash your car by hand every week. Do some laundry by hand every week. Choose 2 to 4 activities to engage in everyday, in order to attempt to burn between 300 and 400 calories, what many people aim to burn during a gym workout.