All across America, we “walk for the cure.” From A to Z, you will find some diseases people are willing to walk for. A is for Alzheimer’s. B is for Bronchitis. C is Cancer. D is for Diabetes. How about skipping down to H for Heart Disease. Donning purple, pink, yellow, and blue T-shirts, we make it a family affair to show that we care.
Breast cancer probably tops them all with its interesting and sometimes controversial motivational slogans such as: “Bosom Buddies,” “Rock the Rack,” and “Save the Twins.” It’s about raising awareness and finding a cure, but we also race to the finish line to raise money. Even the Bible says, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry; but money answereth all things,” Ecclesiastes 10:19.
“Walk for the Cure” is a great idea, but I have a few questions. Since the aluminum in baking powder has been shown to contribute to Alzheimer’s, why did I see a huge donut truck at a recent Alzheimer’s walk? Since high fat and protein diets have been proven to raise cancer risk significantly, why do we serve hot dogs at our walks for cancer? Since diabetes is “high blood sugar,” why do we relax with colas and other soft drinks, each can containing at least 12 teaspoons of sugar? In other words, what sense does it make to eat the foods that cause the very diseases we are walking in solidarity to cure?
It’s like a savings plan wherein you reward yourself with a $200 withdrawal every time you deposit $100. In the world of finance, you would be bankrupt. It is a risky move in the game of life, and you might pay the ultimate price. I’ve heard of some walkers being buried with nice tennis shoes and a colorful T-shirt.
I have a few suggestions for your next walk for the cure.
Cut open a watermelon at the finish line at your next cancer walk. It’s high in vitamins A, B6, and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants, and amino acids. These help to build your immune system and prevent cancer.
Replace hot dogs with trail mix. They contain healthy fats, fiber, and protein. This makes you less likely to overeat. Nuts are also low-glycemic foods so they won’t raise your blood sugar levels as quickly as some other foods.
Since all beverages contain water, why not go to the source. Take lots of bottled water and rehydrate when you sweat.
Let’s make deposits and not withdrawals from our health bank. Let us find a “cure for the walk.”
