Fight cancer with the great American Eat Right Challenge
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We've heard it a million times: "You are what you eat." With statistics indicating that an estimated 66 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese, now is the right time to help challenge and motivate Americans to eat right.

As Labor Day marks the unofficial end to the summer and its picnics and parties, the American Cancer Society is taking this opportunity to issue a challenge to the nation with its Great American Eat Right Challenge.

The Eat Right Challenge aims to encourage Americans to reduce their risk of cancer by adopting healthy eating habits.

Scientific evidence suggests that one-third of the cancer deaths that occur in the United States each year can be attributed to nutrition and physical activity factors, including excess weight.

"For the majority of people who do not smoke, the most important ways to reduce cancer risk include maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and getting enough exercise," said Dr. Arnold M. Baskies, chief medical officer for the Eastern Division of the American Cancer Society.

"But it's not only what you eat and drink that makes a difference - how much you eat and drink is important, too," he said.

According to the American Cancer Society's Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, a healthy diet with an emphasis on plant sources is important. That means:

• Eating five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.

• Choosing whole grains in preference to processed (refined) grains.

• Limiting consumption of processed and red meats.

The American Cancer Society's Great American Eat Right Challenge Web site, www.cancer.org/greatamericans, provides tips and tools to help people take steps toward better health through healthier diets and habits like portion control.

Throughout the year, the American Cancer Society will help people learn what they can do to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their cancer risk.

People without online access can call the American Cancer Society's toll-free number at 1-800-ACS-2345 to receive information on nutrition and physical activity and the Great American Eat Right Challenge

In addition to information about how to fit more nutrient packed fruits, vegetables and whole grains into each day, the site features a healthy eating quiz, calorie calculator, and healthy recipes.

Visitors can also check their body mass index (BMI) to determine whether or not they are at a healthy weight, and can get some practical tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

For cancer information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.